Travel Log: Texas

Cowboy up on this trip, as Texas has the ability to embrace bright lights and big city with the old west flavor of dust and saddles -- at the same time.

But while most trips offer plush shopping and tourist must-sees for the scrapbook, Texas is a trip of a different kind. All things are big in Texas, and when it comes to experience, it's even bigger.

Photos are one thing. This trip, however, will provide visitors with real stories of real people and real places that once served as the threads of society as we know it today. Real cowboys. Real rodeos. Real railroads. And it's all still alive in Texas.

MAP OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS
Click here for directions and an aerial map.

DID YOU KNOW?
The Dallas-Fort Worth area has more residents (5.2 million) than 31 states.

WHAT THE AREA OFFERS
Visit a dude ranch -- Saddle up and get the lasso ready. Life on the Chisholm Trail was never this nice. But visitors can get caught up in the cattleman's life with a trip to a dude ranch. Several ranches in the area are open to the public for tours and group functions. Here are but a few that go beyond the average cattle-roping experience:
• Austin Ranch
• Beaumont Ranch
• Circle R Ranch
• Garrett Creek Ranch
• Richards Ranch Retreat
• Rocky Top Ranch
• Wildcatter Ranch

Cowtown Coliseum -- Don't be fooled by the bright lights and high-rise structures that surround Dallas and Fort Worth. This is still rodeo country, and visitors can experience a rodeo first-hand every Friday and Saturday night with a trip to the famed Stockyards. See hard-core bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, roping and barrel racing. Giddy-up, partner.
• For more information, click here

Grapevine Vintage Railroad -- All aboard for this train ride back in time. "Puffy" the 1896 steam engine pulls visitors down the track on a variety of trips, which are subject to train robbers. The railroad was vital to this part of the country, and the décor of the cars is witness that this is no ordinary means of transportation. At least not in this century.
• For more information, click here

MUST-VISIT RESTAURANT
Mom's Café -- If you visit this place more than once during the weekend, chances are high that someone may call you by name before you leave. Picture a down-home atmosphere with down-home cooking: fried chicken, gravy, unbeatable breakfast. Nothing fancy here. Just serious food. And don't bother searching for a Web site; they're too busy concentrating on cooking.
• For more information, click here

WEEKEND FORECAST
The sun is scheduled to shine all week and throughout the weekend, with a hint of clouds on Saturday. Highs should range from the mid-60s to 70s. Complete forecast

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL
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