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Today’s Forecast

63º | Thunderstorms | 70% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:13 a.m. | Sunset 5:23 p.m.
 

🚗 Hit the road

Our guide to visiting 7 of the best national parks
FTW-big-bend-national-park
Planning a trip to Big Bend National Park? Make the most of it with these tips. | Photo by @deserthikes
With the weather starting to cool off, we’re looking forward to taking a Great American Road Trip to Big Bend National Park. Use this great big guide to the great big outdoors to plan your next adventure. We left no stone unturned — check out when to go, what fees you’ll pay, how to camp, and what to do.

Idyllic scenery, stargazing, and wildlife spotting — that’s what makes Big Bend National Park special. This park isn’t called “big” for nothing. With 800,000+ acres, it’s the largest protected portion of the Chihuahuan desert.

A panoramic shot of the vistas and mountains at Rio Grande Village Nature Trail in Big Bend National Park

Hike to the sound of birdsong on the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail.

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Photo by Fredlyfish4 via Wikimedia Commons

Getting there
Big Bend is pretty remote, so you’ll want to stock up on gas, food, and water before your trip. GPS can be unreliable, so we recommend having a map handy for your drive. Expect a 7.5-hour drive from Fort Worth.

Open hours and seasons
Big Bend National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. But note that the busy season tends to be from October through April. Check out the park’s advice for visiting during the busy season.

Fees and reservations
You’ll pay either $15 per person or $30 per car. Repeat visitor? Snag an annual pass for $55. Pro tip: Pack your plastic. Big Bend is credit/debit card only.

A silver RV parked in a grove of trees at Big Bend National Park's Cottonwood Campground

Cottonwood Campground is great for RV camping.

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Photo via the National Park Services

Camping and fires
Camping at Big Bend affords you gorgeous views of a starry sky and the chance to wake up to fresh air. You have two options for spending the night in the park:
  • Developed campgrounds | $16 per night | For a gentler camping experience, these frontcountry locations have access to drinking water and restrooms. This is also where you’ll camp if you have an RV. Be sure to make a reservation.
  • Backcountry camping | $10 per night | Experienced campers will enjoy this more rugged experience. Permit required.
Looking to get cooking? Campfires aren’t allowed, but above-ground grills are.

Ready to hit the road? Check out our guide to six more national parks across the country.
Explore more
United Texas Credit Union
 
Events
Monday, Oct. 9
Tuesday, Oct. 10
  • Silent Book Club | Tuesday, Oct. 10 | 5-9 p.m. | Hotel Dryce, 3621 Byers Ave., Fort Worth | Free | Kick back with a beverage and dive into your latest read with other bookworms.
Wednesday, Oct. 11
  • We Run Wednesdays | Wednesday, Oct. 11 | 6:30 p.m. | The Trailhead at Clearfork, 4801 Edwards Ranch Rd., Fort Worth | Free | Run, walk, skip, or stroll + encourage others to reach their personal best.
Thursday, Oct. 12
  • Christmas in Cowtown Gift Market | Thursday, Oct. 12-Sunday, Oct. 15 | Times vary | Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3401 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth | $15-$125 | Tackle your holiday shopping early with vendors selling home goods, jewelry, clothing, and children’s gifts at the Junior League of Fort Worth’s annual fundraiser.
Friday, Oct. 13
  • Friday on the Green | Friday, Oct. 13 | 5-10 p.m. | Magnolia Green, 1201 Lipscomb St., Fort Worth | Free | BYO lawn chairs and kick back for four local musicians + peruse Near Southside food and drinks and an artisan market.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Tech

📱 Want fewer robocalls and spam texts?
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This service protects your personal data not only from targeted ads, but also from scammers and identity thieves. | Images by Incogni
Ring ring: Who’s there? No, not your husband, mom, or daughter... It’s another spammy robocall.

The good news? There’s something you can do about it.

