Fort Worth

Fort Worth grew from a military camp established at the close of the Mexican War by Gen. Winfield Scott, and named for Gen. William Jenkins Worth who fought in the war. Forty-two men of Company F, 2nd Dragoons, established the camp on June 6, 1849. The Fort Worth to Yuma, Arizona stage line was established in 1850. The city became the seat of Tarrant County 1860, and after the Civil War, it became a major shipping and supply depot for cattlemen.

Climate

Fort Worth is located in the American South, and has a subtropical climate with mild winters, hot summers, and a wet spring and fall in between. In winter and summer it can also be a very dry place, as it receives warmer, drier weather from the Mojave Desert in the west and the Great Plains in the north.
Winters are generally mild, with average highs in the mid to upper 50s (10-15 °C) and average lows around the freezing mark (0-5 °C). It is not uncommon for Winter days with highs in the upper 60s (~20°C) with the following days high temperature 20-30 degrees cooler. It may snow in Fort Worth a couple times a year, and occasionally winter temperatures will not get above freezing (32°F, 0 °C), but for the most part winter is just relatively dry and cool. There is, however, the danger of freezing rain and ice storms.
Spring and fall bring very pleasant temperatures, but spring is also known for its storms. Fort Worth is at the Southern tip of Tornado Alley, and springtime weather can be quite volatile and severe storms often occur. Summers are hot and dry - but often humid - with temperatures frequently surpassing 100 °F (38 °C).
Average precipitation in Fort Worth is 33 inches (830 mm) per year.

Neighborhoods

• TCU

  address: 2900 S University Dr,= 76109
  The TCU area is dominated by the campus. Some unique restaurants and boutiques are mixed with standard college fare, but the campus is beautiful and shows up in force (and in Purple) for gamedays

• Sundance Square

  address: 400 Main St,= 76102
  Sundance Square is a city park in downtown that plays host to multiple events year round. Night and weekend parking is free and additional security patrols not only keep the area safe, but also can help you find your next destination.

• StockyardsA national historic district, the Stockyards is the iconic background for which Fort Worth is known. The backdrop is all things western from cattle drives and BBQ to country music and belt buckles. No trip to Fort Worth is complete without a quick stop here.

• The Cultural DistrictHome to world class museum, the stock show & rodeo as well as numerous restaurants and merchants, this area hosts many of Fort Worth's main attractions. Located across the Trinity River, 2 miles west of downtown, this area could be though of as uptown. The area is also known as West 7th.

• Near SouthsideAlso called South Main and Magnolia, this is the area where artists and more liberal mindsets are welcome. The area hosts multiple of the cities micro breweries, bars and restaurants. The area is undergoing a renaissance with new building and merchants, but the growth is keeping with the vibe of the current culture.

• Southwest Fort WorthWhile not a single neighborhood, Southwest Fort Worth has a collection of different shopping areas and neighborhood restaurant clusters.

By plane

All the major American carriers and many international ones provide scheduled passenger service into the (DFW), located from downtown Fort Worth. This airport is one of three major hubs for American Airlines. American Airlines is also headquartered in Fort Worth.

By train

The at 1001 Jones St is the central hub for Amtrak inter-city trains and Trinity Railway Express (TRE) commuter trains to Dallas, along with Greyhound inter-city bus service and local bus service provided by the T. TRE trains can provide a stress-free way to travel between the two cities during rush hour and also serve the more historic at 1600 Throckmorton St on the south side of downtown.
Amtrak's Texas Eagle provides daily service between Chicago, Illinois and San Antonio, Texas with stops in Fort Worth and Dallas. Also, Amtrak's Heartland Flyer provides daily service between Fort Worth and Oklahoma City, and points in between. Woefully underfunded, passenger train service in the United States is a slow but scenic way to travel, if you aren't too concerned about arriving on time.
Alternatively, arrive from DFW Airport on TEXRail, another commuter train that provides direct rail service from the airport to downtown Fort Worth.

