Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Ft Worth Stockyards








We were treated to a southern breakfast of biscuits and gravy this morning, though I satisfied myself with a biscuit and some jam. Yum. Then it was off to the stockyards with Uncle Clatus at the wheel.






'Wrong Way' Clatus and Aunt Jeannie

As we approached the area, Uncle Clatus said, "I know this great back way to get in here to the parking area. There is no traffic this way!" We soon found out why. He entered the parking lot going the wrong way down a one way exit ramp! The cars leaving the area kindly dodged us as we entered, giving us mild rebukes with their hands and fingers and the police car coming up the street seemed to give us the benefit of the doubt. We all had quite the laugh since we made it through the adventure unscathed and with no ticket.



The stockyards is where Ft. Worth began and they were smart enough to preserve the area once the cattle drives and livestock auctions ended. The North Ft Worth Historical Society maintains a museum inside the Livestock Exchange Building that shares the important history and culture of the area. The building itself has been restored beautifully. There is a new hotel, many shops and restaurants to keep you busy as you stroll the streets. They have mini cattle drives down the main street for the tourists and rodeos in the auditorium building though none were going on when we were there. There was an occasional whiff of barnyard on the wind that gave an authentic feel to the remaining pens and shoots.

The only cow we ran into was this one that seemed to be placed there in honor of Uncle Clatus Joseph! (CJ). When you dress your cows up with curly blond wigs, hats and lipstick I can see why you would need signs telling visitors not to climb or stand on them. We prefer our cows plain and less seductive in Wisconsin.



We bought some beer in the wine/beer shop. I think it was the micro brew, Buffalo Butt that caught our eye. We ate lunch in the restaurant next door to Booger Red's Saloon, where all the seats at the bar are saddles. We partook of salad, catfish and pit barbeque and the men had beers that lived up to the tradition of' 'Everything is bigger in Texas.' My chicken rodeo salad was fantastic!



Clatus and Jeannie pointed out Riscky's Barbeque and we decided to return later in the evening for dinner. My dad had eaten there when they were visiting and recommended they take us there. I could see that it was shaping up to be a fun evening with Clatus and Buz squaring off for a rib eating contest and perhaps me getting my first sample of fried pickles. Cousin Sandy said they were good and I was willing to give them a try!





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