28 The Newcomer’s Guide The ultimate primer for our neighbors new to town — places to be, people to see, and the whiskey you should be sipping on.
40 The Resemblance Is Uncanny Four owners and their doggelgangers and a pair from the Meow Civilization manifest in some bowwow wows and bahahahas.
THE FORT
14 City Dweller
Gladney Center expands its footprint with two endeavors.
18 In Memoriam
Robert Hughes: 1928-2024.
20 Calendar
Her first name ain’t baby. It’s Janet … Ms. Jackson, at Dickies.
22 State Lines
Exploring la petite dame de fer and Paris, Texas. Pop.: 24,407.
CHOWTOWN
50 Dining Essential updates for the city’s foodie masses.
Joanna
Last October, I took a big step. A life step. At least, in my mind. It was one of those epoch moments that means one can graduate to the next phase of life — bombing at your first kiss, earning a first paycheck, graduating from academic life, getting married, having kids, etc. I’d done everything just mentioned — aside from the having kids part — and with that not being a desirable addition to my life (at the moment, anyway), I got a dog, instead.
I’d been kicking around the idea of getting one for some time. Years, really. I grew up with dogs and regularly credit them with turning houses into homes. My mom, always the positive enabler, long thought it was a great idea. Though, with my no longer being married and my having children no longer in the near future, her motivations seemed akin to a mother trying to convince her son to have kids so she could get her long-desired promotion to grandmotherdom. My dad, always the pragmatist, wasn’t as keen on the idea of my getting a dog. He loves dogs — and has zero inhibitions when speaking to them in a baby voice — but correctly points out my busy life. Between work, my social life, frequent out-of-state trips, and living in a one-bedroom apartment, my lifestyle didn’t mesh with the responsibilities of pet ownership.
But, due to a desire for companionship and seeking a more regimented schedule (if left to my own devices, I would never know what day it is), I went to the local animal shelter to foster, not adopt, a dog. You know, test out the whole dog-in-my-apartment thing before making the commitment. This idea failed as soon as I elected to enter the shelter’s maze of kennels. I met Joanna, a midsized black pittie, for the first time when she was sitting against a cage, lightly and kindly pawing at me — didn’t help that she was “code red,” which I was told meant she was scheduled
to be euthanized in the next 48 hours. If this was a sales tactic, it worked. I left that day a newly christened dog dad.
Within two days, I was questioning my decision, a decision that, in hindsight, feels simultaneously impulsive and measured. She’d gotten into my trash the first day I went to work — rookie mistake. And, yes, there were things in there that did not agree with her stomach. To spare you the details, I showed up to work over an hour late the next morning after cleaning up the mess. But whatever remorse, resentment, or impatience I felt in the first couple of months turned into, well, love and happiness. I’ll be damned if I don’t look forward to seeing her wagging her tail every day when I walk through the door of my house (yep, I’m no longer apartment dwelling, thanks to her) and if she isn’t the best companion, the best friend, for which I guy like me could hope. And she’s taught me a lot: responsibility, patience, and how to balance things in my life. I’m not sure I’ve done much in the way of training her, but she’s done a lot in the way of training me. And I’m a better person for it. Adopting Joanna is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
And my parents now have their granddaughter.
—Joanna
ON THE COVER: I spy items that represent Fort Worth. With help from designer Lauren
and the opening spread of our cover story, includes a collage of all things Cowtown. How many can you name?
Brian Kendall EXECUTIVE EDITOR
CORRECTIONS? COMMENTS? CONCERNS? Send to executive editor Brian Kendall at bkendall@fwtexas.com.
NEXT MONTH
Deitzer, this month’s cover,
The Evolution of BBQ
Olympian Lindon Victor Top Teachers
Outside of a dog or a cat, if you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?
Pig: But only if said pig is a descendent of Arnold Ziffel from “Green Acres.”
Emu: My dad’s best friend had an emu when I was growing up, and we made the biggest omelets from its eggs.
Blue-and-gold macaw: It’s colorful, playful, intelligent, and trainable. With its ability to talk, it could provide a lot of fun conversations!
owner/publisher hal a. brown
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Albino ball python: So beautiful, social, and curious creatures. My daughter has one now, Lumi (short for Luminescent).
Cockatoo: They mimic sounds, sing, and talk to you.
donkey: Named “Bad”
fish or a sugar glider
DIGITAL EDITION:
The virtual editions of both current and previous issues are available on our website. Flip through the pages to read more about the great city of Fort Worth by visiting fwtx.com.
FortWorthMagazine(ISSN 1536-8939) is published monthly by Panther City Media Group, LP, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Suite 130, Fort Worth, TX 76116. Periodicals Postage Paid at Fort Worth, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notices and undeliverable copies to Panther City Media Group, PO Box 213, Lincolnshire, IL 60069. Volume 27, Number 7, July 2024. Basic Subscription price: $23.95 per year. Single copy price: $4.99
Sloth: The Cheech & Chong of the animal kingdom!
Miniature
Salt-water
January 2016
The city’s obligation to preservation and the redevelopment of historically sensitive districts was live-wire subject matter as factions lined up to debate the future of the Fort Worth Stockyards in 2016.
On one side were the property owners, the Hickman family, and a California developer — Majestic Realty — with financial muscle incentivized by a deal with the city and a vision.
On the other side were pitchforks and torches warning against the perils of infringing on history and the Western culture that has served the city and
area so well.
We put the issue in a microscope for examination in the January 2016 issue.
“The win-win is finding the balance that preserves the Stockyards’ authentic history and sense of place while simultaneously allowing for growth and evolution,” said Philip Murrin, who along with his father Steve Murrin, pressed for caution and conservation as the plans moved forward.
The family had interests in about 50 acres in the heart of the Stockyards. They had even discussed joining in the
partnership before disagreements left them apart.
Their skepticism was piqued when the California-based Majestic entered the space with no history of working with historic places. Moreover, its top executive here fueled concern when two years earlier he used Disneyland as an example to describe the kind of activity the partnership wanted to build in the Stockyards.
We ain’t ’fraid of no mouse.
Majestic firmed up its team on the ground with locals, including Fort Worth architect Michael Bennett to work on renovations the development partnership is making to two old horse and mule barns on East Exchange — the first project.
The city’s cultural Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission approved a renovation plan for the barns.
Then Mayor Betsy Price said she had lengthy conversations with Holt Hickman, whose health was in decline.
“I wanted to hear from Holt that he was comfortable with the partners he had chosen, that he felt they would be true to the Stockyards, that they weren’t just in this for the money, that they were in this for the community and would do their due diligence.”
All’s well that ends well.
The Stockyards renovation has been a smashing success, exactly the “winwin” balance.
So much so that today Majestic’s Fort Worth Heritage Development company announced last month that it was pouring another $630 million into the Stockyards to develop 17 acres just north of Cowtown Coliseum. The plans consist of 300,000 square feet of commercial space and 500 hotel rooms, underground garages and improvements to the operations of the Fort Worth Herd, including a new barn structure, horse stalls and steer pens, and a covered arena for steers and horses to warm up. The arena would also support operations at the coliseum.
Instead of resistance, stakeholders can’t wait for them to get to work.
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THE FORT
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AND THE THINGS YOU NEED TO DO
18
IN MEMORIAM
Coach Robert Hughes Sr., who mentored thousands of young men in a Hall of Fame coaching career at I.M. Terrell and Dunbar, died June 12.
by
John Henry
The Big Picture State
taps Gladney Center for Heart Gallery’s beautiful faces.
The Gladney Center for Adoption in Fort Worth has increased its presence in connecting children with families.
Early this month the Gladney Center announced that it had been selected by the state of Texas to administer the Heart Gallery program in 19 counties in North Texas.
In each of these counties, Gladney is working to promote a Heart Gallery of children in that area who are in need of adoptive families.
The Heart Gallery program advocates for children living in foster care through photography. The photos taken by professional photographers are used to create galleries for display in businesses and other public venues.
The “beautiful faces” of children featured in Heart Galleries are typically those who have had to wait longer for adoptions, such as older youth, sibling groups, or children with medical needs.
“We’ve been a part of it for many
years,” said Mark Melson, president and CEO of Gladney. “It’s been a great resource to invite people in a very easy kind of a nonpressure way to learn more about kiddos who may be available for adoption.”
Gladney is expected to make more than 200 total placements a year, according to Melson. That after the agency took over the operations and staff of Madison Adoption Associates in Delaware, a major adoption agency that services families and children all over the world.
With the addition, Gladney will be able to offer more options to families seeking adoption with new countries to consider, including Thailand, Philippines, Hong Kong, Bulgaria, Ecuador, and Dominican Republic.
Moreover, the move has given Gladney extended licensing in more states and allows it to offer home study services and support in additional locations.
Gladney is now the largest “diverse” agency in the country of those organizations that do placements out of foster care, international adoptions, and domestic adoptions.
“With the addition of Madison, that added a lot more to our international side,” Melson said. “Ours had slowly gotten smaller. The footprint now is continuing to grow, and it’s going to continue.”
Gladney will operate the Heart Gallery in Tarrant County as well as 18 other North Texas counties, including Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Fannon, Grayson, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell, and Wise.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker is an advocate of Heart Gallery, urging local businesses to “consider hosting a Heart Gallery photo display in your office.”
The national model for the Heart Gallery originated with the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department in 2001. It has since helped connect foster children with adoptive families in cities and states.
The state of Texas embraced the concept in recent years. Community partners and adoption agencies enthusiastically came forward to assist the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services in its efforts to promote the adoption of Texas children.
In the most recent Legislative session in 2023, the Legislature approved funding to expand the Heart Gallery program to all 11 regions in the state.
“We raised our hand and said, ‘Look, this is a big core of what we do, finding homes for kiddos. We’ve got the ability to invest in this area a little bit,’” Melson said. “So, we actually kind of took some of it on before the funding came out in hopes that we would get the nod [to lead this region], and we ultimately did.”
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by John Henry
Go Route
Texas Wesleyan football coach ready and raring.
Texas Wesleyan clearly has a working title on this era of the 134-year-old university on East Rosedale.
Football. Football. Football.
The program has been everything the board of trustees and then-President Fred Slabach envisioned — from enrollment booster to “true profit center” to enhancing the student experience — since it was reinstituted for the 2017 season.
“Consistently since 2017, when we brought the program back, football has increased the revenue it brought to the university,” said Texas Wesleyan President Emily Messer, now almost a full year on the job.
Much of that is through increased enrollment from football players and financial donations.
Suffice to say, with that kind of impact, finding the right guy to replace the founding father of the second iteration of Texas Wesleyan football was critical.
The university believes it has.
He is Brad Sherrod, a longtime college assistant, who takes over for Joe Prud’homme.
“There’s commitment and there’s excite-
ment,” says Sherrod, 54, of the university’s support for football. “I’m just happy for the opportunity that they’ve given me to do this. It’s always been a lifelong dream of mine to be a head coach. For them to give me that opportunity is something I take seriously, and I cherish.”
There is much to do in a short amount of time. Sherrod wasn’t hired until May. Fall camp begins July 28. Game 1 is scheduled for Aug. 29 against Lindsey Wilson College of Kentucky at the Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium, site of the Rams’ home games for the next two seasons.
Wesleyan will begin playing home games on campus in 2026. The stadium will be on the west side of campus. The playing surface, the track, and lights have already been installed. They’ll next break ground on the field house, followed by home and visitor stands, which will seat about 7,500.
Sherrod played and graduated from Duke, where he spent 11 seasons on staff coaching linebackers, tight ends, and running backs. In his most recent job, he coached linebackers at UT San Antonio, which has enjoyed its best seasons in recent years.
Fort Worth was his recruiting territory at UTSA.
“I’ve always had a really good feeling for Fort Worth and its players and coaches here,” he says.
Sherrod also had coaching stints at Delaware, Sam Houston State in Huntsville, and Wake Forest. His first job was at University of Massachusetts.
“When people watch us, I want to make sure that they see that we’re playing with great enthusiasm, that we’re a physical and tough football team, and that our kids are having fun out there,” Sherrod says. “If our guys are doing those things, we’ll win games.”
That he actually took over a program at Wesleyan is notable. Prud’homme built it from scratch. He stepped down in the spring after consecutive winning seasons of 9-2 and 8-2.
“We have a good foundation,” Sherrod says. “I thought he did a great job. We got some good players here. We just need to keep building on that and building on that success, and I think we can.”
Around Cowtown in 8 Seconds
A smattering of things you might’ve missed
1. Putting the Stock in the Stockyards Fort Worth Heritage Development announced plans to pour $630 million into the Fort Worth Stockyards, an investment that will add 300,000 square feet of commercial space, 500 hotel rooms, and 295 apartments by December 2032.
2. Damn It, Dallas! The Dallas City Council, in a unanimous 14-0 vote, hit the brakes on a proposed highspeed rail to run between Fort Worth and Dallas, pausing the project for four months for an economic impact study.
3. Higher Learning Fort Worth ISD will be raising teacher salaries for the next school year — a 2% raise with a new starting annual salary of $63,000. According to the district, this makes them one of the most competitive in the state.
4. Cheap Eats According to a study by The Cookie Rookie, Fort Worth ranks as the most economical city in the U.S. for dining out, averaging $60 for a three-course meal for two people. Now tell that to Del Frisco’s.
5. The Wheel of Doubtfulness The Trinity River waterwheel, a floating trash collector charged with cleaning up the Trinity, is $600,000 short of its funding goal, meaning the proposed summer launch seems unlikely.
6. Unintended Passenger A woman who stole a van belonging to a mortuary service got more than she bargained for after realizing the vehicle was carrying a dead body. For reasons unknown, she parked the van at the Fort Worth Zoo and was later taken into custody.
7. Woven History The new exhibition at the Kimbell Art Museum, “Art and War in the Renaissance: The Battle of Pavia Tapestries,” opened to the public June 16, showcasing intricate battle-themed tapestries and armor from over 500 years ago.
8. Nip and Tuck The once-popular, former prime-time Fox News host, Tucker Carlson, who recently made headlines for rubbing elbows with Vladimir Putin, will be stopping by Dickies Arena on Sept. 24, when he’ll be joined by, strangely enough, Roseanne Barr.
Brad Sherrod
by John Henry
Robert Hughes: 1928-2024
Robert Hughes, the iconic Hall of Fame basketball coach and cultural giant in Fort Worth and the Stop Six neighborhood whose influence will be felt for generations to come, died June 12.
He was 96.
At the urging of his college coach, Hughes came to Fort Worth in 1958 to become a high school basketball coach at I.M. Terrell. He later moved to Dunbar, where he became a national figure.
When he retired in 2005 after 47 seasons, Hughes had won more games than any high school boys coach in the nation — 1,333. His storied career included five state championships, including three at Terrell. His teams were state runners-up three times. Between 1977-2003, Hughes took Dunbar to the state final four in Austin 12
times, including 10 in a 17-year run. He was the 2003 National High School Coach of the Year.
The Flying Wildcats at Dunbar were a brand, epitomized by his fastpaced, full-court, tough-as-nails style of play. His teams took the court fully confident that no opponent would outwork them or be tougher, an ethic imparted on them by their coach.
In 2017, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. He is also a member of the National High School Hall of Fame, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame, the Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame, and the Texas Southern University Hall of Fame.
The Fort Worth school district’s court at Wilkerson-Greines Activity
Center, which he roamed as players and onlookers watched in adulation, is named for him. Fort Worth Housing Solutions paid tribute to Hughes’ impact in the community by naming a mixed-use affordable housing development in his honor.
His was among the greatest lives in the history of Fort Worth. He was a gentleman’s gentleman whom I got to know a little through a number of conversations over the years.
“Coach Hughes was the most important man my life, following my father,” says James Cash, who played for Hughes at Terrell before going on to becoming the first Black scholarship athlete in the Southwest Conference for TCU and later enjoying a distinguished career in academia and business. “He served as a father figure for many young men and women during the time I learned from him at I.M. Terrell, and I’m sure that continued when he moved to Dunbar.
“He taught by his personal behavior and actions rather than words. To this day, many of the things I do and the way I analyze and think about things are heavily influenced by him. Many of the positive things that I have experienced in life would never have happened if I had not met Coach Hughes.”
Hughes was born on May 15, 1928, in Bristow, Oklahoma.
After high school, he joined the Army rather than accepting an offer to attend Langston College in Oklahoma. The head football coach there was also the head basketball coach, he told me several years ago.
“I was gonna have to play football,” he said. “Well, I rejected that.”
After he left the service, Hughes went to Texas Southern. He played under Coach Ed Adams. After Texas Southern, Hughes was drafted by the Boston Celtics. He also played for the Harlem Magicians, an exhibition enterprise in the spirit of the rival Globetrotters.
Hughes met his future wife, the former Jacquelyne Sue Johnson, in
1954 at Tennessee State University in Nashville, where the Magicians were playing. Jacquelyne Hughes died in 2014. The Hugheses were parents to four children, including Bob Hughes Jr., who succeeded his father as coach at Dunbar. Another son, John Charles Hughes, preceded his parents in death. The family included two daughters, Robin Hughes and the Rev. Carlye Hughes, the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark in New Jersey.
Hughes returned to earn his degree at University of Tulsa while working at Douglas Aircraft. He later earned a master’s from Texas Wesleyan.
His former coach at Texas Southern, Adams, called him with advice: “Hughes, you need to go into coaching,” Hughes recalled. “He called me back with three high school jobs.”
The one he took was at I.M. Terrell.
Hughes won three state titles in the segregated Prairie View Interscholastic League, in 1963, ’65, and ’67. He won two more in the University Interscholastic League at Dunbar, in 1993 and 2003.
However, the Flying Wildcats were often knocking on the door in Austin. Hughes’ Dunbar teams were state runners-up three times. After winning the Class 5A state title in 1993 behind stars Charles “Spider” Smith, who went on to a professional career in the National Basketball Association, and Anthony Burks, Hughes was selected the 2003 National High School Coach of the Year at age 74.
During the stretch from 1974 until his retirement in 2005, Dunbar made 30 consecutive playoff appearances and won 25 district championships.
“His kids were so disciplined. And they bought into the culture of his program,” said Jim Wall, 79, who coached gainst Hughes at Paschal and Western Hills, among others, in Fort Worth for many years. “He did a great job developing kids. They got better every year playing for him. And he was a fierce competitor.”
Hughes was strict and demand-
ing but a great motivator. He was an advocate for his players, but he kept the relationship as mentor to student.
“He meant a hell of a whole lot to me,” says Quincy Alexander, Dunbar basketball player, Class of 1992. “He was a father figure to me. I’m honored to be a part of his legacy, [a product of] his leadership. I love him, I’m going to miss him, and I thank him.”
Alexander, who played at Lamar and North Carolina-Charlotte, and Goss were merely two of too many to tell who found their way to universities through Hughes and basketball. Hughes, former player Sam Goss reminds, also coached girls volleyball.
“He loved what he did, or he wouldn’t have done it for so long,” Goss says. “And then, of course, he actually taught a class, which was health. So, he had the opportunity to touch all the students, not just basketball players.”
Hughes was also quick-witted and clever, renowned for his one-liners.
“You can’t hit a bull in the ass with a handful of sand,” Anthony Burks recalls, laughing, one of the coach’s favorite lines for guys who were having difficult shooting games.
Burks, who went on to play at Texas A&M and TCU, was later involved in Hughes campaigning for the bond proposal to build Dickies Arena. Proponents for building the arena, including Ed Bass, wanted Hughes to speak to African American voters about the need for the arena.
Bass agreed to meet Hughes and personally show him renderings of the building. They had never met, Burks recalls.
“Coach Hughes was shaking Ed Bass’ hand. And he said something that was the funniest icebreaker. It had Ed Bass rolling. Everybody was laughing who took part in the meeting. He said, ‘When my wife was living, my premier job was to chauffeur her when we both were retired. I would chauffeur her around town
and take her shopping.’ And he said, ‘I told her, look, remember, you’re married to Robert Hughes not Robert Bass.’”
Hughes agreed to help with the political pitch. Today, a tribute to Hughes greets all the performers who enter Dickies Arena through the passageways into the arena. Included is a quote from Hughes: “Ask every day, ‘What can I do today to be the best?’ And then do it.”
“When I think about the coach and the impact he had on the community, it’s important that people realize when he coached those boys, he also coached their families,” says Fort Worth Mayor Pro Tem Gyna Bivens, who represents Stop Six. “Families of those who played under him got the benefit of his wisdom, his leadership, his knowledge. He really cared about people and had tangible ways of showing that.”
July
4
Fourth of July Party at Rooftop Cinema
Celebrate Independence Day by immersing yourself in all things U.S.A. — barbecue, fireworks, Americana music, libations — at one of the best views this city has to offer.
Rooftop Cinema Club rooftopcinemaclub.com
4
USA Taekwondo U.S. National Championships
For the third time in five years, USA Taekwondo will hold its national championships at the Fort Worth Convention Center, where an estimated 1,300 Taekwondo athletes will compete for gold.
The Fort Worth Convention Center fortworth.com
16
‘Mamma Mia!’
Get your ABBA on at Bass Performance Hall as a mother, daughter, and three possible dads — as of press, Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan will not be joining the touring cast — sing out their feelings. Bass Performance Hall basshall.com
19 - 20 Hold My Beer With Randy & Wade
Less than a year after releasing the third installment of their Hold My Beer EP series, Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen are back with a fourth. The duo is hitting seven Texas cities during their July tour, with Cowtown securing a pair of dates.
Billy Bob’s Texas billybobstexas.com
20
The Polyphonic Spree
The Dallas-based choral rock band, that is equal parts The Beatles, The Association, and Ozzy Osborne, brings its energetic, confetti-filled live show to Tulips. Tulips tulipsftw.com
21 Missy Elliot
The multi-GRAMMYnominated, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliot steps out on her very first headlining tour along with hip-hop icons Busta Rhymes, Ciara, and Timbaland.
Dickies Arena dickiesarena.com
25
Janet Jackson
Janet, or “Ms. Jackson if you’re nasty,” hits Fort Worth for the second year of her Together Again tour. Though she hasn’t released any new music in nine years, her back catalogue ensures an epic show.
Dickies Arena dickiesarena.com
July 13
26
‘The Handless King’
Follow two government employees from the Assyrian Empire while they tally the dead in the wake of battle, knowing by day’s end only one of them can keep their job. A production inspired by real artifacts from 728 BCE.
Amphibian Stage amphibianstage.com
Cage The Elephant
Touring behind their sixth studio album, NeonPill, this Kentucky-bred six-piece has cranked out hits, including the radio-friendly “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked,” for nearly two decades.
Dickies Arena | dickiesarena.com
photos provided by
The Fort Worth Convention Center //
Billy Bob’s Texas // Bass
Performance Hall // Dickies Arena
by Shilo
Paris, Texas
Population: 24,407
Crowned by a bright-red cowboy hat, the 65-foot Eiffel Tower in Paris encapsulates the town’s personality: Lone Star pride and French imaginings enlivened by a touch of quirk. Found in the northeast corner of the state at the edge of the Piney Woods, Paris leans into the connection with its slightly more famous namesake. You can race your bicycle in the local Tour de Paris, watch the Grand Prix (of
motorboats), and admire paintings by homegrown impressionists at the Plaza Art Gallery.
Yearning for a fresh baguette or flaky chocolate croissant? The chefs at Paris Bakery flaunt their finesse with French pastries: cream-stuffed eclairs, pint-size apple tarte tatins, and ruby-red strawberry tarts. Let them eat cake — or try the European-style sourdough, a tasty base for
turkey and provolone sandwiches smeared with raspberry mustard. When cabernet o’clock rolls around, Vin de Paris wine bar and creperie pairs flights of reds and whites with charcuterie boards and house-made sorbets. Their sweet and savory crepes come in flavors like blackberry and strawberry Nutella — and you might just encounter a bestdressed Dolly Parton contest or a paint-your-pet art class.
Most of the shops and restaurants cluster around Paris’ cute downtown square, which centers not around the Lamar County Courthouse but the Culbertson Fountain. Steps lead up to the oak-shaded landmark, built from a single block of Italian Carrara marble in 1927. Lion faces spout streams of water, and a smiling cherub up top lovingly cradles a fish. While the buildings around the plaza date largely from the World War I era, Paris’ heyday hails from the late 1800s: the era of railroads and cotton. You’ll find a small but impressive array of well-maintained houses from this time, including the Italianate Kaufman Terrace and the Wise House, a unique Queen Anne made of red brick. The architectural pièce de résistance is the 1868 Sam Bell Maxey House, a state historic site that offers hourly tours. Both floors of the Italian villa-inspired Victorian are filled with the Maxey family’s original furnishings and even their clothing.
The Maxey House is just a few blocks away from Evergreen Cemetery, home to a true Paris, Texas, original: Jesus in cowboy boots. Topping the tomb of one Willie Babcock, the 19th-century statue is just one of the memorable stone monuments in the burial ground; there’s also a lifesize buffalo and intricate carvings of swords, sheep, and cotton bales. If the cemetery ignites your cravings for idiosyncratic attractions, be sure to visit the Grecian peristyle at Bywaters Park and the giant soup can outside the Campbell’s factory. At Lamar County Historical Museum,
Texas Eiffel Tower
Urban
you can admire an iron lung, a vintage shoe collection, and a modernized outhouse.
But in Paris, all roads lead back to the Texas Eiffel Tower. After an earlier wooden replica was destroyed by a tornado, the local welders’ union built a flashy new version in 1993. The signature red cowboy hat was added later after the city of Paris, Tennessee, erected a similar replica that was 5 feet taller. With the addition of the hat, the Texas Eiffel Tower could once again claim to be the biggest and the best — at least on this side of the Seine River.
Explore Paris
Savor: Okra tacos? Yes, please. The deep-fried nuggets are wrapped in warm corn tortillas with bacon, green onions, tomatoes, and a spicy-sweet sauce at 107, an open-air restaurant and beer garden in a historic downtown building. There’s a primo selection of Texas craft beers and upscale pub fare like pulled pork, grilled cheese sandwiches, and fried green tomato BLTs. Hit up Scholl’s Bros. BBQ for serious smoked meats including a Slammwich with brisket, hot links, and white cheddar mac. Ask for the off-menu specials at Torres Mochas, where you can try authentic Guanajuato-style Mex-Mex cuisine.
Shop: Antique hunters will be in heaven with more than a dozen mom-and-pop stores within walking distance in the downtown area. Start by perusing the rustic cache of French farmhouse finds at Monique’s, from weathered sideboards to delicate accent chairs and milky-white pitchers. The eponymous Monique hails from Paris, France, and returns home each year to source more treasures for her store. Browse the old-school aisles of Swaim Hardware for everything under the sun and stop by Crazy Horse Western Wear for a thorough selection of boots, clothing, saddles, and tack.
Enjoy: Cycling is big news in Paris, whose Trail de Paris connects with 130 miles of paved and unpaved pathways along the Northeast Texas Trail. Wooded and covered with a thick canopy of evergreens, the Trail de Paris is a tranquil respite with plenty of shade (and an interesting scale model of the solar system). Dogwoods bloom in spring and copious crepe myrtles color the landscape in summer, not just around the trails but all over town. Warm weather also brings out the 70-piece Paris Municipal Band, which performs free Friday night concerts in June and July. Now in its 102nd consecutive season, the orchestra’s members range from teenagers to septuagenarians — and many have been playing these summertime shows for over 50 years.
Snooze: Find the most fashionable digs on short-term rental sites like Airbnb and Vrbo, such as the McDonald House — an airy, modern downtown loft with a private pool, backyard, and garage. Nearby are the 1st Street Lofts, an art deco-inspired retreat located in a restored 1916 building. Glam touches include a blue velvet couch, chic tilework, and a black-and-white bathroom with a freestanding tub. One “swanky bungalow” has bachelor pad vibes with a cool concrete shower and black shiplap walls. If you prefer a hotel, the Hampton Inn gets the highest marks.
How to Get There: Drive northeast out of Fort Worth on TX-121. Stay on 121 all the way to Bonham (about 96 miles total), passing DFW Airport and merging and splitting with various freeways through the metroplex including the Sam Rayburn Tollway and US-75 in McKinney. Just past Bonham, turn right onto US-82 E and follow it for 37 miles into Paris. The whole trip takes about two hours and 10 minutes with no traffic.
Culbertson Fountain
The Historical Paris Public Library
Paris Texas Restaurant
CONNECTING PEOPLE TO
THEIR DREAMS
Corner of the Garage to Corner Office
You’ve always been fascinated by how things work – whether taking things apart or researching the finer points of a business plan. Likewise, our passion is connecting people to their dreams by learning what truly makes them tick. Every great relationship has an Origin story. Start yours today at Origin.Bank/YourStory
We know there’re a lot of you (newcomers) out there. Last we checked, over 21,000 of you hightailed it to our great city just last year, which makes Cowtown the fastest-growing city among the 30 most populous places in the U.S. of A. And we’re hoping this handy guide will help you become better acquainted with your new home. Whether young and single, retired and loving it, or married with some youngsters, we’re about to put you on the bullet train to calling yourself a local.
Eat & Drink
BUCKET LIST BITES
Calf fries from Riscky’s: Also called Rocky Mountain Oysters or, more bluntly, deepfried bull testicles. That’s right, folks. It’s not hazing ’cause we’re not forcing ya, but an order of calf fries is one way to earn your Cowtown stripes. 122 E.
Chicken-fried steak from Star Cafe:
Stockyard steakhouses Cattlemen’s, H3 Ranch, and Riscky’s get more attention thanks to their Vegas-inspired signage, but for our money, the best chicken-fried steak — a battered favorite in this town — is from a simple diner across North Main Street. 111 W.
Gorgonzola cheese fries from Lili’s Bistro: Cooked-to-perfection waffle fries sprinkled liberally with large flakes of the famously pungent — and delicious — cheese. Once you scarf down a plate of these bad boys, Chick-fil-A will no longer be at the top of mind when dreaming of waffle fries. 1310 W. Magnolia Ave.
Ice cream from MELT: The Near Southside staple is a must-visit spot on hot summer days, even if one must wait their turn for these creamy confections in a line that goes out the door. MELT has a seasonal menu, but our favorite flavor is Cup of TX: roasted coffee and cream. 1201 W. Magnolia Ave., Ste. 115
Loaded cornbread from Smoke-a-holics: From one of the city’s best barbecue joints,
you can call this menu item Fort Worth’s answer to KFC’s Famous Bowl — brisket, beans, cheese, greens, sour cream, and a healthy dose of ’cue sauce on a thick and delicious loaf of cornbread. 1417 Evans Ave.
Texas red chili from White Elephant Saloon: Don’t call it a winter meal; you can eat this dish any time of year in Cowtown. This version — the same served at chef Tim Love’s Lonesome Dove — includes ground beef, loads of spices, and, most importantly, no beans. 106 E. Exchange Ave.
The Rebecca at Carshon’s Delicatessen: Our food editor, Malcolm Mayhew, describes this sandwich as “Perfectly sliced layers of pastrami and smoked turkey accompanied by a blanket of cream cheese and Russian dressing, all of which evenly dispersed between three pieces of grilled egg bread.” Delish. 3133 Cleburne Road
Sour Pickle Beer from Best Maid Pickles and Martin House: In an unlikely pairing, two of the city’s most well-regarded food and beverage companies combine forces to bring brew lovers the best of two phenomenal worlds: pickles and beer. Bonus: You can snag a Turtleback Boilermaker from Nickel City that pairs the beer with Jameson Black Barrell. 220 S. Sylvania Ave., Ste. 209
TRIED & TRUE SPOTS
Where the average Fort Worthian is a long-time patron.
Mama’s Pizza: Every town is a pizza town — New York does not have a monopoly on pies — and the best in Fort Worth is the thick-crusted slices from this multilocation joint, which has been around since 1968. Multiple locations
Tokyo Cafe: Whether you’re craving sushi, ramen, fried rice, or name-a-favoriteJapanese-dish, this quaint Camp Bowie diner is a go-to spot. Tip: Make reservations if going for dinner. 5121 Pershing Ave.
Joe T. Garcia’s: Not just the best patio experience in Fort Worth, it’s the best patio experience, period. And the family-style enchiladas and stiff margaritas, which they’ve been serving up since 1935, are awfully good to boot. 2201 N. Commerce St.
Reata: Currently occupying a temporary spot off Sundance Square, this upscale restaurant with delicious Southwestern fare is set to move in the near future, but that won’t stop us from grabbing reservations, wherever they end up. 530 Throckmorton St.
Bonnell’s: If the state of Texas had a quintessential fine dining menu, it’d look a heck of a lot like Bonnell’s, which offers Lone Star spins on classic dishes — and dang good steaks. 4259 Bryant Irvin Road
Spiral Diner: In a city called Cowtown, one would think finding solid vegan fare would be a chore. Thanks to this spot, such assumptions are dead wrong — and don’t assume meat eaters won’t love the food, too. 1314 W. Magnolia Ave.
Drew’s Place: What started as a sandwich shop in 1987 eventually morphed into one of the city’s best soul food and country cooking joints. We can’t recommend the fried chicken enough — no batter is better. 5701 Curzon Ave.
MELT Ice cream (pictured above)
Iconic, must-try dishes
BBQ and Burgers
Boston has its beans; Baltimore, its crabs; and Seattle, its salmon. There are foods that certain cities take very seriously and of which they claim ownership — don’t even think about trying them elsewhere. So, what is the culinary staple of a city called Cowtown, you may ask?
RAILHEAD
In the new world of craft barbecue, these guys have stuck to the basics ... ’cause they’re dang good at it.
2900 Montgomery St.
PANTHER CITY
Juicy meats by the pound or on your fave Mexican dish. Plus, sides on sides on sides.
201 E. Hattie St.
Barbecue and burgers, naturally.
HEIM
Ground zero of the craft barbecue boom in Fort Worth — and home to scrumptious bacon burnt ends.
1109 W. Magnolia Ave.
SMOKE-A-HOLICS
Off-the-beaten-path joint that serves up BBQ with a soul food twist in the city’s east side.
1417 Evans Ave.
ANGELO’S
You won’t find a bigger taxidermy collection in the city, which must mean the ’cue’s on point.
2533 White Settlement Road
HURTADO
Arlington-based restaurant that delivers excellent TexMex barbecue and now has a Cowtown location.
1116 Eighth Ave.
GOLDEE’S
Named 2022’s best barbecue joint in the state by Texas Monthly. Need we say more?
4645 Dick Price Road
BRIX
Now in a Near Southside brick-and-mortar after gaining a solid reputation serving ’cue from a chrome RV.
1012 S. Main
What to drink: Sweet tea Condiments: BBQ sauce, but not too sweet and just the right spice Sides: Yes, all of them Do not: Wipe your hands after every rib you touch
KINCAID’S
A Camp Bowie favorite with communal picnic tables inside an old grocery store.
4901 Camp Bowie Blvd.
FUEGO
Tip: When you order a burger from Fuego, order it with grilled cheese or don’t order it at all.
4400 Benbrook Blvd., Ste. 108
FRED’S
Thick patties with equally thick toppings on Texasinspired menu items.
7101 Camp Bowie Blvd.
RODEO GOAT
Not your standard patty and bun, this joint’s inventive variations get pretty wild.
2836 Bledsoe St.
CHARLIE’S
The very definition of an oldfashioned burger wrapped in checkered wax paper.
4616 Granbury Road
BIG KAT
Giant, made-to-order creative concoctions (PB&J burger?) from a food truck in the Near Southside.
200 Bryan Ave.
HOOKER’S GRILL
Onion fried burgers with the best chili cheese fries the Stockyards has to offer.
213 W. Exchange Ave.
M&O STATION
Greasy, finger-licking burgers tucked away in the city’s Foundry District.
200 Carroll St., Ste. 110
What to drink: Coke (and by that, we mean any kind of soda) Condiments: Mustard only Sides: Fries, onion rings, etc. (anything deep-fried and consumed with fingers, really) Do not: Eat with a fork and knife
WHY
FORT WORTH HAS THE BEST BBQ
Once upon a time long ago in a small Texas town, Fort Worth barbecue empresario Walter Jetton smoked the only American state dinner not held at the White House.
The “Spareribs Summit Meeting” between West German Chancellor Ludwig Erhard and Lyndon Johnson at Stonewall High School earned Jetton international recognition. Fast-forward to 2024: It’s now Fort Worth barbecue that is earning international acclaim. In fact, we’d go so far as to call it the best damn barbecue on God’s green earth.
The barbecue capital of the world has moved up Interstate 35 from Central Texas, settling in quite nicely here thanks to smoked brisket innovators who have given Cowtown a whole new context.
Goldee’s, Panther City BBQ, and Hurtado have all earned recognition by Texas Monthly as among the Top 50 barbecue joints in Texas. Goldee’s, in fact, was ranked the best in the state. Panther City enjoyed a place in the Top 10. Heim is clearly a people’s choice award, its craft fare now gobbled up in four locations in Fort Worth-Dallas.
The New York Times tapped Smoke ’N Ash in Arlington as one of 2022’s best new restaurants. We’re not exactly simply top heavy, either. The bench is as deep as it’s ever been. This barbecue team has incredible depth. BBQ on the Brazos, Brix, Jambo’s, and Smoke-a-holics merely a few of many, including the venerable establishments, Angelo’s, Cousin’s, and Railhead, which remain dependable staples. What has made it so good is a Fort Worth kind of passion and enthusiasm for the craft, great beef in the tradition of the famed cattle ranchers of yesteryear, and a unique blend of old-fashioned technique, excellent ingredients, and cultural influences sprinkled in. Carry on, Smokers. — John Henry
AN ODE TO TX WHISKEY
TX Whiskey and I were love at first taste. Not that I recall the time and place.
But that it left a memory as I sent it swirling around my palate — its sweet flavor stimulating every point of my taste buds, which worked in harmony to savor the moment — there is no doubt.
That I wanted a return date, there was no doubt.
The award-winning mashup is a homegrown creation of Fort Worth business partners Leonard Firestone and Troy Robertson, who founded the distillery in 2010. Their TX Blended Whiskey won distinction as “Best American Craft Whiskey” in 2013 and later that year double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
That kind of exposure sent it on a rocket ship-like trajectory that soon had the business outgrowing its original location.
An ambitious brand with iconic dreams needs an iconic location, so, the distillery moved to the site of the former Glen Garden Country Club, onetime workplace of legendary golfers Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson.
Whiskey Ranch is a 112-acre refuge for lovers of TX Whiskey, now owned by Pernod Ricard. — John Henry
NEWBIES FOR NEWCOMERS
If you wanna get ahead of the curve.
61 Osteria: If you’ve got an itch for some traditional pasta dishes and great cocktails in a fine dining setting, this downtown spot checks all the requisite boxes.
500 W. Seventh St.
Don Artemio: A James Beard finalist in 2023, the menu at Don Artemio offers a contemporary take on the flavors of Northeast Mexico. Tip: The Chile Hojaldrado is a chef’s kiss.
3268 W. Seventh St.
Walloon’s: The colossal Seafood Tower — a stunning collection of oysters, shrimp, and tuna — has become one of the city’s most Instagrammable sights. Oh, and everything else is darn good, too.
701 W. Magnolia Ave.
Teddy Wongs: A wide variety of delicious dumpling and wine offerings, including lobster, crab, mushroom, and chicken, have quickly made this unassuming Near Southside spot one of the city’s go-to joints.
812 W. Rosedale St.
Le Margot: We can’t claim that French cuisine is a cornerstone of Fort Worth fare, but Texans love garlic ... just not on snails. This new restaurant from Graham Elliot strikes that balance.
3150 S. Hulen St.
Heirloom Garden
Cafe: Deep in the thick of the flora of nursery Archie’s Gardenland lies this food truck and wellshaded patio spot that serves an ever-changing menu of lunch and breakfast items.
6700 Z Boaz Place
Maria’s Mexican Kitchen: This spot off the Trinity River offers clever twists on classic Mexican fare, including lemon garlic rib-eye fajitas and orange-infused margaritas. 1712 S. University Drive
BARS
Whether sucking down some suds or sipping craft cocktails, these are your spots.
DIVE BARS
Basement Bar: Below the deck of Star Cafe on the west side of Exchange Avenue is where you’ll find no-frills, stiff drinks, and a sign that reads “World’s Smallest Honky Tonk.” 105 W. Exchange Ave.
Showdown: An old-fashioned saloon right off the boujie bricks of Camp Bowie Boulevard with cheap drinks and a couple pool tables to boot. 4907 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Chat Room: Friendly, neighborhood watering hole where, according to legend, Harrison Ford once took a single step in and walked right back out.
1263 W. Magnolia Ave.
TRADITIONAL BARS
Down n’ Out: Popular spot off West Rosedale with a killer karaoke night and the presence of an ever-changing, and always delicious, pop-up or food truck.
150 W. Rosedale St.
Sidesaddle Saloon (pictured top left) Nickel City (pictured bottom left) Ampersand Coffee (pictured to the right)
White Elephant Saloon: Legendary drinking spot in the heart of the Stockyards. Its origins date back to 1884 and the infamous Hell’s Half Acre, so they’re doing something right.
106 E. Exchange Ave.
Nickel City: In the heart of South Main, this Austin-based establishment serves cheap boilermakers, high-end cocktails, and excellent two-patty sliders.
212 S. Main St.
COCKTAIL BARS
Thompson’s Bookstore: Inspired cocktails at a literary-themed spot. Don’t forget to trek up the numerous flights of stairs for a speakeasy. 900 Houston St.
The Usual: Unassuming joint off West Magnolia with a well curated menu of ever-changing, seasonal cocktails and spacious seating. 1408 W. Magnolia Ave.
Sidesaddle Saloon: A quaint cocktail lounge among the hustle and bustle of Mule Alley. Main menu’s concoctions, which include heavy pours, are named after famous cowgirls.
122 E. Exchange Ave., Ste. 240
PERK UP
Places to get your caffeine fix.
*Local roaster
Ampersand
The place to: Drink coffee by day and liquor at night. 3009 Bledsoe St.
Avoca*
The place to: Work from a coffee shop (née home). 1311 W. Magnolia Ave.
Black Coffee*
The place to: Ask about their playlist. 1714 Vaughn Blvd.
Casa Azul
The place to: Study while you eat a concha. 300 W. Central Ave.
Cherry*
The place to: People-watch on West Magnolia. 1121 W. Magnolia Ave.
Sons*
The place to: Interact with fellow caffeinated patrons. 250 W. Lancaster
Love Local
LOCAL BREWS
The place to: Shop for gifts while sipping a cold brew. 4612 SW Loop 820
Fort Worth Coffee Co.
The place to: Grab a top-notch seasonal drink. 4731 Camp Bowie Blvd.
COWTOWN COCKTAILS
Dreamsicle Fizz from Blackland Distillery Bourbon, vanilla cream soda, aromatic bitters, orange ice. 2616 Weisenberger St.
Pecan Old Fashioned from TX Whiskey Ranch TX Whiskey, pecan simple syrup, bitters. 2601 Whiskey Ranch Road.
Beth Dutton from Sidesaddle Saloon TX Whiskey, Licor 43, Ancho Reyes, spicy apple cinnamon syrup, lemon 122 E. Exchange Ave., Ste. 240
See & Do
IF MARRIED WITH KIDDOS
Go to the Fort Worth Zoo to see a whole lotta baby animals: Consistently ranked one of the nation’s top zoos, this home to over 542 species of critters has also experienced a baby boom, with 11 young tykes one can see. 1989 Colonial Parkway
Go to The Herd to experience a reallife cattle drive: Like Old Faithful, twice every day (at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.), drovers lead a herd of longhorns down the bricks of the crowded East Exchange Ave. It’s quintessential Fort Worth. East Exchange Avenue
Go to John Wayne: An American Experience to learn to talk low and slow: The biggest and best museum dedicated to America’s biggest movie star. It’s over 10,000 square feet of nothing but the Duke ... and Roy Rogers’ horse. 2501 Rodeo Plaza
Go to the Museum of Science and History to see (skeletons of) dinosaurs: There are a whole lotta oohs and aahs when one visits this massive museum — which includes plenty of hands-on experiences — with the kiddos. 1600 Gendy St.
IF YOUNG, SINGLE, OR BOTH
Go to Billy Bob’s Texas for twosteppin’: 100,000 sqare feet, 30 bar stations, two stages with Texas-size dance floors, and pro bull riding. It ain’t the World’s Largest HonkyTonk for nothin’. 2520 Rodeo Plaza
Go to Curfew for clubbing: basement of a downtown skyscraper, an ominous Zoltar leads patrons to a neoninfused dance floor with a hoard of disco balls and fog machines.
museum that honors the contribution of the cowgirl and over 200 Hall of Fame inductees. 1720 Gendy St.
Go to Six Flags Over Texas for an adrenaline rush: If a good time for you and your family includes a thrill, no place does it better than this Arlington theme park, which has 14 roller coasters. 2201 Road to Six Flags St. E., Arlington
Go to the Weekly Rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum to get your twang: The world’s only year-round rodeo (Friday and Saturday nights) — roping steers and bucking bulls and broncos — takes place in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards. 121 E. Exchange Ave.