By car

Fort Worth may be easily reached via I-20 or I-30 from the east or west, or by I-35W from the north or south. I-35 splits into two branches north of the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area, the west branch going to Fort Worth and the east branch (I-35E) to Dallas. The branches rejoin to the south.
Car rental companies include:

• Alamo Rent A Car, Toll free: +1-800-462-5266.
• Avis Rent A Car, Toll free: +1-800-331-1212.
• Budget Rent A Car, Toll free: +1-800-527-0700.
• Dollar Rent A Car, Toll free: +1-800-800-3665.
• E-Z Rent-A-Car, Toll free: +1-800-277-5171.
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Toll free: +1-800-261-7331.
• Hertz Car Rental, Toll free: +1-800-654-3131.
• Thrifty, Toll free: +1-800-847-4389.
• DFW Elite Auto Rental, +1 817-838-7368.

By bus

• Greyhound. Bus stop is at the Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center. Also, subsidiaries of Greyhound, such as TNM&O serve as the regional carrier.
• Megabus. Service from Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Memphis, Little Rock, Oklahoma City, and Norman. Bus stop is located at 710 Davis St in Grand Prairie. Fares $1 and up.
• Autobus Americanos. Mexican trans-border bus line with services to various points in Mexico. Bus stop is located at 5215 McCart in Fort Worth.
• Turimex Internacional. Mexican trans-border bus line with services to various points in Mexico. Bus stop is located at 3620 Hemphill St.

Mass transit

Buses and trains link many areas of town over mid-range distances. Trinity Rail Express has commuter train service between downtown Fort Worth, DFW Airport and downtown Dallas. Service is Monday through Saturday. No scheduled services on Sundays and most major holidays.
Molly the Trolley bus service provides local public transportation in areas like downtown Fort Worth, the Historic Stockyards, and to Sundance Square during lunchtime. Hours of operation vary by route.

By bike

• Fort Worth B-cycleBike sharing program with stations throughout downtown.

Museums

• Kimbell Art Museum

  phone: +1 817 332-8451
  address: 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd
  A collection of artwork that ranges from 3000 BC to the mid-1900s. Although the collection is small, it boasts such big names as Matisse, Goya, Mondrian and Picasso, among others. The museum building itself is a highlight of architectural modernism, designed by American architect Louis Kahn.

• Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

  phone: +1 817 738-9215
  address: 3200 Darnell St
  The museum, located in an imposing, appropriately modern building, houses a large permanent collection and hosts many important traveling exhibitions. The building is designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando.

• Amon Carter Museum

  phone: +1 817-738-1933
  address: 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd
  Extensive collection of American art and photography featuring many works by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russel.

• National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame

  phone: +1 817-336-4475
  address: 1720 Gendy St
  Museum and association which honors women of the American West who have displayed courage or spirit and who have distinguished themselves while exemplifying the pioneer spirit.

• National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum

  phone: +1 817 534-8801
  address: 3400 Mount Vernon Ave
  Highlights the historical influence of non-White cowboys in Texas.

• C.R. Smith Aviation Museum

  phone: +1 817 967-1560
  address: 4601 Hwy. 360
  All you could ever want to know about the history of American Airlines. Great for kids, as it includes hands-on, interactive exhibits.

• Stockyards Museum

  phone: +1 817 625-5082
  address: 131 E. Exchange Ave
  Located in the 1902 Livestock Exchange Building, this museum showcases the history of Fort Worth.

• Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

  phone: +1 817-255-9300
  address: 1501 Montgomery St.
  Family based hands on science and history museum, boasts traveling exhibits and the Omni-imax theater.

• Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Gallery

  phone: +1 817-257-6277
  address: 2950 West Bowie Street
  Small museum with astonishing collection of pieces of the sky, well-documented. Touch a piece of Mars!

Attractions

• Sundance Square20 blocks of shops, bars & restaurants, brick-paved sidewalks and historic buildings. Well lit and popular with tourists and locals, Sundance Square is frequently the center for outdoor events such as concerts and art festivals.

• Bass Performance HallA state-of-the-art venue presenting concerts, musicals, and theatrical performances throughout the year.

