Fort Worth isn’t short on nicknames: There’s Cowtown, Panther City, and Where the West Begins — just don’t call it a Dallas suburb.
It may be the second half of “Dallas-Fort Worth,” but The Big Juicy is a destination unto itself, with a sizzling food scene, first-rate music venues, and world-class art. (Museum Capital of the Southwest, anyone?)
Welcome to Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo Credit: @theharperfortworth)
How will you explore this city-of-many-names? (Photo Credit: @theharperfortworth)
In the Queen City of the Prairie, Kimpton resides within the century-old Farmers and Mechanics National Bank building, once the tallest building west of the Mississippi. While cowboy boots are optional, a good time is always guaranteed in Fort Worth.
Fun at the Fort
To start, you’ll find plenty to do in and around Fort Worth. A great place to begin the day is The Trailhead at Clearfork, a community fitness mecca with outdoor yoga classes, a weekly Farmer’s Market, and 60 miles of riverfront trails for hiking and biking.
Cultural enrichment abounds in the Cultural District neighborhood, home to the Casa Mañana Theater, The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the famed Kimbell Art Museum — housing works from Michelangelo, Picasso, and Monet.
When the weather’s nice, swing by the botanic gardens for a breath of fresh air. (Photo Credit: Graig Durant)
For art of the natural variety, meander the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, the oldest garden of its kind in Texas. A phenom of urban engineering, the Fort Worth Water Gardens is equal parts relaxing and fascinating.
Fiddles and French Horns
It doesn’t get more Lone Star State than Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky tonk. Listen to live music, sip a cold one at one of 30 bar stations, learn to line dance on the 2,000 square-foot dance floor, and watch professional bull riding. Live.
Live music abounds in the city of Fort Worth. (Photo Credit: Andrew Benjack)
Country isn’t the only musical genre here. When the weather’s fine, grab an inner tube and take in a concert on the Trinity River at the waterfront Panther Island Pavilion. Or catch the symphony at the Bass Performance Hall. Jazz fan? The “underground” Scat Jazz Lounge was made for you.
Way Beyond BBQ
By now, you’re sure to have worked up a Texas-sized appetite. Carnivores, delight: Order grilled bone marrow at Clay Pigeon, known for their farm-fresh seasonal entrees. If you like your filet topped with black truffle butter, head to GRACE, a Fort Worth institution serving dishes like lamb belly dumplings and sustainable Regalis caviar.
While there’s more to BBQ in Fort Worth — definitely still try the BBQ. (Photo Credit: Victoria Shes)
Fear not, herbivores: GRACE also offers a vegetarian chef’s tasting menu (think miso-grilled trumpet mushrooms and Koginut squash cheesecake).
Waters serves up seafood so fresh you’ll think you’re on a beach vacay. Or sample Istanbul Grill’s authentic Turkish menu in their sleek downtown space. At local fave Salsa Limón, sip micheladas while savoring Mexico City-style tacos.
Sipping in Style
After sunset, Fort Worth’s nightlife saddles up. Slip into Thompson’s Bookstore, an atmospheric old bar serving prohibition-era cocktails with literary monikers like Grapes of Wrath.
For views with your booze, there’s Reata, where you can gaze over the city while drinking a Billionaire Margarita. Dubbed one of the 12 best bars in America, beer aficionados love The Flying Saucer, with its brew garden and massive beer list.
For a custom cocktail, head up to Refinery 714, The Harper’s penthouse lounge. (Photo Credit: @theharperfortworth)
Can’t bear to leave your room? We get it — so order in. (Photo Credit: @theharperfortworth)
If looking for a nightcap (or daycap) head up to Refinery 714, The Harper’s penthouse lounge offering sweeping views of Forth Worth and the best craft cocktails.
Festive Fort Worth
If you’re in Forth Worth in April, check out Fortress Festival for a cutting-edge mix of music ranging from indie rock and punk to rap and R&B. Or tackle the largest arts festival in the Southwest, the MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival.
For the rodeo-curious (aren’t we all?) the authentic Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo has been entertaining crowds since 1896.
After a full day of festivities, you can rest easy at Kimpton Harper Fort Worth. (Photo Credit: @champagneandsunshine)
We can’t wait to see you in Fort Worth — or as some call it, Funkytown.
Where to stay: Kimpton Harper Forth Worth
