Emotions can run up on you when you least expect it, and sometimes you need a good place to let the waterworks flow — be they happy or sad tears. Look, we’ve all been there. So where in Cowtown can you have a hard sob?
Malone’s Pub | 1303 Calhoun St.
A staple in downtown’s burgeoning southeast quadrant, Malone’s dark atmosphere will cloak your tears + the seats at the bar are spaced out, making it ideal for a hard sob.
The Trinity Trails
There are 100 miles of paved trails along the Trinity, so you have many options — including shaded groves, bridges, waterside areas, basketball courts, and even the random abandoned bleachers near downtown — to be alone with thoughts. City Editor Ted here, with admission: Have cried along the Trails at least four times since I’ve lived in FTW.
Japanese Gardens | 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd.
If the beauty of 7.5 acres of cherry trees, bamboo fields, and waterfalls (great for masking tears) aren’t enough to make you cry, the venue hosts dozens of weddings per year to work up a happy cry.
Walk through the pavilion into the history and culture of the Japanese Garden; shows of emotion are optional, although welcome at weddings.
Photo by Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Durty Murphy’s | 609 Houston St.
Another darker bar in downtown with very supportive regulars, crying here might actually make you a new acquaintance. Personal anecdote: I did see a man crying here once, and spoke to him. He had just gotten a $75,000 raise. Happy tears count too.
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge | 9601 Fossil Ridge Rd.
Lots of wide-open space here as well, and the buffalo won’t share your secrets. Bonus: Connection to nature is regularly found to be emotionally cathartic.
Airfield Falls | 200 Pumphrey Dr.
This spot made our best hikes list + best picnics list, so definitely also use it for the happy moments. Get down to that waterfall, though, and channel it: Let your own water flow.
A final note
Obviously, crying in public is completely acceptable, but if you are struggling or feeling down, Fort Worth does have a strong mental health resource community.
