✭ THIS CIDER HOUSE RULES
Arlington has two bars for the gamers and nostalgia-chasers out there. The first is Cidercade, which boasts $12 for unlimited play on more than 300 arcade games. Cidercade also has two bars, with its specialty being, you guessed it, cider. Down the street is Free Play Arlington, which has even more arcade and pinball games. It's the perfect way to have a go at your childhood favorites with a drink in hand.

✭ TEXAS AND OHHS
We'd be remiss if we didn't mention Texas Live!, which is a $250 million dollar venue that features multiple places to grab a bite or a drink, as well as a hotel, shopping, and so much more.

✭ HOT GRILL ON GRILL ACTION
For food, Arlington has something from every flavor profile. First up is The Grease Monkey, which has burgers, Reubens, and even a cheeseburger salad in case you want to eat “healthy.” The spot has a rotating schedule of live music, as well as daily drink specials. And when in Texas, do as the Texans do and go for some barbeque. Try Hurtado Barbeque, then head next door to Hayter's Bar and Lounge. Just around the block is Babe's Chicken House, which is next to the Arlington Music Hall, a hot spot that has been running live music since 1950. If you're looking for a fascinating take on fusion food, check out Lo Bahn Mi French Bakery, which is south of the city. It has bao buns and French baguettes on the menu. What more could you want?

✭ SPEAK EASY, Y'ALL
For those looking to combine history with a little more of the “wild” side of life, take a ride over to Top O'Hill Terrace, which was known as Las Vegas before Las Vegas. It ran illegal gambling in the 1930s and '40s until it was shut down by the Texas Rangers (all the way back when they were law enforcement and not a baseball team) in the 1950s. While it operated as a tea room legally, countless famous names came to visit its property. Do the names Frank Sinatra, Hedy Lamarr, Howard Hughes, and Bonnie and Clyde ring a bell? Visitors used secret passwords to get into the illegal areas, like something right out of a crime novel. The property has since become home to Arlington Baptist University, and tours are available.

✭ ART ATTACK
If you're looking for a museum stop or two, Arlington has some fun ones on offer. First up is the Arlington Museum of Art, which has rotating exhibits in addition to its permanent collection. The museum recently found a new home inside the Arlington Expo Center. The city also is home to plenty of public art and murals, including the Boundless Sculpture and the Caelum Moon Sculpture. Visiting bowling enthusiasts should not miss the International Bowling Museum, which showcases the sport's surprising 5,000-year-old history in a fun and interesting way.

✭ PARK AVENUE
If you have a little more time to spend in the city, remember that Arlington is home to the original Six Flags. Opened in 1961 as Six Flags of Texas, the current park, named Six Flags Over Texas, was the first of what is now 27 theme parks the Six Flags franchise operates. Six Flags Over Texas boasts plenty of thrill rides, as well as experiences for those who prefer some milder entertainment.