Historic Fort Worth Stockyards

Aside from having to miss Dylan's band concert this Wednesday, we're happily making the most of this detour through central Texas. It's so much out of the way that I don't suppose we would have seen this area otherwise. It rained throughout the night and much of the day again today. Someone I chatted with along the way today told me she passed a car from Oklahoma that was covered with snow...even more affirmation that we are making the right move. It's very cold and damp here, but not quite freezing so we're okay.

We started our morning wondering at the empty parking lot when we got to our first destination, the Museum of Modern Art, at 11:30...yes, that's when we start our morning lots of days...R.E.T.I.R.E.D! Anyway, turns out they are closed on Mondays so we'll try again tomorrow. At least I got this great photo. Hopefully the skies will lighten while we're here so I can get shots of the amazing fall color display here...who knew?

We headed toward the Bureau of Engraving & Printing to watch them print money, but didn't get there either. On the way, we stopped at the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District and that's where we spent the rest of the day. This sculpture sits on the corner of Main and Stockyards Blvd.

After we parked, we walked along the brick streets in the district to the Visitors Bureau. Outside the Livestock Exchange building was this magnificent tree with holiday roping along the fence. See the Longhorn steer in front of the tree?

Inside the Livestock Exchange Building there is a small museum and the holiday decorated buggy and carriage were displayed in the hall.

Across the back wall as you enter the Visitors Bureau is this mural depicting the history of the stockyards here in Fort Worth.

After considering the selection of restaurants in this area, we decided to have lunch and warm up at Riscky's Steakhouse. We were delighted when we opened the menu and saw that it was established in 1920 by Polish immigrants and that they still serve their "Famous Kapusta Soup." Of course we ordered a bowl...it was delicious as were the steaks and baked potatoes! And here's the bonus...looking out the window from our table we enjoyed this view of Saunders Park with Marine Creek flowing through it.

We strolled through several Western stores including ML Leddy's which is famous for its handmade boots.

I can't imagine how one would select a pair from the hundreds of one-of-a-kind pairs displayed. This shows only a small portion of their inventory.

Okay. I did have a favorite pair. Aren't they stunning?!? I inquired about the price and was told $3,745.00. Rich was in a hurry to usher me out of the store after hearing that...giggle

Twice each day, cowboys (yes, cowgirls too) drive a small herd of Longhorn cattle right down Exchange Avenue. That was the highlight of the day for me!

Here they come!

There they go! (teehee...I just couldn't resist!)

Before leaving that area, we stopped in Billy Bob's Texas Honky Tonk...not much happenin' there on a cold, dreary, rainy Monday evening.

Last evening I had a great visit with my friend Vikki from Carlinville. She has lived here for many years. She works so it looks like we won't get to see each other this time but it was great to be in touch again.!

Lovin' Life ~~ Longhorns and Old Friends!