Fort
Worth, often dismissed as some kind of poor relation to Dallas,
in fact has a rush and energy largely missing in its more
complacent neighbor thirty miles east. Unlike comparably cosmopolitan
Dallas, this is one of the most "Western" cities
in Texas. In the 1870s it was the last stop on the great cattle
drive to Kansas, the Chisholm Trail; when the railroads arrived,
it became a livestock market in its own right, with its own
packing houses, while remaining a haven for cowboys and outlaws.
The cattle trade is still a major industry, after aviation
and defense, but the city can also pride itself on its thriving
cultural life. Unlike the more anxious Dallas, Fort Worth
doesn't feel the need to brag about its many excellent museums.
For a place so wealthy (the grand Western Hills area claims
to have proportionately more millionaires than any other US
locale), it's surprisingly laid-back. |
| Log
Cabin Village
Located in a very woodsy section of Trinity Park, this 19th-century
grouping of log cabins is a true delight. The seven fully
restored cabins originated in the 1850s. Volunteers who
run the operation are adept at giving demonstrations of
everyday activities from days gone by including corn grinding,
candle dipping, spinning and weaving. Special programs such
as Pioneer Pastimes are often held, showing children how
people lived in pioneer times with examples of art, crafts
and other displays.
Fort Worth Zoo (The)
The
nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo is a pioneer in using
natural habitats to showcase animals. Exotic animals are
kept out of cages and left to freely roam in a natural environment.
At most exhibits, visitors are separated from the residents
by only a river or a waterfall! Special exhibits include
the World of Primates, African Savannah, Asian Falls and
Texas Wild. An onsite restaurant serves hamburgers, fries,
pizza and BBQ, while a canopy of magnificent oak trees provides
welcome shelter from the hot Texas sun.
Stockyards Station
Up and down Stockyards Station's narrow streets you'll find
storefronts from the late 1800s, which were renovated for
tourism in the 1970s. Stores are full of Western memorabilia
including paintings, leather goods, books, glassware and
hundreds of other treasures. Wild West performances are
staged frequently at the Cowtown Coliseum, while Billy Bob's
Texas offers other entertainment options. At mealtime, Riscky's
and other restaurants offer up steak, catfish and other
local fare. A small children's amusement park features a
lovely old carousel and several other rides. Through the
middle of it all runs the Tarantula Train, which shuttles
passengers on a nostalgic round trip to and from the nearby
city of Grapevine.
Kimbell
Art Museum
Architect Louis I. Kahn won an award from the American Institute
of Architects for this building's striking design, which
uses a series of arched glass ceilings to let in natural
light and enhance the presentation of the many important
pieces in the museum collection. Artworks come from all
over the world and range from ancient times to present day,
with such masters as Renoir, Picasso, Rubens and Rembrandt
represented. Those desiring more exotic artworks will enjoy
the Asian, African and Mediterranean collections.
Berger's
Lake
Generations of Fort Worth families have sought relief from
the hot Texas sun by diving into this cold, clear, spring-fed
private lake located in northwest Fort Worth. Once a goldfish
hatchery, Berger's Lake is now a one-acre, family-oriented
"swimming hole" featuring tall trees, picnic tables,
barbecue grills, concession stands, and tennis and volleyball
courts, along with occasional sand-castle building contests
and related events meant to entertain visitors. The lack
of high-tech water slides or wave pools is made up for by
large floating tubes, a fountain, and a trapeze for "swingin'
and droppin'."
St.
Patrick Cathedral
This building, designed by James J. Kane in the Gothic Revival
style, has been in use since its completion in 1892. It
features stunning hand-painted stained glass windows, which
came over from Munich the year of the church's dedication.
The church's bell was cast in 1889. Though damaged by the
recent tornadoes that ripped through much of downtown Fort
Worth, the church still holds mass twice daily for the faithful.
It was entered into the National Register of Historic Places
in 1908.
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