#21 & #22 Bush Library and Research Park

Ok, so I know I am putting 2 "must do's" together, but it is only because I think that doing them together in the same day is a great idea. The Bush Library is an obvious "must do" when you are in College Station. We are so lucky to be the home of such a fine institution, as well as be able to honor a former President in this way. The Library hosts tours, and many special events, including... "Authentic Stories of Texas History", "Nasa Flight Director", celebrations of Juneteenth and 4th of July, as well as many more. Check out their events on the website which I have posted on my blog. The most expensive tour is $10 and that is for an adult with a headpiece. This amazing display of history will make you proud to not only be an American, or from Texas, but make you proud of Texas A&M as well. This is an amazing educational experience that you will not forget. 

Research Park you might ask??? After your wonderful time at Bush library, grab a blanket and a picnic basket and enjoy the pond, ducks, and nature at Research Park. Right by the library, this peaceful area is a great place to go and ponder all the wonderful experiences you had at the library and that you have had in College Station as you followed my "must do's" I hope they do not fail you as I am sure they won't. 

Who ever said there was nothing to do in College Station needs to take a look at the many experiences all around you!

#20 Aggie Ally

Why should football be the only sport to get tailgates? Let's go ahead and continue that amazing tradition to baseball, but why not let it extend the entire game!!!! Aggie Ally is the perfect place to tailgate and enjoy an A&M baseball game. This place is located behind left field and is so much fun. Who needs to watch the jumbotron when you can sit right next to it with all your friends? People pull up their trucks, listen to music, bring some food and cold beer and enjoy the game. The greatest part about it is you are with all your friends, no opposing fans, no dealing with awkward run ins at the baseball game or paying for food. It is a BYOB atmosphere. It is a completely different experience than sitting in the stands. A baseball game is a must in College Station, but if you want to make it an unforgettable experience, you need to go to Aggie Ally!

#19 Good BBQ

When in Rome do as the Romans do. When in Texas, eat as the Texans do. What is that you might ask? Some good southern barbeque. If you are not from Texas and visiting College Station, you must check out one of the many BBQ restaurants. You will absolutely love them! From Rudy's Barbeque, to C&J's, Dickeys, and other random spots, there is plenty of variety to choose from. Rudy's is always a hot spot on Sundays after church. A BBQ dinner is an absolute must when in Texas, and College Station provides the perfect atmosphere. Good people, small town, and great food. BBQ is the perfect catering food for any A&M tailgate, graduation party, ring dunk, or family get together. So when in College Station, don't forget about that wonderful BBQ tradition and stop in to one of these spots!

#18 Downtown Bryan

Clearly by the title of this blog post, this must do is not in College Station, but seeing as how the 2 are pretty much connected and I have previously allowed Bryan to remain in the College Station must do's, I'm going to keep it based on precedent. And it is so much fun!

Downtown Bryan is full of cute, family owned restaurants and bars. With a wide variety of food covering nice Italian, pizza place Italian, Mexican, and even a nice chicken, fish, or steak entrée. This little strip does not look much like a downtown, but it is a quaint and romantic place to go. The bars are small but cool and you will not get the same feel as the college town one in College Station. All you have to do is take a straight shot down South College and you will be in downtown Bryan in no time. So make reservation, or not. There are plenty of places to choose from, including my favorite, Los Nortenos. This place is BYOB and so much fun with all of your friends for a laid back dinner. 

Therefore, when you need a little escape from the college town, head over to downtown Bryan. You will feel like you are in the movie the Notebook. Not kidding, just give it a little imagination. 

#17 Messina Hof

Winery and Resort!!!!!

That's right, there is a winery in College Station! It is so beautiful. Perfect place to go for a special date, time with family you haven't seen, or with all of your friends! You can go and test wine, eat, or stay there. It is absolutely amazing. You will not feel like you are in College Station at all. This winery was established in 1977 and brews its very own College Station made wine. Get some friends or that significant other and browse through the vineyard, relax, enjoy a glass of wine, then go eat an amazing meal in which they incorporate their wine into every dish. So romantic, so much fun. Messina Hof sponsors several events which is clear on their calendar that is posted on their website. I have left a link for you on the right. The website will not only allow you to plan a wonderful day or evening, but you can also purchase their wines online. They also host public and private wine tours that last 1 hour and are not expensive. Not to mention their wine bar and vintage house restaurant. Do I need to say anything more?