• Fort Worth StockyardsJust north of the downtown area is the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, where you'll find Texas style nightlife at bars like Billy Bob's. The Stockyards are also home to a weekly rodeo. Held every Friday and Saturday evening, and billed as the "World's First Indoor Rodeo," it attracts competitors from around the country . The Stockyards is also home to Riscky's Barbeque, considered by locals to be the best barbeque in the area.

• The Fort Worth Zoo

  phone: +1 817-759-7555
  address: 1989 Colonial Parkway
  Come see the animals and interactive exhibits.

• The Fort Worth Botanic Garden

  phone: +1 817-871-7686
  address: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd
  The sprawling gardens includes a large flower garden, lawn, indoor tropical forest, and a beautiful Japanese garden.

• Burnett ParkLocated on land donated by cattle baron Samuel Burk Burnett, features sculptures, pools, and granite walkways. Vast green parks and surrounding network of major lakes offer abundant opportunities for water sports and outdoor recreation.

• Main St. Fort Worth Arts FestivalRanked 8th in the country by the Art Fair Source Book and the Harris List, and number one in Texas, Main St. hosts tens of thousands of people annually during the four-day visual arts, entertainment and cultural event. Main St. showcases a nationally recognized fine art and fine craft juried art fair, live concerts, performance artists and street performers on the streets of downtown Fort Worth-stretching nine blocks on Main Street from the Tarrant County Courthouse to the Fort Worth Convention Center.

• Sundance Square Parade of LightsLate November. Watch colorful illuminated floats, beautiful antique cars, marching bands, equestrian units, horse-drawn carriages and a cast of delightful characters dressed in their holiday best. The unforgettable parade and an annual visit from Santa Claus and his elves will make the Sundance Square Parade of Lights a fun-filled holiday experience for the entire family! Free.

• TCU Horned FrogsThe sports teams representing Texas Christian University, have branded themselves as "Fort Worth's team". The Frogs are best known for their football program, a rising national power in the first part of this century. TCU now competes in the Big 12 Conference. Most of TCU's athletic venues are on campus, with the best-known being Amon G. Carter Stadium (football) and Schollmaier Arena (basketball).

• Fort Worth Water Gardens

  phone: +1 817 392-7111
  address: 1502 Commerce St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
  A man-made watery setting to get away from the hustle and bustle downtown. For some awesome architecture, check out the 1933 Beaux Arts Style designed post office building at 251 Lancaster and Texas & Pacific Railway Station at 221 Lancaster (across the street from the south edge of the water gardens).

• Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
• Tarrant County College
• Texas Christian University
• University of North Texas Health Science Center
• Texas Wesleyan University

Fort Worth is similar to many Texas cities in that there are two main food groups, BBQ and Tex-Mex. While tastes are changing and multiple options are available, these will still be your best two bets in the city. A growing food truck scene is starting to make a presence in the city, and some of the local breweries are making drinks worth recommending to friends.

Budget

• Angelo's Bar-B-Que

  phone: +1 817 332-0357
  address: 2533 White Settlement Rd
  Tied with Railhead (below) for the best BBQ in the southwest. A Fort Worth classic. This is in an old wooden barn, which adds a great atmosphere to the dining experience. The pork ribs were very tasty and the large cold beers were particularly nice. Meats melt in the mouth and beans are awesome. They actually bbq on premises which some of the other place don't. It's about a 5-min drive out of the downtown area.

• Railhead Smokehouse

  phone: +1 817 738-9808
  address: 2900 Montgomery St
  Tied with Angelo's for the best BBQ in the southwest.

• Fuzzy's Taco Shop

  address: Two locations: 2917 W Berry and 2719 Race St
  Excellent taco dive - lots of food for cheap, great fish tacos, late hours, cheap drinks, all without leaving the affluent TCU area.

• Kincaid's

  address: Two locations: 4901 Camp Bowie Blvd and 4825 Overton Ridge Blvd
  Texas' (perhaps America's) best burgers. Original Camp Bowie location is in a kitschy old grocery story.

• The Love Shack

  phone: +1 817 740-8812
  address: 110 Exchange Ave
  Excellent unique hamburger created by celebrity Ft. Worth chef, Tim Love. Daily flavored milk shakes. Live music. (Possible cover charge on weekends.) Cash only.

