The study examines five years of data (2019-2023) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), ranking the 300 largest U.S. cities by the rate of drivers in fatal crashes with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher per 100,000 residents.

“When nearly 1/3 of the nation’s worst cities for drunk driving deaths are in Texas, we can’t treat this as someone else’s problem. This data should be a wake-up call for every community in our state – and for the policymakers, law enforcement leaders, and families who can help change it.” – Travis Patterson

The full report (linked below) includes a national ranking of cities by drunk driving fatality rate, a spotlight on Texas and regional trends, heat map and data visualizations, and analysis of crashes involving higher BAC levels (0.15+).

The post Where Does Fort Worth Rank for Drunk Driving Fatalities? first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

These places are not just shops or cafés where you grab coffee. They are the backdrop of our lives. These businesses and the people behind them are what make Fort Worth so special. In honor of our 50th issue, we present 50 of our favorites. (Okay, so we went over 50. We got excited.)

Coffee shop

1. Ostara Coffee Roasters
2. Cherry Coffee Shop
3. Avoca Coffee Roaster

Great days start with a little sugar and a lot of coffee. Ostara Coffee Roasters and Cherry Coffee Shop have delightfully welcoming vibes, while Avoca Coffee Roasters is a Fort Worth institution for artisanal beans.

Donut shops

4. Batter and Beans
5. FunkyTown Donuts and Drafts

Batter and Beans serves amazing fresh cake donuts with coffee, which is a perfect way to start your morning, while FunkyTown Donuts and Drafts is a longtime favorite of Madeworthy’s.

Bakery (Worth the calories!)

6. Eduardo’s Pastry Kitchen
7. Swiss Pastry Shop
8. Unrefined Bakery
9. Leaves Bakery and Books

If you need a gluten-free treat or just want a slice of melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness, Fort Worth bakeries deliver. While Swiss Pastry Shop has long been a Cowtown favorite, Eduardo’s Pastry Kitchen is beginning to make waves. Unrefined Bakery makes indulgent gluten-free classics, like toothache-worthy cinnamon rolls. One of my personal favorites is Leaves, a cozy bakery, tea shop, and bookshop in one.

Breakfast/brunch place (The Best Meal of the Day!)

10. BREWED
11. Cafecito

I don’t know if I love brunch because it reminds me of Saturdays or because I always order coffee, but something about brunch gets my heart racing. Two favorites, both highly reviewed, are BREWED and Cafecito. BREWED brings upscale classics with a Fort Worth vibe, while Cafecito serves authentic Mexican breakfast in the cutest pink diner.

Hanging out with friends

12. The Shops at Clearfork

Doctors say a walk a day keeps the stress away, so we at Madeworthy recommend strolling around The Shops at Clearfork, where you can shop and enjoy the outdoors at the same time. If you’re so inclined, you can continue your walk down the Trinity Trails.

Place to relax and recharge

13. Ash Spa at Bowie House

For the ultimate in rustic chic pampering, indulge in a day at Ash. Don’t miss the personalized aromatherapy!

Art galleries

14. The Firehouse Pottery & Gallery

15. Giant Runt

Housed in a former firehouse, The Firehouse Pottery & Gallery offers pottery lessons as well as art from the owner, Keith Thomson, and local artists. Giant Runt continues to showcase some of the most intriguing artists working today.

Artist

16. Amy Brines “she draws on walls”
17. Art by Catalina Currea

Two of my family’s favorite local artists are Amy Brines and Catalina Currea. Their murals pop up all over town and seem more beautiful every time I see them.

Musician

18. Grady Spencer and the Work

If you love live music, I can’t think of anyone better than Cowtown local Grady Spencer and the Work.

Yearly event

19. FW Food and Wine Festival
20. Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo

Mark your calendar for the Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival and come dressed to impress. And the Festival raises money to support and educate local food and beverage professionals, championing the people who are the backbone of our city’s hospitality industry. Starting on January 16, Dickies Arena will host the 129^th Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. It’s legendary!

Boutique

21. Wide Brim in the Stockyards
22. Sunday Supper
23. S. The Letter

If you’re in the Stockyards, shop at Wide Brim in Hotel Drover. Sunday Suppers makes changing your vibe easy, while P. S. The Letter is your go-to for holiday and shower shopping.

