Tourism Week Profile Feature: Brooke Baumgardner, Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Hometown: Fort Worth, TX

Occupation: Visitor Services Representative for the Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Ideal Day in Fort Worth: Oh dear, so many options...I would start with breakfast at Ol’ South Pancake House and then make my way to the Cultural District. I love spending the day in the various museums Fort Worth has to offer. I still find it amazing that Fort Worth is home to such invaluable pieces of art by the likes of Andy Warhol, Michelangelo and Georgia O’Keeffe! I would then insist on going to the Great Outdoors for lunch. The Fort Worth Stockyards would be my next stop; I think it is an important aspect of Fort Worth’s identity and it’s colorful history. You can see cattle drives, have your picture taken with a longhorn and look at some pretty fabulous cowboy boots! Dinner would then, without a doubt, have to be Riscky’s Barbeque.

What do you like most about working in the tourism/hospitality industry? I love that people from all over the world find Fort Worth a relevant and exciting place to visit. I think sometimes when you live in a city for years, you begin to see everything as ordinary and commonplace. Tourists are able to re-introduce you to your own city!

How would you describe Fort Worth to a visitor? The city has a great mixture of sophistication, southern hospitality and pride in its cowboy heritage. I think Fort Worth is home to the best of what Texas has to offer.

What makes Fort Worth different than any other destination? Our personality. I think the people of Fort Worth are hospitable, kind and completely approachable. People take pride in the city and are happy to see others come and visit.