Plan Ahead for Dallas-Fort Worth

As ISA President Christine Guernsey, ISA CAPP, highlighted last month, the Main Street Art Fair will be in full swing by the time Assets 2016 gets underway, adding to what is already set to be a very busy season for Dallas Fort-Worth. Be sure to make reservations with the downtown restaurants ahead of time to avoid any inconvenience that will come as a result of the festivities.

In an effort to help you plan ahead – ensuring your time in Fort Worth is enjoyable and productive – here are just a few of the opportunities that attendees can take advantage of during their stay.

ATTRACTIONS

Fort Worth Water Gardens
1502 Commerce St.
A beautiful architectural and engineering marvel not far from the conference’s hotel, the Water Gardens invite

Water Gardens

you to wander through this relaxing urban park any time of the year regardless of season.

Kimbell Art Museum
3333 Camp Bowie Blvd.
A year-round host of lectures, workshops, festivals, camps, and numerous special exhibits, Kimbell displays pieces by Rembrandt, Degas, Monet, as well as Michelangelo’s first-known painting, “The Torment of St. Anthony.”

Fort Worth Botanic Garden
3220 Botanic Garden Blvd.
The city’s 109-acre attraction boasts over 2,500 plant species throughout its 23 specialty gardens, most of which are entirely free to the public.

Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Botanic Garden

3501 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Amon has, on average, 700 works on display, with exhibits that range from photography series, watercolors of Fort Worth landmarks, and African-American art collections, among others.

The Stockyards
130 E Exchange Ave.
The Fort Worth Stockyard is, to quote the official website, “the history book of the livestock industry in Texas.” Complete with saloons, art galleries, general stores and dining options, the entire area is brimming with the brick and mortar atmosphere it’s become known for.

Montgomery Plaza
Located in the heart of Fort Worth’s Cultural District, the Plaza is only a stone’s throw away from world renowned museums, the Trinity River, as well as a worthwhile list of shopping and dining options.

The Stockyards

For even more tips on attractions that might peak your interest, read what ISA Fine Art Chair, Kim Kolker recommends in her post, “If You Love Art, You Will Love Dallas-Fort Worth for Assets 2016!”

FOOD & DRINKS

Sundance Square is a freshly renovated Dallas-Fort Worth attraction that you’ll likely find yourself turning to when looking for dining options within the vicinity of the hotel. With over 34 restaurants and cocktail bars to choose from in and around the plaza, here are a handful we would recommend.

Bird Café
155 E. 4th St.

Bird Cafe

This split-level restaurant is nestled in the middle of the Plaza with a menu that ranges from pot pies to mussels, from stick meats to small plate salads. It is also a personal favorite of our very own ISA President Christine Guernsey, ISA CAPP.

Grace
777 Main Street
Two blocks from the hotel, this elegant American cuisine restaurant has found its way on to a number of “Best Of” lists for its wine list, its conceptualized dishes and chic atmosphere.

Mi Cocina
509 Main St.
This location brings its Tex-Mex menu to the heart of Sundance Square and is noteworthy for its use of authentic Mexican techniques and freshly grown ingredients.

Del Frisco’s Grille
154 E. 3rd St.
This establishment’s wide selection includes hearty brunches, midday burgers, and daily specials that hop between pot pie, baby back ribs, fish & chips, and General Tsao’s Chicken.

It’s also worth reiterating that placing reservations far in advance is the best way to ensure that you aren’t caught without a dinner option.

There are also various bakeries (like Spiral), coffee houses (Avoca) and sit-down restaurants (Ellerbe) available along Magnolia Avenue, though reaching them would require crossing the Expressway – try downloading the Uber app before coming to Fort Worth if you plan on stopping at any of the Magnolia locations.

The train to downtown is located directly behind the hotel – you can receive a full-day roundtrip pass for only $10.

Looking for more recommendations for restaurants, landmarks and the like? You can find an in-depth list in the latest issue of D Magazine, now available online.

Get a head start on planning your trip to Dallas-Fort Worth! For more information on Assets registration, programming, and more, please visit the ISA Annual Conference page.