#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.