#16 Ring Dunk

This is quite possibly the most ridiculous, insane, and unpleasant of all the A&M traditions. It is also one of the most fun. If you don't know what I mean about a Ring Dunk, I will tell you. A&M takes much pride in the Aggie Ring. After completing 95 hours at A&M, each student is eligible to receive their long awaited ring. There is much pride that comes along with it, which makes the ring dunk experience very interesting. 

Basically, after the honor of receiving the Aggie Ring, people place their golden pride in the bottom of a pitcher of beer and chug. Yes, I said it, chug. Sound ridiculous yet? Well, it is. So, why is this on my list of 22 must do's in College Station? Because it is one of the most entertaining things to watch! People through parties, have tailgates, and cookouts to host their ring dunks. I have been to crawfish broils, people's houses, bars, and many other places to watch people do this. It is so much fun. You get your best friends together and put yourself through those miserable few minutes. But, it is a great excuse to have a party and bring all the parents in town. If you ever hear about a ring dunk, make sure and go. You won't see anything like it anywhere else!

#15 Bingo

Don't make fun until you try it! Here is a way to change things up a little bit! This is a fun and random thing to do. There are 2 times that they play on any night but Saturdays, 6:30 and 8:30. It is so much fun to go with a few of your friends and play bingo. You pay beginning with $5 and up depending on how many cards you want to play with. And, the best part about it is.... YOU CAN WALK OUT WITH CASH!!!!!!!!!! If you are looking for a fun way to win some cash without going to some random casino in Oklahoma, Louisiana, or Vegas! And it's cheap too! You can also eat and drink there. It is so much fun and even if you don't win, I promise you will be entertained!

#14 The Rec Center

The A&M Rec Center is awesome. Wether you are a big work out person or not, you can't help but be amazed. I have to admit, the only time I am there is if I have an intramural game, class, or laying out at the pool. But at least I go! There is an amazing work out room full of cardio machines and weights.  I'm not a huge fan of that room. Running next to someone on the treadmill is awkward and I feel very competitive. Anyway, there are indoor and outdoor basketball and volleyball courts and pools. There is a track upstairs so you can run inside! Also, you can play ping pong, racquetball, or attend one of the many classes they offer there. Not to mention, there is a grill and area to sit and watch tv. And the grill has really good food or smoothies if you are feeling like being healthy after working out! Don't forget about the climbing wall! I hear it is amazing even though there is no way I am getting on it. So go check it out!

#13 The Tap and Rockwells

The new Northgate!!!!

Ok, so it's not quite Northgate yet, but it is 2 legit bars that are only a few steps away from each other, so I'm going to go ahead and tag that phrase. Why go there instead of NG?

1. You park for FREE!!!- awesome

2. Rockwells is new, really nice, has an outside sitting area, dance floor, and CHEAP DRINKS!

3. The Tap has fun events such as.. Monday night karaoke, Wednesday night Piano Bar,           Thursday Ladies night, and starting a few weeks ago Friday Crawfish Broil!

4. The Tap also has AMAZING food and are open for lunch and dinner. Their cheese fries are             unbeatable, not kidding. 

5. Because Rockwells is new, people are wanting to go there and try it out so you can see everyone or if you don't want to, you can go there to avoid the NG crowd.

6. Both of them are pretty big and have 2 long bars so you don't have to wait.

7. If you don't do the bar seen, then you should at least go to the Tap for lunch. You tell me if it has the potential of NG???

#12 Midnight Yell

Midnight yell is such a fun A&M tradition. If you go to A&M and have never been, shame on you. If you are a visitor, you need to go because you will understand the football game so much better. You practice/ learn all the different yells so you are ready for the game. This tradition is held at Kyle field at midnight (obviously) the night before a home game. If our game is away then it will be held somewhere in the visitors town, same time. It will definitely get you pumped up for the game. It is also a tradition to kiss your date at midnight when the lights go out. So, grab a cute guy/girl, and support the Aggies. It is so much fun. People go out after, or just rest up for gameday. It is a good date, but can be awkward if ya'll aren't at that stage yet, I'm not gonna lie. Don't just expect to take some girl and have her make out with you, that doesn't always work. WHOOP!

