Fort Worth is such a neat city. It's big, but no too big. You can get most anywhere quickly. They don't have "Dallas traffic". The people are friendly and a little laid back.

I love Fort Worth. I was born there and grew up there. I went to R.L.Paschal and TCU... purple & white... fight, fight, fight. Don't live there anymore but I have lots of reasons to go back often.

Fort Worth is sometimes called "Panther City" or "Pantherville"

On our last trip over, we visited the Kimball Art Museum. There was an Impressionists exhibit I was wanting to see. They've added something new- audio tour guides thru a device you can wear around your neck. You just follow the prompts and there's info about several of the pieces....pretty neat idea. This was free with the admission to the exhibit we saw and I believe the audio tour is also available for the permanent collection (which is always free to view).

Fort Worth has really stepped up the cultural aspect of the city.... they've added the new Modern Art Museum, they've got  the Amon Carter Museum, The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History  (a brand new location is currently under construction due to open in 2009), the Sid Richardson Museum, a whole bevy of smaller art galleries... That covers the art scene but don't forget the others- the Cattle Raisers Museum, Fire Station N0. 1, the Fort Worth Community Arts Center, Leonard's Dept. Store Museum (200 Carroll Street), Log Cabin Village, the Monnig Meteorite Gallery at TCU, National Cowboys of Color Museum, National Cowgirl Museum, the Stockyards Museum (131 E. Exchange Ave.), the Texas Civil War Museum, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Thistle Hill,  Vintage Flying Museum, Casa Manana, the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, and many other fantastic places worth visiting.

Then, there's the nationally famous Fort Worth Zoo. A visit to Fort Worth isn't complete without a trip to the zoo. I have the fondest of memories of the zoo. It's where I had my first summer jobs when I was in junior high. I loved it- it was like the 'mini- Six Flags' back then. There was the zoo section with the Aquarium, Herpetarium & Children's Petting Zoo and there were the amusement rides- Merry-go-round, the Scrambler, mini train.... always fun.

Most of those are gone now but there is the new, improved zoo. And improved is it ever! World class! The zoo is open year round to delight all. It's just down University from the museum district, Will Rogers Coliseum & Auditorium & Casa Manana.

The TCU area is full of history too. There's Record Town, doing business since 1957. Record Town has been run by the Bruton family since opening day. Sons, Sumter and Stephen, are both well-known musicians in their own right. You'll not find computers with their inventory here- just the knowledgeable owners who can tell you what they have and where it is. The sign out front is a landmark!



Now, on to food. RJ and I have eaten at MANY places in Fort Worth. We tend to stick to the same areas- around TCU, Arlington Heights and along 8th Avenue and Magnolia. We have been to Mellow Mushroom Pizza on the Bluebonnet Circle@University Drive several times now- always a winner. We love to get their cheesy bread, a loaded pizza mand maybe a couple of cold beers.

Another longtime fav is Caro's, also on Bluebonnet Circle, a Fort Worth tradition for 50 years now. Try their Puffy Tacos- absolutely delicious!

I'll write about more places to sample in Fort Worth in other entries, but do some exploring on your own. You'll have a good time, no matter where you start.

Video Tour of the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth