Why Aussies are flocking to this unexpected American city for their next holiday – and it’s not New York, LA or Miami
New York, LA, Miami… next stop ‘cowtown’?
It’s no household name but a growing number of Australians are bypassing America’s metropolises and party towns in favour of the small western city of Fort Worth, Texas.
Fort Worth, just 45 minutes’ drive west of the key transit hub of Dallas, was a trading outpost for cowboys in the 19th century.
It still boasts that wild west charm even today as a city of a million people – and offers much to do for a tourist who has found themselves in the South.
During a four day visit in February, I found myself feeling like a modern-day cowgirl staying in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards.
Once the country’s third-largest cattle hub, the tourist precinct boasts classic saloons, a rodeo coliseum, shops, restaurants and bars, and – of course – livestock.
Hundreds of spectators flock to the main street twice daily to watch the cattle drive, where cowboys march a herd of impressive longhorn steers through the streets.
I found it a vast improvement over Dallas where, despite its reputation as artsy and historic, is so business-focused even locals struggled to offer recommendations.
In February I visited the Texas for the first time to see why thousands of Aussies are flocking to the destination
The Fort Worth Stockyards, also known as ‘cowtown’, was once America’s third largest cattle stockyards which helped need the nation for almost a century. The one attraction that draws hundreds of people to the main street in front of the rodeo coliseum is the twice daily cattle drive, held at 11.30am and 4pm (pictured)
Doug, an employee at the stockyard’s General Store, said he’s noticed an influx of Aussies pass through in the last 12 months.
‘Every Aussie I’ve served, they’ve said this is exactly how they imagined western America to be,’ he said.
Doug said there’s a ‘real sense of community’ there.
‘It truly does feel like a small town even though our population is close to one million and growing.
‘The stockyards come alive, especially at night. There’s so much to see and do. It’s a great way to spend the day.’
During my travels, I stayed at The Crescent Hotel in the heart of the Cultural District a 10-minute drive from the stockyards.
The hotel itself was nothing short of luxurious and is possibly one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in. Last year it was named the No. 1 Hotel in Texas by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
It’s close to popular museums including the National Cowgirl Museum, Modern Art Museum and Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.
And don’t forget to visit Billy Bob’s – the World’s Largest Honky Tonk – for line dancing, live music, bull riding, booze, food and more.
Located north of the central business district, visitors will instantly feel as if they’ve stepped back in time to the wild west. I visited Fort Worth for four days, which was the perfect amount of time to tick off everything on my to-do list
The modern city of almost a million people as it looks today
Fort Worth is located smack-bang in the centre of the South
I was welcomed by a bellboy who assisted with my bags and always greeted me whenever I left the hotel.
If I wanted a lift nearby, such as to the museums or stockyards, I could grab a ride using the in-house hotel car. Uber rides were also cheap.
The Premier King room was equipped with a comfortable fluffy bed, lounge chair, desk space, TV, excess storage if needed, and a luxe bathroom.
The hotel also has a gym, wellness club and spa so guests can treat themselves to a massage or facial.
Downstairs is the popular Emilia’s restaurant, serving mouthwatering Mediterranean dishes and tasty cocktails to enjoy.
Fort Worth is about a 45-minute drive west from Dallas and found cowtown to be a much better destination as a tourist.
Dallas, while artsy and historic, is quite business-centric – meaning, as a visitor, I struggled to find things to do.
Even locals struggled providing recommendations. However, I pulled through.
During my travels, I stayed at The Crescent Hotel in the heart of the Cultural District which is only a 10-minute drive from the stockyards (pictured: the hotel lobby)
I stayed at the Hall Arts Hotel Dallas located in the Dallas Arts District and across the road from the AT&T Performing Arts Center.
Conveniently situated a stone’s throw away from museums, parks, art galleries, restaurants and bars, it’s a warm hotel with friendly staff.
The room was spacious and I particularly loved the freestanding bathtub. If I didn’t visit in winter I would’ve made use of the rooftop pool.
Whenever I travel I find the best way to get to know a new city and your surroundings is to walk the streets.
But I quickly found out in winter Americans don’t walk anywhere, so I stuck out like a sore thumb on the streets.
With that, I recommend hiring a car if you decide to go to Dallas.
Perhaps one of the most memorable aspects about the city is its history. There is a memorial and museum near where John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, was assassinated in 1963.
I dined at Crown Block and enjoyed possibly the best meal I’ve ever had in the US. The steakhouse can be found in the Reunion Tower overlooking the city and offering remarkable views.
I also visited Dallas, but much preferred Fort Worth as there was more to do. Thought I did dine at Crown Block and enjoyed possibly the best meal I’ve ever had in the US (pictured)
I stayed at the Hall Arts Hotel Dallas located in the Dallas Arts District (pictured, left). One evening instead of going to a popular bar, I booked a ticket to Medieval Times – a dinner and a jousting show! (right)
The staff were wonderful and the melt-in-your-mouth rump steak was exactly what I needed after a day of exploring.
Every bite here was a masterclass in craftsmanship. The sides? Wonderful. The cocktails? Next-level. The vibe? A meat lover’s paradise.
I visited the Titanic: The Exhibition, which was an incredible insight to what it was like on the night the iconic ship hit the iceberg.
Before entering, visitors are given a boarding pass with a name of a real person who boarded the Titanic. At the end of the exhibition, you find out if they survived or not.
I had a ticket for Margaret Rice (Norton) who was 39, a widow with five sons. Unfortunately none of them made it.
One evening, instead of going to a popular bar, I booked a ticket to Medieval Times – a dinner and a show.
Guests are transported to Medieval Spain for a two-hour jousting tournament, displays of horsemanship and falconry. While some may see this as tacky, I thought it was epic and unlike anything available in Australia.
Other popular things to do in Dallas include visiting the historic Wild Bill’s Western Store for all your cowboy boots and hat needs, eat at Pecan Lodge BBQ for a true Texas experience and check out Deep Ellum for buzzing nightlife and Blues Alley murals.