#11 Silver Taps

Silver Taps is one of the most amazing traditions at Texas A&M. It is held the first Tuesday of every month at 10:30. It is a time that students and family members come together to honor current students that have died in the past month. There are no words spoken, only a 21 gun salute fired by the Ross Volunteers followed by the playing of Silver Taps. Although the circumstance of Silver Taps are extremely heartbreaking, it is important and humbling to be able to honor a fellow student in that manor. It is part of what makes A&M so amazing and the Aggie family such an amazing thing to be a part of. This takes place in the Academic Plaza. Silver Taps is a tradition that every Aggie should experience. It puts life in a perspective and helps us remember how important every day is that we have on this earth. Do not miss the chance to honor a fellow student, Aggie, or friend.

#10 CHILIFEST

Ok everyone needs to pay close attention to this one because it is extremely important. Chilifest, for those of you who don't know, is a compilation of bands, beer, boots, chili, friends, and fun. AKA country music's Woodstock if you will. It can be a 2 night extravaganza if you choose to make a team. Friday night is some of the less well known bands, but the night does not end. You can party all night, spend the night, and chill and hang out with friends while listening to music. Saturday is an all day music fest that ends in a big name artist. One year it was Willie Nelson, this year it is Robert Earl Keen!!!!

Do NOT give me the excuse that you don't like beer or country music. That is an extremely lame excuse. Here's a hint, Chilifest is HUGE! If you don't want to listen to the music just bring a boom box for your tent. And if you don't like beer, bring cokes or lemonade. If you can't have a good time at Chilifest, you can't have a good time anywhere. Did I mention how amazing the people watching is there? Because it definitely is. 

Anyway, this event is held in Snook, Texas which is a beautiful 20 minute drive from College Station, if that. Chilifest is not only fun, but the money raised goes to several charities such as the Brazos Valley Boys and Girls Club, Special Olympics, the Snook Volunteer Fire Dept., and many more. 

Here's the great news!!! IT'S THIS WEEKEND!!!!!!!!! So go grab a fold up chair, friends, some beers(or not), and go have a great time while supporting several great causes! I promise you will NOT be disappointed. 

#9 FOOTBALL!!!!!!

This one is a little obvious! But perhaps the most important. Do not even think about missing out on ever going to a A&M football game at Kyle Field. And that means everyone. I promise there is nothing else like it. Where else can you brave the 100 degree heat at relatively high altitudes and watch an amazing football game in which the entire stadium is full of school spirit and yelling in sync to the five yell leaders on the field. Cultish??? Some may say so, but to me, it is special and fun. We might not have had the most amazing record for the past few years, but don't worry, the spirit is still alive, the people are still there, and football is still on. It may drain you of everything you have to stand up an entire game but at least we know that we are doing our part to support the team and be the "12th Man". 

Lets not forget about the best part of a football game.... TAILGATING!!!!!!!!

Oh yes, I realize every school has this, but lets keep in mind the amount of people who attend an A&M football game which is factored in to the amount of tailgates. The greatest thing about tailgates is the amazing people. I know I'm biased, but Aggies are very friendly and ready to have a good time at the game. If you aren't a big football fan, you will at least have a great time at a tailgate with all your friends before, during, and after. Don't miss out!

#& Texas Hall of Fame

If you are in College Station, you can NOT leave until you have been to the Hall of Fame! This dance hall is full of entertainment. With a collection of weekend performances there is always something to do. Thursday night is their well known college night where everyone dances all night long. You will always find someone to two-step with and if dancing isn't really your thing, you can always have some drinks, mingle, play pool, or just people watch. Trust me, if this isn't your kind of thing, you will still have a great time. They have great drink specials, especially on Thursday night. 

The Hall not only sponsors country groups, but Vanilla Ice performed there last semester. Also, there is going to be an amateur cage fight night in a few weeks hosted there as well. This large dance hall in bryan is a great location to have a good time and a legendary spot in Aggieland.

#6 NORTHGATE!!!!

That's right I said it... the ever famous NORTHGATE!!!!

Looking for a good time, well here it is. This popular strip of bars and restaurants is the perfect place to take your out-of-town guests, to celebrate a birthday, turn 21, or just hit up for a night out. My personal favorites, especially when it is warm outside, are Zapatos and The Corner. Zapatos has an outside area often has a band and lets not forget their trashcan Nachos! The Corner just recently added the rooftop as a bar. Not a bad spot to spend a springtime happy hour if you ask me. 

Among many other bars: O'Bannons with every type of beer possible and karaoke on Tuesday, Schotzis to watch live music and dance, Logans to hang out, Dixie Chicken and Dudleys Draw to play pool, Daisy Dukes to dance, Dry Bean to take shots, and many, many more. 

