Hello Fort Worth
This may blow your mind but I have lived in Dallas for eight years and had never ventured 35 minutes away to hang in Fort Worth! Last week, I had a little free time so decided to grab my girlfriend Hollie, of Fashions of Fancy, for a Funky Town staycation! This was the perfect ending to my busy season.
We received an invitation from Etta’s Place to enjoy a two-night stay at their quaint Bed + Breakfast during our staycation. This adorable (10) room B+B embodies all things Fort Worth. It is located in the heart of Sundance Square, was adorned with hand-picked furniture and has an impressive staff.
Upon arriving, we pulled right up to the front door, rang the buzzer and immediately one of the staff came right down to help us check in and carry our luggage to our room. This lovely lady greeted us with the biggest smile, pointed us in the direction of the parking garage and gave us all the deets on local restaurants, museums and even a secret speakeasy!
Each room is named to match their interior personality and we were given the keys to the “Kid’s Corner.” Can I just tell you how excited it was when she handed over a real key with our room number on it! It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that I am obsessed with details, so I was super giddy about this key. So much that I had to take a selfie with it!
Our room was quiet and cozy with a hand-picked quilt, walk-in closet and writing desk with chair. But my favorite feature of the room was the bathroom – with the black and white floor and gold shower head!
I could have lived as a hermit in the room for the entire two-days, but my passion for travel (even with just a short distance from home) took over and I had to put my planned out itinerary to good use. Yes, I know what you’re thinking – how predictable that the event planner makes a travel itinerary?! Well I do, and I promise you that I can make one mean itinerary! Travel with me once and you will understand.
Sundance Square
We arrived to Fort Worth well before our check-in time, and as usual, wanted some grub. We ventured to a Sundance Square staple – Reata Restaurant. Reata is known for their amazing steaks but because neither of us are meat eaters we indulged in their vegetable plate and grilled cheese (YUMM). Thank goodness we asked the waitress for her advice and decided to split each plate. Yet we still could not finish the whole thing. I now know what she meant when she said the plate was TEXAS-sized!!
After lunch, we walked back to Etta’s place to explore a bit more. Right outside of our room door was the library and coffee room, the terrace and a lovely staircase. Of course, we are cheesy and decided to have an inproptu photoshoot.
We spent our evening lounge hopping – starting with Scat Jazz Lounge. I should have known better than to put Hollie in charge of navigator duties (insert Robyne’s sarcastic look here) because this hidden gem is only accessible through an alley. Sounds a little shady but I swear it’s not!
We had to take the elevator down to the basement to enter the lounge. There we grabbed a drink and listened to a live jazz band: Straight Ahead – A Blue Note Tribute. They played beautifully and I hated to go.
Our last stop of the night was Thompson’s. If I owned a bar – this would be it!
The decor was spot on, the drinks were oh so tasty and they even have a secret speakeasy that can be accessed behind a bookcase by given the password of the day. Unfortunately we went on the night the speakeasy was closed, but if you visit on a Wednesday-Sunday, make sure to ask the bartender for the code of the day.
Breakfast for Champions
Before we ventured out for day two around town, we were served a delicious Etta’s Place breakfast. I am not much of a breakfast person, mainly because I don’t normally wake up in time, but I’m glad Hollie woke me for this! Leslie, the manager, greeted us with fresh juice and a cold glass of water before bringing out a plated breakfast that she makes upon your arrival. 
Granola with milk, scrambled eggs with a side of grilled peppers and onions, english muffins with your choice of jam, fresh strawberries and ham! So much goodness and I happily indulged in it all(except the ham of course)!
Stockyards
After breakfast we headed over to the stockyards to explore. I love me some animals but am not much of a livestock kind of girl. I will admit I was guilty and trying to get Hollie to take us somewhere else. But you can’t go to Fort Worth and not visit the iconic stockyards.
I’m so glad I got out of the car because we found the cutest shops, restaurants and even a candy store! The candy store was filled with all of our childhood favorites, and we may have went a little crazy picking out salt water taffy. Did you know they had a key lime pie taffy?!
We grabbed us some Dublin Sodas and stopped in the Stockyards Olive Oil Co. where we tasted olive oils, balsamic vinegars and coffee.
I thought we wouldn’t spend more than an hour at the Stockyards, but we were there nearly 2 and a half hours. There is so much you can do!
We said farewell to the Stockyards by stopping for a photo op with Maverick the steer. He was such well mannered-handsome guy.
Magnolia Avenue
Fort Worth isn’t all hay and cowboy boots – which we found out after venturing over to Magnolia Avenue. This up and coming area reminded me a lot of Dallas’ Bishop Arts scene. It’s full of cute little boutiques and shops, happening eateries and trendy coffee spots.
Our first stop was at Stir Crazy Bakery. We shared a blondie and my first ever buttermilk pie. I was still full from breakfast but I ate ever last bite.
Next stop was Melt Ice Creams. I have been insta-stalking Melt since they opened so there was no way I was leaving Fort Worth without trying some.
I tried their Chocolate Chocolate – and it was amazing!! Seriously, we didn’t have our cones more than 5 minutes before the yumminess started dripping down our hands. Darn us for needing to have a photoshoot with ice cream! Makes eating it a little messier. I see why it’s called Melt!
What would a girl’s trip be without some wine?! We popped into Kent + Co.Wines for a quick glass of Rosé. And by quick glass, I mean an entire bottle of Bellaire Rosé!
To end our trip down Magnolia Avenue, we had dinner at Brewed. Don’t let the name fool you – this is so much more than a coffee shop!!
We shared the pretzel sticks, mac + three cheese and my FAVORITE foodie find of the entire trip – their Play on Wings. My mouth is watering just thinking about them again. The Play on Wings is a vegetarian dish made with fried cauliflower served with buffalo sauce and house-made blue cheese dressing. It was an “O” in the mouth!! I may go back to Forth Worth just for this dish.
Girl’s Night In
Our final night was going to be spent getting the password for that speakeasy, but after a long exhausting day of sweets, eats and drinks, we opted to stay in our room for a Girl’s night!
We turned on our Golden Girls, grabbed our popcorn and M&M’s and put on our onesies. Yes I said onesies! I may have just turned 30 but I am a kid at heart.
We even had an impromptu dance party.
To end our night in we pampered ourselves with a facial! We came prepared with all our night time skincare products. Thank you Hollie for bringing the charcoal mask. It’s exciting and scary at the same time to watch it change colors as it deep cleans your skin.
Goodbye Funky Town
We woke up bright eyed with flawless skin to our last tasty breakfast at Etta’s Place before heading back to Dallas. The food was another hit out of the park – this time with a frittata and cinnamon raisin toast.
I’d have to say after my first visit to Funky Town, I am questioning why it took me this long to visit. It was the perfect two day getaway.
A BIG thank you to Etta’s place for providing us with top notch accommodations, breakfast and service during our stay!
Discover more about Ft. Worth here or more about Sundance Square here.
Be sure to check out Hollie’s Blog here!
XOXO
-Robyne
*Room was provided by Etta’s Place, but all opinions are mine.*
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