Dallas Fort Worth showcases cowboys, culture and much more

This is the continuation of Ming Tappin's FAM report from Dallas. Please see Part 1 here.

The city of Fort Worth - population 812,000 - is the youngest city in Texas, with 8.5 million visitors a year. Although usually overshadowed by Dallas, surprisingly, it has tons to offer.

The Bureau of Engraving & Printing is a must-see for guests of all ages. It pumps out 38 million currency notes per day, has free admission, fascinating exhibits explaining details of the money printing process, and a walk-through of the actual currency printing facility.

The Texas Motor Speedway further proves that everything is bigger here. Sitting on 1,500 acres of land, it has a capacity of up to 182,000 including grandstand seating and campground, with 80,000 free parking spots. Two NASCAR races and one Indy race occur here every year, as well as concerts and special events. Guests with the need for speed can also participate in driving or ride-along experiences on the 1.5 mile track.

A trip to Fort Worth is not complete without visiting the Stockyards National Historic District. Highlights include the world's only twice-daily longhorn cattle drive, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, a rodeo & authentic western saloons. Don't miss Billy Bob's Texas, the world's largest honky tonk with live music & dance floor, bull riding, and an authentic BBQ restaurant.

"Big Things Happen Here," boasts the Dallas CVB - and they're right. With 12,000 restaurants and 77,000+ hotel rooms, the city welcomes visitors with a wealth of activities and attractions. Start with a bird's-eye view of the skyline from the 560-foot Reunion Tower. Also must-see is The Six Floor Museum for a poignant look at the assassination of JFK, housed in the actual building where the shots were fired.

In the Dallas Arts District, Dallas Museum of Art has over 22,000 works from around the world. The Nasher Sculpture Center exhibits whimsical sculptures by contemporary artists and old masters in their indoor and outdoor space, and the Crow Collection of Asian Art is conveniently located across the street. The Perot Museum of Natural Science building is an architectural marvel itself, housing exhibits for the entire family.

Agents can sell Dallas, Arlington and Forth Worth in a variety of ways. Sports enthusiasts will love the stadium and speedway tours and maybe even catch a game or watch a race. Foodies can revel in endless gastronomy from Tex Mex and seafood to steak & BBQ served in quaint bistros, lively gastropubs and even industrial style micro-brew pubs on the "Ale Trail." Fans of all things Western can enjoy the Stockyard and rodeos. And art lovers will find plenty of world class museums and art galleries in all three cities, many offering free admission.

Air Canada has daily nonstop flights from YVR to DFW on CRJ705 aircraft operated by Jazz, with 65 economy and 10 business class seats. Here is a brief look at the hotels we inspected.

Arlington

All three properties are conveniently located near Globe Life Park, AT&T Stadium, and Six Flags Over Texas. All offer complimentary wi-fi, free DFW shuttle, pool & 24-hr fitness center:

• DoubleTree by Hilton Arlington DFW South, 1507 N. Watson Road: 234 rooms. Just renovated in December with contemporary design and soft colours.

• Crowne Plaza Hotel, 700 Avenue H East: 200 room all-suite hotel, free shuttle within three-mile radius. Hotel is in the process of renovations (and is open), first phase to be completed by June and remainder to be completed by Jan 2018.

• Hyatt Place Dallas/Arlington, 2380 E. Road to Six Flags Street: 127 rooms, renovated in 2014, free shuttle within five-mile radius.

Fort Worth

• Blackstone Marriott, 600 Main Street: 188 rooms, smoke-free hotel. Two blocks from Sundance Square with shopping, entertainment & restaurants.

• Embassy Suites by Hilton, 600 Commerce Street: 156 suites, expansive fitness center, complimentary full breakfast and evening reception, steps to Sundance Square.

• Stockyard Hotel, 109 E. Exchange: 52 rooms & suites with authentic Old West decor, opened in 1907 and located in the heart of the Stockyard Historic District next to restaurants, shopping and saloons.

• Hyatt Place Stockyard: 101 rooms in the heart of the Stockyard, across from the Rodeo Coliseum. Free hot breakfast and shuttle within five-mile radius.

Dallas

• The Joule, 1530 Main St.: 160-room boutique hotel designed by Adam Tihany, in a revitalized 1920's landmark building in the Central Business District.

• The Magnolia Hotel Dallas Park Cities, 6070 N Central Expy: 292 rooms, adjacent to North Park Center with over 235 shops and restaurants, and steps to DART light rail station with quick access to downtown.