A Local Guide: 7 Things to Do in Fort Worth

We love Texas through and through, and we couldn’t find a more suitable fit for our Brand Shop than in the Fort Worth Stockyards. “How do you spend a day in Fort Worth?” you might ask. From where to sip a Sarsaparilla to the best Western stores Fort Worth can offer, we’ve rounded up our own local guide on the top things to do in Fort Worth with a little help from our friends at Dallasites101.

Fort Worth Stockyards

The absolute top of the list of things to do in Fort Worth is the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. This buzzy area is rooted in Texas history and home to shops, restaurants, hotels and entertainment for the whole family. With so much to offer, you’ll never find yourself unsure of what to do at Fort Worth Stockyards. Sip on an old-fashioned Sarsaparilla while watching the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive for an authentic glimpse into the spirit of the American West. Catch the Fort Worth Herd moo-ving through the stockyards in the late morning and early evening nearly every day of the year.

Find Your Cowboy Boot Fit 

For over 30 years, Ariat has been a fan favorite in Texas thanks to revolutionary technology giving rise to the “New Breed of Boot.” Today, the Ariat Brand Shop is among the best places for cowboy boots Fort Worth has to offer. Ariat is right at home in Cowtown, with the abundant selection of Western stores in Fort Worth for your browsing pleasure. Come check out our location in the Stockyards where our store associates can help you try on and find your perfect cowboy boot fit! There you can also shop a wide range of Ariat inventory, including Western apparel, as well as accessories and casual wear for the entire family (including pets). Our store also features a longhorn driftwood sculpture with Western performance embellishments to commemorate the tradition of rodeo.

Where to Shop in Fort Worth

While we’re partial in stating that the Ariat Brand Shop is the best boot store in Fort Worth, you won’t want to miss browsing our local retail partners to find additional Ariat gear and shop even more cowboy boots in Fort Worth. Check out these retailers in and around Dallas-Fort Worth that showcase our best Ariat products and the most fun cowboy boot styles.

Situated within the Stockyards is Texas-based cowboy outfitter Cavender’s, which offers a wide selection of Ariat clothing and boots. Head over to Boot Barn in Alliance Town Center just north of the Stockyards to find your perfect boots and more Ariat favorites. And if you’re out shopping for the ranch, stop by Atwood’s in northwest Fort Worth for a great selection of Ariat gear as well as hardware, equipment, farm and pet supplies.

Just outside of Fort Worth you will find National Roper’s Supply (NRS) in Decatur. This one-stop Western store and tack shop has sold saddles and roping gear since 1989. Teskey’s Saddle Shop is another great spot for your favorite Ariat clothing, saddles, bits and spurs.

Where to Go Out in Fort Worth, Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall

After picking out your new Ariat boots, head over to Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall for a complimentary boot branding at the World's First Boot Branding Station to add a unique custom touch to your boots. This activation is part of Tannahill's new All In experience, which helps locals and tourists alike foster a deep connection to the town of Fort Worth. To go All In, folks can hang a specialty Love bandana in the tavern inspired by Chef and entrepreneur, Tim Love, enjoy their boot branding station (free with your in-store purchase of Ariat boots), and seal the experience with the All In shot – you can even take home the metal flask as a souvenir!

Must-Eat Restaurant in Fort Worth, Joe T. Garcia’s

One of our favorite restaurants in Ft. Worth is Joe T. Garcia’s. This iconic family-owned Tex-Mex restaurant has been a Fort Worth institution since 1935 and remains true to its straightforward original menu. The spacious patio offers plenty of outdoor seating and beautiful sprawling gardens that used to be home to the Garcia family. The establishment is cash only, but there are ATMs onsite in case you didn’t plan ahead.

Why is the Kimbell Art Museum Famous?

If you’re looking for a spot to soak up some local creative culture, head to the Kimbell Art Museum in downtown Fort Worth. Designed by architect Louis Kahn in 1972, the Kimbell Art Museum is not only iconic in the modern architecture world, but also home to an extensive collection of African, Asian, Oceanic, Ancient American and European art. Allow yourself 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the entire collection. The Kimbell Art Museum also offers film events, evening lectures and workshops for children.

Where to Stay in Fort Worth, Hotel Drover

Self-described as “inspired by the pioneering spirit of the West,” Hotel Drover is the newest hotel in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Named after cowboys (or drovers) who drove cattle to the market, the Western-style hotel offers true Texas hospitality and luxe amenities in the heart of the historic Stockyard district. Stay for a night (or more) to indulge in one of the top Western and most unique hotel experiences in Fort Worth.

PBR Ariat Boot Trot

Join us on Saturday, May 20, in the iconic Fort Worth Stockyards for the PBR Ariat Boot Trot 5K/3K fun run. Whether you choose to run through one of the world's most historic Western districts or cheer on the participants, it's an event you won't want to miss. The top male, female, and junior finishers in both the 5K and 3K races will receive a pair of Ariat boots and other exciting prizes. Here's the twist: while runners in the 5K can choose their own shoes, those tackling the 3K must conquer the course in cowboy boots. Don't miss this unique opportunity to run with the PBR. Register for the PBR Ariat Boot Trot today.

You can visit the Ariat Brand Shop at 128 East Exchange Avenue Suite 600 Fort Worth, TX 76164. Saddle up for a fun-filled trip to Fort Worth, and give us a follow at @AriatFortWorth to learn about all the latest and greatest at our local Ariat Brand Shop.