Fort Worth - The 817 is Worth All the Hype

At one time, Fort Worth had the nickname of "Panther City" due to a story dating back to 1875.  It was rumored that the town had become such a drowsy place, that a panther (mountain lion) had been spotted sleeping on the steps of the courthouse.  In 1876 when the economy boomed due to the Texas and Pacific Railway coming to town, the city embraced the nickname of Panther City.

Things have changed since those days back in 1876.  Fort Worth has recently been named the #1 best downtown in the country to live in by Livability.com.  Fort Worth or as I grew up calling it, "Funky Town" has the true sense of culture that many Texas towns lack.  It has a very artistic side that can be found in the Kimble Art Museum.  It has one of the top Zoos in the state and a fantastic western culture in the Stock Yards.  The people of Fort Worth are friendly and posses a true "good 'ole boy spirit.

Here is a list of just a few things that make Fort Worth great:

• Bass Performance Hall
• Stockyard
• Kimbell Art Museum
• Fort Worth Zoo
• Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
• Omni Theatre
• Amon Carter Museum of American Art
• Billy Bob's Texas
• Cowtown Coliseum
• Fort Worth Botanic Gardens
• Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
• Casa Manana
• Colonial Country Club
• Sundance Square
• And More...

Check out these two videos:

The Menger Hotel

Everyone knows the Alamo, “Remember the Alamo” being a phrase that is etched in the minds of all Texans. While the Alamo is the most well known attraction in San Antonio, it is not the only attraction of historical significance. Located within walking distance of the famous Alamo is one of the most famous hotels in Texas, The Menger Hotel. 

The Menger opened it doors in 1859, just 23 years after the fall of the Alamo, on the site that previously held Menger’s brewery, Texas’ first brewery. The Menger opened as a world-class luxury hotel, and it was widely regarded as “the finest hotel west of the Mississippi River.” The Menger was so highly regarded that it hosted a variety of famous guests, including Generals Lee and Grant, Sam Houston, and Presidents Taft, Eisenhower, Roosevelt, and McKinley. 

The Menger today retains all the beauty that made it so famous and successful 150 years ago. From the antique furniture in the lobby, to the famous bar where President Roosevelt recruited his Rough Riders, visiting the hotel takes you back in time to when Texas was still a very young state. And if you decide to spend the night, you may even get lucky (or unlucky) and encounter one of the many ghosts that are said to roam the hotel. So next time you’re in San Antonio and you want to tour the Alamo, be sure to stop by The Menger Hotel as well. Visiting both will make your Texas history experience much more complete.