Chances are when you think of Bryan College Station, Texas, you immediately think “college town”... And rightfully so! It’s home to Texas A&M University, which happens to have the largest student body in Texas - and is the second largest in the United States. Their undergraduate enrollment is over 53,000 students! That’s bigger than most small towns!
We’ve begun to realize that destinations like Bryan College Station (BCS) can be easily overlooked, but are actually really cool and really underrated. I mean, think about it. College students know what’s up - and these Aggies are of no exception. They’re foodies (see our blog covering what to eat in BCS here), they’re hip, and they like to have fun. What more could you want out of a getaway?
Here’s three categories in which we think BCS truly excels:
CHIC ACCOMMODATIONS
We’re millennials. Seeking out cool, stylish and luxurious hotels is in our DNA. We’ve even been known to pick a destination just because they have a hotel we want to stay in! (We’re sure many of you are the same!)
Cavalry Court (College Station): “Relaxed Luxury” at its finest. Cavalry Court is the perfect blend of trendy and retro, and classy and upscale - if that makes sense. It’s the kind of hotel that will spoil their guests with amenities, yet feels laid-back and approachable. It’s military-meets-glamping vibe makes every corner incredibly Instagrammable, and their pool is a welcome way to escape the Texas heat. Each cabana has their own television, which if you’re lucky, you could even watch from the pool! We stayed here during our time in BCS, and we’ll admit that we didn’t want to leave. Even Sally was obsessed, and yes, they’re incredibly dog-friendly! (Read more about BCS from Sally’s perspective here.)
The George (College Station): Steps away from Cavalry Court is its fabulously chic sister property, The George. It’s modern and refined with a distinctly Southern flair, with spacious rooms and a warm, enchanting lobby. Nods to Texas can be found in everything from the decor to the food and drinks... And while we’re on the subject - their 1791 Whiskey Bar (located in the lobby) is not to be missed!
The Stella Hotel (Bryan): Set on the up-and-coming Lake Walk Town Center (a lakefront shopping destination), The Stella Hotel is progressive and contemporary, and a little more off the beaten path than The George and Cavalry Court. The grounds are gorgeous, and their neighboring coffee shop POV happens to be one of our favorites. Plus, The Stella Hotel is a member of Preferred Hotels and has won the Four Diamond AAA award. That’s luxury we can get behind!
Our killer room at Calvary Court!
Sally loves a good tile floor :)
SENSATIONAL ACTIVITIES
You may wonder, what else is there to do in a college town other than study and drink? Well, in BCS a better question is, what ISN’T there to do? Sure, they have world-class dining and a wide variety of shops and boutiques, but did you know they also have a DRIVE-THRU SAFARI PARK?! Read on, my friends...
Aggieland Safari: Located near Bryan and just 20 minutes from College Station, the brand new Aggieland Safari is wildly fun for both kids and adults! This 450-acre adventure zoo and drive-thru safari park features over 100 species of wildlife, and more than 20 endangered species! The drive-thru safari is a fun and interactive way to see the animals up close, and you can even purchase a bucket of food to feed some of the furry (and feathery) friends! In our opinion, it’s a Bryan College Station MUST DO.
George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum (College Station): Regardless of your political affiliation, the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is sure to inspire, motivate, and tug at your heart strings. This beautifully executed library has well-preserved memorabilia from throughout Bush’s life, and gives insight to the legacy that this incredibly humble and kind president had. We were moved to tears numerous times!
First Friday Downtown Bryan: Around 5:30pm on the first Friday of every month, Downtown Bryan turns into one big block party. The streets and sidewalks fill with local vendors, talented street musicians, children playing games, and so much more. It’s a free event that BCS locals have come to love - and we love it too!
Alli made a friend :)
President Alli and her First Man.
Downtown Bryan putting on a show.
First Friday jamming :)
INSTAGRAMMABLE LOCATIONS
Like we said, we’re millennials. Instagrammable locations are our jam - and BCS is full of them. Spend a weekend hitting up these fun spots, and your IG flow will be popping in no time!
The Gardens at Texas A&M University (College Station): Tucked away on the sprawling Texas A&M campus is the tranquil and lush Gardens at Texas A&M University. Situated on over 27 acres, this oasis of demonstration gardens is free for both visitors and students to enjoy. It’s jaw-droppingly beautiful and 100% Instagrammable.
Bottle Cap Alley (College Station): If you packed your cowboy boots, this is the spot to rock them! The infamous Bottle Cap Alley is a quirky alley filled with thousands and thousands of, you guessed it, bottle caps. It’s about as Instagrammable as it gets (and it’s between two fantastically fun bars, so grab a drink after you snap your pic)!
Century Square (College Station): Beyond having one of our favorite BCS murals, Century Square is a new shopping and dining destination that’s a whole lot of fun. There are ample photo opportunities, and spots to relax, have a snack, or even see a movie!
Downtown Bryan: We’re suckers for a quaint downtown, and Downtown Bryan instantly stole our hearts. Take a stroll down Main street, snap a pic in front of the iconic Queen Theater, and window shop the many eclectic boutiques and art galleries. If you really want a stellar pic for your Instagram, plan your visit for right around sunset. You’re welcome.
The Gardens at Texas A&M are a beautiful spot for a stroll
How many bottles caps do you see?
We’ll be back to BCS soon!
Bryan College Station is a destination that most likely wasn’t on your radar… until now. And we like that about it. It’s a hidden gem with loads of potential, and it’s only getting better. Next time you’re in Texas, check it out! You’ll be glad you did.
(Did we miss anything? Leave a comment and let us know!)