Historic Southside is home to rich culture and spaces that help preserve the African American contributions to Tarrant County. It’s a growing area of great restaurants, shopping, museums and cultural centers that educate and delight visitors.
Fort Worth is the home of Dr. Opal Lee, affectionately known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth". Each year, Opal has led a 2.5-mile walk in areas around the city — the distance a reminder of the 2.5 years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed the enslaved in the South. It has been held in the Historic Southside since 2021. Dr. Opal's efforts were instrumental in the creation of Juneteenth as a federal holiday, which occurred in 2021. In 2022, Fort Worth announced plans for the National Juneteenth Museum to be built in the Historic Southside.
EAT
Smoke-a-holics continues to rise in the ranks of popular Fort Worth barbecue joints. In addition to delicious brisket, ribs and sandwiches, some of their other favorites include the big mac bowl, loaded cornbread and BBQ dirty rice.
Black Coffee is an award-winning coffee shop that spotlights Eastside culture with events, warm hospitality and an emphasis on quality. Oh, and did we mention their curated menu of coffee is some of the best in Fort Worth? Stop by for a honey rose latte, snickers latte or their signature iced latte. And don’t forget to grab something for breakfast! Their assortment of baked goods includes a strawberry guava pop tart, strawberry loaf and cruffin (croissant/muffin).
Founded by author, speaker and entrepreneur Patrice Angwenyi and her husband Tweety Angwenyi, HustleBlendz is more than a coffee shop, it’s an experience. The co-founders are innovative and passionate when it comes to drinking coffee, and their menu of cold brews, frappes, specialty drinks and small bites will make you think of coffee in a completely different way. Their shop is across from the future site of the National Juneteenth Museum.
For Jamaican cuisine, check out Stephanie’s Jamaican Kitchen, which offers delectable, traditional Jamaican food like jerk chicken, curry goat and oxtail.
NIGHTLIFE
TX Whiskey Ranch is run by Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co., the first craft bourbon and whiskey distillery in Nort Texas. Whiskey Ranch sits on 112 acres of the historic golf course, Glen Garden Country Club, where Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan played in the 1930s. Go on a tour of their distillery, then sample their smooth whiskeys or special craft cocktails. The Ranch House is a beautiful, relaxing place that you won’t want to leave.
SHOP
The bespoke suit company Franklin + Anthony Suits is a sartorial dream. They create custom and beautifully tailored suits for any formal, corporate or stylishly casual events.
EXPLORE
Reby Cary Youth Library is Fort Worth’s first youth library. It serves as a community hub, offering a vast collection of books, periodicals, and digital resources. The library hosts various events and workshops throughout the year, including story times for children, book clubs, and educational seminars. Check their calendar for upcoming events during your visit.
Meadowbrook Golf Course first opened in 1924 and has the most rolling terrain of the city’s golf courses. Built by architect John Bredemus, it offers golfers a classic layout with challenging shots and beauty on every hole.
Want a fun experience that supports the arts? Attend a performance of Brown Girls Do Ballet, a division of Brown Girls Do that promotes diversity in the arts and helps increase participation of underrepresented populations in ballet programs.
Lenora Rolla Heritage Center Museum is located in a restored house and features exhibitions highlighting African American culture in Fort Worth. It also serves as a community gathering space and hosts events throughout the year to celebrate shared heritage.
Established in 1890, Texas Wesleyan University is a private, liberal arts institution located in the heart of East Fort Worth. Known for its small class sizes and personalized approach to education, the university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The picturesque campus is worth a visit. And don’t miss a chance to watch a Rams game or performance!
Snap some photos of the mural at CommUnity Frontline headquarters. Artist Armando Castelan’s mural honors and highlights Black businesses and leaders of the past and present who have shaped the economic development of the city.
Explore the sprawling Chua Duong Dao Buddhist monastery and its 12,000 square-foot worship hall and gardens. The temple is the site for teaching and meditation for practitioners of the Buddhist faith, a Lunar New Year celebration, Spring Blossom Festival and Lantern Festival.
Evans Plaza is a historical site where many black leaders of Fort Worth are recognized. It was the site of the 2023 Opal’s Walk and is a cultural and visitor gathering space.
Founded by renowned artists Sedrick and Letitia Huckaby, Kinfolk House is a collaborative project space that inhabits a 100-year-old historic home, where community and art converge in the predominantly Black and Latinx neighborhood of Polytechnic. The space hosts collaborative exhibitions, educational opportunities and events.