The historic city of Fort Worth is located in North Texas on the western edge of the American South.

It is positioned on the bluff overlooking the Trinity River and is a city that embraces its Western heritage and traditional architecture and design.

Fort Worth is one of America's most liveable communities and is a truly thriving centre of culture and commerce.

It is home to a unique mix of attractions that will delight, entice and educate you all at the same time.

From cowboys to culture, and sports to shopping, Fort Worth has it all.

So check out these few great attractions

1. Fort Worth Heritage Trails

Begin your adventure in Fort Worth by wandering the pleasant streets and discovering its unique history. Take a walk through the downtown area of the city and discover the people and events that have shaped Fort Worth's rich history. The Heritage Trail will take you throughout the city, allowing you to discover its most famous sites and monuments.

Take a picture with the Sleeping Panther Sculpture, pay a visit to the Cattle Drives, marvel at the beautiful opera houses and theatres and absorb the city's stunning architectural diversity. This trail will take you on a journey through Fort Worth's past, present and future, through a celebration of the colourful legacy of the city's founders.

2. Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame

Texas is well known for its cowgirls and cowboys and this is extremely evident at the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, which is located in the city of Fort Worth. The museum is housed in the area's original horse and mule barns and pays a respectable tribute to the cowgirls and cowboys of the Lone Star state.

The Hall of Fame is home to the Sterquel Wagon collection, which is a fascinating collection of more than 60 wagons, carriages and sleighs that have been magnificently restored. Group tours are available if you wish to enjoy the true cowboy experience, or you can simply browse the collections at your own pace, soaking up the fascinating history.

3. Fort Worth Botanical Garden and Japanese Garden

If a slice of nature is what you are after, than look no further than the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. These are the oldest of their kind in Texas and will simply take your breath away. The gardens are home to a 10,000 square foot Conservatory as well as an abundance of brightly coloured rose gardens.

A highlight of the gardens is the Japanese Garden, which is a purely pleasant spot for a packed picnic lunch. Nestled on 7.5 acres of beautifully manicured lawn, the peaceful beauty of the gardens are evident through the trickling waterfalls and pleasant rock pools.

The gardens enrich people's lives through environmental stewardship and education, and their prime location just a mile and a half west of the downtown area, make them a must-see.

4. Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering and Western Swing Festival

If you are in town around the end of October, make you check out the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering and Western Swing Festival. This annual event is a three day festival that promotes the cowboy way of life, and is the perfect way to enjoy everything that is western. The festival is known for its western swing music, ranch rodeo action, cowboy poetry and an authentic chuckwagen competition. This activity should definitely be added to your to-do list because it encompasses everything Fort Worth is about.

5. Log Cabin Village

A visit to Log Cabin Village is the perfect way to experience the sights, sounds and smells of 19th century Texas. This unique log cabin village is nestled on three acres of historic Forest Park, and consists of historic structures that date back to the mid-1800's.

Buildings in the village include the one-room school house, smoke house and the Blacksmith shop. As you wander the village you will be able to interact with historical interpreters, who will take you on a journey of past traditions and practices.

If you are after a true Texan experience, Fort Worth should definitely come to mind. Cowboys and cowgirls are in full swing here and offer memorable experiences that will stay with you forever.

Christine Barton