11 Experiences You Need To Have When Visiting Fort Worth
November 4,2019
See full Forbes article by Robin Raven here.
Fort Worth is a delightful, dynamic city with a lot going on for visitors. Legend has it that Fort Worth is called Panther City because it turned an old insult around to be a compliment. According to The Dallas Morning News, back in 1875, a lawyer named Robert Cowart wrote an article claiming that Fort Worth was so sleepy that they didn’t notice a panther sleeping in the middle of downtown. Rather than be angry and offended by this intended insult, they turned it around. The positive people of Fort Worth wholeheartedly embraced the panther as a new icon for the city. To this day, you can see images of the panther throughout the city. In addition to looking for tell-tale signs of the mascot, be sure to enjoy these experiences on your next visit to Fort Worth, Texas.
Stroll Through Sundance Square At Night
Sundance Square is a fun place to be any time of day, and it is beautiful to see all lit up at night. With white lights on the trees and vividly colored lights on several of the buildings, it sets the scene for a good time. If you’re staying at the Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel, the square is just steps away from the front door. Be sure to come hungry because there are several irresistible restaurants on the square.
Dine At Spiral Diner & Bakery
Retro chic meets compassionate living at the Spiral Diner & Bakery. Located on W. Magnolia Avenue in Fort Worth, this diner offers something for everyone. You’ll feel like you stepped back in time when you first step into this enchanting eatery, then you will enjoy the modern menu choices. From burgers to hearty hot places, the vegan restaurant serves a wide variety of dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Be sure to try the plant-based macaroni and cheese and save room for one of the rich desserts.
Take A Tour Of The Modern
The Modern is Fort Worth’s modern art museum. There’s always something new to see here. With nearly 3,000 works of art in its permanent collection, sometimes even the seemingly permanent displays will change. Although you can explore the museum on your own, the great tours held here will give you insights to help you appreciate the unique art even more.
See A Play At The Casa Mañana Theatre
See a play at the Casa Mañana Theatre. It is sometimes referred to as “the best theatre in Texas” for many good reasons. It is now considered a Broadway and children’s theater, and a variety of Broadway caliber shows can be enjoyed at the theater each year. It also hosts cabaret-style performances such as A Dean Martin Christmas and Come Together: When the 60s Meet the 70s.
See The JFK Tribute In General Worth Square
The John F. Kennedy Tribute in General Worth Square is a place for silent reflection within the city. On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy stood on the steps of what was then Hotel Texas and gave a spontaneous speech to thousands who stood in the rain to hear him. This memorial pays tribute to that moment and the man who was tragically killed later that day in Dallas.
Hear Great Jazz At The Scat Jazz Lounge
Featuring world-class jazz shows throughout the year, the Scat Jazz Lounge is a top destination for live music in Fort Worth. It’s located in the basement of the historic Woolworth building in Sundance Square, and the venue mostly focuses on straight ahead jazz. The jazz lounge manages to have a dark and swanky, yet also warm and inviting. It’s a place where you can relax with your favorite beverage while listening to some of the best music around.
Get A Sweet Treat From Cinnaholic
Indulge in decadence you’ll never regret at Cinnaholic, a gourmet cinnamon roll bakery. With over 20 unique frosting flavors and a display case that shows off local favorites, you’ll soon discover this eatery serves far more than what you’d expect from a bakery. Enjoy sweet or savory rolls. Choose to design your own or indulge in one of the seasonal desserts. (In November, the pumpkin pie cinnamon roll hits the spot.) Located on Currie Street on Crocket Row, Cinnaholic is just steps away from the Movie Tavern West 7th, so “dinner and a cinnamon roll” may become the next local tradition.
Shop At The Dock Bookshop
Going strong since 2008, The Dock Bookshop in Fort Worth is one of the biggest independent, African-American owned bookstores in the Southwest. Stop by to browse the great selection of books for adults, teens and children. The bookstore also has a nice selection of journals, jewelry and gifts. (I couldn’t resist buying one of the beautiful Maya Angelou journals on display.)
Go To A Speakeasy In A Former Bookstore
A speakeasy in what was once a bookstore? Yes, Fort Worth has everything, even a speakeasy. Situated in the historic Vybek building, Thompson’s Bookstore is a cocktail bar that maintains the charm of the bookstore that used to be on the premises. It aims to “elevate the art of the cocktail”, while the decor of an upscale bookshop adds extra fun to the ambiance. A password is required to access the speakeasy on the premises.
Visit The Kimbell Art Museum
No visit to Fort Worth would be truly complete without a visit to the Kimbell Art Museum. This beautiful museum houses a large permanent collection, and it nearly always has a very special rotating exhibit. For example, from October 29, 2019 to January 26, 2020, its Renoir: The Body, The Senses exhibit was the first major exhibition of Renoir’s work to focus on the human form. The Kimbell Art Museum can be enjoyed while listening to tours via its online app. You can also take a guided tour or simply explore the museum on your own.
Get a Velvet Vegan Ice Cream Cone At Melt
With permanent and rotating flavors, Melt Ice Creams is a local favorite. One thing you need to try here is the incredible Velvet Vegan flavor. Imagine the dark chocolate decadence of your wildest dreams without any guilt. Bursting with flavor that will leave you dreaming of returning to the city just for another taste, the Velvet Vegan isn’t just any bowl of ice cream. It’s a sensory experience you’ll remember.
Locations Mentioned: JFK Tribute in Fort Worth, Melt Ice Creams, Scat Jazz Lounge, Sundance Square Plaza