If you have a stopover in Dallas do yourself a favour a spend a couple of days in the Stockyards, Fort Worth. This historic part of the city dates back to 1890 and is the last remaining stockyard in the US. We fell for the charm of this old cowboy town during our 2 night stay...
The first evening we went to Billy Bob's, billed as the world's biggest Honky Tonk with space for 5000+ people. They host concerts with some of the biggest country & western bands and also have an indoor bull riding arena with competitions every weekend. We were there mid-week and enjoyed a couple of $6 margaritas while watching a group of local line-dance enthusiasts going through their routines. Later on I got a chance to join a group of beginners for an easy routine although it was harder than it looked!
The original stockyards still stand and house a herd of longhorn cattle. These are impressive creatures with horns that easily measure 2 metres from tip to tip.
Every day there is a short cattle drive through the centre of town. While this display is put on for visitors, it's a tradition that dates back to 1900 and we got the feeling that nothing much has changed since then.
Events on the annual social calendar include the World Steak Championships, Cow Camp, the American Cowboy Gala plus weekly Rodeos on Saturdays and Sundays.
We ended our last day at the Longhorn Saloon. It was Ladies Night, a local country band was playing and the dance floor was full. Each couple had their own steps and style, developed over many years of dancing together. Watching the couples dancing easily around the floor in their jeans, cowboy boots (some with spurs) and hats made me feel a bit nostalgic for the simple life.