Incogni reduces spam emails, robocalls, and access to users’ personal information on reverse-lookup websites. (If we never get another call about our car’s extended warranty again, sign us up.)

Plus, our readers can now snag an Incogni annual plan for 55% off with the exclusive discount code 6AMCITY.
Less spam, more life
News Notes
Development
  • Get a sneak peek of the new Omni Fort Worth Hotel renovation. The Downtown Design Review Board reviewed updated plans for the $217 million expansion. The update includes 400 new hotel rooms, meeting space, and a parking garage. Construction is expected to wrap up in 2026. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Open
  • Eatzi’s Market & Bakery is now open at DFW Airport’s Terminal D. The Dallas-based market offers chef-crafted meals, to-go options, and a full bar for busy travelers. See what else you should eat at the airport.
Announced
  • Former chief of staff for the Tarrant County Judge Chelsea Griffith was appointed as the Vice President of Investor Relations for the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. Griffith assumes her role today and will lead the organization’s fundraising strategies.
Coming Soon
  • Who’s hungry? Mediterranean chain CAVA is opening a new Fort Worth location at 5500 McPherson Blvd. According to a state filing, the $1.1 million restaurant will start construction in November and aims to open in May 2024. Visit one of three other local locations.
Tech
  • The 115-year-old Cowtown Coliseum is going from a historic venue to a state-of-the-art arena. Seventeen new digital displays, concert-quality lighting, and A/V infrastructure now grace the 1908 Stockyards arena. Take a look. (Fort Worth Magazine)
Pets
  • Looking for a fur-ever friend? Dallas Animal Services is asking for immediate help as the facility at I-30 and North Westmoreland Road is at 161% capacity, the highest it’s been in three years. Peruse adoptable pets. (WFAA)
Civic
  • Last week, Keller City Council approved a 44,000-sqft pickleball facility at 957 Keller Parkway. Pickleball Kingdom-Keller will have 17 professional courts, locker rooms, event space, a mezzanine lounge, and a pro shop. It’s expected to be completed by 2025. (Community Impact)
Sports
  • The Texas Rangers are up 2-0 against the Baltimore Orioles after winning (11-8) last night in Maryland. The American League Division Series continues with Game 3 tomorrow at 7 p.m. Catch it on FOX or grab a ticket to the game at Globe Life Field.
Wellness
Festival

🎡 Step right up

Best State Fair of Texas rides according to fairgoers
FTW-state-fair-tower-skyline
Hop on the Top ‘o Texas Tower for a panoramic view of Fair Park and the Dallas skyline. | Photo by FTWtoday
What is the best thing to do at the State Fair of Texas?

According to Tom Roberts, the official 2023 butter sculptor, the answer is clear. “Nothing is butter than a ride on the Midway.” We totally agree.

We hit the Midway on opening day to see what fairgoers were most excited to try out. Attendees of all ages couldn’t wait to take a turn on the rides.

The Midway heavy-hitters are:

Dentzel Carousel
Hop on the 1914 classic ride that has been a staple at Fair Park since the early 1950s.

Texas Star Ferris Wheel
Take a relaxing loop 212 ft above the fairgrounds. Don’t worry, even the kiddos aren’t nervous.

Top O’ Texas Tower
Rise 500 ft in the air and take in 360-degree views of North Texas. On clear days, you can see all the way to Fort Worth.

But don’t take it from us — build your state fair itinerary straight from the source.
What folks are saying
The Buy

The Buy 10.9.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
The 40-oz. Stanley Quencher. Because the internet’s favorite tumbler is in stock in cute colors like pool, jade, and orchid.
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The Wrap
 
Kate Mazade

Today’s edition by:
Kate
From the editor
We’re less than two weeks from one of my favorite local events. ArtsGoggle is jazz up Magnolia Avenue on Saturday, Oct. 21 and I can’t wait for the music line-up this year. Mark your calendars for headliners Sir Woman, Ben Kweller, and Holy Moly, as well as 50+ other performers.
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