Fort Worth is no stranger to kicking up some dust, but it refuses to fade into it. After decades of watching historic buildings sit empty and in a sad state of disrepair, the city began a long road to restoration (that got a lot smoother recently thanks to extra funding) to help bring new restaurants, shops, and a swanky hotel to a previously neglected area dubbed Mule Alley.

Built into the Stockyards' refurbished horse and mule barns, Mule Alley is now a busy few blocks with lit-up storefronts that don't look nearly their age. You'll find heritage-brand stores like Lucchese Bootmaker and King Ranch Saddle Shop as well as Instagram-friendly food and drink spots where you'll most likely see more than one bachelorette party sporting hot pink, sparkly cowgirl hats. Grab a bottled cocktail in a souvenir flask from newly opened Second Rodeo Brewing, where the indoor-outdoor seating and bar consist of colorful lawn chairs on turf; it seems to make the live music even more enjoyable. (The on-tap grapefruit-infused ranch water is another tempting sipper.) Brunch is best taken at The Biscuit Bar. Have an order of the Hot Honey Biscuit with fried chicken and a cereal-milk cocktail.

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