Book a stay inside the Stockyards hotel. | Photo by FTWtoday
We all need a staycation or a trip to a different city from time to time. Whether you’re a Fort Worthian feeling a little cooped up or a visitor looking for a special Cowtown experience, picking the perfect home away from home is crucial.
We went looking for unique lodgings around town that showcase that “Funkytown” spirit. So choose your ideal digs, pack your bags, and get ready for a memorable getaway.
Here’s the theme
Saved by the 90s The Slater | Lower Greenville, Dallas The perfect place for 90s kids, this home is named after the character from the beloved show “Saved By The Bell.” The two-bedroom home sleeps six guests and features throwback decor, retro video games, and nostalgic sugary cereal. Bonus: Check out the 80s themed rental in the unit below, too.
Hotel Drover | Historic Stockyards, Fort Worth The hotel features a Western theme including a life-size “Drover” sculpture upon arrival. Inside, guests will find a two-story library, 200 rooms, Los Poblanos bath products, and an outdoor resort-style pool with rentable cabanas.
Retreats by the water
Glamping at Lake Grapevine | Paradise Cove, Grapevine Take camping to the next level in this luxurious lakefront yurt that sleeps six people. Spend your evening at the fire pit roasting marshmallows under the stars.
Lake Cottage | Lake Worth Wake up to views of the water in this private studio bungalow. Enjoy a kitchenette ideal for coffee and snacks, private bathroom, and lakefront access.
Resourceful stays
Modern Shipping Container | West 7th District, Fort Worth Located just steps away from dozens of restaurants, this shipping container-turned-apartment has downtown views and sleeps four guests.
Hotel Otto | River District, Fort Worth The micro-hotel offers a relaxing stay in eight bungalows constructed from shipping containers + a plunge pool with cabanas and chairs, bocce ball court, and daily complimentary cocktail hour.
Lunchtime Music Series | Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 12-1 p.m. | Burnett Park | Free | Spend your lunch break listening to tunes by Ben C. Jones.
Thursday, Oct. 3
Fall Plant Sale | Thursday, Oct. 3-Saturday, Oct. 5 | Times vary | Fort Worth Botanic Garden | Cost of purchase | Pick up everything from zinnias and marigolds to celosia and citrus trees; the sale is open to members on Thursday and the public on Friday + Saturday.
Free Zumba Classes | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 5:30-6:15 p.m. | Burnett Park | Free | Get grooving at a zumba class led by the Downtown YMCA.
Friday, Oct. 4
Let’s Boo-gie: Tiny Tots Rave | Friday, Oct. 4 | 6-7 p.m. | City Hall, Burleson | Free | Come dressed in costumes, listen to Halloween music, and dance with glow sticks at this family-friendly event best suited for ages 2-6.
Oktoberfest | Friday, Oct. 4 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Restaurant 506, Arlington | $55 | If you missed Fort Worth’s Oktoberfest celebration, you can still head to Arlington’s event with Bavarian pretzels, bratwurst, beer, and beyond.
Saturday, Oct. 5
80s Throwback and Halloween Bash | Saturday, Oct. 5 | 12-2 p.m. | Look Dine-In Cinemas, Arlington | $30 | Join this film screening dressed as your favorite 1980s icon, Halloween character, or just in throwback styles.
A new indoor pickleball facility is headed to Crowley. The pickleball franchise Dill Dinkers is set to open a 21,000-sqft location near Bicentennial Park this month with eight courts, a pro shop, ball machine, and dedicated event space. Until then, keep it out of the kitchen at these local courts.
Outdoors
Local nonprofit Trinity Coalition has created a master plan that includes developing new canoe launch sites that will reduce the distance between all 21 local sites to roughly seven miles. The coalition is currently seeking funding to implement the plan. (Fort Worth Report)
Environment
It’s time for spring fall cleaning. Join Keep Fort Worth Beautiful this Saturday, Oct. 5 for a neighborhood litter cleanup taking place across the city. The first 1,000 volunteers to sign up will receive a free t-shirt.
Cause
Want to volunteer and available to travel? The American Red Cross North Texas Region is seeking volunteers who are willing and able to make a two-week deployment this fall to support emergency shelters for major national disaster relief efforts. Sign up.
Plan Ahead
Presale tickets to 106.1 KISS FM’s Jingle Ball at Dickies Arena are now available, with general sale opening on Friday. The ball will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 3 and feature a lineup including Kane Brown, Shaboozey, and Meghan Trainor.
Finance
The new Texas Stock Exchange plans to start trading in late 2025 in North Texas. WFAA Digital Journalist Paul B. Livengood II asks “Could Y’all Street replace Wall Street?”
Biz
Family-owned plant and garden store Archie’s Gardenland recently celebrated its 90-year anniversary. The company was founded in 1934 by N.E. Archie Sr. and is now co-owned by his great grandson, Randall Archie. Stop by to pick up some native species for your fall garden. (Fort Worth Report)
Ranked
You give love a bad name, Cowtown — at least that’s what a recent study says. According to the research, Fort Worth ranks the No. 6 worst US city for dating, taking in factors like number of singles and divorce rates. Having Tinder troubles yourself? Our guide to date night ideas might help. (TimeOut)
Job
According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, CEOs get paid more in DFW than the national average. Jobs like airline pilots, flight engineers, and medical professionals also earn some of the most money in the metroplex. Check out Fort Worth’s top industries. (Dallas Business Journal)
Holiday
Sundown tonight marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Communities who observe this holiday typically enjoy apples and honey in hopes of having a sweet new year. The celebration runs until sundown on Friday, Oct. 4. Shana Tova! (That’s Hebrew for “have a good year.”)
Sports
Is TCU’s Jack Bech the best wide receiver in the country? Get insight from the local experts of the TCU Horned Frogs with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Shop
It’s never too early to start holiday shopping — and you know we love buying local. Snag specialty gear for the outdoorsman in your life at Marksmen, open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.*
Health
Stop missing out on the conversations that matter — try these stealthy, barely noticeable next-gen hearing aids. No wonder 400,000+ customers love them.*
Wellness
Upgrade your morning cup of joe when you switch to VitaCup’s Genius Coffee. It’s infused with vitamins and minerals that support all-day energy + focus. Try it in coffee pods.*
The Cutting Edge ghoul has graced the skyline once again. | Photo by @_jrh79
Looking for a howling good time? We’re creeping it real with a roundup of local haunted houses open around Fort Worth this October.
Cutting Edge Haunted House, Lancaster Avenue | $40-$113 Voted USA Today’s “Best Haunted Attraction” in 2021, thrill seekers can experience many jump scares in this 55-minute terrifying tour of the historic meat-packing facility on 17 different dates through Friday, Nov. 2.
Creekside Manor, Midlothian | $25-$40 Every Friday and Saturday through November 2 (plus Halloween Day), step into four different haunted attractions — including the legendary Creekside Manor. Concessions and food trucks are also available.
Dark Hour Haunted House, Plano | $45-$100 This haunted house has reviews from Buzzfeed and USA Today calling it one of the top horror attractions in DFW — and you can experience it through Saturday, Nov. 2. VIPs can even take part in scaring other visitors.
Pantene’s Keratin Leave-In Conditioner — it can repair split ends + protect against future damage, helping you achieve strong, silky-smooth hair. Psst, it’s less than $20.
My heart goes out to everyone who’s been impacted by Hurricane Helene. Many of our coworkers — including those in Asheville, Tampa Bay, Greenville, and Columbia — have been working tirelessly to provide information, resources, and ways for the community to help. If you have loved ones on the East Coast, feel free to share these publications or read up on relief efforts.
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