Fort Worth: where the west begins - Fort Worth, Texas - Shot Show 1994

Visitors to the SHOT Show looking for a good time or a dose of Texas culture should remember that 28 miles to the west of Dallas is the town "Where the West Begins," Fort Worth. Many Texans will be quick to tell you that while Dallas is a great city with a decided cosmopolitan flair, Fort Worth is ... well, a bit more Texas.

Fort Worth is a city of cowboys and culture, blending Western heritage and hospitality with world-class museums. It was a rough and tumble "Cowtown" in its youth, and to this day the natives are proud of the name.

The cowboy is revered in this city. It's the home of the Will Rogers Memorial Center, the Cattleman's Museum, the Historic Stockyards District, the Sid Richardson Collection of Western Art, and many Frederic Remington and Charles Russell originals. Where else but Fort Worth would you expect to find the world's largest honky-tonk?

Fort Worth was settled as an Army outpost in 1849 and was the last stop of the old Chisholm Trail as cowboys drove their cattle north to Kansas City. The Historic Stockyards District still has a weekly cattle auction, weekend rodeos, and is the site of Billy Bob's, which is indeed the world's largest honky-tonk. With multiple music stages, several dance floors and a live bull ring, it's the kind of night spot you'll find "no place but Texas."

Those looking for more traditional culture will want to check out Sundance Square in the historic downtown business district with its art galleries, gift shops, restaurants, night spots, and moonlight carriage tours. The Caravan of Dreams is a favorite live music club that spotlights acts ranging from Lyle Lovett to Wynton Marsalis. For the family there's the Fort Worth Zoo, and the Botanical and Japanese Gardens.

Just bring your pioneer spirit and dancing shoes, and you'll love Cowtown.

COPYRIGHT 1993 Publishers' Development Corporation
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group