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From things to do, places to eat, and sights to see, what is one definitive rite of passage for newcomers to Fort Worth?
Maybe you've got your moment. That first sip of Martin House's The Salty Lady beer. Weaving through the massive crowds at the annual ArtsGoggle festival on Magnolia Avenue. Hollering your heart out at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.
Our team wonders when this particularly special milestone is met, when those new to Funkytown can officially call themselves a Fort Worthian.
In 4 on 1, our four editors — Brian Kendall, Samantha Calimbahin, Scott Nishimura, and Matt Payne — answer one question each week related to Fort Worth. Our goal is to get a pulse on the city and the people who call it home.
So, for this week's 4 on 1, we asked our editors this: From things to do, places to eat, and sights to see, what is one definitive rite of passage for newcomers to Fort Worth?
Brian: It might sound like a marathon, or at least some test in cultural endurance, but I’d say hitting up every single museum — and I mean every … single … one — in the Cultural District is the ultimate rite of passage for Fort Worth cubs. And I’m not talking a leisurely perusal, when I say “hitting up a museum” I want you to read the freaking small-print descriptions on every piece of art at the Kimbell. Such a rite might become akin to a walkabout among the Australian aboriginal society — only less chance for death.
Samantha: Hands down the Stockyards. That's our landmark. And even if you're not dancing at Billy Bob's Texas or eating at Joe T. Garcia's, just a stroll down Exchange Avenue will give you the biggest Western mood.
Scott: Joe T. Garcia's is obvious here. Not because it's got the best Tex-Mex or best margaritas (it doesn't), but it's the nowhere-else experience. Mr. and Mrs. Garcia founded the restaurant in 1935, with seating for just 16. Today, family members continue to run the North Side restaurant. But it's got a lot more capacity than just 16, as the restaurant has burgeoned over the years, continually adding space as the real estate became available. It's real simple here - fajitas or the enchilada dinner, also known as the "Mexican dinner," or just "the dinner." Generations of Fort Worthians - native and transplanted - have lounged beneath the leafy trees on the Joe T.'s patios, even in the middle of summer, soaking up the sun, pitchers of margaritas, and the oozing cheese nachos.
Matt: If you’re the sporty type (or at least, in my case, the active-when-I-feel-like-it type), I’d say taking a bike ride or jog down the Trinity Trails. There’s more than 70 miles of picturesque paths affording breathtaking views of downtown, nature, and, of course, the Trinity River. It’s a refreshing facet to this sprawling city, and certainly helps one feel connected to the community.