Bar/ Breweries

24. Grandma’s
25. WineHaus
26. Thompson’s Bookstore
27. Wild Acre Brewing

Grandma’s is a great place to relax with friends and enjoy some adult beverages, while Thompson’s Bookstore continues to delight. The new owners at WineHaus are doing a bang-up job, and Wild Acre Brewing is one of our family’s absolute favorites. My kids love the playground, bike racing, and water trampoline, I love the relaxed atmosphere and food, and my husband loves the beer.

Sweet treat

28. Leo’s Churro Bar
29. Dusty Biscuit Beignets
30. Hurley House

I cannot write this section without mentioning my favorite Fort Worth dessert spot that closed during COVID: Sweet Sammies. Gone but not forgotten. Thankfully, Fort Worth still has no shortage of desserts. Leo’s Churro Bar serves some of the most creative sweets from an Airstream you’ll ever have. Madeworthy friend Dusty Biscuit is still slinging incredible beignets on South Main. And you can never go wrong with the cakes and cookies from Hurley House.

Hamburger joint

31. Kincaids
32. JD’s Hamburgers

The oldies are still the goodies. You can’t go wrong with JD’s Hamburgers or Fort Worth’s legend, Kincaid’s.

Barbecue

33. Smokey Beard’s Q
34. Goldee’s Barbecue
35. Hurtado Barbecue

Barbecue is a religion in Texas, and “the best” is hotly debated; local favorite Goldee’s consistently ranks among the best in Texas, and Hurtado is a North Texas staple. Smokey Beard’s Q, in the old Mamma Mia location on E. Belknap, is straight from… Riyadh? The concept opened its first stateside location right here in Cowtown, and it’s drawing raves from people like Mike Tyson. (Yep, that Mike Tyson.)

Restaurant

36. BobaLou
37. The Chumley House
38. Danny’s Greek Café
39. The Mont
40. Yoichi Omakaze & Handroll

Stop by BobaLou for delightful boba creations, delicious paninis, and decadent gelato. For somewhere to see and be seen, try The Chumley House or The Mont. Danny’s Greek Café serves to-die-for Greek cuisine in the former Mr. Gatti’s off Camp Bowie, while Yoichi’s quietly opened in the former Shinjuku Station location and is drawing rave reviews.

Random Favorites

41. The Virgin Olive Oiler
42. Teach Me Mahj – mahjong lessons with Shannon Irwin
43. Fort Worth Stockyards

Parks and Recreation

44. Tillery Park
45. Marine Creek Lake
46. Airfield Falls
47. Fort Worth Zoo
48. Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

When it is not blazing hot, Fort Worth offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Hike the trail around Marine Creek Park or splash in the falls at Airfield Falls. Tillery Park is a forgotten gem, perfect for picnicking. And who doesn’t love the nationally ranked Fort Worth Zoo, one of our family’s favorite outings.

Gyms

49. Smart Barre Camp Bowie
50. Hotworx West Cliff
51. Union Cycle + Strength

Finding time for yourself matters; moms have to take care of themselves so they can take care of everyone else! Local moms rave about Smart Barre off Bowie, Hotworx, and Union Cycle + Strength for energizing workouts.

Nurseries

52. Mike’s Garden Center
53. Archie’s Gardenland

Spruce up your garden or grab a plant for your kitchen window. Mike’s Garden Center and Archie’s Gardenland are neighborhood favorites with the know-how to make your garden gorgeous.

These places are not just shops or cafes where you grab coffee. They are the backdrop of our lives. These businesses and the people behind them are what makes Fort Worth so special!

The post 50 Fort Worth Finds first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

WHAT: Fort Worth Convention Center Phase 1 expansion ribbon cutting

Phase 1 is a $95 million project begun in 2023. Totaling 76,794 square feet, the first phase includes new state-of-the-art food & beverage facilities, demolition of the annex, addition of a lightbox atrium southeast entrance and terrace, additional loading docks and realignment of Commerce Street to create a site pad for a future convention hotel.

