Shopping in Fort Worth, Texas

By Judith Glynn Western-style shopping is a must in Texas for cowboy boots and hats. Fort Worth has an authentic Wild West feel with laid-back shopkeepers and reasonable prices.

There's nothing like a pair of authentic cowboy boots or a cowboy hat with a high crown or chunky jewelry and Western-style fashion to conjure up Wild West memories. Fort Worth has made and sold these products for a long time. One shopping area is downtown, especially since it's near Sundance Square. The Stockyards is located ten minutes from downtown. An original rodeo occurs here, plus Billy Bob’s Texas holds up to 6,000 people and entertains with a live bull-riding event.

This city doesn't have the glitz of Dallas, about 35 miles away, which pleases locals. It does have an easy-going, Western-heritage heartbeat, complete with a year-round weekend rodeo and rattlesnake sausage as cowboy cuisine. Five renowned museums are within walking distance in its Cultural Arts district.

Where to Buy a Cowboy Hat

The hiss of steam can be heard when entering Fincher's White Front Western Store in the Stockyards, which means a hat is being hand-creased into shape. "A hat is a cowboy's tool. And it takes practice to crease them," said Casey Cummings, as he placed a $180 black Stetson on the steamer shaper. Hundreds of hat styles are nearby, some with a five-inch brim. Hat Steamer at Fincher's

Customers choose the crease style, some named Tycoon Gambler, Tom Mix or Canadian Bull Rider. The Fort Worth crease originates from the 1800s. Once worn exclusively by wealthy cattle owners, the crease features a "cow kick" in the front and back of the hat. Other Stockyard cowboy hat shops are M. L. Leddy's and Best Hat. Cleaning and renovating services offered too.

Peters Bros. Hats in Downtown has hundreds of hats from felts to Westerns to straw.

Reinforced Boot at Justin's

Protects Against Snake Bites

Snake Boot at Justin's

Judith Glynn

Where to Buy Cowboy Boots

Think big bucks for boots except at the Justin Boot Outlet at 717 W. Vickery Blvd where Justin's Tony Lama, Nocona and Chippawa brands are sold, many under $200. Stock changes frequently. Skins can be cowhide, ostrich, goat, alligator and kangaroo. Steel-toed boots with a camouflage covering protect against snake bites ($150). Sizes from children's to 15EE.

Glamour boots, many hand-designed, carry the Leddy Vaquero brand name of the 90-year-old M.L. Leddy's store. Mix-and-match top and bottoms are a specialty; price range is $295-$1295 for men, women and children. The fit is unequaled with premium leathers, and the interior is fully lined with supple leather. Decorative Lucchese boots can be designed by Leddy personnel before sending them to the vendor to be made.

Luskey's/Ryon's is another favorite and old shop, known for its hand-tooling technique.

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Fort Worth and Texas Memorabilia

A Western Art and shopping fix can be satisfied at the Sid Richardson Museum at 309 Main Street. Bowls and Bowls Made from Used Lariats baskets made from old lariats are hand-made in the area. Repro Remington and Charles Russell bronzes sell from $275-$5000. Whimsical items are made from horseshoe nails.

The only Dallas Cowboy and Texas Rangers downtown souvenir shops are across the street.

For the quilter, take a ride out to Cabbage Rose. Located in an Oak Hill District bungalow, the shop was named one of the country's top quilt shops by Quilt Sampler magazine. It carries 100% pure cotton fabrics and emphasizes 19th-century reproduction fabrics.

Hand-Crafted Items at Barse Jewelry

"It's Texas and they want something big to wear," said the saleswoman at Barse Jewelry. Owner and Fort Worth native, Melanie Barse, sells her hand-crafted designs on HSN and has a delightful shop at 501 Main Street. Most people purchase turquoise items, although Barse has branched out into silver plate and bronze. Prices are reasonable, especially the recent "Deal of the Day" where a $168 smoky quartz, turquoise and sterling silver ring sold for $48.

Turquoise is a Favorite at Barse

Judith Glynn

The century-old Stockyards Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lobby has two Remington Bronze pieces. Famed outlaws Bonnie and Clyde stayed here. The gun Bonnie hid under a mattress is now framed on the wall.

Booger Red's Saloon is next door. Its 18-ounce Anita-Rita margarita is made with premium tequilas, lime juice and secret ingredients including extract from selected Sarrano peppers,

If You Go

The Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau is an excellent source to begin a visit to the city.

Where to Stay

Several distinct hotel experiences round out a visit here. The Ashton Hotel is perfect for downtown shopping since its steps from Sundance Square. The renovated former office building has eight floors, all non-smoking, and king-size beds. A daily and fancy Afternoon High Tea is an added bonus.