Fort Worth Favorites

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Favorite thing: It is very heartfelt when you see a memorial, even as simple as this still speaks volumes. It was obviously dedicated to a lady who cared about all.

Leta Smothermon
Friends,
This alley is dedicated to the memory of
Leta Smothermon. If you knew Leta then you are already smiling. If you didn't know Leta well then let us tell you, she was a good mother, grandmother, friend of the rich and poor, the powerful and the not so powerful, those who lived in big houses and those who didn't have houses, stray dogs and outlaws like us. Leta was also the best hamburger cook in Texas.
Till the end she did it her way~
From Those who Loved Her
and Will Never Forget Her.

Cowtown - May 2001

Located off of West Exchange Street on the North side of the road, near a alleyway.

Favorite thing: I wish they had a different category for this as a needed or desired function as far as business goes. This place saved me as far as letting me access my email and my online college courses for "Free." I did enjoy some spirits while I was there. They have eight computers readily available for those who need them. They have pool tables to enjoy and I noticed how "friendly" everyone was to each other. Their wasn't one person that wasn't introducing themselves to each other which showed me Texas hospitality. Very clean and comfortable atmosphere here and I think you should venture down here and say "Howdy!"
The Chat Room

Happy Hour - Monday - Friday 4:00 - 8:00

Fondest memory: I-30 and got off on University South onto Rosedale East and then turned right on 8th South till I hit Magnolia East and turn left. The Chat Room is on the right side.
Location

Located at:
1263 W Magnolia Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76104
(817) 922-8319

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Favorite thing: The Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau operates visitors centers offering abundant details about local events, accommodations, dining, and points of interest. Visit the information center at 415 Throckmorton in the historic Sanger Building in Sundance Square, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon. - Fri., or in Stockyard Historic area at 130 E. Exchange Ave.

Fondest memory: Some wonderful individuals who are so willing and so friendly to share with you some of the local history and to point you in the right direction. Texas hospitality is wonderful:-)))

Favorite thing: When you are visiting the Stockyards Historical District, you will likely want to stop into the visitor information booth before you get started, as it will give you a guide to the area's attractions. I was a tad disappointed that the center is located on the far end of the stockyards, so you pretty much have walked through quite a bit of the stockyards before you come across it. They do offer historical walking tours that start from here, so check in first to see what there is to see!

A twenty minute tour runs about $7, with student and senior discounts.

http://www.fortworthstockyards.org/

Favorite thing: The Texas Longhorn was one of the first cattle breeds introduced into North America, and has since thrived in the minimalistic conditions available to it in Texas. It is known as a longhorn due to the length of its characteristic horns, which can reach as far as 120 inches in length for a steer. They are well known for being able to eat just about anything and survive, which makes them a great breed for weed and small amount of grass areas. The number of these breed definitely dwindled through the 1920's as people did not cherish the meat as much as fattier breeds, but luckily they were well kept in minimalistic settings like national parks to save them from dying off. Now these particular breeds can fetch up to $120,000 in an open market.

Favorite thing: One of the things that is still fairly unique in the world of professional sports is that every rodeo in Fort Worth starts with an invocation. It is a testament to the national sentiment "In God We Trust", and provided a great reminder that all the competitors were to compete in a Christian like demeanor. Sportsmanship was definitely evident here.

Favorite thing: Most of the locations in the Stockyards are controlled by a central parking agency. During the evening timeframe, they normally take a $5 fee at the front of the parking area, and during the day they have an honor system where you stick 2 dollars per hour in a lock box for the spot you park in. I noticed that these spots were pretty well patrolled, so I would not risk skipping out on the parking, as you will likely get towed.

One of the other value options if you want to feel a little safer is that many valet stands around also only charge $5. This will at least allow the car to be parked around an area where they are constantly walking past it.

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Favorite thing: Known as the original Bulldogger, this Texan who was born in Taylor, TX (just outside Austin), Bill Pickett was the star of the show in the early 1900s when he would ride his horse next to a longhorn steer, jump off and wrestle the massive beast down by the horns.

Bill passed away while working at the Miller Ranch when he was kicked in the head by a wild horse. He was the first Black Cowboy inducted into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in the 70's.

Favorite thing: The weekend scene on Exchange Street in the Historic Stockyards District is definitely a biker hangout, so don't bother trying to find street parking! There are several outdoor patio bars on this street, so there will likely be a massive number of Harley Davidson motorcycles almost all day on the weekends.

I didn't put this information in warnings or dangers, because these bikers are the harmless type, but bear in mind that you are in their territory!

Favorite thing: Fort Worth was a great place to host the 1st Annual Big Texas VT Meet. It had a little bit of everything, with a good history, great Western activities, a few museums, and of course plenty of good food.

If you are planning a meeting, or just traveling to Fort Worth, add some or all of these things to your itinerary:

Agenda
Friday September 26th
6:30pm till ??
Cattlemens Steakhouse - 2458 N Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76164
Late Nighters
Sundance Square Bars and Honky Tonks

Saturday September 27th
9am Early Risers (suggestion)
Moes Café 4705 River Oaks Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76114 (817) 378-9262
10am-2pm (or so)
Ft. Worth Museum District 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Ft. Worth, TX
Several Choices: Kimbell Art Museum, National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, Amon Carter Museum, Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame
12 noon Lunch Suggestion Authentic Texas BBQ
Railhead Smokehouse 2900 Montgomery St, Fort Worth, TX
2pm to 4pm Leisure or longer at museums
4pm Historical Exhibition Cattle Drive
Ft. Worth Herd Cattle Drives 131 E. Exchange Avenue (in Stockyards)
5:30pm Official VT Meeting Dinner Tex-Mex
Joe T. Garcias 2201 N Commerce St, Fort Worth, TX 76106
8pm Official VT Meeting Event Texas Western Rodeo
Stockyards Championship Rodeo 121 E. Exchange Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76164

Sunday September 28th
All Day Recommendation World Class Zoo
Fort Worth Zoo 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76110
Thanks for coming!