DOES FORT WORTH TEXAS EVER CROSS YOUR MIND

Small Town Cowboy Cowtown

This writer was fortunate enough to be in the Fort Worth vicinity during the aftermath of the tornado of 2000 and I daresay that it's something I'll never forget. Driving down the city streets was like riding through a river of glass. People stood on the sides of the street, their faces mirroring shock, disbelief. One of the prominent glass towers where Bank One had made its home stood stripped amid a black backdrop of city sky. It seemed like there were hundreds of men in blue woven throughout this city of suffering. At that moment, I wondered if Fort Worth would ever be the same.

Well, pardners'….she's baaaack! Not that she ever left, but she's bolder than ever. The streets are back to normal, Bank One will soon have a new home, and business is flourishing. So if you have a hankering' to spend some time in a good ole' cowboy town that's draped in elegance, the following are a few of the 'must see' stops.

Sundance Square is the place to be when the sun sinks in the western sky. Daytime is quite nice too, but there's just something about Fort Worth and the night. City trees are lit in festive white party lights, and the neon signs point the way to tiny coves of entertainment. Theaters, restaurants, unique business establishments and the Bass Performance Hall make up one big capsule of 'Pure D' fun. There's tons of free parking, so leave the skates at home.

The Fort Worth Zoo has been touted as one of the nation's finest zoos. The addition of the Texas Wild section brought the zoo from 'huge' to 'Texas-sized'. It's a guaranteed adult and child-pleaser. Bring your camera, some bucks for the quaint restaurants stationed about the zoo, some extra bucks for cotton candy stops (in season) and a few more extra bucks for the exotic gift shop. Plan to stay most of the day.

Current parking is at $5.00. Zoo entry for adults is $9.00 and for children under the age of twelve $6.50. Don't miss the Gulf Coast Exhibit at the new Texas Wild or the hippopotamus exhibit. They will both make your ears twill with delight.

"River Horse"

Photo by Tom, 2002 Fort Worth Zoo

During your Fort Worth visit, if you travel to the other end of University (northbound) you'll run into one of the most beautiful gardens in Texas, the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. Arbors, ponds filled with curious turtles, and strips of woods that ribbon alongside the inspirational rose gardens are just a few of nature's little nuggets that you'll find there. Here's an insider's treat; take the trail that spears off to the right of the rose gardens, just after you've descended into the well of manicured roses. Follow the trail to the right and keep an eye out, yet again to your right, for a Texas-sized cottonwood. It's a true mammoth, one you won't soon forget. All of this - totally free!

For lunch, the downtown Daddy Jacks offers pecan-crusted trout that will flat melt in your mouth. It falls under the heading of a '$10 or less meal that tastes like a million bucks'.

Away from the cityscape, tiny environs surround Fort Worth that are as unique and as fun as the city itself. These pockets of entertaining little haunts guarantee a fun trip, rain or shine!

The Swiss Pastry Shop located on Vickery is exceptional! Sky-high pies dolloped with two-inch meringue are incredible. Your tastebuds will do the Texas Two-Step, believe me. And at generally $1.50 per generous slice, so will your wallet. They also serve great sandwiches.

The newly remodeled Amon Carter Museum is a salute to our western heritage. Astounding works of bronze, poignant and elegant paintings, and brutal western depictions that will bring tears to your eyes are amid the offerings at this totally free museum.

Don't miss the Modern Art Museum, only a few paces away from Amon Carter. Simply look to your south, and cross the street. It's totally free as well and totally awesome as well!

If you're a randy sort of person, strike out to Six Flags Over Texas, The Palace of Wax & Ripley's Believe It or Not located in Arlington/Grand Prairie area.

These are just a handful of the precious pieces located in Fort Worth's Treasure Chest. Oh, just one last thing - don't leave home without your hat and boots, but you can leave those spurs behind.

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