Go to Four Day Weekend for laughs: Call it Cowtown’s version of Chicago’s famed Second City, where the best improv troupe west of the Mississippi puts on a comedic clinic three times a week. (Note: Moving from current location after July). 312 Houston St.
5 STEPS FOR TWO-STEPPIN’
Since it’s incumbent upon the gents to lead, the following is aimed at you, cowboys. Just remember, always look up, stand up straight, and lead with confidence.
1. On the first beat, quickly step forward with your left foot while the lady follows suit by stepping back with her right.
2. On the second beat, quickly step forward with your right foot while the lady steps back her left.
3. On the third beat, slowly step forward with your left foot while she mirrors you with her right.
4. You’re almost home free, cowboy. On the fifth beat (since you stepped slowly on the third step, it should’ve taken an extra beat), slowly step forward with your right foot to complete the pattern.
5. Hold for a beat and give the lady a twirl.
Go to Free Play Arcade or Cidercade for playing arcades while libating: Proof that pinball, Skee-Ball, basketball, and other games that don’t include a ball — PacMan, for instance — get more fun when cocktails (or cider) are involved. 1311 Lipscomb St. 1813 W. Bowie St., Ste. 101
Go to Scat Jazz Lounge for loud trumpets: One of the coolest alleyways in Fort Worth takes you to a classic lounge with candlelit cafe tables and live jazz Thursday through Sunday. 111 W. Fourth St.
Go to Second Rodeo Brewing for chatting in lawn chairs while libating: A sprawling brewhouse with indoor/outdoor seating and the occasional local act serenading 20-somethings. It’s about the best time in Mule Alley. 122 E. Exchange Ave., Ste. 340
Go to Studio 80 for dancing the night away: It may be 80s themed, but that doesn’t mean its music selections aren’t as diverse as the patrons themselves. You’ll find old and young alike cutting a rug on this dance floor. 500 Taylor St.
ART ROW: MUSEUM GUIDE
Having an institution where local residents can view priceless works of art is an essential part of any city. And Fort Worth has three such institutions. Located side-by-side in the city’s Cultural District, each museum offers its own distinct collections in structures designed by worldrenowned architects (Louis Kahn, Philip Johnson, and Tadao Ando). The museums themselves are works of art.
AMON CARTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
What to call it: The Amon Carter
What they have: Everything that spans American artistic creativity: paintings, sculptures, photographs, and works on paper.
Significant piece: “A Dash for Timber” by Frederic Remington
Current exhibition: “
Moving Pictures: Karl Struss and the Rise of Hollywood”
If the museum were a music genre: Folk 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd.
KIMBELL ART MUSEUM
What to call it: The Kimbell
What they have: Everything. Antiquities, European art, Asian art, art of the Ancient Americans, and African and Oceanic art.
Significant piece: “The Torment of Saint Anthony” by Michaelangelo
Current exhibition: “Art and War in the Renaissance: The Battle of Pavia Tapestries”
If the museum were a music genre: Classical
3333 Camp Bowie Blvd.
MODERN ART MUSEUM OF FORT WORTH
What to call it: The Modern
What they have: It’s in the name. Abstract expressionism, pop art, minimalism, post minimalism, and conceptualism.
Significant piece: “Clean Slate” by KAWS
Current exhibition:
“Surrealism and Us: Caribbean and African Diasporic Artists Since 1940”
If the museum were a music genre: Ambient
3200 Darnell St.
LIVE THEATER
With plenty of options, there’s rarely a night a Fort Worthian can’t catch a performance.
Amphibian Stage: Small troupe on South Main that specializes in innovative, experimental performances and an annual festival dedicated to the performance arts.
If the theater were an actor: Parker Posey 120 S. Main
Bass Performance Hall: Home to hit Broadway musicals, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Texas Ballet Theater, and performances from Grammy-winning artists.
If the theater were an actor: Hugh Jackman 525 Commerce St.
Casa Mañana: Dome-shaped theater that boasts family-friendly performances and a separate cabaret space in the heart of the Cultural District.
If the theater were an actor: Kevin Hart 3101W. Lancaster
Circle Theatre: Two blocks from Bass Performance Hall, this 125-seat theater brings avant-garde plays and musicals to Sundance Square.
If the theater were an actor: Miles Turner 230 W. Fourth St.
Hip Pocket: Outdoor theater located near Lake Worth produces locally created, innovative works that promise theatergoers a quirky experience.
If the theater were an actor: Dennis Hopper 1950 Silver Creek Road
Jubilee Theatre: The original home of Black theater in North Texas, Jubilee creates and presents works that reflect the African American experience.
If the theater were an actor: Viola Davis 506 Main St.
Stage West: Just south of Interstate 30, this small-capacity theater regularly puts on performances that are simultaneously funny, entertaining, and challenging.
If the theater were an actor: Greta Gerwig 821 W. Vickery Blvd.
Studio 80 (pictured to the left)
MUSIC VENUES MUSIC EVENTS
BILLY BOB’S TEXAS - Country, rock
The World’s Largest Honky-Tonk. When country music’s biggest acts tour, you better believe Billy Bob’s is on their schedule.
2520 Rodeo Plaza
THE CICADA - Local music, singersongwriters
Small bar and venue that’s become one of the city’s go-to spots to catch local bands and singer-songwriters.
1002 S. Main St.
DICKIES ARENA - Pop, rock, top-40, legacy acts
Giant arena — named one of the top venues in the world — that seats over 14,000 and brings big names to the Fort.
1911 Montgomery St.
PANTHER ISLAND PAVILION -
Electronic dance music, festivals
Home to the annual EDM festival Ubbi Dubbi, this outdoor stage next to the Trinity specializes in multi-act events.
395 Purcey St.
TANNAHILL’S TAVERN AND MUSIC HALL -
Rock, country, indie, legacy acts
Chef Tim Love opened this 1,000-person capacity venue in 2022, which brings country and non-country acts to Mule Alley.
122 E. Exchange Ave.
TULIPS - Indie, punk, folk, rap, hip-hop, etc.
The city’s top venue for national touring indie acts. And it has a killer bar, Low Doubt, and patio in the back.
112 St. Louis Ave.
Concerts in the Garden: Though suspended in 2024 as the Fort Worth Botanic Garden constructs a new stage, this summer concert series brings the music of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra to larger community spaces.
Fort Worth Music Festival: This marked the second year of the Live Nation music festival, which prominently featured Texas-based artists performing in several venues in the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Friday on the Green: A monthly community concert series held at Magnolia Green in the Near Southside, where local musical acts play in the fall and spring.
Southside Spillover: Fort Worth gets a taste of Austin’s annual South by Southwest, when music festival acts head to Cowtown to play Tulips for two days in March.
homeTOWNESfest: For 11 years, Fort Worth has honored the late Townes Van Zandt (who was born and is buried in Fort Worth) with a two-day music festival at Southside Preservation Hall.
Ubbi Dubbi: Prominent electronic music acts take the stage at Panther Island Pavilion for this annual festival that features pulsating beats, light shows, and a whole lotta hair dye.
ESSENTIAL FORT WORTH PLAYLIST
From rock to jazz to funk and folk, Cowtown artists create more than amazing country music. But our country is, indeed, amazing.
FEATURING: Leon Bridges, Toadies, Bobby Day, Van Cliburn, Abraham Alexander, Summer Dean Lou Charle$, Pat Green, Vincent Neil Emerson, Kelly Clarkson, The Cush, Simon Flory, Bob Wills, The Unlikely Candidates
@Jasminealley at the Botanic Garden (pictured above) Dickies Arena (pictured to the right)
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
We’re going to be real with you, if you’re someone who considers themselves an “outdoorsy” type — those who regularly visit REIs and own tents that cost as much as used cars — Fort Worth might not be for you. That said, the city does offer plenty of options for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. The Trinity Trails is a system with over 100 miles of running and biking trails. Lake Worth and nearby Burger’s Lake offer boating, swimming, and diving opportunities. If you enjoy a good hike, Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge, Marion Samson Park, and Westworth’s Airfield Falls Trail, all give you a chance to try out your hiking boots or trail runners.
FOR THE GRAM:
The city’s built-in selfie stations
• Water Gardens
• Sundance Square
• Botanic Garden
• Stockyards (sign)
• Mule Alley
SPORTS
TCU HORNED FROGS
Sport: All (but football reigns supreme)
Why you should root for them: Get used to wearing purple on Saturdays, unless you’re keen on violent stares. Where they play: Amon G. Carter Stadium
TEXAS RANGERS
Sport: Baseball
Why you should root for them: The team came to Arlington in 1972 and has always been a Tarrant County ball club. Also, Nolan Ryan. Where they play: Globe Life Field
DALLAS WINGS
Sport: Women’s basketball
Why you should root for them: Caitlin Clark has made the WNBA a hot item. Where they play: College Park Center, UTA
PANTHER CITY LACROSSE
Sport: Lacrosse
Why you should root for them: Technically, Fort Worth’s only toptier professional sports team. Where they play: Dickies Arena
DALLAS COWBOYS
Sport: Football
Why you should root for them: Despite the town to the east being in their name, the Cowboys have always been America’s Team. Where they play: AT&T Stadium
VAQUEROS
Sport: Soccer
Why you should root for them: While it’s an amateur club, it’s still nice to know the world’s most popular sport has a Cowtown representative. Where they play: W.O. Barnes Stadium
Must-Do Events
Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival
Main Street Arts Festival • Wings Over Cowtown Air Show • Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 (NASCAR)
• Mayfest • PBR World Finals
• Charles Schwab Challenge (PGA)
Fall Gallery Night
ArtsGoggle
Oktoberfest
Christmas in Cowtown
• Lone Star Film Festival
• NCHA World Finals
• Juneteenth Celebration
• Van Cliburn Piano Competition (Every four years.)
• Parade of Lights
• Armed Forces Bowl
• BRIT Lightscape
Know
THE PLACES YOU’LL GO
Districts and hoods we’re sure you’ll frequent.
TCU: The college district is full of old money, beautiful homes, an award-winning zoo, a golf course that hosts a PGA Tour event, an Apple store, and phenomenal bars, burger joints, and taco shops.
Near Southside: A catch-all term for the area that includes Magnolia, South Main, and Fairmount. It’s where you’ll find artists living in bungalows and 20and 30-somethings frequenting bars, restaurants, and coffee shops.
River District: Recent development has added a bevy of urban-style apartments full of amenities to this lush area along the Trinity. It’s an up-and-coming area where there appears to be a lot of investment.
Clearfork: Gucci, Neiman Marcus, and Louis Vuitton all have shops in this masterplanned community and shopping center that opened in 2017. It’s where people with disposable dough can eat, shop, and live.
Cultural District (pictured to the left) The Foundry District (pictured above)
Foundry: In an area northwest of downtown, rows of warehouses have been repurposed into creative office spaces — with murals all about to boot — and boutique restaurants and shops.
Stockyards: The manifestation of Fort Worth’s nickname, Where the West Begins. Saloons, steakhouses, western wear shops, and longhorns walking down the street make for one heck of a good time.
Cultural District: Like the name suggests, this is where you’ll find culture in the form of museums, live musical and theatrical performances, hotel lobby bars, and bucking bulls come January.
