Panther Hall was located at the corner of East Lancaster and Collard Street in Fort Worth, Texas. It operated as a major live music venue from 1963 until it closed in 1978.
It was originally meant to be a bowling stadium, but Bill and Corky Kuykendall turned that huge space into a lively concert hall instead. Pretty quickly, it became legendary. Everyone played there, from country icons like Elvis Presley and Willie Nelson to rock and roll legends. The building isn't there anymore, sadly. But its legacy? It's still a pivotal spot in Texas music history for locals and music fans alike, really showing off a golden era for live entertainment in Fort Worth.
How far is Lockhart from Fort Worth?
Lockhart is approximately 199.35 miles southeast of Fort Worth by road, so you're looking at about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive, depending on I-35 South traffic.
You'll drive right into what's famously called the "Barbecue Capital of Texas." Want to really experience those legendary smokehouses without fighting insane lines? I'd suggest getting there around 11:00 AM on a weekday, right before the lunch rush. Hit up iconic spots like Kreuz Market (619 N Colorado St) or Smitty's Market (208 S Commerce St). Parking's usually plentiful in their dedicated lots, often free, and a lot of places have outdoor seating, which can be a real lifesaver on busy days. You'll probably spend about $20-40 per person for a real barbecue feast. Honestly, that's a small price for a taste of Texas history and a pilgrimage for any meat lover, as the Texas Monthly BBQ Guide highlights.
How far is Del Rio from Fort Worth?
Del Rio is located approximately 316 miles southwest of Fort Worth. That's a pretty long drive, typically taking between 5 to 6 hours, mostly by following US-377 South.
The route changes quite a bit, moving from busy highways to more remote, scenic parts of West Texas. So, always fill up your gas tank in bigger towns like Junction or Sonora before you head out into the wide-open spaces. Del Rio itself is a lively border city. It's the main entry point to the huge Amistad National Recreation Area, which has fantastic boating, fishing, and watersports, plus well-kept public boat ramps and accessible facilities. Just be ready for spotty cell service and fewer services on some road stretches. And honestly, it's absolutely crucial to bring plenty of water and snacks, especially if you're traveling through this dry area during the hot summer months (May-September) when temps can easily hit over 100°F.
Where is the best part of Texas to live in?
Look, this is super subjective and really depends on what you like, but Austin, Dallas, and Houston are consistently ranked among the top places to live in Texas. They're celebrated for strong economies and lots of different amenities, with San Antonio also getting a lot of attention for its cultural appeal and affordability.
Austin, sometimes called "Silicon Hills," is awesome for tech, culture, and outdoor stuff (think kayaking on Lady Bird Lake). Its housing market, though, is notoriously competitive, with median home prices around $550,000 as of early 2026. Dallas has a really strong corporate job market, especially in finance and professional services. You'll find a vibrant arts scene there, too, centered around the Arts District, plus excellent dining. Traffic can be a real pain point, though. Houston, conversely, offers incredible diversity, a world-class medical center, and a more affordable cost of living compared to its size. But, yeah, humidity and urban sprawl are definitely things to think about. Now, U.S. News & World Report's 2025-2026 rankings often put Austin high for quality of life. But honestly, every city has its own unique lifestyle trade-offs, whether it's property taxes or public transportation options.
What is the number 1 attraction in Texas?
The San Antonio River Walk (Paseo del Río) is generally considered the number one attraction in Texas. It draws millions of visitors every year with its unique charm and lively atmosphere.
This iconic 2.5-mile urban waterway is pretty easy to get to from various spots, including the Rivercenter Mall (849 E Commerce St) for convenient parking. It offers a truly picturesque escape with lush landscaping, historic architecture, and tons of dining and entertainment. I always suggest an early morning stroll (before 9 AM) or a late evening visit (after 8 PM) if you want to dodge the peak crowds. It can get overwhelmingly busy, especially during spring break or holidays. Barge tours are a great option; they typically run about $15-25 per person and last around 35 minutes, giving you an excellent narrated overview of the history and landmarks. The River Walk is mostly accessible via ramps and elevators, especially in the newer sections. Some older parts might have stairs, though, so definitely check your route if accessibility is a big concern. You can find more details on Visit San Antonio's official site.
What are 2 attractions in Texas?
Besides the busy River Walk, two other must-see Texas attractions are the super historic Alamo in San Antonio and the impressive Big Bend National Park in remote West Texas.
The Alamo (300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio) is a powerful, free-to-enter symbol of Texas independence and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Try to get there right at opening (usually 9 AM) to beat the biggest crowds and really soak in its solemn history. Good news: much of the grounds, including the church and Long Barrack Museum, are wheelchair accessible via ramps. Now, for a totally different vibe, Big Bend National Park delivers unparalleled natural beauty. We're talking dramatic desert landscapes and the stunning Chisos Mountains. You'll find it way out at the end of TX-118 S or US-385 S. It's genuinely remote, so plan for little to no cell service. Bring plenty of water (seriously, at least 1 gallon per person per day if you're hiking!), and expect a vehicle entrance fee of about $30 for 7 days, which you pay at the park entrance stations. Visiting in cooler months (October-April) is generally best for
What can you only get in Texas?
You'll really only get the authentic taste of Whataburger and the rich, regionally diverse Tex-Mex cuisine at its best in Texas, along with the unique experience of Buc-ee's travel centers.
Whataburger is a 24/7 institution here. It offers iconic items like the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit and that spicy Ketchup, which are just deeply ingrained in the local culture. But it's not just about the burgers. Texas is absolutely the undisputed home of Tex-Mex. It's evolved from borderland traditions into distinct regional styles—everything from Austin's breakfast tacos to Houston and Dallas's sizzling fajitas and queso. It's a culinary heritage truly distinct from Mexican cuisine, as explored by the Smithsonian Magazine. And for a truly Texan road trip experience? You absolutely, positively *must* stop at a Buc-ee's. It's an enormous convenience store chain with pristine bathrooms, countless gas pumps, and a whole array of unique snacks and merchandise you won't find anywhere else.
What is the most Texas food?
The most iconic "Texas food" is probably Texas-style barbecue, particularly slow-smoked brisket. It really reflects the state's deep ranching traditions and culinary heritage.
This culinary art form, mostly perfected in Central Texas, focuses on simple dry rubs and incredibly long smoking times (we're talking 12-18 hours!) over post oak wood. The goal is a tender, smoky, flavorful bark without needing a ton of sauce. Sure, Franklin Barbecue (900 E 11th St, Austin) is legendary, but be ready for multi-hour waits there. Other fantastic options include La Barbecue (2027 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin) or Snow's BBQ (516 N Main St, Lexington), though Snow's is a Saturday-only deal. A plate of brisket will usually set you back $25-40. And while most joints are pretty casual, just be prepared for outdoor queues that might not be fully accessible, so plan accordingly.
What part of Texas has the best food?
Look, this is super subjective and something Texans fiercely debate, but Austin is often praised for having the most dynamic and innovative food scene in Texas, especially because of its diverse culinary landscape.
Austin really shines with its phenomenal food truck culture. They're pushing boundaries with everything from gourmet fusion to classic tacos, plus there's a growing fine dining and farm-to-table movement. South Congress Avenue and East Austin are definite hotspots. Just expect lines at popular places; making reservations or visiting during off-peak hours (like 2-5 PM) is a really smart move. That said, don't overlook Houston's incredible international cuisine (especially Vietnamese and Mexican!). Or Dallas for upscale dining and steak. And San Antonio? It's got authentic, historic Tex-Mex. Each city offers a distinct and compelling reason to explore Texas's rich culinary map, as publications like Eater Austin often highlight.
