Aug 13, 2008
Another Walking Tour
By: Kevin Buchanan
I think it’s about time we did another urban Fort Worth walking tour. I had a great time hosting the last one, and had meant to make it a regular thing. Due to a variety of scheduling factors, that hasn’t happened yet. I’m thinking September, after we’ve passed August heat.
The question is – where/what do you want to cover this time? Last time we did a general walking tour of downtown. Is there interest in doing so again? Would you all rather see something more specialized, say an Art Deco related downtown tour? Or would you rather go to the Cultural District or the Near Southside (probably the Magnolia/Fairmount area more specifically)?
I’m open to ideas and thoughts. Let me hear them in the comments.
I missed the first walking tour. I’d be up for something similar or any of what you suggest. Sounds like fun. I think shooting for a cooler month is also crucial. I will work to advertise it to my friends too. Thanks.
CRC
Fairmount/Magnolia!
I think that the cultural area or the development along 7th street might be interesting. I missed the last walking tour, but I’m going to make this one. I think that waiting for a cooler month is a good idea, too.
I like the Fairmount / Magnolia idea! I’d be interested to know the history of what once was, along with what is underway and what is planned for the future. The last walking tour you did was amazing, me and my friend had a great time!
hey… sounds like an awesome idea! wasn’t there for the original tour so i wouldn’t mind one of downtown… i am fascinated by local history.
B
What about a bike tour? Possibly cover a few areas – just a suggestion.
How about starting at Saint-Emilion on 7th and walking down the street to Montgomery Plaza, looking at construction along the way? Finish at Trinity Park.
Bike tour just south of I30 around Dickies, Vickery, Main Street and South. I’ve often wondered about the history of those old warehouse buildings around there.
I hope to make this one.
Definately would like to attend another downtown walking tour. I was at the last one and have several friends kicking themselves that they missed it. I would also encourage you to pass around a tip jar…the tour was worth whatever you felt like charging.
All these are good ideas – probably enough to make it a monthly thing now? How can I be alerted to the dates in advance? I don’t want to miss out again.
Also, even though there’s not much left in the way of architecture, I really would enjoy a tour of the Poly / TWU area. There’s many parks, etc. around there and a ton of history that coincides with the founding of Ft. Worth (much like Handley).
This was my middle school back in the day:
http://www.fortwortharchitecture.com/east/wmjames.htm
This is how I found out that my childhood home was built over a former lake (Lake Tandy):
http://www.polyalumni.org/history.htm
I wouldn’t mind doing downtown again, since I had to leave around when we got to Ruth’s Chris.
I would also love:
Art Deco tour
Inside-the-building tour. There were several cool buildings we walked past where I’d love to see more of the inside – like the building with the remnants of the Hollywood theater.
The problem on that second one is permissions, since they might actually have to come in on a weekend to show us around.
I really get excited about the ever changing vista of downtown “Fort Worth”. I still think I am having a dream and somebody is going to wake me up.
Back in the late 1970’s, I worked for the Fort Worth convention and Vistors Bureau, then it was a hard sell to convince state associations to come here for their anual conventions. Today it is a snap! I don’t think there is another Texas city that has something over Ft Worth. The folks who bow call downtown their home has something to be really proud of.
Possibly a stop by the Rahr Brewing Company on Galveston on a Saturday between 1pm and 3pm for a little free liquid refreshment before checking out the warehouse area.