Fort Worth's Water Gardens is a spectacular man-made creation. A crown jewel of Fort Worth, it is often used as a business, professional, wedding and tourist venue. Architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee were appointed by the Amon G. Carter foundation to create this masterpiece in the late 1960s. Covering over four blocks of downtown space, the Water Gardens offer outstanding sightseeing opportunities. More than 500 types of plants and trees adorn this 4.3 acre (1.7 hectare) park.
Built in 1970, the Japanese Garden is a part of Fort Worth Botanic Gardens and is spread across 7.5 acre. Much of the beautiful trees and plants of the garden were brought from the city of Nagaoka, Japan. Other attractions inside the garden include the wooden bridge, meditation garden, pagoda and a viewing deck. However, the most popular attraction inside the Japanese Garden is the pond where you can feed food palettes to number of exotic Koi fishes. Besides this, the garden is also host to concerts during the weekends as well as the annual Spring Festival and Fall Festival that celebrate Japanese art and culture. Call for more information.
One of the most happening districts in town, West 7th Fort Worth, is the hub of lively entertainment programs, quaint cafes, art museums and fitness centers. However, unknown to many, the district is also home to some great shopping destinations. Specialty food, travel and sports gear as well as apparel and accessories for both men and women can be bought from one of the many shops dotting the district. Farmer’s markets also take place regularly. The area also houses the West 7th shopping mall, which is a haven for those wanting to indulge in some retail therapy. Whatever your shopping goals, West 7th Fort Worth is where you should be headed for some great buys.
Founded in 1975 in the small panhandle town of Hereford, National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame was later moved to Fort Worth. It offers a distinct perspective on the role of women in the West. Beginning in the settling days and progressing through the modern times, this collection is solely dedicated to the lives of these exemplary women. More than 100 women are currently honored, while new honorees are added each year. Most notable are artist Georgia O'Keefe, singer Patsy Cline, actress Dale Evans Rogers, hatmaker Sheila Kirkpatrick, and barrel racer Martha Josey.
Preserving the history of the Fort Worth Stockyards, this museum is a result of efforts made by the North Fort Worth Historical Society. The museum is housed in the Livestock Exchange Building. The antique display cases were restored to hold artifacts relating to the history of the Stockyards, as well as the meat packing industry and the railroads. Another exhibit focuses on Quanah Parker, the last Comanche Indian war chief. Children will love the exhibit of the lightbulb that has been burning since 1908. Admission is free.
Everybody loves dressing up their little angels and Babies on the Boulevard has the best in terms of quality and quantity of kids wear. Browse through loads of clothes and you'll surely want to take it all home. The helpful and friendly staff will help you pick and choose things that suit your need and taste. They also house toys and accessories. Everything available here is safe for kids and they maintain high quality standards. Make sure to check out the personalized gifts that they offer, made out of crystals and then hand painted, these are surely collectibles.
Founder Mrs. Ninnie L. Baird began baking bread in her home at the turn of the century and the company seeks to maintain her legacy and uphold her high standards. You can visit this history bakery and attend a free tour every Tuesday-Thursday every hour beginning at 10a. Always a big hit, reservations two weeks in advance are required, and a maximum of 50 people are allowed per group. No visitors younger than six are allowed on the tours for safety reasons. Tour takers are given a fresh, warm loaf of bread.
Half Price Books is exactly what you would expect from the name. This retailer offers books, records, CDs, DVDs, video games and more for half the cover price. With a uniquely curated inventory of new and used products, the selection is always changing at Half Price Books. What you see one day, may not be there the next. This store also buys back the books and records that may not serve you anymore, but will surely excited another customer. One man's trash is another man's treasure, right?
This neighborhood children's bookstore is indeed enchanting. With more than 45,000 titles on hand, there is something to thrill children of all ages. The knowledgeable clerks will help you find that perfect selection. Cozy up in one of the corners and relive the magic of Alice in Wonderland or grab the latest Harry Potter adventure. In a day when small bookstores rarely survive, Enchanted Forest has been around since 1992 because personalized service and the cozy atmosphere keeps customers coming back again and again.
The centerpiece of this fascinating collection of antique warbirds is the last remaining B-29 that still takes flight. Just north of the Stock Yards, the Vintage Flying Museum features 20 different aircraft's that date from the 1930s to as late as the 1960s. Get up close and personal with these rare artifacts as you learn the ins and outs of aviation from the knowledgeable museum docents. Tucked away in a hanger at the Meacham Airport, the museum is home to the Commemorative Air Force B-29/B-24 Squadron where these classic aircraft's are maintained, preserved, and restored.
Benbrook Stables is a place to revel in the childlike wonder that comes riding a horse. This equestrian center offers trail riding, lessons and birthday parties for those who want to really get to know the horses and hay rides for younger visitors. Benbrook Stables is a family-oriented place, owned by family and established to create long-lasting and unique family memories for years to come. There are also charity rides throughout the year to benefit ailing horses and children alike.
Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln-they pass through here almost every other day. They're here on official visit of course but one can pass through here as a visitor too. One of only two birthplaces of American currency, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing conduct guided tours, giving one a peek into the intricacies that go into the money printing process. The facility also has a gallery/museum and three exhibits that are live demonstrations. The tours are also conducted in American Sign Language and Spanish. Audio description facilities are also provided for the visually impaired.