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Overview
The Dallas/Fort Worth area is one of the 10 largest metropolitan areas in the
United States, and is the second largest in Texas. While the two seem to melt into
one city on a map, they each retain their own cultural style – Dallas is
more cosmopolitan and fast-paced, while Fort Worth is more relaxed and
laid-back. Most of the attractions listed here are in Fort Worth, as I’ve
spent more time there, but there is plenty to do on the Dallas side of
things, too. The conference hotel is located approximately halfway between
them, an easy drive to both cities.
Please note it will be hot while you’re in town. Be sure to plan
appropriately and bring sunscreen.
Kimball Art Museum
The Kimball Art Museum is one of my
favorites. It has a very good permanent collection, with works to please
both art historians and novices alike. It’s big enough to be worth
the visit, but not so large as to be overwhelming. The architecture of the
building is quite lovely – it’s one of Louis Kahn’s most famous structures.
Flying Saucer Pub
The Flying Saucer is a
beer-lover’s mecca, with about a hundred beers on tap, and over 200
available. Beer afficionados might enjoy the "Texas Flight, A Sampler of
Locally Brewed Beers in Texas", in particular, look for anything from Saint
Arnold's Brewery. The food is also pretty good for a bar, with a nice
cheese plate and good brats.
Sundance Square
Downtown Fort Worth’s Sundance Square, a
sort of arts and shopping district, offers a more modern take on Fort Worth
style. There are art galleries, theaters, chain and boutique shopping, and
lots of fine dining. The Reata is an elegant dining
choice, with Texas-inspired cuisine like Tenderloin Tamales (which are
excellent) and a rooftop bar/dining area overlooking downtown.
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Six Flags Over Texas
The Six Flags Over Texas amusement park
is located only a few miles from the conference hotel, in Arlington, Texas. This is the
original Six Flags park, founded by a Texas tycoon to give folks
a taste of Disneyland at home. It now has almost 50 thrill, family and
chidren's rides, including the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Texas
and the tallest freefall combo tower in the world.
Fort Worth Zoo
Spacious and well-landscaped, the
Fort Worth Zoo
is one of the nation’s
best. It has a well-rounded collection of animals, including one of my
favorites, the 2.5-acre World of Primates exhibit. The
Texas Wild!
exhibit is particularly
notable; it takes you through the wide variety of Texas ecologies and
native animals, and will give you a hint of all that Texas has to offer.
Fort Worth Stockyards, Cowboy Hall of Fame
The Fort Worth Stockyards represents a
major part of Texas cattle-herding history, and has a collection of
worthwhile attractions. There are daily cattle drives, and it’s the home
of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
World's Largest Honky Tonk
The Stockyards are also home to Billy Bob’s Texas,
the world’s largest honky tonk. The place
is huge, with several bars, and often hosts indoor rodeos. It’s one of
Texas’ best country music venues, with a concert calendar that includes
both local Texas Country musicians and bigger names like Travis Tritt and
Gretchen Wilson. If you’re into country music, or just want a taste of it
for the weekend, Billy Bob’s is the place to go.
Boutiques, Shops & Wine
There are also a large number of boutiques at the Stockyards, including
western wear, gift shops, and more. If you’re a wine aficionado, I recommend
Lone Star Wines,
which specializes in Texas wines. As I recall, they offer tastings – be
sure to try the Becker Vineyards Claret.
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