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If I go from Chicago to OKC, there is a 4 hour layover in Fort Worth. Does anyone know if there is stuff to see reasonably near the train station? I like walking but would take a cab. Also, a good place to eat, e.g., TX BBQ or Mexican or something interesting not too pricey? Also, will I be able to leave my luggage at the station while I go off?
Also, does anyone have any recs about coming in to Oklahoma City at night and where to stay, convenient, safe, not too expensive? I see that OKC is an unmanned station, is that a problem if the train is late? Are there taxis? Do any hotels have shuttles?
Thanks so much
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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I haven't been there since 2005 (I think) so I can't give any recommendations on where to go, except to say that there are definitely places to go quite close to the station, whether food or otherwise. Maybe take a taxi one way and walk back (especially given the time of day in the Texas sun)?
-------------------- Geoff M. Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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Sojourner -- I seem to recall that, many many years ago (when I first started riding trains) there was a "water garden park" or some such thing near the Fort Worth station -- it was an architectural attraction with waterfalls and outdoor walkways, if I recall correctly -- if it is still there, it sounds like something you might be interested in seeing. I know I walked there between trains many years ago (I think I took the Texas Chief down from Chicago, and then I took it right back north a couple hours later)
Perhaps Mr. Smith or someone else in the area may be able to refresh my memory better.
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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The Ft. Worth station is on the edge of downtown and Amtrak shares the place with the Trinity Rail Express commuter trains to/from Dallas as well as the local transit system.
There is a shopping district maybe 10-12 blocks away from the train station that features a number of restaurants representing the Texas 'big 3' (BBQ, steak, or Mexican). I recall seeing a museum or two and an opera house when I killed a layover in Ft. Worth 6 or 7 years ago.
Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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The Oklahoma City station is on the edge of Bricktown, which is like the Pearl District in Portland. It's an old warehouse district taken over by yuppies. Great place to eat, pub crawl, shop, water taxi through the canals, watch a minor baseball game, or buy that hard to find fishing lure at the Bass Pro Shop.
Having a fried bologna sandwich (hold the peanut butter, please) at Toby Keith's restaurant is a local culinary delight. There's also a micro-brewery in the Brick which serves excellent food (oh yeah, and beer).
Hilton, Sheraton, and Marriott all have properties within an easy walk of the station. My personal favorite is the Skirvin Hilton. It's an historic hotel which is code for pricey, but I've usually been able to sharp-shoot a reasonable rate there.
Some additional information can be found here.Posts: 445 | Registered: May 2002
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