Mid-range

• Nonna Tata

  address: 1400 W. Magnolia Ave
  Certainly one of Fort Worth's smallest restaurants, Nonna Tata is also one of its best. With only 21 seats indoors and another 30 outdoors, the restaurant fills up early and often develops long waits on weekends. Absolutely amazing authentic Italian food, with a menu that changes weekly and amiable service. BYOB, cash only, no reservations.

• Central Market

  phone: +1 817 989-4700
  address: 4651 West Freeway
  DFW's best gourmet grocery also has a formidable cafe attached, with amazing, huge custom sandwiches, cheap and great pizzas and international noodle dishes made for you, a mind-boggling prepared food section and $15 meals for two bagged and ready to go. Any kind of food you could want, done extremely well, for grocery story prices, plus a generous selection of wine and beer.

• Chef Point Cafe

  phone: +1 817 656-0080
  address: 5901 Watauga Rd.
  Fine dining in a Conoco station.

• Fred's Texas Cafe

  phone: +1 817 332-0083
  address: 915 Currie St
  The "Outlaw Chef" cooks genuine Southern/Texican food in one of the most unique and exciting ways you'll find in Fort Worth. Super laid-back setting, with genuine Texas food and genuine Texas music. Happy hour before 6 and whenever it's raining.

• Hunter Brothers' H3 Ranch

  phone: +1 817 624-1246
  address: 109 E Exchange Ave
  For the cowboy tourist. A strong cowtown theme predominates in this Stockyards-area steakhouse. Come for the atmosphere first, the food second.

• Joe T. Garcia's

  phone: +1 817 626-4356
  address: 2201 N. Commerce St.
  A Fort Worth legend, dine family style in a large converted mansion or in its beautiful expansive gardens with lush vegetation and calming pools; choose from one of two menu options nightly. There is frequently a line around the block in good weather, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. Great margaritas. Cash only (ATM on site).

• La Familia

  phone: +1 817-870-2002
  address: 841 Foch St.
  Mexican restaurant locally renowned for their excellent Tex-Mex and friendly owner (Al) and staff.

• King Tut

  phone: +1 817 335-3051
  address: 1512 West Magnolia Ave.
  Egyptian restaurant with excellent Middle Eastern cuisine.

• Piranah Killer Sushi

  phone: +1 817 438-0206
  address: 335 W 3rd St.
  The best sushi in Fort Worth, downtown.

• Spiral Diner

  phone: +1 817 3-EATVEG
  address: 1314 W. Magnolia
  The only strictly vegan restaurant in Fort Worth, Spiral Diner has an eclectic menu that will not let you down on taste. One of Fort Worth's finest restaurants regardless of dietary restriction.

• Uncle Julio's

  phone: +1 817 377-2777
  address: 5301 Camp Bowie Blvd
  Excellent and diverse Tex-Mex menu, friendly staff, decent happy hour before 6PM.

Splurge

• Bonnell's

  phone: +1 817 738-5489
  address: 4259 Bryant Irvin Rd
  Chef Jon Bonnell's southwest-themed masterpiece.

• Del Frisco's Steakhouse

  phone: +1 817 877-3999
  address: 812 Main St
  One of the finest steakhouses in the world, with an excellent wine list. It is, however, extremely expensive, and you will have to wait a little while even if you have a reservation. Don't come here for anything other than steak, but if you are looking for steak, it is hard to beat.

• Lanny's Alta Cocina Mexicana

  phone: +1 817 850-9996
  address: 3405 W. 7th St
  Merges the finest of high-class Mexican dining with the most refined New American aesthetic for an unparalleled culinary experience. The most interesting and diverse wine cellar in the city.

• Reata Restaurant

  phone: +1 817 336-1009
  address: 310 Houston St
  One of the most widely acclaimed restaurants in Texas, and one of the first to bring "Cowboy cuisine" to the forefront of the refined American palate. Online reservation system.

• Saint-Emilion

  phone: +1 817 737-2781
  address: 3617 W 7th St
  The best French country food in Fort Worth, and a cozy dining experience.