The project places emphasis on increasing pedestrian access and improving the area’s walkability and connection to the surrounding neighborhood.

Image courtesy of the City of Fort Worth

WHO: Remarks by Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; City Councilmember Elizabeth Beck; Visit Fort Worth CEO Bob Jameson; and City Public Events Director Mike Crum.

Also cutting the ribbon:
Fort Worth City Manager Jay Chapa
Assistant City Manager Jes McEachern
David Crabtree, Broaddus & Associates
Micheal Bennett, Bennett Partners
Lei Gao, TVS Design
Brian Duncan, Project Executive, Hunt-Byrne-Smith Construction (joint venture)

WHERE:           1300 Commerce St. at Water Gardens Plaza, the southeast corner of the convention center. Parking is available in the Commerce St. garage directly across from the site, or in the Houston St. garage a block west of the center.

WHEN:             Monday, December 8, 2025

                            9:00 – 9:30 a.m.           Remarks & Ribbon Cutting
9:30 – 10 a.m.               Indoor reception, refreshments, tours

Tours of loading docks, new catering kitchen and client tasting room available.

NEXT STEPS: Phase II renderings will be unveiled in February with mobilization for construction anticipated to begin in summer 2026 and complete by early 2030. The venue will continue to remain operational throughout.

Image courtesy of the City of Fort Worth

The post Fort Worth Convention Center Expansion Ribbon Cutting first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

From plumbers to pediatricians, arborists to accountants, the ladies of the Tanglewood Moms group on Facebook know the best person, place, or thing for the job in Fort Worth. So naturally, they knew the best boutiques in town when we asked for their recommendations!

Color Game
4725 Camp Bowie Boulevard

It’s hard to look chic on game day, y’all. Fan apparel, while, um, exuberant, is not usually fashion-conscious or even particularly feminine. Erica Bracken understands. As the founder of Color Game, she knows you want to wear something other than an oversized jersey to support your team. Color Game carries a wide assortment of clothing and accessories that are a la mode in the colors of your favorite team. Are you looking for a baby doll dress in burnt orange? A cami in cardinal? A puff sleeve top in purple? Color Game has you covered. (They also carry clothing for non-game days.)

The Mercantile
7200 Camp Bowie Boulevard (on the traffic circle)

Since 2007, The Mercantile on Camp Bowie has offered Fort Worthians a place to shop for antiques, fashion, home décor, and furniture from a wide variety of vendors before indulging in a tasty lunch or decadent high tea in the Rose Garden Tea Room. A “mercantile” was another word for a general store, and The Mercantile lives up to its name. The vendors in the 200+ booths have an astonishing variety of offerings. No matter what you’re looking for, you will find it (and about 25 other things!) at The Mercantile.

The FORT TX
Located in The Market Ridglea
3400 Bernie Anderson Avenue

Do you love Fort Worth? Do you want to support local designers and makers? So do the folks at The FORT. Owner Jennifer McKnight curates an outstanding collection of apparel, fashion accessories, and home décor featuring their own designs and collaborations between local creatives and entrepreneurs, all inspired by Texas in general and Fort Worth in particular. The inventory is constantly changing, so check in often to see new items!

Alana Kay Art
www.alanakayart.com

Alana Kay Latiolais loves color. I mean, she REALLY loves color. She truly believes in the power of color; she knows that color can empower people and inspire joy. As a resin artist, she creates bold paintings that turn heads. She also digitally transforms her art into fashion, accessories, and home décor. And in May of 2024, Alana Kay launched her collection on HSN, othrwīs by Alana Kay, which brings her wearable art to the world.

Morgan Mercantile
121 South Main Street

Chance Morgan and his wife Kala are passionate about Panther City. They produce some of Fort Worth’s most creative custom-printed goods and merchandise. Starting their business in 2015, the Morgans opened their brick-and-mortar retail location in the Near Southside in 2019. Their in-house label, Panther City Provisions, is now seen on some of Fort Worth’s most influential influencers. Chance and Kala’s eye for design has elevated Morgan Mercantile from a simple print and promo company to a company that reflects the creative vibe of Funkytown.

