Many travelers plan to visit Dallas, Fort Worth, and other large cities in Texas. It’s a giant state, so it would require a lengthy road trip to travel to all of these metropolises. To knock out Fort Worth and Dallas, you can stay in Bedford, TX.
It’s a city that isn’t too small and offers visitors plenty to do. You can enjoy city life for the day and then return to a more relaxing area.
Or you can spend a day or two in Bedford, TX, soaking up all this smaller city has to offer. Let’s take a closer look at how you can do Bedford like a local. Let’s dive in!
About Bedford, TX
Located in the “Mid-Cities” between Dallas and Fort Worth, Bedford, TX, is a city of about ten square miles and 49,900 residents. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Bedford has a Kroger, Walmart Neighborhood Market, numerous hotels, and lots of fun.
You’ll find plenty of places to eat in Bedford, too. From Italian to Mediterranean, Tex Mex to typical American, everyone has dining opportunities.
Its location between Fort Worth and Dallas makes it a prime destination to stay outside the cities but still within a close driving distance.
Traveler’s Tip: Just 30 minutes from Bedford, visit Flower Mound, TX, and enjoy kayaking and fishing on Grapevine Lake.
How to Get to Bedford, TX
Bedford is directly north of Arlington. Highway 121 and Highway 183 run through the city.
I-30 runs south of Bedford, connecting Fort Worth and Dallas. From Fort Worth, you’d take Highway 212 North to Highway 183 East, which is about a 17-minute drive.
From Dallas, you’d take Highway 183 West straight into Bedford, which is about a 25-minute drive. Bedford’s proximity to both major cities makes it a great location to stop for a few days.
5 Ways to Do Bedford, TX Like a Local
Bedford, TX, isn’t just a convenient location. There are many things to do there to make your stay enjoyable.
Here are five ways to blend in with the locals who call Bedford home. From theater to food to axe throwing, there’s something for everyone.
#1 Enjoy a Show at ONSTAGE
Address: 2400 School Ln Bedford, TX 76021 (inside the Old Bedford School)
In 1985, a local theater group renamed itself ONSTAGE and moved into a new building in Bedford. Today, ONSTAGE produces seven shows a year, including two musicals.
The Old Bedford School houses ONSTAGE. This building was initially built in 1915. The second floor, where ONSTAGE currently performs, is a replica of a vintage school auditorium. You’ll love the atmosphere, so check out the events page on their website and enjoy a show while visiting Bedford, TX.
#2 Buy Fresh Produce at the Farmers Market
Address: 2824 Brown Trl Bedford, TX 76021
Eating the local foods in a new area is always a highlight of any road trip. Buying fresh produce, homemade salsa, chocolate, jams, jellies, plants, homemade tamales, and raw, unfiltered local honey at the Farmers Market in Bedford is no exception.
You’ll support local farmers and small businesses while enjoying a taste of Texas. The Farmers Market is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
#3 Enjoy a Night Out at Drengr Axe Throwing
Address: 1825 Airport Freeway Bedford, TX 76021
If you’ve never been to an axe throwing competition, you’re in for a treat. Drengr Axe Throwing is a veteran-owned 4,00 sq ft facility. It was one of the host venues for the 2021 World Axe Throwing Championship on ESPN.
You can book a throw for 2-4 people, a throw for 5-7 people, or a throw for 8-12 people. The facility is open Wednesday-Thursday from 4 – 10 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. – 12 a.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. – 12 a.m., and Sunday from 12 – 8 p.m.
#4 Eat Breakfast at Oldwest Cafe
Address: 2900 Highway 121 Bedford, TX 76021
With four locations across Texas, fans know Oldwest Cafe for its delicious breakfast plates. It has been voted Best Breakfast and Best Home Cooking for more than 15 years.
Start your day with an omelet stuffed with onions, mushrooms, spinach, cheese, peppers, and your choice of meat. Or, if you want a lighter fare, try an order of French toast with strawberries on top. You’ll be glad you started your day at Oldwest Cafe in Bedford, TX.
#5 Drink a Pint at Turning Point Beer
Address: 1307 Brown Trail Bedford, TX 76022
Only a five-minute drive from ONSTAGE, Turning Point Beer is a great place to end your day in Bedford. With new beers released every week, you’re bound to find something you like. You might even take a few home with you.
Try an IPA like Queen To Be with a load of strawberry, or try a sour Zombie Break with passionfruit, pineapple, and coconut. If flavors aren’t your thing, stick to a traditional stout like Mazdarati.
Enjoy Tuesday Trivia at 7 p.m. or Thursday “Min-Go” at 7 p.m. What is “Min-Go?” It’s Bingo but Minnesota style. The taproom is open until 9 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, until 10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, and until 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Why Bedford, TX Is Worth a Visit
Bedford, TX, is in an excellent location for an overnight stay outside the big cities of Fort Worth and Dallas. It’s a short drive to all those cities offer, but Bedford is also worth enjoying itself.
Take a break from the bright lights and heavy traffic. Sit back for a show at ONSTAGE and savor the local foods. Hang out with a group of friends at Drengr Axe Throwing and then have a few beers afterward.
You’ll be happy you made Bedford, TX, one of the stops on your Texas road trip!
