If you’re planning on attending the Quarter Horse World Show in Oklahoma City, or the APHA Fall World Championship in Fort Worth, most of your time will probably be spent either at the show grounds or your local hotel room. However, if you do find yourself with a few free hours and are looking for something to do, please consult the following list of favorite attractions and restaurants in the area.
Fort Worth, Texas
Attractions:
• The Fort Worth Stockyards- 130 East Exchange Avenue
During the daytime you can watch the daily cattle drive down East Exchange Avenue or do a little shopping at one of the many galleries and boutiques along the main drag. Shops like the Leather Trading Co., The Cross-eyed Moose and Olde Tyme Mercantile offer leather goods, western memorabilia, and authentic western wear. If you’re more interested in what the local nightlife has to offer, you must visit Billy Bob’s of Texas, the world’s largest honky tonk. Other popular attractions include Pearl’s Dancehall and Saloon and The White Elephant.
• Fort Worth Botanical Gardens- 3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard
The Botanical Gardens offers more than 2,100 acres of trails and garden exhibits. One featured exhibit is the Japanese Garden with lakes that are home to thousands of exotic Imperial Koi fish.
• Fort Worth Museum of Science and History- 1600 Gendy Street
Although the new museum building is still under construction and won’t be ready until late November, you can still see movies on the IMAX dome in the Omni Theater.
• National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame- 1720 Gendy Street
At this museum you can learn about famous horsewomen like Faye Blackstone and Louise Massey Mabie or try your hand at the simulated bucking bronc ride. Your ride is captured on tape and composited into footage from an old-time rodeo for a unique souvenir.
• Fort Worth Zoo- 1989 Colonial Parkway
Featuring over six thousand native and exotic species, the zoo also hosts many exhibits like the World of Primates, Koala Outback and Komodo Dragons.
Restaurants:
• Joe T. Garcia’s***- 2201 N Commerce Street
A mainstay in Fort Worth for over 60 years, this family owned restaurant serves up some of the best Mexican food in the area. The menu consists of only fajitas and enchiladas and you must pay in cash, but the outdoor eating area complete with garden space and fountains attracts so many patrons that the line for a table often goes around the whole block.
• Del Frisco’s****- 812 Main Street
Boasting a four-star rating from the Dallas Morning News, this legendary steak house is famous for its prime aged, corn feed beef and cold-water Australian lobster tails.
• The Silver Fox- 1651 S University Drive
Located just down the street from the show grounds, this steak and seafood restaurant has its own wine cellar with over 2,500 bottles of wine.
• Ol’ South Pancake House*- 1509 S University
Ol’ South has been family operated since 1962. Open 24 hours this breakfast spot is perfect for those times when the show doesn’t get over until 2 in the morning.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Attractions:
• Bricktown- accessible from I-40 and I-35 on the eastern border of downtown.
What was once an old warehouse neighborhood is now the main entertainment district of Oklahoma City. Offering restaurants, shopping, nightclubs and numerous entertainment options, Bricktown also features a canal running right through the middle of downtown. One main attraction is City Walk, a multi-club complex with nightlife spots like Posh, City Limits and Stooges.
• Water Taxi of Oklahoma- 300 E California Ave.
A great way to see what’s going on in Bricktown is to take a tour on one of these flat-bottomed boats through the canal. They run Monday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and general admission price runs about $6.50.
• Frontier City Theme Park- I-35 N, exit 122nd street
This western style theme park covers 40 acres with roller coasters, water rides and entertainment for the whole family.
• National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum- 1700 NE 63rd
This popular attraction displays classic and contemporary western art, historical galleries and Prosperity Junction, a re-created authentic western town. Some of the exhibits include the American Cowboy Gallery, Western Performer’s Gallery and American Rodeo Gallery.
• Chisholm’s- 401 South Meridian
At this country western style saloon you can play “just for fun” blackjack, roulette and craps, or take a spin on the dance floor to the latest in country western music.
Restaurants:
• The Ranch Steakhouse*****- 3000 Britton Road
With an inviting old world atmosphere, this steakhouse offers trademark appetizers like blue cheese tournedos, blackened scallops and Texas 1015 onion rings. (405) 755-3501
• Trapper’s*- 4300 W Reno Ave.
The atmosphere of this Cajun seafood restaurant is truly one of a kind, featuring a tank with baby alligators and a full size canoe as part of the décor. Try the blackened alligator or squash rockefelller to complete the experience.
• Abuelo’s**- 17 E Sheridan Ave.
At this popular Bricktown Mexican restaurant you can get the traditional Mexican standbys like fajitas and enchiladas. However, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous try the Los Mejores de la Casa, filet medallions wrapped in bacon, and shrimp stuffed with Monterey Jack cheese and jalapeños.
EC BEST Restaurants of 2009 - Rating
An Elite Group *****
Good Local Flair *
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