More and more families are moving over the traditional dreaded family holiday trips and opting for a special adventure of their own. Just mom, dad and the kids, exploring new territory, adding another scratch to their suitcases. When I think of the ideal family getaway a few elements come to mind; budget, convenience and overall experience. The good news is, I found it all in Fort Worth, Texas, and I didn’t even have a layover! In fact, Fort Worth, Texas may be the most cost effective family destination in America!
Budget – let’s be honest, Santa is expensive. Traveling on a dime before the fa, la, la is a wise move when Christmas is approaching. Check out these budget friendly picks for a weekend in Fort Worth.
Spirit air offers insanely cheap airfare into Fort Worth. Travel light and you can go without even paying for luggage!
The Omni Hotel in Downtown Fort Worth has all the class of a luxury hotel without all the luxurious prices. A great central location in the heart of Downtown Fort Worth. Here you’re within walking distance from dining, shopping, and local attractions like the Water Gardens and Sundance Square Plaza.
Convenience
There’s underestimated value in stress-free traveling. Make the best of a short vacation with as little hang-ups as possible. Fort Worth is great for convenience. Everything is within minutes of the city center. Downtown, dining and shops are within walking distance from hotels.
Arrive in style (if you want to splurge) and rent an Audi A4 from Silvercar at $50/day. With built in navigation, Sirius Radio and 3G data, you’ve got all the ingredients for a stress-free weekend. And since you’re only gonna have it for a weekend, why not spend the extra few bucks for those built in seat warmers.
Experience
It’s hard not to take home a cowboy hat and boots once you’ve been to Fort Worth, but one thing you’ll be taking home for sure is a killer experience. With a variety of historic, cultural, nightlife, and family-friendly points of interest, Fort Worth is that kind of place that makes everyone happy. Here are my top crowd-pleasing picks:
History
They say Fort Worth is where the west begins. One visit to the Stockyards National Historic District and you’ll see why. The Stockyards were the last stop before drovers started on the Chisholm Trail to get food and supplies for the journey ahead. Today it’s a thriving echo of the 1800’s with its historic western buildings inviting visitors into saloons, restaurants, and shops. Be sure to check out the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame featuring the Sterquell Wagon Collection.
Culture
With Fort Worth’s Cultural District, you’ll find a collection of art museums spanning art history through the ages.
Nightlife
Take your pick from one of the local Saloons in the HIstoric Stockyards or find your dancing boots and head over to Billy Bob’s Texas for the biggest ‘honkey tonk’ in the west. If you’re looking for something better for all ages, head over to the Stockyards Rodeo. There is no better way to take in the excitement of the American West.
Family
Just a few minutes from the city center you can enjoy a day of horseback riding with the whole family at Benbrook Stables. This is a fun and memorable activity for all ages. Small children can be walked in the arena area.
Free in Fort Worth!
• The twice daily cattle drive in the Historic Stockyards
• Live gunfighting by Legends of Texas in the Stockyards Station right after the cattle drive
• Historic buildings in the Stockyards National Historic District are great for photos
• Monnig Meteorite Gallery at TCU is awesome, you can touch rocks from other planets!
• Fire Station No 1 has a super cool museum of Fort Worth’s history
• Stockyards Museum has some really cool western artifacts. In the Stockyards Exchange
• Amon Museum of Art
• Kimbell Art Museum
•Cowtown Opry
• Fort Worth Water Gardens
• Fort Worth Botanic Gardens
History Buff Tip
If you really want to take in the history of America’s Wild West, check into the historic Stockyards Hotel in center of the National Stockyards Historic District. Erected in the heart of America’s wild west, this historic hotel is furnished with antiques and western flare. It’s even got ties to American outlaw legends Bonnie and Clyde!
For more information and to plan your trip visit Fort Worth online at www.fortworth.com
(In partnership with Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau. All opinions my own. Written by: Christa Thompson, from www.TheFairyTaleTraveler.com)
