Bryan/College Station, Texas: Five Fun Things to Do

The Bryan/College Station area still emanates a small town Texas charm, but there is almost something for everyone in these two sister cities. Here are a few things in my several years of living in the area that I have found to be fun and interesting ways to spend my time:

1. Visit the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum - Like all presidential libraries the George Bush Library brings something special to the town in which it calls home. Housing over 90,000 gifts George H.W. Bush received while in office and all of his presidential records makes this library no small attraction. The main reason behind the library is the processing of his presidential records so that the public may view them if desired. A research room is open to those who would like to do research on his presidential papers and has had many famous visitors such as the likes of Clarence Thomas and his own daughter, Doro Koch. The museum portion offers a comprehensive view of the former president's life throughout the main exhibit and a changing exhibit which currently features a miniature model of The White House. If you ever find yourself in College Station, Texas, be sure to stop by this notable destination.

2. Attend an Aggie football game - If you have never been to an Aggie football game, you have not seen football spirit at its finest. With some of the most devoted and rabid football fans you are guaranteed to have a good time. From the heat of the sun beating down on you as you enter Kyle Field, to the Aggie Band marching during halftime, it is quite a memorable experience. Amazingly, the students stand throughout the entire football game screaming old army yells led by the Fightin' Texas Aggie yell leaders. When the entire stadium erupts in the Aggie War Hymn, arms around each other, swaying back and forth, you know you're somewhere special.

3. Browse revitalized downtown Bryan - Having had a facelift in the past several years old downtown Bryan emanates a warm and rustic charm. The Old Bryan Marketplace offers many quaint booths to look through in their shop , and if you walk down the street there are several restaurants from which to choose, among them a favorite of Lyle Lovetts when he attended Texas A&M. After you've shopped your heart out and satisfied your palate you can stay the night at the illusive LaSalle Hotel, a gem of Bryan's historic past. Downtown Bryan makes for a nice, relaxing weekend visit to those who want to get away, but not too far away.

4. Attend one of the Starlight Music Festival concerts - During the blistering summer months in College Station the city puts on what is known as the Starlight Music Festival. Every weekend they have a free concert with a different band taking the stage. Some bands are pretty well known such as Asleep at the Wheel and others not so well known, but entertaining nonetheless, and did I mention free? What better way to spend the evening with the family than under the stars listening to some good music?

5. Attend an Aggie football yell practice - One of the countless, but more well-known traditions at Texas A&M is the Midnight Yell Practice. When in College Station, or Bryan for that matter it is extremely difficult to escape anything Aggie. And with so many great traditions and events it's hard not to be curious. Students attend the yell practice at midnight the night before the game where they are led in old army yells by the Aggie yell leaders and get pumped up for the next days game. Of course there is the tradition within the tradition at yell practice that when they turn the stadium lights off you are free to kiss your date and those who didn't bring a date light their lighter, stick it in the air and find another random someone for whom to plant a smooch. Of course you are free to forgo that tradition, but a few lighters always manage to get a chuckle out of the crowd if nothing else.

These are only a few fun things to do in the Bryan/College Station area, but these towns are brimming with a spirit and spunk all their own. It seems as if there is something for everyone in College Station, with most of their small town charm still intact. As fast as the area is growing that might not be the case for long, so I suggest you come for a visit before everyone else gets here!