best in Texas
Fort Worth gets snubbed again by judges in 2024 Texas Travel Awards
Texican Court Hotel in Irving won Best "Big Market" Unique Lodging.
Dallas-Fort Worth is home to several of the best attractions in the state, according to the 2024 Texas Travel Awards, including a famous Dallas tourist spot and a Plano food festival.
Inexplicably, not a single Fort Worth attraction won an award in 2024, for the second year in a row. And North Texas took home only seven awards this year, compared to 14 awarded in 2023.
The Texas Travel Awards were created by Austin Monthly, San Antonio Magazine, and Texas Music publishers to "shine a spotlight on the most exciting, innovative, and inviting places around the state." Winners are decided by a panel of judges that includes: Austin-based Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine managing editor Charles Lohrmann, Dallas "influencer" Jessica Serna, Lubbock college professor Jessica Juan, Round Rock musician Rochelle Creone, and San Antonio travel consultant Deya Palmero.
These people need to hit up Fort Worth more often.
The 49 awards were split into two groups: statewide best attractions and best attractions by population.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in Dallas came away with two awards this year; it was designated the best "Historical Site" in Texas, and the best "Big Market" museum. The Texas Travel Awards praised the Sixth Floor Museum for its dedication to preserving the legacy of President John F. Kennedy, calling it an "unrivaled cultural gem" in Dallas.
"Beyond a mere chronicle of Kennedy’s life and presidency, the displays delve into the broader historical context, political climate, and the enduring impact of the assassination," a museum overview said. "By encouraging critical thinking and reflection, the museum becomes a dynamic space for learning; it serves as a platform for deepening public understanding of historical complexities."
The only other Dallas attraction to earn an accolade was Crown Block in Reunion Tower, which won a statewide award for the "Best Revitalization." The steakhouse was brought to life in 2023 thanks to hospitality duo Elizabeth Blau and Kim Canteenwalla, who brought an "unmatched level of hospitality" to the space and high attention to detail across every dish on the menu, the judges said.
"The plates, brunch stations, cocktails, and refined wine list offer guests a sense of adventure and whimsey, with fresh, unexpected flavor combinations and a bit of Las Vegas-inspired flair," the award overview said.
Other North Texas attractions that won Texas Travel Awards include:
- Taste of Plano Foodie Pass Breaks Records – Best "Big Market" Destination Marketing Campaign
- Texican Court in Irving – Unique Lodging
- Historic Downtown McKinney – Best Statewide Destination for Foodies
Outside of North Texas
The Hill Country was the region that won the most awards, further solidifying the area's soaring popularity among travelers. New Braunfels earned the highest number of accolades, even going so far as to be designated 2024's "Destination of the Year."
"The city’s vibrant downtown is full of character, with historic architecture housing one-of-a-kind shops, art galleries, speakeasies, craft breweries and eateries," its overview said. "Only blocks from the spring-fed Comal River, visitors and patrons can spend a day tubing or lounging riverside, then meander to downtown for live music, dining, shopping, wandering, and exploring."
The full list of winners can be found at texastravelawards.com.
