This morning we decided to drive to Stockyards National Historic District in Fort Worth - about 30 miles from Dallas.
'It was once the biggest and busiest cattle, horse, mule, hog and sheep marketing center in the South-west, where more than 160 million head of livestock were sold. Today, the 125 acre Stockyards National Historic District attracts over 2 million visitors a year and is home to restaurants, hotels, saloons, galleries, shopping and family-style entertainment. Take your next trip back in time to Stockyards Station.'
We parked the car for $5 for the whole day. It was pretty quiet when we arrived at almost 11am so we wandered the main street. There were several cowboys and a cowgirl on horseback meandering around and we stopped to look at them (of course). Two of them were quite happy to chat to us and told us about their period costumes, one had an authentic Texan saddle, the other had a Mexican saddle (and pointed out the differences) and they told us about their horses.
At 11.30 was the first (of the twice-daily) longhorn cattle drive, where 'Authentic Fort Worth cowboys drive the herd down Exchange Avenue. Head 'em up and move 'em out.' Loved it - have never seen anything like it! We were standing on the edge of the footpath and the herd moved right by in front of us. We followed the herd around to their holding pen afterwards and learnt a little more about the longhorn breed, each animal has a name and photo on a board. There are 7 different breeds of longhorn and my favourite was the spanish styled with the very curled long horn - and my favourite was 'Sancho'. We found out that the herd animals have been donated from ranches all over the US, and when they are no longer able to participate, they go back to their home ranch to live out their days in pasture. The cowboy was telling us that once upon a time, people could offer to adopt the longhorns in retirement and the waiting list was 600 people long!!! People love 'em!
Wandered the streets and found a recommended cafe for a coffee (and cake) - delicious! We decided to split up and look around. David and I ended up in a store called 'Maverick Fine Western Wear'. I was attracted by something in the window and dragged David in there. Well - what a lovely place inside! Along the left wall, was a very swish looking timber bar - with beer - and a tv showing the football.... that's where the husbands get to sit whilst the ladies shop!!! We looked around and David found a very Texan shirt to try on and he looked so handsome in it, I had to buy it for his Christmas present. At the counter, whilst paying, he met the owner/manager - Sam - and I left to have a look at clothes. Upon my return a few minutes later, David is sitting at the bar, beer in hand - having a lovely chat with Sam! He reckons it was the best place to shop he'd ever been to! Sam was a veritable source of information, we learned a lot. He recommended we eat at H3 restaurant across the road for lunch, because they served food 'Texan style' better than anyone else in the district.
So much happened today, I can't possibly write it all down here. Lunch was excellent, Texan style beef and ribs - complete with a full corn cob in its husk on the plate! The Native American jewellery, pottery and artwork was exceptional - Fiona and Robyn had a ball! We watched the second cattle drive at 4pm before leaving. By this time, there were many more people in the district and we were really glad we'd seen the earlier one, too.
Driving to Fort Worth and back today was a very 'interesting' experience (perhaps I should have said frustrating) with the number of road work detours which our GPS of course, didn't recognize; and then in the afternoon we were battling peak hour traffic as well. So we just turned up the music - 92.5 'Where Cowboys Come to Rock' - until we made it safely to the Grapevine Mills - had to get a few last minute things.
Back in our rooms by 7pm - we had cheese & crackers and wine - I don't think we got to bed before midnight! It was lots of fun! One of the best days ever!!!
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