Kungaloosh my friends of the interwebs. I am here again with a report from Ft. Worth, Texas, my latest place of exploration.
As it were, Ft. Worth is the 17th largest city in the great US of A. Located in the northeast section of the HUGE state of Texas, Ft. Worth is a wonderful gateway between the east and west and gives you a small taste of many different cultures from Mexico to the old south, and the wild west to high society without being too much of any one of those things. Rich in history, Ft. Worth was the center of the early cattle drives and was a stop on the legendary Chisholm Trail, earning it the renowned nickname, “Cowtown”.
While in Ft. Worth, I had many intriguing experiences including the Water Gardens (seen in the film “Logan’s Run”), which is a lovely architectural representation of a natural environment designed by Phillip Johnson (This attraction receives 5 WUCees). You will see from my photos that I spent many waking hours exploring its wonders, before I returned to my hotel (the Downtown Sheraton) for a quick nap before dinner at the Reata (a Ft. Worthian staple, culinary team led by Juan Rodriguez, Fred Hamilton, Travis Purdin, Ignacio Rodriquez and Melissa Aguilar ) where I dined upon a lovely appetizer of quail and garlic cheese grits, followed by a main course of buffalo steak and finished with a unique jalapeno flan. Rounding out the evening, I viewed the fireworks show from a local parking garage to celebrate our great nation on the 4th. Of July. Which is Independence Day.
The next day after awaking from my morning nap, I took a trip to the Stockyards which is where it all began. Full of saloons, longhorns, cowboys, rodeos and other critters of the like, there was plenty to keep me occupied on this blazing hot afternoon. Make sure to take a camera and a backup camera, and some batteries, because you wont want to miss documenting your travels in this place. Also, I beg of you, take time to visit some of the older buildings in town. Somehow, Ft. Worth escaped the garish refurbishment that the 1970′s brought to most towns and much of the original architecture still remains. Along with the historic architecture, you will find wonderful new examples as well such as Bass Hall which you won’t want to miss. With its towering angels and gilded trumpets, this is truly a modern day architectural treasure (David M. Schwartz, architect). If you’re feeling adventurous, (like me) carefully stray off the beaten path in this city for it is full of Mexican popsicles, wheat crunchies and Dublin Dr. Pepper (which is the oldest Dr. Pepper bottling plant in the world). You have to be willing to go where others may not to find these things, but they are worth the effort. While you are straying, drive through the historic neighborhoods and savor the beautiful homes being refurbished. Along with the downtown buildings, many of the older homes have been salvaged and restored to their original glory.
In addition, there is a zoo, a train and many art museums in town to finish out your trip. While I enjoy a more historical perspective, I do hear tell of a Six Flags theme park and water park just about 30 minutes from Ft. Worth. If you get tired of Ft. Worth (as if you could), there are many surrounding cities that are a day trip away such as the famous home of the Alamo, San Antonio. There’s also a really big city very nearby called Dallas - you may recall it from that early 80s TV show… I can’t remember the name of it, but it was the one where that guy wakes up in the shower and everything was just a dream. That’s kind of how I felt when I woke up from my morning nap at The Sheraton. Smashing pillows they have.
Truly, I enjoyed visiting this great city and whether you are young or not so young there is something here for you to enjoy. If you choose this area, be aware that the further into the southwest you go, the hotter it becomes, so pack appropriately. I hope you get a chance to visit this lovely town soon and if you do, tell them Wandering Uncle Clyde sent you!
Until we meet again!
-Wandering Uncle Clyde
Becky Tucker Uncategorized