• Vidalia's

  phone: +1 817 210-2222
  address: 222 Main St.
  Located inside the Renaissance Worthington, this high-end establishment fuses traditional upscale Southern and Cowboy cuisine in a remarkably low-key fine dining establishment.

Sweets

Gypsy Scoops

Nice little authentic Ice Cream parlor. Makes their own flavors as well as rolls their own waffle cones.

Melt Icecream

Tiny ice cream parlor serving creative flavor combos frequently with lines out the door at multiple times in the day

• J&J Blues Bar

  phone: +1 817 870-2337
  address: 937 Woodward St
  Live music and good energy.

• Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

  phone: +1 817 336-7468
  address: 111 E 4th St
  The gameroom offers a place to play a game of pool, chess or darts. The shiny, faux-rock floor throughout is enhanced by the vast collection of vintage dinnerware adorning every wall. They have the largest selection of beer (225 varieties) around. Menu selections include Creamy Beer Cheese Soup, the Build-Your-Own Sausage and Cheese Plate, spicy sausage quesadillas and traditional bratwurst with German potato salad.

• Chat Room Pub

  phone: +1 817 922-8319
  address: 1263 West Magnolia
  Good drink selection in a chilled atmosphere.

• The Usual

  phone: +1 817 810-0114
  address: 1408 W. Magnolia Ave
  A high-end craft cocktail bar popular with the hip Magnolia Avenue set. A somewhat mixed, gay-friendly spot with very modern decor and a nice but small patio out back. This is the place to go for expensive but very well-mixed takes on the classics, and an inspired cocktail menu. Try the Montpelier, which mixes bourbon, smoked maple syrup, Jamaican rum, and Italian vermouth.

• Pouring Glory

  address: 1001 Bryan Ave, 76104
  50+ taps with local, regional and a few international flavors off the beaten path. Food is good enough to be a stand alone restaurant, but be careful of the pretzilla

Breweries & distilleries

• Martin House Brewery

  phone: + 817 222-0177
  address: 220 S Sylvania Ave, 76111
  Weekly Tours and Tastings Every Thursday (6-8pm) & Saturday (2-5pm)

• Wild Acre Brewery

  address: 1734 E El Paso St #190, 76102
  Shares a location with Silver Star Vodka. Not the best area of town, but the brewery is safe and the beer is worth the stop

• Rahr and Sons Brewing

  address: 701 Galveston Ave, 76104
  Brewery tour & tasting Sa 1PM - 3PM, W 5PM - 7:30PM

• Panther Island Brewery

  address: 501 N Main St, 76164
  F 5PM – 9PM, Sa noon – 5PM, Su 2PM – 7PM

• HopFusion Ale Works

  address: 200 E Broadway Ave, 76104
  Taproom and microbrewery, though you can find their cans at a few local shops and stores

• Firestone & Robertson Distillery

  address: 4250 Mitchell Blvd, 76119
  Home to the blended TX Whiskey and the Texas locally distilled and aged TX Bourbon. Set on the grounds of a golf course Byron Nelson played as a youth, more than just a stop for a drink.

Budget

• Motel 6 Ft Worth East

  phone: +1 817 834-7361
  address: 1236 Oakland Blvd
  Budget accommodations at a budget price. Don't expect luxury, but it's a clean place to sleep.

• Motel 6 Ft Worth North

  phone: +1 817 625-4359
  address: 3271 I-35W

• Motel 6 Ft Worth South

  phone: +1 817 293-8595
  address: 6600 South Freeway

• Motel 6 Ft Worth West

  phone: +1 817 244-9740
  address: 8701 I-30 West

Mid-range

• AmeriSuites Fort Worth

  phone: +1 817 361-9797
  address: 5900 Cityview Blvd
  Another chain hotel, but more upscale than Motel 6.

• Comfort Suites DFW Airport

  phone: +1 972 929-9097
  address: 4700 W. John Carpenter Fwy

• Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown

  phone: +1 817 885-8700
  address: 601 Main St
  Renovated rooms with modern amenities.

