Take a tour of Fort Worth

There is much more than bass fishing in store for visitors to the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk. Fort Worth is a city rich in Texas culture, food and entertainment. Take an insider’s tour of the favorite places to take it all in with Fort Worth native Trait Zaldain and her husband, Chris, who will be competing in the Classic. 
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<em>All captions: Craig Lamb</em>
There is much more than bass fishing in store for visitors to the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk. Fort Worth is a city rich in Texas culture, food and entertainment. Take an insider’s tour of the favorite places to take it all in with Fort Worth native Trait Zaldain and her husband, Chris, who will be competing in the Classic.
All captions: Craig Lamb
The tour appropriately begins at the Fort Worth Stockyards, about 4 miles from the weigh-in venue at Dickies Arena. There are 14 restaurants and 35 shops spread across the 98-acre historic district.
The tour appropriately begins at the Fort Worth Stockyards, about 4 miles from the weigh-in venue at Dickies Arena. There are 14 restaurants and 35 shops spread across the 98-acre historic district.
Within the Stockyards is Mule Alley, located off the main thoroughfare. Within it is 180,000 square feet of restored, historical brick horse and mule barns that now house restaurants, cafes and bars with outdoor seating.
Within the Stockyards is Mule Alley, located off the main thoroughfare. Within it is 180,000 square feet of restored, historical brick horse and mule barns that now house restaurants, cafes and bars with outdoor seating.
Within Mule Alley is the Hotel Drover, a newly opened boutique property that embodies the true spirit and culture of the past in a luxury experience. “It’s worth touring the inside to get a feel of everything Texas,” Trait said.
Within Mule Alley is the Hotel Drover, a newly opened boutique property that embodies the true spirit and culture of the past in a luxury experience. “It’s worth touring the inside to get a feel of everything Texas,” Trait said.
“Some of the interior walls are made of hand-tooled leather. The patio and public spaces are beautiful, and there is a river that flows through the back of the property. It’s an experience that you won’t forget.”
“Some of the interior walls are made of hand-tooled leather. The patio and public spaces are beautiful, and there is a river that flows through the back of the property. It’s an experience that you won’t forget.”
Also in Mule Alley is Proper Supply Co., purveyors of fine western wear and accessories, including cowboy hats. Chris chooses a hat with advice from an expert on the topic, his wife.
Also in Mule Alley is Proper Supply Co., purveyors of fine western wear and accessories, including cowboy hats. Chris chooses a hat with advice from an expert on the topic, his wife.
“Creasing the crown and rolling the brim creates a style unique to the personality of the person wearing the hat,” Trait said. “That’s why there are so many different hat styles.”
“Creasing the crown and rolling the brim creates a style unique to the personality of the person wearing the hat,” Trait said. “That’s why there are so many different hat styles.”
Chris chooses the “Gus” that was created for Robert Duvall to wear in the movie Lonesome Dove. “It’s got a sloped crown and cowboy curled brim,” Trait said. “That crease originally came off the West Texas ranch area, and it was called ‘reach and grab,’ because as you reached for your hat and grabbed it by the crown, your fingers made a crease on each side.”
Chris chooses the “Gus” that was created for Robert Duvall to wear in the movie Lonesome Dove. “It’s got a sloped crown and cowboy curled brim,” Trait said. “That crease originally came off the West Texas ranch area, and it was called ‘reach and grab,’ because as you reached for your hat and grabbed it by the crown, your fingers made a crease on each side.”
It’s said the reach-and-grab crease also enables the cowboy to quickly remove his hat to tip it at a passing lady. Did Chris tip his hat to his wife? Probably, more than once.
It’s said the reach-and-grab crease also enables the cowboy to quickly remove his hat to tip it at a passing lady. Did Chris tip his hat to his wife? Probably, more than once.
Next stop is the Cowtown Coliseum. “Classic fans need to experience a rodeo while in my hometown, and this is the place to do it,” Trait said. You can do that at the Stockyards Championship Rodeo.
Next stop is the Cowtown Coliseum. “Classic fans need to experience a rodeo while in my hometown, and this is the place to do it,” Trait said. You can do that at the Stockyards Championship Rodeo.
Cowtown hosts the world’s only year-round rodeo. Rodeos are nearly every Friday and Saturday night. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the rodeo beginning at 7:30. Performances last about two hours.
Cowtown hosts the world’s only year-round rodeo. Rodeos are nearly every Friday and Saturday night. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the rodeo beginning at 7:30. Performances last about two hours.
A favorite Stockyards eatery for Trait is the Love Shack.
A favorite Stockyards eatery for Trait is the Love Shack.
The Love Shack is a buzzy bi-level spot with an outdoor patio. Hot menu items are the gourmet burgers made from a blend of prime tenderloin and prime brisket; ground fresh daily.
