Try Something New for Your Brain: 10 Places to Eat and Do in Downtown Fort Worth Near Your Neuropsychology Appointment
Photo by Dan Formsma on Unsplash
Evaluations can be mentally draining, but at Hopewell Neuropsychological Center, we have your well-being in mind. In this blog post, we aim to make your evaluation experience a little easier by offering a list of our favorite places for you to take a quick lunch break and/or explore after your appointment, along with interesting findings from a research study. Conveniently located near 7th street & Montgomery Plaza in Downtown Fort Worth, our practice is surrounded by a variety of restaurants, shops, and more!
And as an added bonus, exploring and learning new things can have a positive impact on your cognitive function and memory. So not only will you be able to relax and unwind, but you'll also be doing something good for your brain.
Local Flavors Within 15 Minutes
J & J Oyster Bar (1 min/0.1 mi)
JJ's Oyster Bar is a no-frills, but charming restaurant in Fort Worth that has been serving up delicious seafood since the 1970s. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, from fried oysters and gumbo to lobster rolls and fish tacos. The staff is friendly and attentive, and they always make you feel welcome. Dr. Permsookjit recommend going early, as the restaurant can get crowded, especially during the lunch hour.
Velvet Taco (3 mins/0.5 mi)
Velvet Taco is a casual, hip spot in the DFW metroplex that serves up creative tacos with global flavors. The menu features a wide variety of options with unique offerings like the Korean fried rice taco and the spicy tikka taco. The rotisserie chicken tacos are a popular choice, and for good reason - they're juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.
Rodeo Goat (10 mins/3 mi)
This burger joint originally started in Fort Worth and has since expanded all over the DFW metroplex. Dr. Hopewell loves this spot for its delicious, cowboy-themed menu and fun atmosphere. The burgers are made fresh and the toppings are all creative and unique. They have a "Battle of the Burgers" competition, where you can vote for your favorite burger.
Flying Fish (10 mins/3.7 mi)
Flying Fish is a fast-casual seafood restaurant with a southern and eccentric flair. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, from fried catfish to salads, and Dr. Hopewell highly recommends it for seafood lovers. He says that everything is good, reasonably priced, and the portions are generous.
Burgers N Beyond BnB (12 mins/3.9 mi)
Burger N Beyond BnB is a hidden gem located right across JPS at a gas station. This fast-casual spot is a top pick among our staff for its made-to-order burgers, perfectly cooked fries, and delicious Philly cheesesteaks. The burgers are juicy and flavorful, the fries are perfectly seasoned, and the cheesesteaks are piled high with thinly sliced steak, grilled onions, and cheese. We highly recommend Burger N Beyond BnB to anyone looking for a delicious and affordable meal.
Unique and Interesting Places to Explore
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth (2 mins/0.4 mi)
This museum showcases a wide range of modern and contemporary art from around the world, including works by KAWS, Andy Warhol, and Takashi Murakami. In addition to its engaging and interactive artworks, the museum's architectural beauty is also worth noting. The building overlooks a pond, creating a calm and serene atmosphere.
Doc’s Records & Vintage (2 mins/0.7 mi)
This eccentric, massive warehouse is a treasure trove of vintage clothing, memorabilia and more with a secret art gallery (inspiration alley) hidden outside to the back of the store. It’s fun to discover (and rediscover) favorite songs and musicians. With so many vendors, there is always something unique to find. Doc’s Records & Vintage also hosts a monthly vintage flea market featuring local vendors, live music, and treats.
Fort Worth Water Gardens (8 mins/2.5 mi)
The Fort Worth Water Gardens is a free, unique, and relaxing oasis in the heart of Downtown Fort Worth. This architectural gem was designed by Phillip Johnson in the 1970s and has been featured in pop culture, such as the film Logan’s Run and Kendrick Lamar’s music video,“N95”. The garden features 3 pools of water, each with its own unique design. The gardens are also home to lush greenery, and well-maintained pathways, and plenty of seating areas.
Cidercade (9 mins/4.9 mi)
Cidercade is a massive retro arcade with a fun selection of games for all ages. With unlimited plays on every single games, there is something for everyone, from classic arcade games to modern favorites. This arcade also serves great pizza, making it, the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening with friends and family. Admissions is only $12, making it a great value for the entertainment.
Game Theory (10 mins/3.1 mi)
Game Theory Restaurant + Bar is a restaurant and board game cafe with over 500 board games to choose from. There is a flat "library fee" of $8 to play games, but this is reduced to $2 if you purchase food or drinks from the restaurant. The food is delicious, the "Boomtown Shrimp" and "Truffle Fries" highly recommended by the staff. The drinks are also fun and themed, making Game Theory a great place to spend an afternoon or evening with friends and family.
How Trying New Things Can Boost Your Brain Health
A study of over 3,000 people found that those who engaged in a wider variety of activities had better cognitive function in later life and had better scores on cognitive tests such as memory and processing speed. This suggests that trying new things is good for the brain. When we learn or do new things, we are creating neural pathways in our brains. These new pathways help to improve our cognitive functions. So, the more new stuff you do, the better for your brain! This could also include learning a new language, taking up a new hobby, traveling to a new place. The important thing is to challenge yourself and to keep your brain active.
The study also found that the benefits of activity diversity were more pronounced in older adults. This suggests that it is never too late to start engaging in new activities and that doing so can help to protect our cognitive health as we age.
Try one of the 10 spots in Downtown Fort Worth that we recommend today! Subscribe to our blog to get more tips on how to stay active and engaged in your community.
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Lee, S., Charles, S. T., & Almeida, D. M. (2021). Change Is Good for the Brain: Activity Diversity and Cognitive Functioning Across Adulthood. The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences, 76(6), 1036–1048. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbaa020
