In our highlighting of new neighborhoods in Fort Worth, we turn west, toward The River District. Nestled on the banks of the Trinity River between Isbell Road and Roberts Cutoff, and bisected by White Settlement Road, the River District is a jumping off point for almost everything Fort Worth –– from the Stockyards to the north to the Cultural District and downtown, the locally-cultivated community offers outdoor pursuits, indoor entertainment, unique restaurants, boutique office spaces and a variety of living options.

Food and Drink

Salsa Limon’s beautiful Distrito restaurant was the development’s first anchor tenant. The expansive new restaurant offers semi-shaded outdoor seating, so you can enjoy your “Mexican-grade Mexican” food on a nice patio with a view.

Heim BBQ & Catering, which has been recognized in just about every local and state publication, expanded their craft barbecue concept to a second store in the River District. The second joint offers different food options, including (sit down for it) a vegetarian item(s). The River District location also provides a massive outdoor patio space for those days when you have to be outside.

Lettuce Cook is a cheerful, fast casual combo deli and catering outfit. If you have no time and need dinner an hour ago, the Meals-on-the-Go section of the store will be just right for you. Options include vegetarian, vegan and Paleo-style dinners and sides. If you have time to sit a spell, pick out a sandwich or salad from the menu and enjoy the view.

In addition, Happy Donut Shop and D&K Liquors will keep you carb-loaded and contented!

Art

Grassy lawns above the Trinity River make this a perfect place for gatherings. In October, the first RioFest was a family-friendly, dog-friendly fall event featuring local singer-songwriters, a mini-pumpkin patch, games for the kids, a beer garden for the grownups and local vendors and food trucks.

Local artist Jimmy Jenkins has created a show-stopping mural on the side of Lettuce Cook. Jenkins’ take on the classic monkey see-no-evil, speak-no-evil, hear-no-evil is charming and packs a veggie punch. In addition, Jenkins is the artist behind a beautiful butterfly mural located a few miles away. Both murals are hot spots for local Instagrammers.

Studio 101 Gallery and Gatherings offers more than just an art gallery, it's a full blown art experience. With art classes and art supplies, anyone can join in and be their own artist. Needing to spice it up? There's a wine bar on site as well. The space can be rented capable of hosting events for up to 125 people. To top if off, the studio hosts rooftop yoga!

And who can resist an oversized chair, especially one you can climb on? Think an Adirondack chair, but larger. PalletSmart’s big green wooden chair (made of recycled materials, naturally) is causing a stir.

Living and Working

The River District is resolutely about providing a home for locally-owned business. Independent shops like Flowers on the Square and the re-purposing, up-cycling home and garden store PalletSmart, as well as a number of small businesses call the development home.

Additionally, there are multiple housing options, from the luxury garden homes of The Grove, to The Palmer’s boutique apartments, to single family housing with a river view starting at around $400,000. Whether you want to rent, buy or build, there’s probably something to attract you here.

Get a Move On

More than two miles of Trinity Trails run right through the River District, and you can walk, run or bike to your heart’s content. The Riverbend Natural Area, just across the river to the South, offers an immersive escape from the city. Head West on the trails to find Fort Worth's only natural waterfalls.

Looking for a little more regimented plan? Abundio’s Fit Society is now open, and even if you’re not much of a joiner, you will find a lot of fun fitness options at this studio. Past events included holiday couples workouts, Master Barre and Bootcamp –– helping you keep in tip-top shape!