You will not have a bad time, I promise. Just make sure you are 21 and don't plan on driving if you drink!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is just NOT worth it. 

#5 The Dixie Chicken

More Food!!!

I thought I would just stay on this subject one more time because EVERYONE knows that the Dixie Chicken is the MOST POPULAR place to eat in CS!!! I have heard before that the Dixie Chicken sells the only 2nd largest amount of beer per square foot following some place in Germany. Now, wether that is true or not, I don't really know, but exaggerations come from somewhere right? Basically what I'm trying to say is that you are most likely going to have a good time if you go there. 

This is another place to have great, cheap food. Let me go ahead and say that this is a bar (if you haven't figured it out yet) and their food is not healthy. My blog is not about that though so if you are looking for weight watchers, you might want to venture elsewhere. If you go to the Dixie Chicken (which you should if you haven't) please, please, please try the Tihuana fries! These cheese fries are life changing, probably because there is a great possibility you will have a heart attack after eating them. At least you will die happy, you have my word. 

This famous restaurant/bar is located in the heart of North Gate. There are many songs about it, and anyone who is anyone knows you need to go there. SO GO! Have a beer, eat dinner, play some pool, and mark it off your "Must Do" list because it should be at the top.

#4 Lanes

Whenever I go to a new place I always try to eat at the local hole in wall. Well, that place in College Station is Lanes. There is basically only one thing on the menu... Chicken Fingers. You can get the chicken finger basket with cole slaw, french fries, and texas toast (you can replace and add the extras as you please). Sounds like a pretty normal chicken basket until you add THE SPECIAL SAUCE!!!!! Nothing beats it. This basket will change your life. And here is something else, it is only $5.00!!!!!!!! Cheap and amazing! If you are on a diet, this is definitely NOT the place for you. Be careful though because it is a place worth breaking a diet for. You can drive through or go inside, but this little shack has become a must go place in Aggieland. 

Another bonus that Lanes has to offer is that you can order their chicken fingers in bulk. This makes a perfect party or tailgate food. It is easy, cheap, and good cold so you can refrigerate your leftovers! If you are only in College Station for a short amount of time, make sure to get your Lanes fix! Located on Texas across from campus. 

#3 Lakeside Icehouse and Grill

If you are looking for the perfect date location, or if it is just a pretty day outside and you want to sit by a lake with your friends, this is the perfect place to go. Technically, this is in Bryan and not CS, but... trust me, the approximate 10 mile drive is definitely worth it and I am counting it as something to do in CS!!! 

This is possibly my favorite place to go on a date. If it is pretty outside you can just sit on the deck and eat really good, inexpensive food and have a few drinks until the sun sets over the lake and the stars come out. Make sure you check the website before you go because their hours change daily and they are not open on Monday or Tuesday. They also have drink and food basket specials so make sure to check those out when you are figuring out a good time to go. 

 In the spring/summer this is the perfect place to go, especially after getting off a long fun day at Lake Bryan. Also, depending on the night that you are there, they sometimes have concerts out on the deck. And, it is open so... GO CHECK IT OUT! 

#2 A&M vs UT

The long term rivalry between A&M and UT is something that is necessary to experience first hand when in College Station. It does not matter which sport you choose to watch, the competition is thrilling. Take for instance the basketball game on Monday night. The crowd at Reed Arena was fired up, and looking for their 4th win in a row against the Longhorns at home court. And how can you win with excitement like that behind you? You can't, which they proved Monday night. There are so many emotions attached when Longhorns come to town and if you spend time in College Station and never experience the true rivalry, you are missing out on one of the must do's in CS.

#1

Nothing beats live music, and what better way to listen to live music in College Station than from fellow A&M graduates on Northgate? Emory Quinn puts on a great concert as they are a quickly rising band. Their music is fun to listen to, dance to, or just hang out and have a drink. Luckily for them, Schotzi's creates the perfect atmosphere for all three things. There is an inside and outside set up  depending on the weather to keep away from the extremely crowded atmosphere. Schotzi's convenient location on NG also makes it easy to come and go as you please, but with Emory Quinn playing, what other option is there? 

Welcome

Hello,

My name is Whitney and I am a senior at Texas A&M. I have enjoyed being in College Station these past 4 years so much that I wanted to share my favorite things to do here. Hopefully you will love them too. Put these on your College Station bucket list!