More Travel Tips!..

A Great Guest Post

Although it’s the seventeenth biggest city in the US, Fort Worth,Texas is better-known for the nearby airport than any attractions. That’s a shame, as this gem has a lot to offer visitors. This cityseamlessly combines cowboys and culture, and tourists can easily view fine art and take in a rodeo on the same day.

Fort Worth conveniently arranges most of its attractions in three main areas of the city:

1. The Stockyards National Historic District – The Old West lives again in the Stockyards. Nowhere else can you see a cattle drive twice a day, and touch a real longhorn. You can stop in for refreshment at the White Elephant Saloon where scenes from “Walker, Texas Ranger” were shot. The kids will love navigating the Cowtown Cattlepen maze featured on “The Amazing Race.” Watch some bull riding while snacking on barbecue at Billy Bob’s Texas. You can also bring home an authentic Western souvenir like lizard skin boots or a straw hat.

In the Stockyards, cattle drives happen twice daily

2. The Cultural District – Fort Worth has a surprising amount of award-winning museums. The Amon Carter Museum showcases American art from the 1930s onward, including some famous images of the Southwest. The Kimball Art Museum has ancient Egyptian, Precolumbian and Chinese art, while the Modern Art Museum is for fans of contemporary work. Kids will enjoy the Museum of Science and History, where they can test their cattle driving skills and dig up real fossils.

If your time inside makes you yearn for the beauty of nature, escape to the nearby Botanic Gardens. You can roam the expansive grounds which vary from the elegant rose gardens to the tranquil Japanese garden where you can feed the fish.

3. Sundance Square – This area of downtown Fort Worth truly comes alive at night. As a bonus, parking is free after 5 p.m. and on weekends. Sundance Square has a great selection of food, not only tasty steaks but everything from sushi to fondue. After dinner, catch some live music at the Scat Jazz Lounge, The Flying Saucer or the 8.0 Bar and Cafe. If you’re in the mood for a play, check out Jubilee Theater or Circle Theater.

Bass Performance Hall has heavenly acoustics

For a real treat, get tickets to a show at the Bass Performance Hall, with choices ranging from ballet to country music. Not only is the Hall stunning outside, with its twin 48 foot angels carved in limestone, but the acoustics inside are superb.

If you are looking for a unique vacation spot that combines history, art and fun with Southern hospitality, look no further than Fort Worth.

Jennifer Barry writes LiveRichly.com, a travel and lifestyle design blog about pursuing your passions.