One of the best parts of going to any conference is exploring a new place. Sure, you meet people, get free stuff, and learn a few things, but getting a taste of life in other parts of the country unquestionably stands out as one of the highlights. In the past two years, the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) has taken its members to Atlanta, Anaheim, and Kansas City. This week? Thousands will converge on a place called Grapevine, Texas. We did some research and found out a little more about Grapevine.

Yes, at first glance, Grapevine may look like an unusual choice when compared to Atlanta, Anaheim, and Kansas City, but a closer inspection reveals there’s more than meets the eye in this northeast Texas city with a wine-inspired name. Here’s a list of the top eight things to do in Grapevine:

1. Check out the Glass Cactus. This club features hot music acts on its main stage, a 2,000 square-foot dance floor, and a two-tier deck outside. Sounds like the perfect spot to get your Grapevine on.
2. Hit the links. Where better to hone your growing golf skills than the Cowboys Golf Club, an 18-hole Dallas Cowboys football-themed championship course just minutes from Grapevine? Not a fan of America’s team? There are 81 holes of golf in the area, so tee it up and let it rip.
3. Wine, wine, and more wine. There are nine wineries in the area, so take some time to taste and tour. At Su Vino, D’Vine, or Lone Star Wine Cellars, you can bottle it yourself. It’s probably best to save this activity for the end of the day, though. The NCLEX review always goes better when you have a clear mind.
4. Go downtown and go back in history. On historic Main Street in Grapevine, you’re likely to find anything and everything to whet your cultural appetite–from shops and boutiques to galleries and wineries, it has it all. Make sure to check out the 1896-steam-engine-powered Tarantula Express. Whatever that is, it sounds like lots of fun.
5. Grapevine Opry. Check out one of the premier live country music shows in the country down at the Palace Arts Theater. Fun, spontaneity, and high energy combine to make this an unforgettable musical experience. All you need to bring is a hunger for great Texas tunes.
6. Hop a ride on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. For only $20, hop on Puffy, the Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s Steam Locomotive No. 2248. Enjoy 19th century ambiance as you tour the countryside and see the beautiful sights Texas has to offer. Picturesque Colleyville, Smithfield, and Forth Worth’s historic Stockyards won’t leave you disappointed.
7. Find your way to Nash Farm. In need of a break from the music, the wine, and all that delicious food? Head on over to Nash Farm, 5.2 acres that the Grapevine Heritage Foundation is restoring to offer exhibits and interesting perspectives on how life used to be “down on the farm.” Located in the historic heart of Grapevine, some peace and tranquility is just a few blocks away.
8. Discover Grapevine Lake. Biking trails, equestrian, hunting . . . you name it, you can find it at Grapevine Lake. Take some time one day to enjoy the beauty and get in touch with nature. The hustle and bustle will be right where you left it when you’re finished.

Editor’s note: For more on what’s going on in Grapevine, click here.