The Fort Worth Stockyards

I explain the Stockyards to my California friends as being like a beef themed Fisherman's Wharf. Historic western buildings, rodeo grounds, brick streets, the stockyards themselves, and saloons bedecked with stuffed animal heads testify to its historical authenticity as much as the Muslim and Asian families posing with costumed Indians betray its current role as the area's number one tourist destination. People come here to satisfy their fantasies of "the Old West" and to buy tee shirts, western wear and Texas souvenirs.
On a warm Saturday afternoon, the sidewalks were crowded with foreign tourists, cowboys of every color, boot-wearing promenaders, horses and bikers. I came to the conclusion that although it may no longer be the place where a long cattle drive comes to an end, it's as authentically Texan as anywhere else.