The Love Shack is a buzzy bi-level spot with an outdoor patio. Hot menu items are the gourmet burgers made from a blend of prime tenderloin and prime brisket; ground fresh daily.
“You get a great burger and view overlooking the Stockyards area.”
“You get a great burger and view overlooking the Stockyards area.”
“The Love Shack is a great place to come after the weigh-in or Expo. The burgers are amazing and that’s because of celebrity chef and owner Tim Love.” Trait’s pick is the Amore Caliente, a burger patty with poblano chili, guacamole, pepper jack cheese and lettuce, on a flour tortilla. In keeping with the vibe of his Gus hat, Chris went with the Heated Hot Dog, made with Lonesome Dove Texas red chili, shredded cheddar and chopped onion.
“The Love Shack is a great place to come after the weigh-in or Expo. The burgers are amazing and that’s because of celebrity chef and owner Tim Love.” Trait’s pick is the Amore Caliente, a burger patty with poblano chili, guacamole, pepper jack cheese and lettuce, on a flour tortilla. In keeping with the vibe of his Gus hat, Chris went with the Heated Hot Dog, made with Lonesome Dove Texas red chili, shredded cheddar and chopped onion.
No trip to Fort Worth is complete without a stop at Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky tonk.
No trip to Fort Worth is complete without a stop at Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky tonk.
“During the daytime it’s very family friendly,” Trait said. “You can take line dance classes, and it’s more like a restaurant.
“During the daytime it’s very family friendly,” Trait said. “You can take line dance classes, and it’s more like a restaurant.”
“There’s a full-service restaurant that serves barbecue meats, and traditional Texas plates with chicken fried steak, catfish and fried chicken.”
“There’s a full-service restaurant that serves barbecue meats, and traditional Texas plates with chicken fried steak, catfish and fried chicken.”
Another recommendation is Provender Hall, where entrees focus on the element of smoke, and the menu is very Texas with a creative gourmet flare.
Another recommendation is Provender Hall, where entrees focus on the element of smoke, and the menu is very Texas with a creative gourmet flare.
Provender Hall is unique, with a first-floor bar and second level dining room.
Provender Hall is unique, with a first-floor bar and second level dining room.
“I’m an oyster snob, and they fly them in daily from the East Coast and Canada,” Trait said.
“I’m an oyster snob, and they fly them in daily from the East Coast and Canada,” Trait said.
Other menu favorites are the Venison Tartare appetizer and Southern Grain & Shrimp Bowl. Another favorite is the PH Burger.
Other menu favorites are the Venison Tartare appetizer and Southern Grain & Shrimp Bowl. Another favorite is the PH Burger.
For an authentic Tex-Mex dining experience, Trait’s top pick is Joe T Garcia’s, which opened in 1935. “It’s not like a chain restaurant, and you get great food and service, and it’s in the Stockyards.”
For an authentic Tex-Mex dining experience, Trait’s top pick is Joe T Garcia’s, which opened in 1935. “It’s not like a chain restaurant, and you get great food and service, and it’s in the Stockyards.”
The appeal of Joe T’s is the outdoor seating for up to 1,000 diners. “They have a limited menu during the evening due to the high volume of food served, so everything that comes out of the kitchen is perfect.”
The appeal of Joe T’s is the outdoor seating for up to 1,000 diners. “They have a limited menu during the evening due to the high volume of food served, so everything that comes out of the kitchen is perfect.”
“Joe T’s is known for their pitchers of margaritas,” Trait said. “The ambiance is really cool, and it’s a great place to pregame before or after the weigh-in or Expo.”
“Joe T’s is known for their pitchers of margaritas,” Trait said. “The ambiance is really cool, and it’s a great place to pregame before or after the weigh-in or Expo.”
Another must-visit is Maple Branch Craft Brewery, with its taproom and beer garden built in a rehabbed ivy-colored warehouse. “It’s got a beer garden that celebrates the Texas Czech and German heritage and their brewing styles in the Texas Hill Country, Trait said. “I’m a beer snob and it’s just phenomenal.”
Another must-visit is Maple Branch Craft Brewery, with its taproom and beer garden built in a rehabbed ivy-colored warehouse. “It’s got a beer garden that celebrates the Texas Czech and German heritage and their brewing styles in the Texas Hill Country, Trait said. “I’m a beer snob and it’s just phenomenal.”
The brewery is in the Foundry District, not far from the 7th District of entertainment and bars. Choose from 25 taps along the 500-square-foot tap wall. Address: 2628 Whitmore St.
The brewery is in the Foundry District, not far from the 7th District of entertainment and bars. Choose from 25 taps along the 500-square-foot tap wall. Address: 2628 Whitmore St.
The business is owned by an award-winning husband-and wife team with over 30 competition brewing awards.
