Fort Worth, Texas may conjure images of a dusty old pioneer town with cowboys and rodeos, but this city is much more dynamic than you might expect. Take it from Devyn Walker, a local therapist and yoga instructor, who has made a space for herself in the industry by catering to Black people and people of color.

“Fort Worth is a really unique place,” says Walker. “There’s beautiful nature here and a lot of culture.” 

Walker moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 2014 to launch her career. Since then, she’s built a practice devoted to building mental health awareness in communities of color and gained a following for her brand, Sent from Devyn. Being an entrepreneur can be stressful, so Walker uses regular travel to “recharge and regroup.” Most recently, she traveled to Arizona and New York. When long distance travel isn’t feasible, though, Walker likes to disconnect from her busy lifestyle with a staycation in the Fort Worth area.

We caught up with Walker on a recent staycation at The Drover Hotel in Fort Worth, not far from her home in Dallas’s Uptown neighborhood, to get her guide to DFW’s “more relaxing, chill” side. Read on for all the best places to eat, drink, stay, and recharge in Fort Worth, Texas.

How Devyn Walker Packs for a Staycation in Fort Worth, Texas →

But First… 

Black Coffee offers so much more than the name implies. This Black-owned coffee shop was voted best coffee by Fort Worth Magazine. Walker’s favorite drink is the caramel apple latte.

Chow Down, Fort Worth-Style 

Located in the Original Fire Station #1 in Downtown Fort Worth, Walker calls 203 Cafe’s fried green tomatoes “a showstopper.” This casual Southern American joint is the perfect spot to grab a sandwich while perusing shops downtown.

You can’t leave Fort Worth without some local fried chicken, says Walker. Drew’s Place has been in operation for over three decades and offers some of the best soul food around. Walker also admits that Gus’s Fried Chicken on Magnolia Street is a guilty pleasure. 

The Best Restaurants in Dallas, Texas →

Where to Stay

Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, The Drover nods to Fort Worth’s cowboy heritage with a modern twist. The property is centrally located to all the best Fort Worth has to offer while creating a Western-inspired oasis in its own right. Check out the Veranda Bar for a little R&R and the hotel’s restaurant, 97 West, for your steak fix. 

Out on the Cowtown 

Walker loves to go bar hopping on Houston Street in Downtown Fort Worth. “What I really like about Fort Worth’s culture is that it’s not pretentious,” she says. “You can wear your sneakers and be okay.” Walker particularly loves the speakeasy vibes at The Amber Room. Hidden inside the Wishbone & Flynt restaurant, go for the baroque decor and stay for the inventive craft cocktails. 

For a late night bite, try Ashim’s Hibachi Grill, open until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. “You can’t go wrong with the chicken and shrimp,” says Walker.

The Best Bars and Nightlife in Dallas, Texas →

Shop Local

If you’re looking for “thoughtful, curated gifts” in Fort Worth, head to Gifted, a downtown boutique for paper goods, jewelry, candles, plant accessories, and more. “They truly have something for everyone—and even a little something to keep for yourself,” says Walker. “I particularly love their incense.” 

The Collective Studios is also a must-visit. “They sell products from small businesses and hold creative craft workshops as well,” says Walker.

Get Your Steps In

Fort Worth has no shortage of outdoor recreation, and Walker is a big fan of Trinity Trails, which boasts over 100 miles of walking, running, and biking trails that can keep you going from downtown all the way to the famous Fort Worth Zoo. 

For some slightly more targeted action, Walker loves Fun on the Run, a 45-acre paintballing course. 

Know Before You Go

When it comes to the weather, Fort Worth brings the heat. “It is unfortunately very hot most of the year,” says Walker. “So pack light clothes you feel comfortable sweating in.”