P.S. the Letter
2100 Hulen Street

P.S. the Letter is all about bringing people together to celebrate. Whether you need a gift for a girlfriend’s baby shower or stationery for your wedding thank-you notes, P.S. the Letter has you covered. They have a fantastic selection of beautiful china, crystal, silver, and home décor that will be sure to make the recipient happy. The ladies of P.S. the Letter will guide you in choosing the perfect gift and stationery for any situation.

Monkee’s of Fort Worth
5234 Marathon Avenue

Franchise owner and Texas native Harriet McKinney has created a fun boutique full of carefully curated designer fashions. Monkee’s of Fort Worth offers upscale shoes, clothing, and accessories in a fun environment. You will find that shopping at Monkee’s of Fort Worth is a highly personalized experience. In fact, after shopping at Monkee’s, you very well might need a bigger closet.

Local Design Studio
3610 West Vickery Boulevard

In 2017, the owners of Lila and Hayes, Paige Casey and Amanda Galati, founded Local Design Studios with one mission in mind – to offer office space and warehouse space, as well as a storefront for women-owned businesses in Fort Worth. Fast forward to 2024, and Local Designs Studios is the home to six businesses: Kori Green Designs, Clearly Handbags, The Bow Next Door, Fort 52, RM Rynd Interiors, C&B Furs, CITY Boots, and, of course, Lila and Hayes. The showroom is open on Wednesdays from 10 am to 3 pm or by appointment.

You Are Here
4804 Camp Bowie Boulevard

Don’t all the best ideas start on a cocktail napkin? Anne Walker Miller and Joanna Bennett, the owners of You Are Here, think so. From an idea on a cocktail napkin to a pop-up store to a brick-and-mortar boutique, You Are Here has everything from the most comfortable jeans you will ever own to jewelry that is destined to become an heirloom. But the best part about shopping at You Are Here is that Joanna and Anne will make you feel like a long-lost friend the minute you step inside.

Wright at Home
5277 Monahans Avenue in the Shops at Clearfork

Owner Adrian Wright knows what his customers want. While the store’s name is a play on his name, Wright wants every person who walks into his store to feel right at home. After almost 20 years on Camp Bowie Boulevard, Wright at Home moved to the Shops at Clearfork in 2020, but it still offers the same carefully selected collection of gifts and home accessories, as well as Wright’s personalized design services.

Chieffalo Americana
4698 Camp Bowie Boulevard

While TCU alumnus Rodger Chieffalo made his name in real estate, he found his joy when he turned his hobby into a business. Nearly 20 years ago, Chieffalo started finding and restoring vintage Western hats. As his passion grew and people discovered his Chieffalo Americana hats, Rodger and his wife Jackie opened a Western accessories shop on the bricks of Camp Bowie. In fact, it was the store that brought them together! From vintage hats, scarves, belt buckles, and cufflinks to retro-styled sunglasses, designer clothing, and jewelry, Chieffalo Americana fits Fort Worth to a T!

Carter Bowden Antiques
4003 Camp Bowie Boulevard

I must admit that I love a good antique. So does Carter Bowden. He has an eye for antique art, home furnishings, and décor. The items in his shop on Camp Bowie can range from vintage Talavera pottery from Mexico to antique Steuben crystal to works by Texas artists. No matter what you are looking for, I will guarantee that you will find it (and lots more) at Carter Bowden Antiques.

Beehive
Fort Worth: 4808 Camp Bowie Boulevard
Austin: 3300 Bee Caves Road

Beehive owner Claire Craig started Beehive in Austin when she was only 25 years old. She wanted to create a boutique full of unique statement pieces, a cool and relaxed vibe, and colors and patterns to make you smile. Both the Beehive Austin and the Beehive Fort Worth cater to women who like their clothing and accessories to be high-end with just a touch (or maybe more than a touch) of wacky. Claire believes that you will leave her boutiques inspired to live life just a little funkier and a whole lot brighter.

Simple Things Furniture Company
7401 West Vickery Boulevard

Since 1997, Simple Things has been Fort Worth’s go-to for furniture and antiques furnishings. They are serious about chairs. And sofas. And bedding. And it works. And that incredible repurposed industrial light that will look amazing over the antique table with the gorgeous vintage place settings. (I’m no longer allowed in Simple Things by myself.) But if you’re looking for unique, high-quality pieces that are destined to become family heirlooms, look no further.

