In WestBend, Fort Worth has found an excellent spot to shop, dine, and gather. The mixed-use development that runs right along the Trinity River also happens to be accessible via the trails or by car (don't forget that there's free garage parking too).
While you stroll through the area, you can also take in the public art that dots the grounds: murals by local artist Kyle Steed, a photo exhibit from the Amon Carter Museum, and Laura Kimpton's Love sculpture. What else should you keep an eye out for? Here are some of WestBend's latest openings.
Restaurants
In May, Fort Worth got the first Texas location of Bartaco, which serves inventive tacos and cocktails from a spacious patio overlooking the Trinity River. The upscale street cuisine is rooted in tradition and pulls from a broad palate of spicy, bold flavors from the Mediterranean, Asia, and beyond.
Popbar, otherwise known as the place that's famous for handcrafted gelato on a stick, also chose WestBend for its first Texas shop. The small-batch popbars are made of gelato, sorbetto, and yogurt for a menu of 40-plus rotating flavors, along with dippings and toppings. Flavors range from classics such as vanilla, chocolate, and coffee to unusual flavors such as passion fruit, blood orange, and green tea.
Sweet tooth still craving more? Popular California bakery SusieCakes has cakes, cupcakes, cookies, bars, pies, and puddings, along with wedding treats and custom orders. All the products are baked from scratch using only the freshest natural ingredients, including European-style butter and premium chocolate.
Shops
Beauty emporium Bluemercury has opened a 2,300-square-foot boutique, making it the ultimate destination for the best in skincare, makeup, and hair care, as well as a number of spa services like facials and skincare treatments. The friendly, knowledgable staff is always on hand to answer questions and dispense honest beauty advice, and don't forget that you can sample products. Choose from such high-end brands as Fresh and Oribe, as well as in-house favorites Lune+Aster and M-61 Skincare.
Right next door is Marine Layer, a lifestyle apparel brand for men, women, and children featuring sustainable, custom-made pieces in soft fabrics. Named "the softest shirts around" by Men's Journal, Marine Layer's 100-plus custom fabrics are made with MicroModal, a signature fiber made from recycled beechwood.
Men's clothing retailer Bonobos is on a mission to make shopping easier. Just make an appointment at the store — called a Guideshop — and a knowledgable guide will walk you through the entire line to help you find your perfect fit, then your order gets shipped directly to your home of office.
Pop-ups
Emerging and e-commerce brands get the brick-and-mortar treatment with WestBend's Pop Up Program, which turns existing storefronts into short-term stores so you can discover your new faves. Recent pop-ups have included men's premium clothing brand Texas Standard, college home outfitter Dorm Decor, and women's runway-inspired clothing boutique Bailey Nicole. Keep an eye on WestBend's Facebook and Instagram to learn about upcoming new pop-ups.
See if you can spot Laura Kimpton's Love sculpture when strolling around WestBend.
Paco's Mexican Cuisine has closed.Photo courtesy of Paco's