One of the side benefits of showing livestock is traveling to places you've never been, seeing new things, eating new things, etc. Whether you're a parent or an ag teacher looking for something to do with your kids this week in Fort Worth outside of the show barn, here are a few tips from Sharla, our very own local.
Something Sweet
One thing we are blessed with in Fort Worth is an abundance of new eating places. My current favorite is Hurts Donuts, which is probably a mile or less from the stock show grounds at 901 Foch Street. They are open 24 hours a day and they deliver within five miles. So if you're stuck with watch duty overnight.... just download their app and they will BRING YOU DONUTS! Delicious, oversized donuts in every flavor you can dream of. Worth every calorie!
Something For Everyone
One of the most popular new areas in our neck of the woods is The Shops at Clearfork. It's about 5-7 minutes from the stock show if you take the Chisholm Trail Toll Road and there is something here for everybody! Just be aware, this is one of those places you might want to take a shower before you go because... Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Tiffany's. I am never dressed up when I go there (to sight see obviously) and they've never looked at me funny. But I also haven't gone there straight from the barn with stuff on my shoes. Anyway, there is a great deal more than shopping at Clearfork. For instance, Pinstripes.
Pinstripes is where we had our daughter's 16th birthday party. They offer bistro/bowling/bocce and they even have a place to cook smores outside over a fire pit. The food is delicious - Italian/American combinations. And for the grownups, there is a full-service bar area behind the bowling lanes so the kids can bowl and you can enjoy yourself all in a nice, casual atmosphere.
Next to Pinstripes is a super nice AMC theatre with reclining seats that warm up for you. City Lights is sort of a sports bar across the street and they have the best Mule I have every had. While you wander, don't miss the Tesla store where you can sit in an actual car and dream about what color you'd pick if you could afford one. There's also a dog park, martini bar and all kinds of things I haven't even tried yet. Great place to take a group and split up. Safe. Plenty of free parking in the garage, even for big pickups.
BIG TIP: Hey guys if you need to take something home for the special lady in your life, don't miss the Kendra Scott store. That will get you a very, warm welcome home!
Something Different
I know everybody likes to go to Pappadeaux and Hoffbrau. But if you want to try something different this year, give your kids a place to talk about when they go home, here is my pick.
Have you ever tried Egyptian food? If not, you should. My youngest and I sometimes stop by King Tut's restaurant on the way home from medical appointments. King Tut's is a long-time Fort Worth fixture in the now white-hot Magnolia district just down from all the big hospitals off I-30. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but don't let that scare you. Parking is in short supply around there, so either take an Uber or be prepared to hunt for a spot for a while. Tip: there is a small lot behind the restaurant.
The decor is exotic, the service is friendly and the food is really good. Get extra pita bread on the side! If you aren't quite that adventurous there are plenty of cool places up and down Magnolia street whether you plan to eat, drink or people watch. Open Monday - Saturday, Lunch 11:00am to 2:30pm; Dinner 5:30pm to 9:00pm.