Unlike our last road trip through Texas, where we only passed through the Dallas/Fort Worth area, this time we decided to stay a couple of days to properly explore Fort Worth.
We spent the day walking around the city, taking in its mix of modern and Western charm. One of our first stops was the Fort Worth Water Gardens, a unique urban park featuring stunning cascading waterfalls, quiet reflecting pools, and terraced landscapes. The design was both peaceful and mesmerizing, making it a great place to relax and take in the city’s atmosphere.
Afterward, we headed to Sundance Square, the vibrant heart of downtown Fort Worth. Lined with historic buildings, boutique shops, restaurants, and lively public spaces, it was a great spot to soak in the city’s energy. Whether it was enjoying the architecture, people-watching, or just wandering the charming streets, it was a fantastic way to experience Fort Worth beyond just passing through.
Next, we headed to the famous Fort Worth Stockyards, a place that truly embodies the spirit of Texas.
Our first stop was Cooper’s Old Time Pit BBQ, where we enjoyed an incredible Texas-style barbecue lunch. The smoky aroma, tender meats, and classic sides made for an unforgettable meal—definitely one of the best BBQ spots we’ve tried on this trip!
After lunch, we made our way to the main Stockyards area, just in time to catch the Fort Worth Herd cattle drive. Watching real Texas Longhorns being herded down the brick-paved streets by cowboys on horseback felt like stepping back in time. The whole scene was a perfect blend of history, tradition, and Western culture, making it an absolute must-see experience in Fort Worth.
Exploring the Stockyards was definitely a highlight of our time in Texas, and it gave us a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich cowboy heritage.
For the rest of our time in Texas, we made it a mission to experience as much Texas culture as possible.
Of course, no Texas road trip is complete without stopping at Buc-ee’s, so we made sure to visit a couple of locations along the way. From their endless snack options to their famously clean restrooms, Buc-ee’s truly lived up to the hype. It was fun just wandering through the massive store, grabbing some beaver nuggets, brisket sandwiches, and Texas-sized drinks for the road.
And because Texas barbecue is simply too good to pass up, we made sure to try more BBQ spots before leaving. One standout was Cattleack BBQ, a hidden gem that completely blew us away. The brisket was perfectly smoked, the burnt ends melted in our mouths, and the sides were just as incredible. If you’re ever in the Dallas area, we highly recommend stopping by—it’s some of the best barbecue we’ve ever had!
Overall, our time in Fort Worth and beyond gave us a deeper appreciation for Texas food, culture, and hospitality. We’re already looking forward to coming back!
