Hottest headlines of 2023

These are the 10 hottest headlines that had Fort Worth talking in 2023

2023 was a big year in Fort Worth.

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Editor's note: What was Fort Worth reading in 2023? We are so glad you asked. Readers craved news about a potential mega-metro that could rival DFW; Fort Worth's richest billionaire; and new hidden-gem restaurants and bar patios.

Here's a look back at the 10 most-read CultureMap stories from the past year. By the way, you can also look back at the top dining, arts & entertainment, and travel stories; and best and worst movies of the year.

1. New documentary explores emerging Texas mega-metro that could rival Dallas-Fort Worth. It's no secret that Austin and San Antonio are becoming some of the biggest cities in Texas, and that together, they just might rival the likes of Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston one day. In August, a new documentary called San Antonio-Austin: The Emerging Mega-Metro took a deep dive into the booming 80-mile region between the Central Texas cities. The program centered on the region's growth and the challenges that arise with such rapid expansion - issues that Dallas-Fort Worth residents know well, as the Metroplex's population also continues to explode at a staggering rate.

San Antonio skyline San Antonio, Austin, and the space in between could be the state's next big mega-metro. Photo by Matthew LeJune on Unsplash

2. Fort Worth billionaire is 3rd richest woman on the planet in 2023, says Forbes. Her fortune took a tiny hit, but Fort Worth’s Alice Walton was the woman with the third biggest bank account in the world this year. According to the 2023 Forbes World’s Billionaires List, released April 4, Walton had a net worth of $56.7 billion. Then in October, she reclaimed her crown as America's richest woman.

Alice Walton is back on top as the wealthiest woman in America in 2023. Photo by D Dipasupil/Getty Images

3. 'Yellowstone' stars to greet fans at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Yellowstone fans got their comfy shoes ready for long lines when it was announced that Cole Hauser, a.k.a. "Rip Wheeler," and Taylor Sheridan, the show's co-creator, would meet fans and sign autographs at the 2023 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo on February 3.

Cole Hauser, Yellowstone Cole Hauser greeted fans at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Getty Images

4. Surprising Fort Worth suburb named No. 5 most family-friendly U.S. city. If Fort Worth-area residents are looking for the perfect new place to buy a home and raise a family, they should steer their interest toward Watauga. The northeast Fort Worth suburb, impressively, was named the fifth most family-friendly city in the U.S. by real estate marketplace Opendoor in September.

Watauga There's lots for families to do in Watauga. Facebook/Watauga Parks and Recreation

5. Fort Worth's Alliance Air Show canceled after 32 years. The popular AllianceTexas Aviation Expo - formerly known as the Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show - would not take place in 2023, and perhaps not ever again, according to release issued by Alliance Air Productions on June 7.

2018 Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show The AllianceTexas Aviation Expo did not take place in 2023. Photo courtesy of Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show

6. Full lineup revealed for first-ever Fort Worth Music Festival at the Stockyards. The full lineup for the inaugural Fort Worth Music Festival & Conference at the Stockyards was unveiled in February, allowing fans and industry insiders to set their schedules to get the most out of the event. Many of the names were Fort Worth favorites.

Stoney LaRue played the Fort Worth Music Festival & Conference, Photo courtesy of Stoney LaRue

7. Fort Worth takes legal steps to close down nuisance hotel off I-35. In early November, Fort Worth officials took steps to get a problematic hotel to clean up its act: According to a release, the city filed a lawsuit against the owners of Days Inn, 4213 South Fwy., in an effort to abate the crime occurring on the property.

Days Inn has been a nuisance. Google Maps

8. Where to eat in Fort Worth right now: 6 hidden-find new restaurants. In mid-August, several high-profile restaurants had opened in Fort Worth, making them seemingly perfect candidates for that month's edition of Where to Eat spotlighting newcomers. But bigger does not always mean better, especially when we'd uncovered some lower-profile newcomers that definitely deserved attention, as well. We rounded up six small but mighty new restaurants.

Outpost 36 BBQ Nice plate of BBQ from Outpost 36.www.outpost36.com

9. Where to drink in Fort Worth right now: 5 best bar patios to hit in May. Patios were a hot topic in May, when the weather (mostly) cooperated to create a comfortable outdoor experience. But sometimes our patio desires don’t involve a desire to order a meal. A drink or two on a sunny day or breezy evening, perhaps with some live music and yard games nearby, is all that’s needed. We presented five of Fort Worth’s best bar patios (a mix of new entries and old favorites) to check out before the scorching summer arrived in June.

The Rusty Nickel IceHouse draws crowds in South Fort Worth. Rusty Nickel IceHouse/Facebook

10. Tarrant County court adopts trendy new property tax scheme to lower taxes. Tarrant County residents got cut a break: The Tarrant County Commissioners Court in August adopted new tax rates for 2024 that fall "Below No-New-Revenue Rate" — a jargon-y way of saying there won't be an increase in taxes.

Property taxes Tarrant County taxpayers are getting a break. Photo by Kostiantyn Li on Unsplash

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Roller Coaster News

Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington bids farewell to 2 roller coasters

Six Flags

Six Flags Over Texas El Diablo roller coaster, RIP.

Amusement park operator Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is investing more than $1 billion in its theme parks over the next two years, with an array of enhancements for Six Flags Over Texas — including a record-breaking dive roller coaster, slated to launch at the Arlington theme park in 2026.

They'll also give Hurricane Harbor Arlington the largest investment in its history, with the introduction of a massive interactive kids area, Splash Island.

Waterparks and water features have become an increasingly popular category, aided by technological advancements such as man-made surf machines. According to a report by Hotel & Leisure Advisors, 16 indoor waterparks opened or expanded in 2023, and 12 new outdoor waterparks opened. The largest new outdoor waterpark of the year was Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, featuring 11 slides, a lazy river, pools, and swim-up bars.

“Six Flags is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences and will be implementing a wide array of enhancements throughout the property. Our park's multi-year expansion plans will bring major investments including cutting-edge thrill rides, revitalized family experiences, elevated dining and expanded events,” says the park's president Richard Douaihy in a statement.

And now the sad news. To make room for the all-new dive coaster they're installing at Six Flags, they're retiring two roller coasters:

La Vibora, a steel bobsled-style roller coaster, which opened in 1986
El Diablo, known as a giga loop coaster, which has been in operation since 2019

The rides’ retirement enables the park to make way for a new generation of thrill machines in the Spain section of the park.

'We understand that saying goodbye to beloved rides can be difficult, and we appreciate our guests' passion. These changes are an important part of our growth and dedication to delivering exceptional new experiences. We look forward to sharing more details this summer,” Douaihy says.

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