West 7th: If you’re on the prowl for loud music, crowded streets, and liquor that flows like the Trinity, this is the spot for you. If not, we recommend avoiding the area after 9 p.m.
Camp Bowie: Also called 377, Camp Bowie Boulevard is a road that stretches west of downtown from University Drive to a traffic circle at the intersection of Southwest Boulevard (183). Along this stretch are boutiques, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops out the wazoo.
River East: Tucked away in the city’s northeast side is an area that encompasses the budding Race Street, Oakhurst, and Sylvania Avenue, which contains a twomile long stretch of road with some of the best taquerias in the state.
Poly: The budding area in East Fort Worth that feels like it’s on the precipice of becoming a go-to spot in the city. The area includes Texas Wesleyan University, which recorded its highest enrollment since 2012.
TALKIN’ FORT WORTH
How to speak (and write) the lingo
The Amon Carter: Amon Carter Museum of American Art. Many a Fort Worth structure carries the name of one of the city’s most renowned residents — and champions — but when someone says his name prefixed with “the,” they’re referring to the museum.
The Bricks: The area along Camp Bowie Boulevard between Interstate 30 and University Drive. So called for its brick road.
Coke: Any soft drink. What others call “soda” or “pop.”
Cowtown, Funkytown, Panther City, Where the West Begins: All legitimate things to call Fort Worth. More on this later.
Dallas: An East Coast city dropped in North Texas that, figuratively, doesn’t come anywhere close to Fort Worth. So don’t you dare refer to Fort Worth as Dallas.
DFW: This is the airport. This is not the name of a city or all-encompassing area. For that, see “Metroplex.” Legitimate requests to change the name to FWD have gone largely ignored.
Fixin’: Substitute for the word “about.” Folks in Fort Worth are always “fixin’ to do something.”
Fort Worth: Not Ft. Worth or Forth Worth.
Howdy: The best way to say hello.
Joe T.’s: Best margarita-infused patio in the world. Not Joe’s or Garcia’s or Joe T. Garcia’s. It’s Joe T.’s.
Metroplex: The combined area that stretches from Benbrook to McKinney and Denton to Mesquite. To Fort Worthians, it’s THE Metroplex. All other metroplexes are simply big cities.
Y’all: A logical contraction of “You” and “All.” Not “you guys” or “you fellas.” Better get used to it, ’cause y’all will hear this a lot.
Stock Show: Colloquialism for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo as a whole. When one refers to the “rodeo,” they are speaking of that specific event within the FWSSR.
HOW TO DRESS LIKE A FORT WORTHIAN
Unless you’ve been living under over-sized shoulder pads, you know that Western wear has never been more “in.” Of course, in Fort Worth, it’s never been out.
TIPS FOR GETTING AROUND QUESTIONS
1. Got a flight to catch out of DFW? Use the Trinity Metro’s TEXRail, which has stations downtown, T&P Station, and the Northside. Parking at stations is free and $2.50 will get you to Terminal B.
2. Don’t be afraid to hop on the Chisholm Trail Parkway if headed out of town south. One would be wise to avoid the perpetual traffic of I-35. It’s worth the future extra bucks one has to pay.
3. If parking downtown, all meters are free on weekends and after 6 p.m. on weekdays. Also, there is free selfparking after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all weekend long in Sundance Square Garage No. 3 (345 W Third Street).
4. Use Molly the Trolley to get around downtown Fort Worth during the day. The vintage-style trolley, which runs every 15 minutes, makes a loop from the Fort Worth Convention Center to Sundance Square.
Must-Own Items:
• Felt cowboy hat (winter)
• Straw cowboy hat (summer)
• Pearl snap
• Any tee or hat with Fort Worth or any of its number of nicknames on it (we love to rep our city)
• Jeans with a relaxed fit or a boot cut
• Western belt buckle with a simblance of an ornate design
& ANSWERS
Why do I see Amon Carter’s name everywhere? From museums to schools to stadiums to streets, there’s admittedly a lot of Carter in Fort Worth, and for good reason. The founder of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Carter was the city’s biggest marketing tool during the 1920s and ‘30s, becoming a boot-wearing, traveling spokesperson who sold the city as “Where the West Begins.” That’s it in a nutshell. Fort Worth wouldn’t be the same without him.
What’s with the Horned Frogs? It’s weird, we know. And dare we say this quirkiness embodies the city? Absolutely. The scraggly-looking lizard, that also happens to be the state’s official reptile, appeared as the name of the school’s yearbook in 1887. How it made its way to the athletic department to become the mascot 10 years later depends on which story you choose to believe. Some say the yearbook name was picked because of a group of “horny toads” that showed up during the football team’s first practice. So, becoming a mascot appears a logical next step. Others say the dean at the time selected it to replace the former mascot, the Fightin’ Preacher Boys. We’ll let your imagination run wild.
Is Fort Worth a fort? At one time, yes. The city was initially founded as an army outpost in 1849 by Maj. Ripley Arnold, who named the newly established fort after Maj. Gen. William Jenkins Worth. While nothing remains of the initial fort, the military has maintained a strong presence in the city, as it’s currently home to a Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, which was previously Carswell Air Force Base.
What’s with all the nicknames? No, Fort Worth does not have an identity crisis. However, there’s no doubt it takes a unique city to embrace nicknames that range from Cowtown to Funkytown. And, while here, you’ll find parts of this city that proudly represent each distinct epithet — all of which are equally amazing.
West 7th District (pictured below)
The Resemblance Is Uncanny
The Resemblance Is Uncanny
Pets and Their Twin Owners
Last year, our magazine held a Cutest Pets in Fort Worth competition. And based on the overwhelming response, it was clear our city loves its fidos and felines. To mix it up, this year, we put out a call in search of pets who bear a striking resemblance to their human companions. The result was how one would guess: adorable. From a goth cat named Daisy to a 19-year-old doggo that loves the Cowboys, you’re about to fall in love with these four-legged fur babies and their two-legged besties.
HONEY: What food is your guilty pleasure? What’s your “cheat” meal?
HANK: Peanut butter! And my cheat meal is anything you or dad are eating at the time — especially a good ol’ steak! I also pride myself on being y’all’s best dishwasher.
HONEY: Who would you choose if you could be friends with a fictional character?
HANK: Ducks! I’m not really a swimmer, but I’ll swim for them! Oh,
Honey and Hank
wait, you asked character. Donald or Daffy Duck!
HONEY: What do you do in your free time (i.e., when I’m not around)?
HANK: I’m a pretty chillax guy, and I love my beauty rest, so you could probably find me napping in my bedroom — also known as your closet.
HONEY: What’s the one thing about me that annoys you the most?
HANK: That you keep me from drinking water out of the Trinity River! I know you brought water for me, but it just doesn’t have the same scrumptious taste.
HONEY: What’s the one thing about me that you love the most?
HANK: I love that you love me so much! But, even more importantly, I love that I have the majority of your and dad’s bed entirely to myself when I sleep! I assume you’re both comfy lying on the edges.
HONEY: Where would you most like to vacation?
HANK: I absolutely love going to Colorado and hiking in the mountains. The water there is so fresh and delicious — even better than the Trinity! Overall, though, anywhere you go is where I want to vacation.
APRIL: What food is your guilty pleasure? What’s your “cheat” meal?
DAISY: Tears of baby bats. But you know I also adore cooked pink salmon out of the can ... preferably Honey Boy.
APRIL: Who would you choose if you could be friends with a fictional character?
DAISY: Loki. Big fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this cat is.
April and Daisy
April and Daisy
APRIL: What do you do in your free time (i.e., when I’m not around)?
DAISY: I like to lie around in the sun, preferably upstairs in the window overlooking the driveway, waiting for you to come home. Unless it’s night, then I lie in the moonlight.
APRIL: What’s the one thing about me that annoys you the most?
DAISY: Two things. First, that
you won’t let me into the sewing room. Of course, I’ve managed to get in a few times and have cried with excitement. Second, that you refuse to take me to the goth clubs.
APRIL: What’s the one thing about me that you love the most?
DAISY: Not that you deserve any praise for this, because it should go without saying, but I do love that you totally adore me and treat me like the goth princess I am.
Which is why I really don’t get the whole me-not-joining-you-at-theclubs thing.
APRIL: Where would you most like to vacation?
DAISY: New Orleans during Halloween. But I will settle for Catalina. Get it?
PARTHA: What food is your guilty pleasure? What’s your “cheat” meal?
BIGGY: I love Pup Cups from ice cream/custard stores. I call them pupaccinos. I have seen you look up what is and isn’t safe for me. But come on, man, let me have some chocolate cake! Just once?
PARTHA: Who would you choose if you could be friends with a fictional character?
BIGGY: Batman. He’s a detective
Partha and Biggy
vigilante, and I could be his inquisitive sidekick! Plus, those gadgets he has look like they’d be fun to chew on.
PARTHA: What do you do in your free time (i.e., when I’m not around)?
BIGGY: I search the home looking for an extra treat that may have fallen out of the treat pouch. And I know you sometimes split one treat into two, thinking I won’t know the difference. I always know the difference. Come on, bro.
PARTHA: What’s the one thing about me that annoys you the most?
BIGGY: It does annoy me when you worry about me too much these days. I’ll be fine, and the time will come when I won’t be around, so live it up, man! Don’t take things so seriously.
PARTHA: What’s the one thing about me that you love the most?
BIGGY: Aside from God, and my aunt and grandparents (in Houston), you have always put me and my
sister (RIP 2016) first. Even if you are tired from a trip, work, etc., you always pick me up and hug me.
PARTHA: Where would you most like to vacation?
BIGGY: Remember when you took me to Galveston to celebrate my grandparents’ anniversary? I don’t like pools or baths, but I loved the beach. So, maybe next time we do Sorrento? Santa Monica Pier? Cozumel? Cancun? Do they make puparitas poolside?
CAMERON: What food is your guilty pleasure? What’s your “cheat” meal?
TUBBS: I love it when you shred rotisserie chicken and give me a bite, but I am committed to a healthy lifestyle. No cheat meals here! Unless you count high protein treats.
CAMERON: Who would you choose if you could be friends with a fictional character?
TUBBS: No disrespect to other animals — all are great except for
Cameron and Tubbs
Cameron and Tubbs
squirrels and lizards — but I make friends with every dog I meet. So, I’ll say Scooby Doo, who seems like a good hang.
CAMERON: What do you do in your free time (i.e., when I’m not around)?
TUBBS: I love to take long naps and doing yoga [Editor’s Note: Humans know this as “big dog stretches”]. When I’m not napping or doing yoga, I’m guarding the house against squirrels and lizards in the backyard. I don’t think you
respect the danger you’re in.
CAMERON: What’s the one thing about me that annoys you the most?
TUBBS: That you make me do tricks for treats. Just give me the treat already! I know you see my side-eye.
CAMERON: What’s the one thing about me that you love the most?
TUBBS: That you give me all the belly rubs and scratches. I especially love it when you come home
from work, and I get to run outside to greet you.
CAMERON: Where would you most like to vacation?
TUBBS: The beach! I love the sand. Like, when you take me to the golf course, and I do zoomies in the sand traps. Except this would be a giant sand trap!
DON: What food is your guilty pleasure? What’s your “cheat” meal?
CARLL GUSTAVO: When my human sisters walk away from their food, I simply jump on the couch and clean their plates dry atop their tv trays. I leave no evidence of my presence, and I feel no shame. I also recently experienced ice cream, and it was delicious!
