Downtown Fort Worth is a charmer, as cozy as they come, with rows of historic buildings outlined in lights, brick streets, a bit of history, and plenty to do, eat and explore. This will likely be your home base for the weekend as its stocked with a wide range of hotels - some affordable, some splurgy - and is centrally located making for a short Uber ride to every other great neighborhood.
The Hotels
If you’re a stylish, boutiquey gay, The Ashton is your jam. This charming property offers plenty of luxury and comforts with subtle hints of southwestern chic sophistication. The walls are adorned with curated local art and the adjoining Six 10 Grille is a fine-dining destination all its own. New kid on the block, The Sinclair Hotel, is perfect for the tech-savvy who have a few more dollars to spend. This luxury property was dubbed the "hotel of the future" as Marriott and Intel partnered to make it the most sophisticated hotel in the nation.
Head south to the Hilton Fort Worth, equipped with spacious rooms that are well-appointed in handsome reds and dark blues. The gym in the basement is nice for gays who can’t take a day off. The Aloft Fort Worth would be our top recommendation for millennials. The first thing you’ll notice is the bright and playful lobby buzzing with color. The rooms just big enough to feel spacious but still cozy. Snacks and coffee in the morning and walking distance to all things.
The Coffee
And for all you coffee lovers, Sons of Liberty can’t be beat. On Lancaster, along the southern end of downtown near the Omni Hotel and Fort Worth Convention Center, you’ll find this minimalist coffee spot that’s a favorite of some of our local queer friends and LGBTQ+ artsy types. But despite its concrete floors and industrial cool, it’s actually quite a cozy place to sip a latte. The baristas are chatty and sincere. They’ll make you a kick-ass cappuccino while you peruse their eco-friendly accessories for purchase.
Vaquero Coffee is a quaint shop just north of Sundance Square, a few blocks walk from the Worthington Hotel and Aloft. Those looking for an international flare should stroll over to Casablanca Coffee, located next door to Thompson's Bookstore and down the street from the Hilton. Traditional Moroccan pastries and coffee will delight your tastebuds and boost your energy for the day ahead.
The Nightlife
If you’re doing dinner and a show, and you want to eat in downtown. Grace is an upscale option; sleek and handsome with a solid tasting menu. Whether dining in for a business power lunch or a pre-opera meal, it fits the bill. After dinner, head to the Bass Performance Hall, a stunning venue home to the local symphony, opera, performing arts and touring shows. While your friends on the coast drop hundreds to enjoy the top broadway shows, you can catch stellar lineups here for around $30. You can’t even get parking in New York for $30.
After the sun goes down, Thompson's Bookstore becomes one of the hottest venues in downtown. Located in the historic Vybek Building, a short walk from the major hotels, Thompson’s inhabits an old bookstore-turned-speakeasy that elevates the art of the cocktail in a gorgeous art-deco setting. The sexy, Mad Men vibe of its ambiance matched with the artisanal and creative mixology makes this one of the most inventive bars in the city.
