Dallas, Nashville and Knoxville

Get out your boots, get that hat on and start Yee-hawing because we're heading to the land of rodeo's, smoked BBQ and a little giddy-up.

Travel Itinerary:

Stop 1: Fort Worth, Texas

Stop 2: Dallas, Texas

Stop 3: Nashville, Tennessee

Stop 4: Knoxville Tennessee

Stop 5: The Great Smokey Mountains

Travel Highlights

FORT WORTH, TEXAS

Head straight to the Historic Stockyards district to get a good dose of boots, hats, long-horn cows and a little line dancing because this place has everything country you could ever want or need!

Footage of the daily Longhorn cattle drive through the Fort Worth Stockyards

Quick history lesson:

Between 1866 and 1890, over four million cattle strutted their stuff in what became known as 'Cowtown'. Fast forward to 1876, when the railroad rolled into town, making Fort Worth a prime location for livestock shipping. In 1887, the Union Stockyards opened, later renamed the Fort Worth Stockyards Company, thanks to Greenleif Simpson. As the city prospered, 'The Wall Street of the West' came to life with pens, barns, and the Livestock Exchange Building opening in 1902. The grand coliseum, now known as Cowtown Coliseum, was opened in 1907, becoming the birthplace of the first-ever indoor rodeo.

You can feel the history of this place walking the streets and the Cowtown Coliseum legend lives on with events every Thursday to Sunday highlighting some of the best cowboys and cowgirls in the industry! Whether you're chilling in Dallas or Fort Worth, this place is a time-traveling journey to the wild, wild west, and Dallas is just a quick 40-minute hop away!

My tips for Fort Worth:

• Cowtown Coliseum - Don't just attend an event at Cowtown Coliseum, make it an unforgettable experience! Get front row tickets and imagine yourself as rodeo royalty.

• Billy Bob's Texas - this isn't just a bar; it's a honky-tonk universe. There is a $5 entry fee, and if there's a live singer you may have to cough up a little more $$$. But it's worth it if you want to challenge your friends to a line-dancing showdown or simply soak in the atmosphere while sipping on a Texas-sized cocktail.

• Daily Longhorn Cattle Drive - Get there early to score a front Row Seat (11.30am and 4pm everyday)

• Shop 'Til You Drop – Dive into the Western-inspired boutiques and grab yourself some authentic Cowtown style.

• Rib Feast at Riscky's BAR-B-Q - When it comes to BBQ, Riscky's BAR-B-Q is a local legend. Dive into a platter of ribs, and don't be shy about getting your hands dirty. It's not just a meal - it's a carnivorous adventure. Take a selfie with your BBQ masterpiece – sauce-stained faces encouraged!

• For you guys who love the history and culture there are options for you too:

  • Cowboy Channel Studio tour - Book a guided tour at the Cowboy Channel Studio for an immersive experience.

  • Ghost Tour's - Embark on a ghost tour around Fort Worth's historic streets. Choose an evening tour for that extra spine-chilling effect.

  • John Wayne Experience – Step into the John Wayne Experience: American Edition. Immerse yourself in the life and legacy of the iconic cowboy.
    

Footage taken at Cowtown Coliseum Ultimate Bullfighting Championships 2023

But don't forget about the city! There are heaps of accommodation and food options in the city with cute alley ways to wander around.

Check out:

• Fort Worth Water Gardens - Take a break from the cowboy hustle and bustle at the Fort Worth Water Gardens. Find a peaceful spot to relax, read a book, or simply enjoy the soothing sounds of flowing water.

• Texas Motor Speedway Thrills - If you've got a need for speed, venture over to the Texas Motor Speedway. Catch a thrilling race or, if you're feeling adventurous, check if there are any opportunities for a trackside experience. It's not just a race; it's a high-octane adventure!

• Japanese Garden Serenity - Seek tranquility in the heart of Fort Worth by visiting the Japanese Garden. Stroll through picturesque landscapes, channel your inner zen, and take a moment to appreciate the serenity. It's not just a garden; it's a cultural escape within the cowboy chaos.

• Six Flags Over Texas – Wrap up your Fort Worth journey with a visit to Six Flags Over Texas and conquer the rides of the wild west!

DALLAS, TEXAS

Buckle up because our Dallas escapade kicked off with a bit of a car breakdown! These Aussies were handed the keys to what was promised to be a 'fancy car,' only to have it pull a dramatic breakdown stunt halfway to our accommodation. But fear not, our knight in shining rental car company swooped in, and we traded our four-wheeled diva for a trusty Subaru Forester. Cheers to you, helpful car rental wizards!

Once we finally rolled into the heart of Dallas, we realized this city had more surprises and hidden secrets than we had planned on! Our to-do list may have taken a bit of a hit, but when you're meandering through the streets of this Texan wonderland, you're bound to stumble upon hidden gems.

My recommendations:

• Attend a Dallas Cowboys game! Quick tip: If you snag standing room tickets get there early or you might be cheering with the backs of tall folks.

• Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza to unravel the conspiracy theories around JFK.