THREE Fort Worth
3460 Bluebonnet Circle

Named in honor of owner Kristi Parker’s three daughters, THREE provides local fashionistas with unique-yet-on-trend clothing and accessories at an affordable price point. Located on Bluebonnet Circle and beloved by local students, THREE is the place to find the absolutely perfect outfit, complete with the absolutely perfect accessories, for whatever occasion may arise without breaking the bank.

Casa Bella Décor
1617 Park Place Avenue

Casa Bella believes that furnishings and décor should be affordable, comfortable, and functional while reflecting your individual style. If you don’t love a piece, it doesn’t matter how comfortable it is or how affordable it may be. The designers at Casa Bella take the time to get to know you so that together, you can create a home that is stylish and that you can live in with ease. And because Casa Bella believes that shopping should be convenient, they offer in-person and online shopping options. No matter which method of shopping you choose, you will find just what you’re looking for at Casa Bella Décor.

The post Fort Worth’s Favorite Shopping Destinations first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

The remodeled, 65,000-square-foot facility will feature all-new amenities, including a dedicated dance lab for in-studio performances and rehearsals, a Pilates studio, a physical therapy suite, expanded company dressing rooms, a ballet boutique, a company lounge, and a family waiting lounge. The reconfigured space will also increase the number of studios from three to seven, allowing TBT School to accommodate more students by providing additional class times and new programming for students of all ages and abilities.

“This expansion ensures our dancers have the resources they need to excel,” Artistic Director Tim O’Keefe said. “It’s an exciting time for the company as we prepare for a new era of growth and artistic excellence.”

Rehearsal Studio
Image courtesy of TBT

Following a catastrophic water leak in 2021 that left all the studios and many of the administrative offices unusable, the Board of Governors recognized the opportunity to reimagine the Fort Worth facility and build a space that reflected the organization’s artistic and educational ambitions.

Board Chair Anne Bass said, “Our goal is to create a world-class facility that not only meets our immediate needs but also supports the future growth of our company and school. We’re excited about the tremendous impact the new Fort Worth Studio will have on the Fort Worth arts community.”

“Our commitment to providing the highest level of ballet education and performance remains unwavering,” Executive Director Vanessa Logan said. “This project is a testament to our dedication to Fort Worth and our vision for the future of ballet in North Texas.”

Reception Area
Image courtesy of TBT

The post Texas Ballet Theater’s Fort Worth Studio to Undergo Total Rennovation first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Elected officials, business leaders and construction teams were on hand for the Topping Out as the highest structural steel beam was hoisted into place with the traditional fir tree riding on it. Speakers at the ceremony included Public Events Director Mike Crum, Visit Fort Worth Chairman Brian Newby, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and City Councilmember Elizabeth Beck.

“Today is an exciting milestone as we continue to build on the success of our local tourism economy, said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. “The Fort Worth Convention Center expansion is more than just a building project, it is a pivotal component of Fort Worth’s vision for a vibrant, economically robust future.

Rendering courtesy of the City of Fort Worth

“The expanded Convention Center will bring increased capacity to host conferences from across the nation, bolstering our already impressive convention and tourism industry. One of the benefits of this project is it will bring an enhanced focus on pedestrian access, walkability and overall connectedness to all of downtown with the realignment of Commerce Street.”

Tourism is a $3.3 billion industry for Fort Worth and one of its largest employers with more than 30,000 jobs. The convention center expansion is part of the city’s larger economic development strategy to attract meetings from across the state and nation.

“Expanding our convention center means expanding opportunity for local business and creating jobs,” said Bob Jameson, president & CEO of Visit Fort Worth. “The word is out about Fort Worth and this center will enable us to keep up with growing demand to meet in our city.”

The expansion project will take place in two phases and the facility is remaining operational during both. Totaling 76,794 square feet, the $95 million Phase I includes the construction of a new grand Southeast entrance, state-of-the-art food & beverage facilities, demolition of the 1980s annex to double loading docks, and realignment of Commerce Street to create a site pad for a future convention hotel.

