Dallas and Fort Worth may only be 35 miles apart, but in many aspects - such as activities, culture, lifestyles, and traditions - they can seem to be of different worlds. One thing that unifies the Metroplex, however, is the beautiful Trinity River, which meanders through the area. Numerous parks featuring the river and stunning bridges such as Dallas' Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge complement the waterway and add to the already-beautiful cityscape. These breathtaking views will make you appreciate the 710-mile, exclusively-Texas river:
This footage by Michael Emerson showcases the Trinity River and the stunning Margaret Hunt Hill bridge in Dallas.
Fort Worth's Trinity Park area was captured beautifully by drone by Chris Akin.
Not to be outdone, Stanislav Yermolayev shows off Arlington's immense River Legacy Park built around the Trinity River.
Do you have a favorite park or hike spot around our impressive Trinity River? If so, we'd love to hear your comments - and don't forget to share your photos on the Only In Dallas-Fort Worth Facebook page for a chance to see them featured!
Sometimes, the best fun is discovering hidden gems in Texas that tourists, and even many locals, don't know they exist. Here are 11 of the best hidden gems in Fort Worth that may not make the travel brochures, but are worth checking out!
Whoever knew that hands could be so interesting? The Hand Collection is on display at Dallas' Baylor University Medical in the George W. Truett Memorial Hospital lobby. The display is open and free to the public 24 hours a day. This exhibit of more than 100 cast, bronze-coated hands is the work of Adrian Flatt, M.D., who was chief of orthopedic surgery at Baylor Dallas. He wanted to show how expressive and revealing individual hands could be.
Did you know that Ray Charles once called Dallas home in the mid-1950s? It was in this small frame home on the south side of Dallas where he composed songs, practiced, and began perfecting his distinctive sound.
This incredibly beautiful pendulum balances science and art as it swings over an intricate mosaic consisting of 2,600 stone pieces! The lobby where it is displayed is open to the public, and it will enrapture kids and adults alike. Make sure you refresh your memory on how the pendulum works so you can wisely explain to others how it proves the Earth is rotating right under it. Learn more about how Foucault pendulums work:
The husband and wife duo who own this home are so passionate about the 1960s The Munsters TV show that they made a replica of it, both indoors and out! They reside in the home full-time, meaning it is not a general tourist attraction, but they open it up for special events. Gawkers are always welcome, of course. Take a tour of this wonderful mansion:
Was there an alien among us? The historical marker proudly tells of the legend that a spaceship crashed nearby in 1897. The pilot, who was killed in the crash, was allegedly buried here. Aurora is located about 30 miles north of Fort Worth. Learn the legend of the alien that is said to be buried here:
Rediscover your inner child around these adorable, yet not quite cuddlesome, giant stone teddy bears. In addition to the whimsical bears, Lakeside Park is filled with gorgeous waterways and trails guaranteed to put you in a youthful mood. Editor's Note: This park is closed for improvements until Spring of 2024.
The name may not be exactly original, but it sure is accurate! What's not to like about having lots of gigantic rocks near Glen Rose to climb on, all the while enjoying the sound of rushing water to sit and relax in?
Those interested in President Kennedy's assassination in 1963 may like the challenge of finding Lee Harvey Oswald's simply marked grave at this expansive cemetery. Staff won't give details on the location of the marker, so plan to spend some time looking. What really has folks puzzled is the similar marker to the right of Oswald's bearing the name "Nick Beef."
Stroll through downtown Fort Worth and learn about the city's rich history from the 25 markers located throughout the city. You can even download a map.Editor's Note: Google Maps shows this as temporarily closed, however, there is no indication of this on related sites. Please check the Downtown Fort Worth website for the most current info.
Although they traveled extensively during their two-year crime spree in the 1930s, infamous criminals Bonnie and Clyde were from Dallas and returned here often, most likely to visit friends and family.
While Clyde Barrow is buried in the private Western Heights Ceremony, Bonnie Parker's gravesite is viewable in Crown Hill Cemetery, at the northeast corner of Lombardy Lane and Webb-Chapel Road.
Unlike many other major cities, the underground in Dallas is relatively unknown to anyone other than downtown workers. It encompasses about 36 city blocks, with some areas below the surface and others elevated in skybridges. The grids aren't well laid out or accessible, but it's kind of fun to traipse through them as in a maze, if for no real reason other than a sense of adventure!
Have you been to any of these hidden gems in Fort Worth? What has been your latest hidden discovery in the city you call home? We'd love to hear about more hidden gems in North Texas in the comments! For more fun adventures, take a road trip and check out these other Texas hidden gems.
What do thirty-foot steel dancers, whimsical ravens, a family of jackrabbits, and a Celtic spirit catcher have in common? They are all on display at the private Texas Sculpture Garden in Frisco! The sculptures are spread across four acres at the entrance of Hall Park. Check out the magic for yourself:
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Hall Park is a thriving 162-acre business area in Frisco.
Art collector Craig Hall envisioned making art available for the enjoyment for everyone and for it to provide a connection with the community. He accomplished it with the Texas Sculpture Garden.
Interior works can be seen between 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. on weekdays.
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Visitors can even download an art map here to be sure they see all the sculptures displayed throughout the four-acre garden. Find the park at 6801 Gaylord Pkwy. and the Dallas North Tollway in Frisco.
Were you aware of this hidden Texas Sculpture Garden, and if so, which sculpture did you like best? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