The business is owned by an award-winning husband-and wife team with over 30 competition brewing awards.
“They smoke their own malt and offer some rauchbiers (smoked beers), and marshmallow stouts, along with a full lineup of German-style beers like doppelbocks and eisbocks,” Trait said.
“They smoke their own malt and offer some rauchbiers (smoked beers), and marshmallow stouts, along with a full lineup of German-style beers like doppelbocks and eisbocks,” Trait said.
The tour moves on to Crockett Row and West 7th District, with more than 10 restaurants and bars, and one mile from Dickies Arena.
The tour moves on to Crockett Row and West 7th District, with more than 10 restaurants and bars, and one mile from Dickies Arena.
“For nightlife this is the place to be,” Trait said. “There’s plenty of different entertainment options on Fotch Street.” That includes Texas Republic, an eatery, bar and live entertainment venue. “You can find the vibe that suits your mood in the bar district.”
“For nightlife this is the place to be,” Trait said. “There’s plenty of different entertainment options on Fotch Street.” That includes Texas Republic, an eatery, bar and live entertainment venue. “You can find the vibe that suits your mood in the bar district.”
Sushi in Cowtown? Yep, and this place is legit according to our local tour guide and sushi aficionado. “The Little Lily is the only place I go,” Trait said. “You get more than just a California roll, and the owners are very hands on.” Trait’s picks: Hamachi Zest roll; Chris likes the Hawaiian, Kick Off and On The Border. Address: 6100 Camp Bowie Blvd., Suite 112.
Sushi in Cowtown? Yep, and this place is legit according to our local tour guide and sushi aficionado. “The Little Lily is the only place I go,” Trait said. “You get more than just a California roll, and the owners are very hands on.” Trait’s picks: Hamachi Zest roll; Chris likes the Hawaiian, Kick Off and On The Border. Address: 6100 Camp Bowie Blvd., Suite 112.
“I’m recommending Top Golf for a group coming to the Classic, looking for some fun side entertainment,” Trait said. Address: 2201 E. 4th Street.
“I’m recommending Top Golf for a group coming to the Classic, looking for some fun side entertainment,” Trait said. Address: 2201 E. 4th Street.
“It fills up all the time, so make reservations before you come to Fort Worth.”
“It fills up all the time, so make reservations before you come to Fort Worth.”
The tour ends downtown at two highly recommended and acclaimed eateries. “Reata is a favorite for the creative menu with a lot of variety,” Trait said. “And the owner is an avid bass fisherman, Skeeter owner and huge supporter of the Classic coming to Fort Worth.”
The tour ends downtown at two highly recommended and acclaimed eateries. “Reata is a favorite for the creative menu with a lot of variety,” Trait said. “And the owner is an avid bass fisherman, Skeeter owner and huge supporter of the Classic coming to Fort Worth.”
The Tenderloin Tamales with Pecan Mash are on the appetizer menu. The entrée selections are distinctly Texas, including the Chicken Fried Steak with Cracked Pepper Cream Gravy, the Jalapeno Cilantro Crusted Texas Red Fish and Blackened Buffalo Ribeye. Address: 310 Houston Street.
The Tenderloin Tamales with Pecan Mash are on the appetizer menu. The entrée selections are distinctly Texas, including the Chicken Fried Steak with Cracked Pepper Cream Gravy, the Jalapeno Cilantro Crusted Texas Red Fish and Blackened Buffalo Ribeye. Address: 310 Houston Street.
Panther City BBQ is a favorite for Texas brisket. “Brisket is the name of the game in Texas, and you should come here if you’ve never had it,” Trait said. Address: 201 E. Hattie Street.
Panther City BBQ is a favorite for Texas brisket. “Brisket is the name of the game in Texas, and you should come here if you’ve never had it,” Trait said. Address: 201 E. Hattie Street.
You can also find some creative items on the menu that are distinctly Texan. Here’s the Brisket Elote, with creamed corn topped with freshly chopped brisket, queso fresco, and fresh jalapenos.
You can also find some creative items on the menu that are distinctly Texan. Here’s the Brisket Elote, with creamed corn topped with freshly chopped brisket, queso fresco, and fresh jalapenos.
“Downtown has a really unique vibe and there are so many different ethnic cuisines mixed up with traditional Texas foods,” Trait said. “We have a really unique food culture here that is worth checking out.”
“Downtown has a really unique vibe and there are so many different ethnic cuisines mixed up with traditional Texas foods,” Trait said. “We have a really unique food culture here that is worth checking out.”
With the tour over, the last stop is Dickies Arena, where Chris hopes to tip his hat to Trait in June with a good performance at the Classic in her hometown.
With the tour over, the last stop is Dickies Arena, where Chris hopes to tip his hat to Trait in June with a good performance at the Classic in her hometown.