East Fort Worth - Fort Worth, TX

Fort Worth rose to prominence with the great cattle drives of the late 19th century, being a key stop along the historic Chisholm Trail. It only continued to grow with the construction of the railroads and the growth of industry in the area. The city of Forth Worth, along with neighboring Arlington and the mid-cities, grew to accommodate the many individuals moving into the area, and the outer east neighborhood grew along with it.

Though the area does not house museums, close proximity to the Cultural District allows residents to easily visit world-class museums such as the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Kimbell Art Museum. Likewise, East Fort Worth affords residents many opportunities to engage in a booming art scene supported by large area universities such as Texas Christian University, and to attend events such as the Main Street Arts Festival.

Diners in the East Fort Worth area have access to a number of casual and mid-range eateries featuring a number of different types of cuisine, from barbecue and Tex-Mex to Italian and Asian fare. Find them scattered around the area, near shopping centers and along major roads. Nightlife in the area tends to be on the casual side, with plenty of bars and pubs for patrons to enjoy.

Those in search of Italian eats head to Italy Pizza & Pasta to sample their extensive menu of traditional items. Starters such as fried mushrooms or zucchini serve as the perfect way to begin a meal. Popular entrees include the chicken farfalle, which comes stuffed with asparagus and topped with a creamy dill sauce, and the spicy shrimp fra diavolo. Diners can pair their meals with a glass of wine from the extensive menu, and finish everything off with cannoli or a traditional tiramisu.

For Tex-Mex flavor, diners head to Salsa Limon. Diners can choose between various dishes such as the burrito, torta served on French boulle bread or quesadilla with a choice of fillings including savory asada steak, braised beef barbacoa and spicy chorizo. For a traditional and flavorful twist, order it bomba-style with a fried egg on top.

Every Texas neighborhood must have a good barbecue joint, and in the East Fort Worth area Smoky's BBQ serves as that spot. Succulent and smoky pulled pork, smoked sausage and juicy chicken all prove to be great lunchtime options, but true barbecue lovers must try the beef brisket. Diners can pick up sides such as chuck wagon beans or cole slaw to round out a traditional Fort Worth meal.

Those in search of music venues typically venture out of the East Fort Worth area and into other parts of the city. Country acts regularly feature at Billy Bob's Texas, located around the Stockyards, while Pete's Dueling Piano Bar serves as another local favorite. Locals also love entertainment options such as the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. East Fort Worth does house a few bars, such as the No Frills Grill & Sports Bar and the Big Apple Café, for those seeking entertainment closer to home.

Most residents in the East Fort Worth area get around by car, though public transportation options such as The T bus system provide access to other neighborhoods within the city as well as the Trinity Express rail system, which connects to the DART and provides access to Dallas neighborhoods. Those in need of a ride can also call for a taxi from an area company or arrange a ride through the Uber service.

Car owners find both free and paid parking lots closer to the city center, but further out they will be limited to parking around area businesses and shopping centers. Unlike other areas of Fort Worth, the easternmost part of the city does not cater to pedestrians and features few bike lanes, which means caution is advised.

Numerous parks serve East Fort Worth residents, including Cobblestone Trail Park, Oakland Lake Park, Rosedale Park and Gateway Park. Patrons visit the area parks for their many amenities, which include athletics facilities such as basketball and tennis courts and picnic areas for spending time out in the beautiful Texas weather. Several area parks feature play areas that kids will love, and at Gateway Park pet owners have access to Fort Woof Dog Park, where their furry friends can experience some off-leash fun. The smaller East Fort Worth parks do not generally host festivals, though some smaller events for the holidays may be held throughout the year. Paved walking trails make the parks a great spot for those seeking a place to get some exercise.

The East Fort Worth area tends to have a lower cost of living than other parts of the city. Fare for The T to downtown runs $1.75 one way, though passes can be purchased for regular users of the bus system. Renters expect to pay a median cost of about MEDIAN COST for a one-bedroom apartment in the area. As for an evening out, residents tend to pay $4 for a pint of their favorite domestic beer. Gas prices align with the rest of the Dallas and Fort Worth area, staying about 12 percent below the national average.

A few scattered stores serve Outer East Fort Worth, with many gathered around the intersection of Interstate 30 and Interstate 820. Most stores in the area are part of national chains, including The Home Depot, Family Dollar and Dollar General. For shoppers who want to support smaller businesses, GiGi Beauty Supply on Bridge Street sells beauty products ranging from curling gel to hair weaves.

For more shopping opportunities, including browsing high-end items, most residents in the area head to spots such as Sundance Square in Downtown Fort Worth and North East Mall in the mid-cities. Several specialty stores and boutiques serve the area as well.

Musicians and music lovers adore Swords Music Co. Inc., which features tons of incredible merchandise, from electric guitars to fine orchestral instruments to sheet music. As the oldest music shop in Fort Worth, the store has a lot of history, and it offers great deals on some of the hottest musical items on the market. At Retrospection Boutique, shoppers find plenty of quirky, fun and fashionable women's clothing and accessories. Several consignment boutiques and resale shops dot the area for those seeking great deals on trendy designer items.

Several grocery stores serve the area, including Albertsons, Fiesta Mart and Save-A-Lot. Though the East Fort Worth area does not have its own farmers market, those seeking farm-fresh produce and other handcrafted, locally sourced items can head to the Cowtown Farmers Market.