Fort Worth, Texas
If someone had asked me last fall where I’d be vacationing this summer, the last place I would have said was Fort Worth, Texas but that is where we ended up and what a surprising pleasure it was! This was our first trip with our two boys (ages three and four) and a direct flight was on my must list. Luckily for us, Fort Worth is one of the direct flights out of Greenville-Spartanburg. From there it was all about finding the perfect place and boy did we!
We settled on the Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection right in the heart of Fort Worth’s Historic Stockyards. From the moment we pulled into the Stockyards we knew we were in for a treat. The area has been in the process of revitalization with the Drover being the heart of it. Within walking distance of the Stockyard, everything you need is right there.
The hotel itself is fabulous enough to make you want to never leave. Through their thoughtful decor, the staff’s apparel and excellent cuisine at 97 West, you feel like you are visiting a ranch, not a hotel. Although all of their rooms are amazing, we chose one that worked best for our family of four - what they call the 1 King. It has a king bed with two lofted single beds above it. Our boys were in heaven!
The hotel offers a plethora of areas to relax - the main lobby has a library area, as well as a cozy fireplace, and intimate bar. The outdoor spaces are what really grabs your attention though. There is a beautiful pool, outdoor patio, verandah bar, and what they call the “Backyard”. The Backyard boasts a great view of the river, firepits and a customized trailer that serves drinks Friday through Sunday. They even offer a scavenger hunt for kids! Everyone is thought of and no detail is forgotten.
Feel like doing a little shopping? The hotel features a Lucchese store where you can have boots made just for you (at a price of course)! Down the road you can also find a regular Lucchese retailer, along with a multitude of others such as King Ranch and Wrangler. There is definitely something for everyone!
We did manage to tear ourselves away from the Stockyards enough to enjoy a couple of other locations that I would highly recommend checking out. For the tastiest tex/mex meal, check out Joe T. Garcia’s, right outside of the Stockyards. Prepare to wait in line but don’t worry, you won’t be parched, as you can partake in margaritas as you wait! I promise the secret garden inside is well worth it!
We were lucky enough to get to attend the Justin Timberlake concert at Dickies Arena where you can also check out rodeos! Close by the arena is the Bowie House (pronounced Boo-ee), Auberge Resorts Collection. This property is absolutely gorgeous, with a bar that makes you feel like you are in a western saloon. Definitely plan on checking it out or even staying! We hope to stay there on our next adventure to Fort Worth, maybe this time without the kiddos!