The project emphasizes pedestrian access and improving the area’s walkability and connection to the surrounding neighborhood, which includes the Water Gardens, the new Texas A&M Fort Worth campus, surrounding hotels and the Deco 969 residential tower.

Rendering courtesy of the City of Fort Worth

“Our team has dedicated countless hours of their time and talent to this project, and I couldn’t be prouder to thank them and celebrate their hard work,” said Monte Thurmond, Executive Vice President/COO South Region, AECOM Hunt. “It’s because of their collective skill that we stand here today. I know that, looking ahead to the next steps in this project, we’re in great hands. Together, we will drive this remarkable project forward, bringing new life to this facility, the surrounding community, and the entire City of Fort Worth.”

Phase I of the expansion is set to complete in 2026. Phase II, estimated at $606 million, is in planning and design stage, with construction anticipated to begin in 2026 and run through early 2030. Information on the project, including Phase I renderings, can be found at https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/public-events/convention-center/Convention-Center-Expansion.

The post Convention Center Milestone Celebrated first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Season Ware
Photo courtesy of The Property Shop

She knows that no matter how many bells and whistles an agency might boast, the heart of the business must be making a client feel special and keeping transactions simple and stress-free while allowing the agents to maintain a work-life balance and retain the majority of their commissions.

Since 2009, Ware has been making this possibly contradictory credo work in The Property Shop. And it has paid off. With over 125 agents and annual home sales valued at more than $250 million, The Property Shop and its luxury branch The Exclusive grew to be Fort Worth’s largest independent brokerage.

“Starting The Property Shop was not just about building a business,” Ware said recently. “It was about creating a space where relationships matter more than profit. As a female business owner and an ordinary mom, I wanted to find a way to contribute meaningfully while still being present in my children’s lives. My kids are now grown, and I’m a Gigi, but the journey of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship has been incredibly rewarding and continues to inspire me every day.”

Photo courtesy of The Property Shop

Last month, The Property Shop joined Real Brokerage Inc., the fastest growing, publicly traded real estate brokerage in the United States. The Property Shop is now part of Real’s Private Label Program, which allows independent brokerages to maintain their own brand while taking advantage of Real’s technology and management platform. But don’t think this means that The Property Shop is leaving Fort Worth!

Ware explained, “The Property Shop and our luxury branch, The Exclusive, remain hyper-focused on serving the Fort Worth community with the exceptional service you have always loved. Joining REAL Brokerages under a private label provides us with more tools and greater reach to better serve our clients.”

“Real’s Private Label Program offers the best of both worlds,” Ware said. “By aligning with Real, we get to keep the heart and boost the power of our business by gaining access to state-of-the art technology, training, equity and a culture that meshes perfectly with ours. I’ve committed to always doing what’s best for my team, and this was a no-brainer.”

Photo courtesy of The Property Shop

The post The Property Shop Gets Real first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Recently, someone asked the original group where you would take someone if you wanted them to move to Fort Worth.

Boom.

And the answers are PERFECT. The City of Fort Worth should hire the TWMs. Seriously, the answers made our Fort Worth-lovin’ hearts swell with pride. Check out the list below and let us know what you think in the comments below!

