The Big Boot Boondoggle
Boots, Backroads & the Stories That Made the Red River Valley
October 7-11, 2026
Five days. A few small Texas towns. Some legendary makers. Lots of questionable decisions.
This Is Not Your Average Texas Road Trip
We're heading from Fort Worth to Nocona and the Red River Valley for five days of boots, hats, history, backroads, local characters, good food, live music and a respectable amount of carrying on.
We'll go behind the scenes with some of Texas' most iconic makers, visit places most travelers never find, and experience the stories and small towns that helped shape cowboy culture.
Consider this your invitation to make a few questionable decisions with us.
The Boondoggle Itinerary
Wednesday | Welcome to Cowtown
Arrive in Fort Worth and meet your fellow Boondogglers at a welcome reception at Fenoglio Boot Stockyards. Browse the boots, talk customs and kick off the weekend properly.
Then: Free time in the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Thursday | Fort Worth → Nocona
Breakfast and drinks on the road before a behind-the-scenes tour of American Hat Company. Then we're Nocona-bound for lunch, local history at Tales 'n' Trails and time with The Lady Makes Boots author Carol Lipscomb.
Check into the Veranda Inn, grab dinner and see where the night takes us. We are guessing it'll be the world famous V...Nocona's VFW.
Friday | Boots, Gloves & Backroads
Spanish Fort. Fenoglio Boot Factory. Nokona Ball Glove Factory.
Put on your new Fenoglio boots, then we hit the backroads for Saint Jo and a little Texas wine before returning for the Art of the Song Street Dance.
Afterward? The VFW. Obviously.
Saturday | Art, Music & Nocona
Coffee, Bloody Marys and biscuits, the Art of the Song festivities, local vendors and time to explore Nocona (with a tour guide to answer all your questions and tell stories, of course).
We'll finish the day with Nocona Nights at the Veranda Inn and an evening of live music.
Sunday | One More Texas Morning
Pancakes and gospel music in the park.
Then we point the van toward Fort Worth and collectively agree that some of our decisions were better than others.
A Few Things You Might Want to Know
Do I need cowboy boots?
No. But after this trip, we make no promises about what you'll be wearing home.
Do I need a car?
Nope. Park it in Fort Worth. We've got you from there.
Are meals and drinks included?
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and beverages are included. At included alcohol stops, you'll receive two drink tokens. Anything beyond that is on your tab.
Is the itinerary final?
The big stuff is set. Some restaurants, times and smaller activities may change. It's a boondoggle. We're leaving ourselves a little room to boondoggle.
Notes
Trip Details
DATES
October 7–11, 2026START & FINISH
Fort Worth, TexasLODGING
One night in Fort Worth + Three nights at the Veranda Inn in NoconaTRANSPORTATION
Transportation from Fort Worth and throughout the Boondoggle is included.FOOD & DRINK
Meals, tastings and beverages are included.At each included stop serving alcohol, you'll receive two drink tokens. After that, additional drinks are on you. ...Or you can visit the van.
(We know what's in the cooler.)
ALSO INCLUDED
Factory tours, museum and historical experiences, scheduled events and activities, and a few things we'll probably think of between now and October.PRICE
From $1,995 per personGROUP SIZE
Limited to 10 guests. Will confirm trip at 6 guests.
Come Boondoggle With Us.
Five days. Boots. Backroads. Texas history. Live music. Cold drinks. And a few questionable decisions.
October 7–11, 2026
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