Travel Log: Fort Worth

If Kansas was where the West turned wild, then Fort Worth is where it began. Literally. The metropolis that includes Dallas and Arlington is today the fourth-largest in America. But Fort Worth's history dates back to the late 1800s when it was founded as a military camp during the Mexican-American War in honor of General William Jenkins Worth.

Shortly thereafter, Fort Worth earned its proud nickname of "Cowtown" as the final stop on the famed Chisholm Trail, where cattle were driven toward Kansas before being shipped east.

Much has changed, obviously, since the days of cattle drives. But the reminder of Texas' role in the ranching industry is alive and well -- and in fact, flourishing.

DID YOU KNOW
The United States Bureau of Engraving prints half of all U.S. currency at its Fort Worth branch. (Courtesy: OAG Travel Information)

WHAT THE CITY OFFERS
Fort Worth Stockyards -- While there's an endless amount of entertainment and attraction in Fort Worth, to experience the Old West first hand one need only to visit the Fort Worth Stockyards, where cattle drives still take place twice a day. Texas Longhorns are driven through the streets of this one-stop-shop district at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day. Along the trail are restaurants as well as shopping stops for clothing, pottery, jewelry and wine. And that doesn't include an operational steam train or the U.S. Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
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Sundance Square -- Downtown's meeting place, Sundance Square is the hub of shopping and spending the evening in Fort Worth. And this weekend, it's the home of some of music's biggest names. Cheap Trick headlines the free entertainment on Friday night, while The Charlie Daniels Band hits the stage just after dark on Saturday night.
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Billy Bob's Texas -- Everything is bigger in Texas, and if you're there you've got to go to a honky tonk. So why not the world's largest honky tonk? Billy Bob's Texas has hosted country music's biggest stars, as well as rock and roll's top performers. Want to dance where J.R. Ewing of the hit TV show Dallas once did? Want to two-step where George Strait sang in the movie Pure Country -- and in real life? Or maybe you want to catch live bull riding that happens every Friday and Saturday night? Put your boots on and get to stepin'.
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MUST-VISIT RESTAURANT
Cattlemen's Steak House -- When multiple folks walk out saying it's the best steak you'll ever eat, well, it might be the best steak you'll ever eat. Cattlemen's is located in the historic Stockyard District with a true Western atmosphere for dining. In addition to your slab of beef, it might be good to give the Rocky Mountain Oysters a try.
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WEATHER FORECAST
Highs near 80 degrees on Friday with a chance of rain, but sunny and upper 60s the rest of the weekend. Click here for the extended forecast.

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