Discover the many sides of Texas

There’s a perception that Texas is all about cattle, cowboys and rodeo, and while cowboy culture is prominent in the Lone Star State, it’s just one side of a multifaceted place. “Texas is more than just cowboy hats and boots,” explained Mitch Whitten, CAO of Visit Fort Worth. The culture of Texas is incredibly diverse – influenced by many things including immigration and the diverse natural landscapes. You can visit three communities and explore distinct cultures on a short road trip from Dallas.

Cowboy culture in Fort Worth

Fort Worth began as a tiny outpost on the wild frontier, but it has grown into a metropolitan area of about 900,000 and it bills itself as the most typically Texan of all Texas cities. You’ll find fine dining, art, music and fascinating architecture in Fort Worth, but the city is also one of the best places to explore cowboy culture. The city’s mascot is “Molly the Cow,” and there are many attractions and experiences that are all about cowboy culture.

Visit Stockyards National Historic District: Get a taste of the American West at Fort Worth Historic Stockyards, one of the most popular districts in the city. This area is filled with historic buildings, attractions, shops, restaurants and bars. The twice-daily Fort Worth Herd cattle drive is a must-see, free experience where cowboys drive longhorn cattle right down the streets. The Stockyards Championship Rodeo runs year-round every Friday and Saturday night and there’s line dancing every night at Billy Bobs, the world’s largest honky-tonk. The Stockyards Museum and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame are also here. You can shop for western wear at many different shops and there are several outstanding restaurants where you can enjoy a great steak dinner. We dined at Chef Tom Love’s Lonesome Dove Western Bistro.

Visit a Western Museum: There are many Western museums and galleries in Fort Worth. We explored the John Wayne: An American Experience, which provides an intimate look at the life of the famous actor with hundreds of artifacts in a 10,000-square-foot space. We also visited the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, a 33,000-square-foot museum focused on women of the American West with interactive exhibits and artifacts.

Justin Boots Outlet Store: Justin Boots was founded in 1879 and the company has been based in Fort Worth since 1918. The factory outlet store offers great savings on this famous boot.