• Mani/pedi, brunch, and window shopping at the Shops at Clearfork
• Lunch and an afternoon in the Modern
• Get some Curly’s frozen custard and then sit on the lawn at the Amon Carter
• Wander through the Stockyards on a Tuesday afternoon (fewer tourists!) and grab a drink at the Side Saddle Saloon
• Download the Neighborhood Leap app and do the amazing augmented reality art walk through the Near Southside
• Go for a morning walk or bike ride along the Trinity
• Do a Museum Day. Start at one end of Lancaster and do the Modern, the Kimbell, the Carter, and the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame. Then pop over to West 7^th or up Camp Bowie for drinks and dinner.
• Have a picnic in the Botanic Gardens [Editor’s note: the best way to end a Botanic Gardens picnic is to stop at Curly’s on the way home.]
• Joe T’s and a rodeo at the Cowtown Coliseum
• Spend the afternoon at Airfield Falls (bring your swimsuit!)
• Go to either Cowtown or Clearfork Farmers Market and then make lunch with your finds
• Wander along Magnolia
• Either a brewery crawl or a coffee/tea crawl through the Near Southside
• Afternoon tea at the Kimbell
• Go to a football or baseball game at TCU
• Take in a show at Bass Hall
• Spend a morning wandering through the Japanese Gardens
• Enjoy a spring afternoon at Trinity Park
• Take in one of our amazing festivals – ArtsGoggle, Mayfest, Main Street Arts Festival, and more
• Spring or Fall Gallery Night [Editor’s note: if you want the full experience, take the Party Bus with ArtTooth – trust me on this!]
• Spend a summer’s day at Burger’s Lake
• Birding in the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
• Attend a Fort Worth Astronomical Society Star Party at the Tandy Hills Natural Area
• Go to a show at Dickies Arena
• Even better, find a local bar like the Cicada or Tulips and check out our amazing local music scene
• Take a historic walking tour or ghost tour (BOO!)

And if you really want to dig into all the fantastic things that make Fort Worth a great place to live, check out Celestina Blok’s 100 Things to Do in Fort Worth Before You Die. It’s great for out-of-towners getting to know the area or natives who want to become reacquainted with their city!

The post Why You Should Move to Fort Worth, As Determined by TWM first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Tourism Updates 

Visit Fort Worth’s Annual Meeting presented by Pinnacle Bank included an update on the annual impact of tourism on the local economy and spotlighted the hospitality industry. President and CEO Bob Jameson highlighted the tourism industry in Fort Worth, which impacted the local economy to the tune of $3.4 billion in 2023 and drew 11.4 million visitors.

Hospitality Award 

Dickies Arena was honored with Visit Fort Worth’s annual Hospitality Award. Each year the award goes to an organization that dramatically enhances the hospitality industry. The award is a sculpture commemorating the legendary Amon Carter’s tradition of extending a hat to his guests. The award was accepted by Edward P. Bass, chairman of Trail Drive Management Corp., and Matt Homan, president and general manager Trail Drive Management Corp.

Beyond Award 

The Beyond Award is presented to an individual in the hospitality industry who goes above and beyond. This year’s award was presented to Maria Herrera, event coordinator at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster, presented by Jockey Outdoors, announces return to Fort Worth in 2025 

The 2021 event held in Fort Worth and Lake Ray Roberts attracted 147,197 fans, the second-largest crowd ever for a Bassmaster Classic and a record for a Classic held in Texas. The 2025 Bassmaster Classic will be held at Dickies Arena and the Fort Worth Convention Center.

FFA returns to Fort Worth in 2026  

The Texas FFA Annual Convention and Tradeshow celebrates students’ potential for leadership. It will bring in an estimated impact of $19M into the Fort Worth economy and impact 30+ hotels across the city.

The Ultimate Fort Worth Sports Pass 

Support the NCAA Readers Become Leaders program by entering a raffle for a chance to secure tickets to every major sporting event in 2024. Click here to learn more.

Unexpected Stories 

Visit Fort Worth debuted a new series of 17 short films that spotlight local entrepreneurs, artists, chefs and community leaders as part of Visit Fort Worth’s promotion effort to attract tourists to the city. The one-minute video profiles and supporting content were filmed and produced by 19 Fort Worth filmmakers, displaying the robust talent and wealth of expertise in Fort Worth’s burgeoning film industry. Supporting content includes a behind-the-scenes video and series trailer. See all 17 videos at FortWorth.com/UnexpectedStories.

Keynote Speaker 

Keynote speaker Rohit Bhargava spoke about cutting-edge trends defining today’s culture and crafting a truthful message in a world full of noise. He encouraged the audience to uncover insights by observing and to learn to see what others miss. He emphasized “people who understand people always win.” Learn more about our 2024 keynote speaker and his message by visiting RohitBhargava.com.

Grand Finale Surprises 

This year’s audience was treated to exciting surprises that stimulate the local business economy. Visit Fort Worth partnered with Dickies Apparel to offer attendees select items from their collection, which were available for sale at the after party.

