Westward Ho -
Follow the trail to fun and learning on Fort Worth's
west side
by Don Patterson
The wagon trains that carried settlers to our early
western frontiers are long gone but their trails remain well marked,
particularly in Fort Worth. Modern trail breaking continues today
on the city's west side where the arts, fine dining and specialty
shops prevail. Some of the southwest's finest museums and art galleries
are nestled here in a sprawling cultural complex. Bordered on its
northern edge by brick paved Camp Bowie Boulevard, the site features
an ever-expanding collection of impressive restaurants, boutiques
and shopping malls.
Cultural landmarks hold court, beginning with the newly expanded Amon
Carter Museum, home to a premiere collection of American art and sculpture.
Nearby is the Kimbell, widely regarded as one of America's best small
art museums. The neighboring Modern is the oldest art museum in the
state of Texas, and displays the works of renowned modern artists
and is opening a new Museum Dec. 14 to house its collection. The Fort
Worth Museum of Science & History is a permanent home to over
100,000 artifacts, a planetarium and an Omni Max Theatre with its
giant 3-story wraparound viewing screen. Live Theatre also rules here
under the glittering geodesic dome of Casa Ma¯±ana, the
nations first permanently constructed theatre-in-the-round. No wonder
the site attracts more than 3 million visitors annually.
The National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame celebrates over 150
notable women who made history through grit, grace and gumption. Nestled
in the Cultural District's Will Rogers Memorial Complex, this interactive
museum pays homage to Leading ladies like Dale Evans, famed rodeo
riders like Flores Ladue, equestrian trailblazer Carol Rose, and many
others. And the list goes on as new honorees are inducted yearly.
A message perhaps for western cowboys? Hats off boys, as we salute
these famous ladies!
Small art galleries compliment the cultural scene. William Campbell
Contemporary Art spotlights artists of today. Galerie Kornye West
features traditional original masterworks while the Alpine Art; Edmund
Craig and Carol Henderson galleries offer a mix of styles.
Shoppers will find a broad selection of merchandise in cultural district
outlets. European antiques and upholstery can be found at Domain XCIV.
House of Tuscany offers lighting accents and unique accessories and
Backwoods provides sports equipment and travel items from business
to backpacking and fly-fishing to climbing.
Cultural addicts won't go hungry here. Appetites can be appeased via
nearby restaurants featuring cuisines ranging from American to Asian,
continental, and eclectic. Award-winning Michael's offers contemporary
ranch dishes including the owner/chef's crusted tuna appetizer and
his signature peppered beef tenderloin with Chile-bourbon sauce. Caf¯©
Aspen serves elegant preparations that score high on looks and flavor.
Superb Italian dishes can be enjoyed at Sardine's, a 20-year Fort
Worth landmark that features live jazz nightly. Hui Chuan asks diners
to experience “origami food.”
Simpler fare like soup, sandwiches and subs can be found at the nearby
Great Outdoors eatery. Hamburger purists can enjoy the traditional
beef and bun at Kincaid's Burgers, another favorite west side spot.
Or drive out to Cathy Mancuso's Italian Ristorante where Singer Tony
Bennett, the cast of TV's Sopranos, all the Miss Texas winners, and
a cadre of other greats choose to dine. Located at 9500 White Settlement
Road in what was once a church, Mancuso's delivers superb Yankee-styled
Italian fare drawing continuing crowds of celebrities and just plain
folks.
Beyond the cultural district, more shopping dining and entertainment
beckons. Southward, University Park Village, affords a delightful
stroll through an open-air mall. The village is home to Uncommon Angles,
Barnes & Noble, Bath & Body Works, Starbucks, Victoria's Secret,
Blue Mesa Restaurant and La Piazza.
To the west, newly constructed Chapel Hill offers another outdoor
complex with a pseudo-adobe southwestern d¯©cor. Restaurants
include the southwestern delights of Mi Cocina, a homey diner labeled
The Purple Cow and an Asian restaurant called Big Bowl. Shops include
World Market, a cornucopia of imported furnishings, wine, gourmet
coffee, and gift selections. Next door is Central Market, a grocery
super store featuring everything from fresh produce, to gourmet delicacies,
and sushi to go. Cooking demonstrations and an outdoor snack bar let
patrons take a break from shopping chores.
Further west, lies Ridgmar, an indoor shopping complex recently renovated
to the tune of $70 million. Ridgmar contains 3 levels of over 100
stores connected by paved brick and tile boulevards.
So whether you're in the mood for art, browsing, casual or elegant
dining, shopping in earnest, or just looking for leisurely exploration,
do what Fort Worth savvy natives and visitors do - Go West!
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