• Dallas Farmers Market

• Buc-ee's – Don't just swing by for petrol – it's a full-blown Texan experience! It's like a pit stop on steroids, with snacks and Buc-ee themed souvenirs.

• Wander the parks and sculptures scattered around the city. Dallas is an urban jungle, and the sculptures are the hidden treasures you never knew you needed!

• Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Centre - it's like an indoor greenhouse with restaurants (especially beautiful at Christmas time).

NASHVILLE, TENNESSE

Hold onto your cowboy hats and get ready to be serenaded by the heart and soul of Nashville – a city that doesn't just sing, it twangs with rich culture, history, and a line-dancing vibe that's catchier than a country melody on repeat! I'm telling you, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this place!

Nashville is a celebration wrapped in a harmonious bow of music, arts, and foot-stomping history. For a toe-tapping good time, plant yourself close to Broadway Street or Midtown – the ultimate haunts for that perfect blend of honky-tonk and local charm.

My Top Must See Places:

1. Grand Ole Opry - Don your rhinestones and cowboy boots for the Grand Ole Opry tour – it's worth every dime! You'll sashay onto the stage, peek behind the curtains, and soak in a country music history lesson from the pros. Hot tip: Do the tour first and snag discounted tickets to an Opry event – it's a two-step into Nashville's musical soul.

2. Broadway Strut and Bar-hop - Strut down Broadway Street, and don't be shy – dive into any bar that calls out to your country heart. The talent here is as abundant as the moonshine, with artists belting out tunes every day, each one a hidden gem waiting to shine as bright as the next CMA award winner. Trust me; your ears will thank you!

3. Midtown Magic - Venture into Midtown, rumored to be where the locals roam (unconfirmed by yours truly – just going with the word on the honky-tonk highway).

4. Bridgestone Arena - Attend an event at the Bridgestone Arena – whether it's ice-hockey or a live concert, the energy in this arena is infectious. It's not just a venue; it's a party where the music echoes through your soul.

5. Painter's Alley for you Jazz and Blues lovers

6. Melodic Museums and Hall of Fames

• Country Music Hall of Fame

• Ryman Auditorium

• Johnny Cash Museum
  

Footage from a Predators game at Bridgestone Arena

While the city sings its tunes, there's also the dark history of the Civil War that cannot go unspoken. Nashville's plantation tours offer the opportunity to unravel the tales of the slave trade and the harsh realities faced. Explore spots like Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery, Two Rivers Mansion, and Andrew Jackson's Hermitage.

But wait, there's more! Nashville's charm extends beyond city limits. Venture within a two-hour radius, and you'll stumble upon gems like the picturesque towns of Franklin and Leiper's Fork. And here's a pro-tip – time your visit to Leiper's Fork for their 'almost famous' Christmas parade. It's a MUST, MUST, MUST!

Touring Nashville

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSE

Think of Knoxville as Nashville's spirited cousin who's just as rowdy but has a soft spot for orange. The University of Tennessee's campus is so big you might need a GPS to find your way to class. And while you're there, indulge in the incredible food scene – it's like a culinary rodeo for your taste buds. Don't forget to pick up some Volunteers merchandise! It's practically the city's uniform. You'll find more orange here than in a pumpkin patch during Halloween. Wear it proudly, and you'll fit right in with the sea of orange-clad fans cheering on their beloved Vols.

My recommendations:

• Go to a University of Tennessee sports game

• Eat and drink at Market Square

• Zoo Knoxville

• World's Fair Park

• Ijams Nature Centre

• Neyland Stadium
  

Dolly Parton Mural in Strong Alley, Knoxville

THE GREAT SMOKEY MOUNTAINS

I'm not going to lie, we headed this way to go to Dollywood but the Great Smokey Mountains offers endless views and an towns with an abundance of activities for the kids. Let me spill the beans – the national park vibe wasn't what I expected. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg had more tourists than a rock concert, and I was left wondering if the mountains had gone on a vacation of their own. So, here's my sage advice for you, dear reader: break free from the hustle, pitch a tent, lace up those hiking boots, and pedal your way through the beauty of this national park – the real gem hides beyond the tourist-filled towns!

Now, confession time – I may not have fully embraced this advice during my visit, but the Great Smoky Mountains are more than just a pretty backdrop for Dollywood thrill-seekers. Home to over 4,000 plants, 140 tree species, 65 furry mammals, 200 feathered friends, 67 fish species, and a whopping 80+ reptiles and amphibians. And hold onto your hats (or should I say, bear ears), because rumor has it, around 1,500 bears call these mountains home! Watch the mountains don a 'smokey' effect as the native vegetation releases organic compounds – nature's way of showing off.

Now, let's rewind a bit to my frosty adventure in Dollywood. Rollercoasters in winter? Talk about a face-freezing fiesta! But, hold onto your winter gloves because the theme park transforms into a twinkling Christmas wonderland. Millions of lights turn Dollywood into a festive dream – you step in, and voila, it's like being wrapped in a Christmas carol! This theme park is all about country, music and the arts with more performances and shows than you have time for in your day! If you love that kinda thing then this park is for you!

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Shop our merchandise for our Dallas, Nashville and Knoxville inspired designs with a dash of Yee-haw!

Shop