• Courtyard Fort Worth Fossil Creek

  phone: +1 817 847-0044
  address: 3751 NE Loop 820

• Radisson Fort Worth South

  phone: +1 817 293-3088
  address: 100 East Alta Mesa Blvd
  Three-star hotel with amenities including indoor heated pool, restaurant, lounge, room service, fitness room, and business center.

• Sheraton Fort Worth

  phone: +1 817 335-7000
  address: 1701 Commerce St

• Residence Inn Fort Worth University

  phone: +1 817-870-1011
  address: 1701 South University Dr

• SpringHill Suites Fort Worth University

  phone: +1 817-878-2554
  address: 3250 Lovell Ave
  Extended stay hotel located near the convention center.

• TownePlace Suites Fort Worth Southwest

  phone: +1 817-732-2224
  address: 4200 International Plaza

• Courtyard Fort Worth University Drive

  phone: +1 817-335-1300
  address: 3150 Riverfront Dr

Splurge

• The Ashton

  phone: +1 817 332-0100
  address: 610 Main St
  Well-liked luxury hotel in a renovated historical building. Very helpful, attentive staff.

• Hilton Fort Worth

  phone: +1 817 870-2100
  address: 815 Main St
  A clean, quiet place to stay, with good service. The building and decor could use an update.

• Renaissance Worthington

  phone: +1 817 870-1000
  address: 200 Main St
  The city's only 4-diamond hotel, since opening in 1981 with all the expected amenities. Especially well-regarded for efficient yet friendly staff.

• The Texas White House

  phone: +1 817 923-3597
  address: 1417 Eighth Ave
  Historical, award-winning bed and breakfast with luxury amenities

• MD Resort ~ A Bed & Breakfast Style Guest Ranch

  phone: +1 817 489-5150
  address: 601 Old Base Rd
  Trees, animals, lots of things to do inside and out and lots of privacy.

Lockheed Martin Plant

Options ideal for travel to the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics plant: 200 N Grants Ln, adjacent to the Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base (JRB, formerly Carswell Air Force Base):

• Hampton Inn

  phone: +1 817-560-4180
  address: 2700 S Cherry Ln
  Clean, good breakfast buffet.

• Holiday Inn Express

  phone: +1 817-560-4200
  address: 2730 Cherry Ln

• Residence Inn by Marriott

  phone: +1 817-870-1011
  address: 1701 S University Dr

• Spring Hill Suites

  phone: +1 817-878-2554
  address: 3250 Lovell Ave

Good cellular phone coverage by all major providers throughout the city and all major roadways. Internet hot-spots available at most Starbucks Coffee locations, DFW Airport, and FedEx Kinko's offices.
Daily newspaper:

• Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

As with any other large city, be vigilant in Fort Worth. The city's central arts and entertainment district is well policed, however, as so long as you make sure you lock your car and hide any valuables inside, all that you need is a little extra awareness of your surroundings. The city's freeways can be quite dangerous if you are not accustomed to driving in such high volumes of rapidly moving traffic; keep this in mind when you are planning a trip.
Areas best avoided after dark are the Southeast Side (especially in the Stop Six section), all apartments on East Side, the Como neighborhood, and the Trails/Calmont neighborhood.
The Stockyards bar and club district can get rowdy on Friday and Saturday nights, but the nightlife at Sundance Square in Downtown is more laid back.

Gym workout

• 24 Hour Fitness and LA Fitness (which now includes Ballys) have many locations throughout the area. If you have a regular membership with either of them from back home your membership is good here. Note that some memberships are only good for one location and will cost extra to access a different gym/club than the one you normally go to at home. Ask before leaving. Otherwise day passes range from $10-20. Bring a lock and towel.
• Kadampa Meditation Center Texas, 4812 Camp Bowie Boulevard, +1 817-303-2700. Offers relaxation meditations and meditation classes to increase inner peace.

• Mineral Wells, home to Lake Mineral Wells State Park
• Bridgeport, 30 miles to the northwest has a nice lake for boating and fishing.
• Weatherford, 20 miles west of downtown Fort Worth.
• Grapevine has a nice historic main street area and numerous wineries.
• Glen Rose 50 miles southwest has Dinosaur Valley State Park and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.