Visit Fort Worth also collaborated with over 90 local partners to provide guests with special offers and discounts at businesses throughout the city. Dubbed the “Golden Ticket,” it will encourage attendees to discover, or rediscover, the unexpected charms, attractions, restaurants and shops that make Fort Worth a unique place to live.

The post The Future of a Growing Fort Worth first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

“We are proud to partner with Arts de La Rosa, the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens and many more community partners to celebrate Day of the Dead,” said Bob Jameson, president and CEO of Visit Fort Worth. “We are looking forward to honoring an age-old tradition and highlighting the rich patchwork of cultures that make up our community.”

This year, the holiday will be marked by vibrant parades, traditional ofrendas (or altars), sugar skull face painting competitions and festive events in the Historic Stockyards, Sundance Square and the Cultural District. These events foster an appreciation for the rich cultural significance behind the Day of the Dead, showcase Fort Worth’s diverse celebrations and strengthen multicultural community.

Event Highlights:

Day of the Dead Parade and Celebration – October 28, 10am 

Celebrate the 20th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration of Life and Culture in the historic Northside neighborhood. The parade will begin on North Main Street and Central Avenue and make its way north toward the Stockyards. Festivities will follow at Marine Park with local food, music, celebration and remembrances of the deceased.

Presented by Artes de la Rosa in collaboration with the City of Fort Worth, Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, National Latino Law Enforcement Organization and Visit Fort Worth.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden Marigold Carpet – Opening celebration October 28, 11:30am 

Guests will enjoy more than 46,000 marigolds that will be “rolled out” to create a showstopping “carpet” down the Rose Garden stairs. These strongly scented flowers are believed to help deceased ancestors find their way home to the ofrendas prepared for them on this special day. Through November 2.

La Catrina Fest in Sundance Square – October 28, 12-9pm, contest begins at 5pm 

The 2nd annual La Catrina Contest and Festival will take place in Sundance Square, where the most elaborate Day of the Dead makeup and costume designers will compete to win the best costume. Hosted by Sundance Square and Coleccion Mexicana.

La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth Día de los Muertos Ceremony – October 29, 1-6pm 

The Latin American shopping hub will honor Day of the Dead with a ceremony of blessings, altar decorations and songs dedicated to the deceased. The ceremony will celebrate the holiday in a fun, festive way that also honors the memory of ancestors.

Paco’s Mexican Cuisine Mercado – Sunday, October 29, 12-8pm.  

Paco’s invites the Fort Worth community to its annual Día de los Muertos Mercado to experience local cuisine and unique vendors from our community.

Day of the Dead Altar & Entertainment at Sundance Square Plaza – Wednesday, November 1 

An evening of live music and entertainment at the heart of downtown Fort Worth.

Joe T. Garcia’s Day of the Dead Celebration – Date TBD 

Celebrate Day of the Dead at the iconic Joe T. Garcia’s, with classic dishes of traditional Mexican fare, music and a festive atmosphere.

photo credit: Brian Wegman via Unsplash

Dining with the Dead at Toro Toro – Thursday, November 2, 6pm 

Toro Toro will host a culinary adventure dedicated to honoring Día de los Muertos at this ticketed event. The special menu features culinary practices that symbolize the connection between the living and the departed.

Don Artemio Special Cantina Menu – November 2-22 

The James Beard finalist will feature a special Cantina menu to commemorate the Day of the Dead.

HWNT Fort Worth Chapter’s “Hasta los Muertos Bailan!” Gala – Saturday, November 4, 7pm 

The 11th Annual gala, “Hasta Los Muertos Bailan!” (“Even the Dead Dance!”) celebrates the Day of the Dead with a cocktail social, silent auction, dinner, dancing with live music, traditional altars and Mariachi music. Hosted by the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, proceeds will benefit HWNT Fort Worth Chapter’s LIP Education Program and development.

La Danza de Jaguar – September 9-November 30 

This Mexican art exhibition in papier mâché by Miguel Martin will delight visitors while paying homage to the Day of the Dead through his artistic vision.

For a full schedule and more information, visit FortWorth.com/DiaDeLosMuertos. 

The post Celebrate Día de los Muertos Traditions and Festivities first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.