DON: Who would you choose if you could be friends with a fictional character?
CARLL GUSTAVO: Stitch from
Don and Carll Gustavo
“Lilo and Stitch.” Mostly because I want to meet my doppelganger; I often overhear my humans comparing me to him.
DON: What do you do in your free time (i.e., when I’m not around)?
CARLL GUSTAVO: I start by searching the house for any abandoned plates of food I can rescue. I follow that with a trip to my human sisters’ playroom to relieve myself and finish off my staycation with a long, peaceful dormir (that’s “sleep” in my native French language).
DON: What’s the one thing about me that annoys you the most?
CARLL GUSTAVO: When I exert my independence and put to good use my exceptional social skills and make a visit to the neighbors house.She loves it. Everyone loves it. Except for YOU!
DON: What’s the one thing about me that you love the most?
CARLL GUSTAVO: I love you the most when you treat me like a big dog and give me the big boy bones. The bigger the better! You
know how fast my booty gets to moving when I see bones.
DON: Where would you most like to vacation?
CARLL GUSTAVO: Since I’m only 1 year old, I haven’t explored the world much. But recently, my family and I visited Colorado. Boy, that place was nice and cool! Me and my squished snout could breathe so much better!
A family owned and operated Swimming Pools Design, Build, and Service Company. We specialize in residential and commercial design/builds, weekly maintenance, equipment repair, and renovation. For over twenty-five years we have provided our clients with quality service and an exceptional experience.
The premier stone distributor in the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area, KLZ Stone Supply carries the largest inventory in the region. KLZ travels the world to find the most beautiful stone. Your home is very precious and with that in mind we search far and wide to make sure that every one in our family will help and serve your family. Take the time and stop by and be amazed at our selections and friendly faces. After all you really can’t afford not to.
Pet Pros
Only the best for our pets. When it comes to choosing a professional to care for your pet, we know how important it is to select someone you can trust. In the following pages, passionate professionals will share their expertise and dedication to giving the ultimate care to your pet.
People & Their Pets
Fur babies bring joy to Fort Worth, enriching our community in the most delightful way. Discover the beloved pets of local Fort Worth residents in the pages of the city’s magazine.
Kari Breen Pet Portraits Kari Breen turned two of her passions, animals and photography, into a leading business of pet photography, which includes animal portraits, animal stock photography, dog greeting card line Oliver & Pudge, along with pet photography for Saving Hope Rescue. Coming soon, an online store of photography from 20 years of travels, photographing street dogs and cats in various locations. Besides portrait skills of lighting and posing, Breen says as a pet photographer, one should be patient and not afraid to get a little messy. Breen has three beautiful rescue dogs, Adrienne, Napoli, and Pudge, all of whom were saved from the streets of Fort Worth, 12 years ago. She also shares custody of a King Charles spaniel named Oliver. By owning Marty & Pat’s Frame Shoppe, Breen can finish a completed piece of framed art of your animal. For every session sold, Kari donates a session to a rescue dog needing a home. Donating a portion of proceeds back into animal rescue is also an important part of what makes Kari Breen Inc. unique. It’s important to give back and take care of the innocent. Breen’s advice to new pet owners: “When adopting an animal, its size and energy level are two very important factors to consider. You should also be prepared to give up half of your bed.”
Kari Breen Inc. 5025 Camp Bowie Blvd. | Fort Worth 76107 | 817.832.2537 cell | 817.738.7328 shop karibreeninc@gmail.com | karibreeninc.com
Pet Pros
SHAW’S Paws Pet Care SHAW’S Paws Pet Care offers 16 different caregivers and homes based on your pet’s individual needs. We offer boarding, basic grooming, day care (with daily enrichment activities), walks, training, wellness checks, transport, and more! The activity-based day care includes daily enrichment activities such as basic manners, leash/door control, sit/stay, and play. Voted “Best of” in pet care by Fort Worth Magazine, SHAW’S Paws is a member of PACCC and NAPPS, as well as Pet First Aid/CPR certified. What makes SHAW’S Paws unique is that our pet care is in real homes throughout the DFW metroplex, offering all the comforts of home. Some homes offer care to only one or two pets at a time, other homes offer care to only cats/small dogs, and then some homes have acres of fun and larger packs. From fur to fins, everyone wins with SHAW’S Paws Pet Care, a true family away from family, home away from home experience.
Multiple locations in the DFW area 817.296.1769 | shawspawspetcare.com
Well Groomed Pets Keller
Well Groomed Pets is a premier grooming and wellness center for dogs, where the groomers and bathers are Fear Free and AKC S.A.F.E. certified. Groomers are educated in how to deal with stressed dogs and take the time necessary to ensure they are comfortable and happy before doing any grooming. What sets Well Groomed Pets apart from other groomers is its free 54 Point Wellness Check. All dogs get a complete check from nose to tail. Anything that might need attention is provided in a report to pet parents that can be shared with their vet. Letting pet parents be aware of changes over time allows for early detection of potential problems. Well Groomed Pets’ mission is to partner with pet parents to improve wellness and ensure dogs live long healthy lives.
Well Groomed Pets Keller | 750 S. Main St., Ste. 110 Keller 76248 | 817.484.1860 | wellgroomedpets.com/keller
Pet Pros
Saving Hope Animal Rescue
SHR rescues dogs and cats in the DFW community that have been discarded; provides a safe haven for the animals who have been abandoned, abused, or neglected; and helps find the perfect home that will provide them with a lifetime of comfort and love. Primarily foster and volunteer based, SHR is the voice for these animals and places them in the very best homes. What sets it apart from others in its field is that its intake stays open as long as there are fosters. Meaning, it will take in any dog or cat from any situation, in any condition, if it has an individual or family offering to foster the animal until it is adopted. This year alone, SHR has pulled over 400 animals out of high-kill shelters across the DFW area. The shelters do amazing work, but unfortunately, sickness and disease live in the shelters, and they euthanize due to overpopulation. SHR tries its best to reduce euthanization numbers to zero. A recent innovation, SHR is developing an open concept Rescue Ranch in Aledo that will house, nurture, nurse, and train the animals in its care back to health and serve as a community education program for the public. Some important factors people should consider before adopting: Spaying and neutering are important, and pets are lifelong commitments. SHR is only able to rescue and save lives by having committed fosters to help it set animals up for success and adoption.
Saving Hope Animal Rescue Fort Worth and surrounding areas | 214.914.7368 |savinghoperescue.org
Fort Worth Animal Care and Control
Fort Worth Animal Care and Control is a full-service municipal animal shelter dedicated to the well-being of pets in our community. Its commitment to compassionate care is demonstrated through its comprehensive adoption, foster, volunteer, and donation programs. FWACC strives to find loving and lasting homes for every precious pet in its care. The most important factors to consider before adopting an animal are fit, family, and funds. A pet should mesh well with your lifestyle, family members, and budget. FWACC advises that the easiest and most effective solution to today’s critical pet overpopulation problem is for owners to spay and neuter their animals. This simple, responsible, humane action prevents unwanted litters, reduces shelter populations, and promotes healthier, longer lives for pets. It also helps decrease undesirable behaviors like aggression and roaming, further enhancing the well-being of pets and people in our community. All FWACC animals are spayed/neutered. But for all other pets, there are several local and low-cost options. See the FWACC website for details. FWACC is currently waiving adoption fees. There’s never been a better time to adopt a furry friend from FWACC, including the sweet puppy pictured here.
Fort Worth Animal Care and Control
North Animal Campus | 351 Hillshire Drive | Fort Worth, Texas 76052
Chuck and Brenda Silcox Animal Campus
4900 Martin St. | Fort Worth, Texas 76119 | 817.392.1234 | fortworthtexas.gov/animals
People & Their Pets
Zaza & Brownie :: Robert A. Kaufmann, M.D. :: Doberman pinschers Brownie and Zaza were adopted from the Doberman Rescue of North Texas. Pet parent Robert A. Kaufmann, M.D., describes Brownie as a tripod who was hit by a car, resulting in her amputation. When her owner refused to pay the medical costs and requested euthanasia, DRNT stepped in and rescued Brownie and her most recent litter. “Just one look at Brownie’s brave smiling face on the DRNT website captured our hearts,” Dr. Kaufmann says. “We knew she would be the perfect addition to our family.” Both girls are ready to shower you with extra love and attention as soon as you walk through the door, he says. “No matter what kind of day you have, they’ll make it instantly better.” An experienced airline traveler, Brownie has gone on Kaufmann family beach trips to South Carolina. Zaza likes to stay closer to home and can be found frolicking in the Trinity River, chasing ducks, or socializing at Mutts Cantina. “Zaza is known to take a taste of almost anything if you give her the opportunity,” Dr. Kaufmann says, “and as much as she loves eggs, we prefer ours fertilized at the office!” PICTURED: Zaza, Brownie, and Dr. Kaufmann. Fort Worth Fertility, P.A. Fort Worth Fertility, P.A. | 1800 Mistletoe Blvd. | Fort Worth 76104 | 817.348.8145 | fwivf.com
O icial 2023 Dream Street Plumber for Brian Michael Distinctive Homes and Heritage Homes.
LOCAL EATS AND RESTAURANT NEWS
58
DINING
For years, Shannon Osbakken has brainstormed the concept of the Tropic Lady, which, now open, draws inspiration from her love of travel. Old Vegas, meet Jaco, Costa Rica. A little Austin here, a little Los Angeles there.
by Malcolm Mayhew
Three Times a Lady
North Texas native Shannon
Osbakken
has much to celebrate these days, including the opening of her third business, a way-chill Riverside restaurant called the Tropic Lady.
Fort Worth restaurateur Shannon
Osbakken is one of the most respected names in Fort Worth food circles. With a little help from some friends, she has opened two of the city’s most talked about restaurants – the award-winning gastropub The Bearded Lady and, more recently, its super-chill sibling the Tropic Lady, which offers tropic-themed light bites and breezy and boozy drinks.
In addition, the Arlington nativeturned-devout-Fort Worthian also owns a cool tattoo parlor, Fade to Black Tattoo Co., in the Near Southside area. We tore her away from her busy
schedule to talk beer, burgers, and her unflinching passion for Fort Worth. Fort Worth Magazine: I’m loving Tropic Lady — the laid-back vibe, the funky design, the tropic-inspired eats. Was this concept brewing in your mind for a long time?
Osbakken: The concept for Tropic Lady has been an idea in the making for years. I love to travel. So, I draw inspiration from every place that I visit. Tropic Lady is sort of a hodgepodge of many places I have visited over the years. Old Vegas meets Jaco, Costa Rica, with some Austin and Los Angeles vibes thrown in. I love that
cities like Austin and LA are moving toward more casual, order-at-the-bar service in lots of restaurants now. It’s the fastest growing style of restaurant today, and I see it only continuing to grow and thrive. My partner Sarah Allen has an eye for design also. We had a blast designing, decorating, and creating Tropic Lady together. I feel like you can see that when you walk in. It was fun to step outside of the box with this concept.
FWM: Tell me about the Tropic Lady crew.
Osbakken: My partner in Tropic Lady is Sarah Allen. She has been with me at The Bearded Lady since Day 1. She is a unique, creative, and conscientious person. I wouldn’t have lasted this long in the business without her and the rest of my team. Our GM, Amanda Yunger, has been with us for eight years now. She is a force to be reckoned with and can somehow tame a crew of rowdy cooks and bartenders. We also have some incredible and creative chefs, Tim Boydston and Josh Peterson, who came from working with Tim Love for years, and Rodrigo Cisneros. We all have a lot of fun coming up with crazy ideas, trying them out, and seeing what sticks.
