Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Museums put the city on the high-culture map back in 1892 when the Kimbell became
the first museum in Texas. Since then, the nationally renowned Cultural District has con-
tinued to expand, and Sundance Square has became one of the most successful
downtown-revitalization projects in the US. All this pretty much solidifies Fort Worth's
claim to the somewhat paradoxical title, 'City of Cowboys and Culture.'
METROPLEX
The roots of using 'Metroplex' to describe the whole Dallas-Fort Worth region are obscure. Some evidence links
the term to the early 1970s when the two cities were joining together to build DFW airport. Boosters wanted
something snazzy that promoted the entire region.
Regardless, the word stuck, sort of. While you'll hear it used around the Metroplex, it's not a word locals use
outside the region. Rare is the local who says they are from the Metroplex.
Texas Monthly
summed up the term as
a 'grotesque word that means nothing.'
Sights
The Stockyards are cowboy central, while most of the area's museums call the leafy Cul-
tural District home. Between these two areas and downtown, you can easily spend a
couple of days savoring Fort Worth.
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1
Stockyards National Historic District
Sure, you'll spot cowboys on horseback roaming around, but wander the dusty streets of
the Stockyards and you'll be soon mingling with a mix of families, curious international
tourists and the odd freelance guitar player. This place puts fun first, with equal parts au-
thentic history and camera-ready tourism, but it never crosses the line and becomes hokey,
despite petting zoos and other gimcrackery.
