Diana Petterson Texas Treasures, U.S. Travels

Backyard Traveler: Downtown Fort Worth’s Sundance Square

My home base is the city of Dallas in the great state of Texas. And, usually when I’m between trips to Europe and elsewhere, home is where I get caught up with family and friends and usually put my traveler hat aside…which honestly makes no sense.

Even though some of the things I plan to write about, I see on a regular basis, that doesn’t mean these sites don’t deserve attention. And, since I love exploring and finding out more information about all kinds of sites then why not those sites in my own backyard.

Earlier this month, I participated in my second Dallas Photo Walk. This time, we explored a small portion of Fort Worth, dubbed “Cowtown,” or better yet, “The City of Cowboys and Culture.”

And, the small portion we explored? The walking heart of downtown Fort Worth with its 35 blocks of shopping, dining, office, entertainment and dining area better known as Sundance Square. Filled with red-brick streets, charming courtyards, gorgeous landscaping, an expansive plaza and holiday decorations all add that mix of modern, historic and definitely holiday festive cowboy flair.

The Tarrant County Courthouse in Fort Worth, Texas, dates back to 1895 and is made of red granite in the Renaissance Revival style. An addition to the courthouse was made in 1956 and the courthouse was also restored in 1983. The “horse fountain” on the corner by the courthouse serves as both a tribute to the author of Fort Worth’s original city charter and as a water trough for the city’s horses when originally dedicated in 1892. (Dec. 10, 2016)
Some of the shops. Along Main Street in downtown Fort Worth’s Sundance Square and notice the Dallas Cowboys football and Texas Rangers baseball team sports stores…sports are big in Texas. (Dec. 10, 2016)
The Sleeping Panther, a Deran Wright sculpture, in Fort Worth’s Sundance Square has a storied history. In 1873 when the banks, railroad and other companies went into bankruptcy, it was commented that Fort Worth had become so quiet that “a panther was asleep on Main Street, undisturbed by the rush of men or the hum of trade.” The comments were seen as a challenge and the nickname “panther city” stuck and the intended insult became an enduring symbol of the city’s strength. (Dec. 10, 2016)
A Cowboy on a Horse topiary in downtown Fort Worth’s Sundance Square. (Dec. 10, 2016)
The John F. Kennedy Tribute in the. General Worth Square, which honors the President’s historic stay in Fort Worth, Texas. (Dec. 10, 2016)
The Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall is home to major performing arts organizations in Fort Worth, Texas. Bass Hall’s acoustically perfect interior resembles a classic European opera house, while it’s bold exterior boasts two, 48-feet tall limestone carved angels considered as cultural icons.(Dec. 10, 2016)
The 48-feet tall limestone carved angels on the exterior of the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, Texas. (Dec. 10, 2016)
The Fort Worth Water Gardens, built in 1974, is a refreshing 4.3 acre urban oasis at the south end of downtown. Designed by New York architects Phillip Johnson and John Burgee, is considered an architectural and engineering marvel. There are a variety of water features throughout the urban plaza including this cascading water terrace with steps into a small pool at the bottom. (Dec. 10, 2016)
Another water feature at the Fort Worth Water Gardens, a 4.3 acre urban oasis at the south end of downtown, is this quiet, blue meditation pool encircled with cypress trees makes for a relaxing, shady sanctuary. (Dec. 10, 2016)
My selfie by the Christmas tree in downtown Fort Worth’s Sundance Square. (Dec. 10, 2016)
Santa Claus on his sleigh in downtown Fort Worth’s Sundance Square. (Dec. 10, 2016)
It was a cool, but festive evening in downtown Fort Worth’s Sundance Square beautifully decorated for the Christmas holidays. (Dec. 10, 2016)
The Chisholm Trail mural in downtown Fort Worth’s Sundance Square serves as a reminder of Fort Worth’s cultural roots. The 1988 mural commemorates the Fort Worth segment of The Chisholm Trail cattle drives of 1867-1875. The three-story trompe l’oeil mural by Richard Haas spans the 1908 Jett Building’s southern facade. (Dec. 10, 2016)
The Tarrant County Courthouse in Fort Worth, Texas, which dates back to 1895 glows in the festive evening lights.(Dec. 10, 2016)