Fort Worth, Texas
Welcome to Fort Worth, Texas
Last week I took a quick trip to Dallas/Fort Worth to visit friends. The weather was not cooperating resulting in a 14-hour journey instead of a quick 2.5-hour flight. Always an adventure traveling!
I had a short time to visit with friends in the evening when I arrived, so I decided to stay longer the next day. They encouraged me to visit the Fort Worth Stockyards to watch the cattle drive, as I did not have any plans for the next day. Early the next morning, I spent a little more time with my friends before they had to go back to work.
Fort Worth Stockyards
I caught a ride on an uber to the Fort Worth Stockyards. The area was so cute with all the boot stores, western wear shops and plenty of coffee shops and places to get some grub. Everywhere I looked made me think of what everyone thinks Texas looks like! It made me chuckle as I know that is not what the rest of the state looks like.
I found a place to sit to watch the cattle drive. To the left of me, was a stage. I saw a MC who was testing the sound equipment. Finally, he began. He gave a brief history of the cattle ride tradition. Between the 1880s and 1950s, the Fort Worth Stockyards developed into the largest livestock trading center. Cattle, hogs, and sheep were bought and sold here.
The Cattle
Then cattle drive started. These huge domesticated bovine farm animals are raised for their meat, milk or hides, and the mature bull’s weight is between 1,000- 4,000 pounds. Twice daily, you can see the stockyard cattle drive.
As the drive came to an end, the MC made an announcement of a special appearance. With his police escort, Kid Rock rode through on a horse.
PBR
As Kid Rock exited the street, we started to gather around the stage. Kid Rock was promoting his Rock N Rodeo event promoting the Professional Bull Riding organization (PBR). There was a group of people sitting on the stage. Mattie Parker and Jim Ross, the mayors of Fort Worth and Arlington Texas accompanied Kid Rock on stage. These were the first to share their excitement and support of the program. At the end of the presentation, 7-8 professional bull rider winners were introduced, and each asked a couple of questions. I did not get their names.
Museums
There are plenty of tours and museums in the stockyard district. The Stockyard Museum consists of the history, artifacts and development of the stockyard. The John Wayne -An American Experience is another great museum to visit.
There are also plenty of the things for the kids to do such as pony and train rides, and the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze. For those a little more adventurous can try their hand on a mechanical bull.
Nightlife & Foods
When evening comes, there are plenty of choices for the nightlife. For the full experience, visit Billy Bob’s Texas. This 3-acre honky-tonk is the largest in the world. In addition to live music and restaurants, it also has a rodeo arena inside. Everything IS bigger in Texas!
Finally, it my visit was coming to an end. But no visit is complete without a stop for some Texas BBQ. I asked a local where there was good BBQ and he suggested Cooper’s.
I made my way the restaurant to check out what they had. Upon entering Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-b-que, I was surprised to see the BBQ pits at the entrance. The meat was ready to be cut. I chose my meat, brisket is my favorite, and moved into the other room, where I picked my sides and drink. The restaurant is an open room with long wooden picnic tables with benches and people sit family size.
End of the day
I enjoyed my brisket and headed back to the airport to head home. The day was full of unexpected surprises, and I was glad I made the trip, even though it was not how I had planned it.
I recommend visiting this fun area but be sure to bring your cowboy boots and hat! No worries if you forget, they have plenty of places where you can purchase something to get your cowboy on.