FWM: What were you like as a kid? Were you into music, art, food, or something else?
Osbakken: I was always attracted to counterculture as a teenager. I was quite into the punk scene in high school. I wanted to be an artist or a photographer.
FWM: How’d you get into the food and beverage scene?
Osbakken: I started working at restaurants the day I turned 18. I waited tables for a few years until I got my first bartending job at Sunshine Bar off Division in Arlington, where I grew up, when I was 20. My coworker, Eric, became my husband. We were the founders of Caves and Ozzie’s along with his brother and his wife. But when my husband passed away, they
Photos by Crystal Wise
Shannon Osbakken
forced me out. I chose to focus on opening my own place instead of disputing ownership rights with them. So, I spent a few years scrimping and saving and bartending at JR Bentley’s and plotting my return. Moving to Fort Worth was a fresh start for me in so many amazing ways.
FWM: I didn’t know you had lost your husband.
Osbakken: It changed my life in so many ways. I suddenly became a widow and a single mom to my then-2-year-old daughter, Jameson. The positive side is that it gave me the ambition to elevate our lives and strive for more after pretty much losing everything.
FWM: What led you to Fort Worth?
Osbakken: I moved to Fort Worth in 2013 to open and be close to The Bearded Lady. I wanted to relocate to Fort Worth for years. I loved Magnolia Avenue and the Fairmount neighborhood. It all just felt like home to me. The people, the places, the houses. Best decision of my life.
FWM: What inspired The Bearded Lady and how did you guys land that cool old bungalow?
Osbakken: I have always had a passion for good food and good beer. I felt that the combo of the two was oftentimes overlooked back then. Places like World of Beer or Gingerman had extensive and amazing beer lists but mostly premade food options. And scratch kitchens typically only carried domestic lagers. So, my idea for The Bearded Lady was to combine the two. I came across the space on Magnolia when I was looking for a home for my concept. My ex-partner was renovating the space, and we drew lots of inspiration from the building which was an old house. The name came to us over a few beers and discussing the movie from the 1930s, “Freaks.” My childhood best friend had also been randomly dressing as a Bearded Lady for years, and the name just felt right and fit the building.
FWM: With both restaurants and your tattoo parlor doing well, life must be good these days.
Osbakken: I have had a pretty crazy life! But it’s given me some grit. Things have settled down now with all of the family, and I’m happy with my life and the path this journey has taken for us.
The Chowtown Lowdown
One of Magnolia Avenue’s oldest restaurants is moving — but not far. King Tut, the Mediterranean and Egyptian restaurant at 1514 W. Magnolia Ave., is moving this summer to a space at the Hemphill Crossing shopping center at 508 W. Rosedale St. Rent’s going up and parking’s going down, says owner Amin Mahmoud. “Every year, there’s less and less parking for my customers,” he says, adding that the restaurant is also facing an increase in rent. Mahmoud opened the restaurant in 1992, long before the neighborhood’s redevelopment. Originally, King Tut shared a wall with Mad Hatters, a punk rock venue. When Mad Hatters closed, Mahmoud took over its space, expanding King Tut’s one-room dining room. It’s been a favorite of FortWorthMagazinewriters, editors, and readers for years. Last year, we named it Best Mediterranean Cuisine in our annual Best Of issue — an award it won many times over the decades. But Mahmoud says the move will be a good thing. “The building I’m in now, it’s so old,” he says of the Magnolia location, which was built in 1935. “It needs a lot of work. The new place will be nice, and there’s plenty of parking. Our customers will be happy.” Mahmoud says he’s hoping to open the new location in August; the restaurant will close on Magnolia July 31. kingtutegyptian.com
Fort Worth-born Burgers N Beyond, whose charbroiled burgers are among the best burgers in the city, has opened a new ghost kitchen, called Burgers N Beyond Gourmet, at 3004 Cullen St. True to ghost kitchen form, orders are placed virtually and either picked up or delivered. After developing a following with their first location in the hospital district, owners Ali Taher and Miada Khalaf want to branch out to a different area of Fort Worth — good news for those in the Crestwood, Monticello, and Cultural District areas angling for a fantastic burger. BNB also offers wings, a Philly cheesesteak, a vegan burger, and crinkle-cut fries. burgersnbeyondtexas.com
Toro Toro, the Central and South America-inspired restaurant inside downtown’s Worthington Hotel, has launched a monthlong tribute to the food and culture of Oaxaca. From now until July 28, the restaurant is featuring a special “Destination Oaxaca” menu, designed by chef Richard Sandoval, meant to pay homage to Oaxaca’s food artisans and farmers. The menu consists of a grilled octopus starter, Memela de Pulpo, with guajillo chile ajo, guaje seed crema fresca, chapulines al adobo, and salsa verde cruda; an entree of pork tenderloin topped with Oaxacan mole negro, truffle huitlacoche foam, and grilled peach chutney; and for dessert, creme brulee de calabaza, a riff on creme brulee made with flambéed Nixta Licor de Elote – the world’s first corn liqueur, made from ancestral Mexican Cacahuazintle corn — plus seasonal berries and a fried churro. 200 MainSt.,torotorofortworth.com
Birrieria Y Taqueria Cortez on the city’s east side has evolved from hidden gem to what has to be one of the busiest restaurants in the Texas Wesleyan neighborhood. Owner Rogelio Cortez Jr. has added several bells and whistles to what was once a tiny taco shop, including a covered patio and a deck that overlooks the scenic Sycamore Park. Cortez has also beefed up his menu with several new items, including birria-stuffed chimichangas and birria tostados. Try the birria pizza; it’s outtasite. 2108E.RosedaleSt.,facebook.com/ birrieriaytaqueriacortez/
by Malcolm Mayhew
Mighty Fine
A new, modern Italian restaurant called Farena is upping Arlington’s
fine dining game
In terms of the number of restaurants, and the breadth and variety of those restaurants, Arlington’s food scene is in a class of its own. Some might even argue that Arlington’s restaurant community bests that of Fort Worth’s. How many good Indian restaurants are there in FW? One, maybe two? Arlington has a dozen.
But for all the great global cuisine the city has to offer, Arlington has struggled in one specific culinary art where Fort Worth flourishes: fine dining. Only a handful of fine dining eateries exist in Arlington — a couple steakhouses, the excellent Cafe Amer-
icana, Cut & Bourbon, and Restaurant 506. For a city the size of Arlington — nearly 395,000 and counting — that’s a little embarrassing.
Newly opened Farena is a step in the right direction. Lavish in design, and with top-notch service and food, the in-house restaurant for the new $550-million Lowes Arlington Hotel offers the type of high-end dining experience that the city has long needed.
The focal point of the restaurant’s menu is housemade pasta — a trend currently enveloping Fort Worth. From the linguine de mare, outfitted with
red prawns, mussels and clams, to the short rib ravioli to the simple cacio e pepe, all pastas are made fresh daily. Diners can watch the process, thanks to a pasta-making station housed in the middle of the dining room.
“The idea is to bring true Italian cuisine to Arlington,” says Carl Rogers, the hotel’s director of food and beverage. “We didn’t want to do an Italian restaurant where we just throw a bunch of box noodles into a pot of hot water. If you’re from Italy, we want you to feel like you’re dining at home.”
In preparation for the opening of Farena, executive chef Mouhssine “Moose” Benhamacht traveled to Italy for several days, taking in the pasta-making techniques utilized by Italian cooks and chefs.
“Most Italian restaurants Americanize everything,” Rogers says. “We didn’t want to do that. We want to stay as far away from that as possible. We want everything to be authentic, down to the cheeses we use.”
There’s also an emphasis on pizza, made in twin 900-degree, wood-fired stone ovens. Flavors include classic margherita, spicy sausage, and zucchini. Other menu highlights include crispy squash blossoms, tuna carpaccio with fried capers and pine nuts, a rotating steak option, and a vibrant arugula and apple salad.
“We want to make sure that we cater to everyone,” Rogers says. “We are a hotel, so we have to keep in mind that not everyone is going to want Italian. That’s why we have a steak option and some excellent seafood dishes. We are an Italian restaurant, but we’re good at other things, too.”
Pizza Ovens at Farena Copy
Please visit our showroom or call and make an appointment with one of our dedicated staff members to help you with your new or replacement garage doors and operator needs.
Open Up Garage Doors & Services has been servicing the metroplex for over 22 years! We would like to take this opportunity to say “Thank You” to everyone who has allowed us to be a part of their projects and look forward to many more years together. Here are just a few of our team members that help us everyday make our company successful. Left to Right: (back) Cameron
Victoria Henry, Derrick San Miguel;
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(front)
The 400 FortWorthInc.’s Most Influential, and Person of the Year
On May 23, some of the most influential people across Fort Worth gathered at The Fort Worth Club to celebrate the 2024 Person of the Year, John Goff, and the honorable individuals who were listed as The 400: Fort Worth’s Most Influential People. Fort Worth Inc. hosts this event each year to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments these distinguished individuals have made to benefit the beautiful city of Fort Worth. Additionally, Fort Worth Inc. selects one individual from the list as its Person of the Year. This year, John Goff was selected for the Person of the Year award due to his remarkable work in overseeing the development and opening of The Crescent Hotel Fort Worth, as well as his leadership in the creation of Texas A&M-Fort Worth..
Goff’s acceptance speech embodied the meaning of a true leader as he humbly gave credit to all of the individuals who have helped him get to the successful position he’s in now. The 400 event was a testament to the exceptional contributions of Fort Worth’s finest, celebrating their dedication to enhancing the city’s future. A huge thank you to our sponsors — Platinum Sponsors: Sewell Automotive Companies and Texas Capital; Gold Sponsors: Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP and Texas A&M University in Fort Worth.
Hal Brown, John Goff, John Henry
Brad Hutchins, Jason Stephens, Sharon Fontenot , Jennifer Baggs Kamacioglu, John Goff, Rusty Anderson, Amin Eslami, Matt Wilhelmson, Jeff Schrimpf - Platinum Sponsor - Texas Capital
Bobby Ahdieh, Nina Petty, John & Cami Goff, Cliff Smith
Hollie & Joe T. Lancarte
Kyle & Julie Wilks
photos by Thomas Garza Photography
Local entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for Fort Worth Inc.’s 8th annual Entrepreneur of Excellence award program. Don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate your success and the team that helped to get you there. The awards program application deadline is July 15.
Fort Worth choreographer and principal dancer with the Texas Ballet Theater, Alexandra Light, debuted her new dance piece, “Ode,” at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth in April. This image, taken by photographer Ted Forbes in the foyer of the museum, captures the performance, which features fellow dancers from the TBT. According to Light, the performance is a sequel to her previous dance piece, “Inside Voices,” both of which are accompanied by music from experimental ambient artist Fever Ray.
Get your photo on this page and win a $100 gift card to Fort Worth Camera. Just tag FortWorthMagazine (@fwtxmag) and Fort Worth Camera (@fwcamera) and use the hashtags #fwtxmag and #fwcamera on all your amazing Cowtown images.
@tedforbes
Photo by Ted Forbes
PICTURED: David Elattrache, GM, Platinum Toyota; Justin Rogers, GM, SouthWest Toyota of Lawton Oklahoma; Stephen Gilchrist, Dealer Operator, Gilchrist Automotive
