A Scouted Weekend Getaway to Fort Worth, Texas
There’s only one place in the country where you can enjoy a unique blend of authentic cowboy culture, a vibrant arts scene, outdoor recreation, and stellar cuisine. Come along as we recommend everything you need for a weekend getaway to Fort Worth, Texas—from the best place to grab a cup of joe to where to hang your hat after your day of living like a local is done.
When to Visit
When planning your weekend getaway to Fort Worth, consider booking in the spring during the annual Fort Worth Stockyards Championship Rodeo, which showcases the city’s cowboy culture with exciting rodeo events and entertainment. Additionally, April and May bring pleasant spring weather, perfect for exploring outdoor attractions like the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Trinity Park, Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival, the Fort Worth Zoo, and Fort Worth Gallery Night (held in the spring and fall). You can also catch the Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival, one of the largest arts festivals in the Southwest, featuring live music, food vendors, and a wide array of artwork.
Best Month to Visit
APRIL
Best Season to Visit
SPRING & FALL
Stay
Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection. Located in the heart of the Historic Stockyards, and inspired by the legendary men and women who drove cattle across the country, Hotel Drover offers Texas-style ambience and charming Western features.
Rough Creek Lodge & Resort. To fully experience the active ranch life, but with a luxe vibe, book a stay at this beautiful resort just 60 miles from Fort Worth, with a main lodge, cabins, and ranch rental homes.
Coffee
Cherry Coffee. This is a wonderful spot, located in the bustling Magnolia Street area, to grab a cup of coffee or iced concoction.
Also consider: Fort Worth Coffee Co., Avoca Coffee Roasters
Breakfast
Righteous Foods. During your weekend getaway to Fort Worth, there are bound to be some gluttonous moments. Start the day right at this clean-food eatery, within walking distance to the Cultural District, offering healthy and delicious menu items all day long. Don’t sleep on their legendary lavender latte.
Lunch
Joe T. Garcia’s. Joe T’s has been an iconic Fort Worth dining destination for nearly 100 years, and it’s a local favorite offering (indoor and) outdoor dining in the beautiful lush gardens, delicious margaritas, the very best nachos. Cash only.
Heim BBQ. Your weekend getaway to Fort Worth would not be complete without eating some ‘que. A true mom and pop success story, Heim BBQ is hailed as home to some of the best barbecue in Texas! Famous for their bacon burnt ends, the extensive menu offers traditional bbq items along with burgers, bar food, a kids’ menu, and delicious cocktails.
Afternoon Drink
Provender Hall. This is a great spot for a full meal, but we love to sidle up to the bar, order an appetizer (try the smoked trout dip), and explore their extensive wine, beer, and spirits menu, while taking in the bustling Stockyards scene. After all, a weekend getaway isn’t complete without a little day imbibing.
Also consider: Bowie House Hotel Bar, Atlas Cocktail Bar
Dinner
Ellerbe Fine Foods. James Beard semi-finalist, chef Molly McCook, highlights the freshest local and seasonal ingredients on her elegant and innovative menu. Enjoy an elevated farm-to-table experience with exceptional wine pairings and cocktails, all with a slight Louisiana influence.
Clay Pigeon. Clay Pigeon is the crown jewel for local celebrity chef Marcus Paslay of From Scratch Hospitality Concepts. Favorites on the menu include the grilled bone marrow appetizer, roasted beet salad, and the special housemade pasta is always a reason to visit.
Also consider: Walloon’s, Piatello, Mercado Juarez
Shop
The Shops at Clearfork. This wonderful open-air outdoor shopping center features local boutiques like Bette’s, in addition to luxury retailers such as Neiman Marucs and Louis Vuitton. You’ll also find great places to eat and drink.
Camp Bowie Boulevard. On this bustling main artery, you’ll find a bevy of great places to shop, including unique, local boutiques like Hale House, Reads Jewelers, You Are Here, Birdie, B Kids, Covey House, Babies on the Boulevard, and Initially Yours.
Do
Start your weekend getaway to Fort Worth, Texas, with an exploration of the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, where you can witness a live cattle drive (each day at 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.) and immerse yourself in the city’s cowboy heritage. Then, head to the Cultural District, home to world-class museums such as the Amon Carter Museum, Kimbell Art Museum, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, offering diverse collections spanning centuries of art history. For outdoor enthusiasts, Trinity Park provides scenic trails along the Trinity River and the Fort Worth Botanic Garden features lush greenery, colorful blooms, and themed gardens to explore. Finally, catch a live music performance at the Fort Worth Stockyards or at venues like Bass Performance Hall and Dickies Arena, both known for their stunning architecture and diverse lineup of concerts and events.
What to Pack
Felt hat
the best hat store
Practical and polished, this felt cowboy hat is the ideal topper for a day on the ranch or a night on the town.
Olori Midi Dress
You Are Here
A sun dress is the play here, keeping you cool in the Texas sun while exuding Southern charm.
The Katy Boot
city boots
Handmade with calfskin leather, these luxe lavender beauties show TCU school spirit, with style and comfort.
Boots and hats are always in style in Fort Worth. Dress it down with jeans or lean into your femme side by pairing with a dress. As home to the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs, purple is the color of choice any time of year. City Boot’s The Katy Boot in lavender checks all the boxes. Dressed as such, you’ll fit right in with the locals for your Fort Worth weekend getaway.
Know Before You Go
Before visiting Fort Worth, it’s advisable to check the calendar for any major events or festivals happening during your stay, as popular attractions and restaurants may be busier than usual (i.e., Annual Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, TCU parents’ weekend and/or home football games). Consider making reservations in advance, especially for dining at popular restaurants in the Stockyards or Cultural District, to ensure you secure a table during peak times.
Insider Guides
Eager for more guidance for your Ft. Worth Weekend Getaway? Peruse Leigh Brown’s, editor/owner of The Scout Guide Fort Worth, Insider Guides: The Best Places to Stay in Fort Worth, The Best Places to Eat in Fort Worth, The Best Places to Shop in Fort Worth
Follow The Scout Guide Fort Worth editor/owner Leigh Brown at thescoutguide.com/fortworth to discover what to do and where to stay, shop, and dine while on your weekend getaway in Fort Worth, Texas. Businesses in bold are members of The Scout Guide Fort Worth.
