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HOWDY y'all! Wrapping up Abbi and I's most recent adventure to her hometown -- FORT WORTH, TEXAS! To say the least, Fort Worth did not disappoint. Highlighting all of our favorite stops, hotels, restaurants, and things to do.
When we first arrived in Fort Worth, we had some time to kill before checking in. I had the pleasure of meeting Abbi's brother & her husbands momma! We grabbed some coffee and took a quick driving tour where I was able to see the DALLAS COWBOYS STADIUM!!!!
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We stayed at the Hotel Drover located on Mule Alley, right next to the famous Fort Worth Stockyards! It is a brand spanking new Autograph Collection hotel that opened in March of 2021 and it is FLAWLESS. It is inspired by the pioneering spirit of the west, has true Texas hospitality, and named to honor the legendary cowboys! Every room is uniquely decorated with rustic-luxe vibes and their grounds has ALLLLL the photo opportunities!
Hotel Drover has indoor and outdoor event space, a backyard oasis with a ranch style heated pool and hot tub with private cabanas, a state-of-the-art fitness center with pelotons and two mirrors by lululemon, and several unique dining options with bold Texas flavor. The Hotel Drover is a cowboy and cowgirl dream of western charm!
For our first night in Fort Worth, we decided to have a Stockyard style dinner at 97 West Kitchen and Bar! 97 West is actually connected to the hotel and they offer a broad selection of contemporary Texas fare and southern comfort classics. Here's what we ordered and loved: Meat & Cheese board, Cowboy Cobb, Crispy Brussel Sprouts, and Pecan Smoked Salmon paired with their Blue Bonnett specialty drink + House Margarita. They also have a brunch menu on the weekends!
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After some yummy food and drinks, we took the party over to the World's Largest Honky Tonk -- Billy Bob's! This is where Abbi's brother taught me how to TWO STEP and the gymnast/cheerleader in me was absolutely thriving. John, Abbi's brother, was the best teacher and he definitely made me feel confident on the dance floor. I can't even put into words how much fun we had and it was the perfect start to our weekend.
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The Stockyards in Fort Worth is the hotspot of Western heritage! Nothing tells the story of Texas's famous Livestock industry more than the Stockyards. Original brick walkways, wooden corals, original concerts and rodeos, various dining experience, western hat and boot shops, and more! If you visit the Stockyards, you MUST make it a priority to see the famous Cattle Drive! It is the world's only twice daily longhorn cattle drive (11:30AM and 4:00PM) down East Exchange Avenue -- It is very unique and historical to Fort Worth. Right along the Stockyard Historical District is Mule Alley -- a curated collection of restaurants, eateries, entertainment venues, shops, heritage brands, and creative workplaces.
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Abbi and I have been DYING to ride horses on one of our trips, and on our second day in Fort Worth, it seemed fitting! We booked a trail ride at Benbrook Stables and it was a blast! Our trail guide, Stephanie, was an absolute DOLL and taught me just how to become Boone's best pal -- Boone was my horse for the ride! Benbrook Stables is a family-owned, full service, equestrian center located just 20 minutes from downtown Fort Worth. They also specialize in events, weddings, boarding, lessons, parties, and so much more! If you are a beginner and have always wanted to learn how to ride a horse, I highly recommend taking a day trip to Benbrook Stables in Fort Worth! Their grounds also had the BEST western photo opportunities that make you feel like you're on the set of Yellowstone lol! I was definitely channeling my inner Beth Dutton.
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Abbi and I were able to build the hat of our dreams at Fleastyle! First, you pick out your hat color and style -- I chose a burgundy color cause #gohokies and Abbi chose a rust color! While sipping on some champagne, you take a tray and browse through the hat bar to select all of the accessories that resonate with YOU! They have a variety of handmade, vintage, and unique accents to add created from local and global markets! Once you are finished, you sit down with the stylist and you create your custom hat together. She tries out a variety of combinations based on the accessories you picked and you share your input on what your vision was. After hanging out with the stylist for a bit, she gets to know your personality just enough for the hat to scream YOU! & our hats could not have described our personalities better. This experience was so unique and I am simply in love with my custom Fleastyle hat!
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After getting a taste of Fort Worth, we skipped over to the heart of downtown Fort Worth to check in to The Harper! This Kimpton brand hotel is housed in a Fort Worth landmark that was built back in 1921! It's a magical blend of the city's rich history and modern style with a lively bar scene on the top floor (we actually ran into Ted Cruz's podcast team here). Our suite had some of the most beautiful local art, handcrafted furniture, and the full length windows made the view even more spectacular! They welcome you with champagne and snacks which gives such a luxurious vibe. The Harper offers close access to local events and activities, meeting rooms and wedding spaces, a top notch fitness center, bikes for rent to explore the city, and so much more! On the ground floor, you'll find savor contemporary Italian bites at il Modo. We stopped by for brunch and brought it up to the room to capture the gorgeous suite. I highly recommend the malted waffle, yogurt parfait, and of course their yummy pasta selection. The Harper is the perfect place to unwind and explore downtown Fort Worth!
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If you're looking for a unique crowd favorite, Toro Toro is their newest Latin Steakhouse in Fort Worth! Abbi and I couldn't believe all of the vibrant flavors and dining culture here. Toro Toro is a combination of Central and South America with a twist of Pan-Latin flavors. They recommend following the family style of dining, which means all dishes are intended to be shared amongst the table and paired with classic Latin cocktails. Their staff is so genuine and helpful with guiding you through the menu to select what you would like best. Here is what Abbi and I ordered and loved: Smoked Swordfish dip, Amarillo Ceviche, Cusco Chicken, Roasted Brussel Sprouts, and Parmesan Truffled Mash, paired with the Mercado Margarita, Smokey Run Old Fashion, and of course the Painkiller -- YUM! Every bite was so unique and flavorful. If you're interested in making a stop to Toro Toro, I'd highly suggest making a reservation as this is a major hotspot!
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Silver Star Spirits local distillery is right here in Fort Worth, TX. It established from the iconic building which used to be the Ranch Style Beans Plant built in 1913. We took a tour of where all of the magic happens and tasted some of their famous whiskey and vodka! We learned that they actually do it all with nature's finest rainwater, which they collect on-site in their 13,000 gallon storage tanks. They also have live music where you can hang out with friends and family and enjoy some Silver Star cocktails. Silver Star creates some of the finest tasting spirits in Texas and is continuing to grow in the industry. If you're a whiskey lover, taking a tour here is a MUST!
I hope this travel guide was helpful if you are planning a trip to the LoneStar state. It's safe to say... ya girl LOVES Texas! Fort Worth, I can't wait to see you again!
XOXO - Amber