Alli Talley

February 22, 2021

Lubbock, Texas - Bring The Whole Family!

Alli Talley

February 22, 2021

Way back in 2019, we hopped in our Prius and took a road trip across the country. We hit the wide open road with our trusty dog Sally, and headed to West Texas. We spent four days eating incredible food, drank plenty of chiltons (IYKYK), and found as many puppy-friendly adventures as possible.

How our lives have changed.

A new year, a new car, a new pandemic, a new kid… ha! 2020 was a whirlwind, and we were craving a little normalcy. Why not head back to some of our favorite destinations with the whole family?

In November we hopped back in the car, with a few more bags, and headed back to our beloved Lubbock. And although we were in the midst of Covid-19 (right in between spikes), we found the same charm and flavor as our last visit. Whether you’re driving from California or somewhere in Texas, Lubbock is an amazing spot for the whole family. Here are some of our favorite Lubbock locales, including a few new names since our last visit!

STAY

While there are plenty of solid hotel options in Lubbock, they really upped their game in 2020 with the addition of the Cotton Court. The Cotton Court is part of the Valencia Hotel Group, a small chain of laid back, trendy hotels that are scattered around Texas and California. Spread out over acres of landscaped courtyards, the Cotton Court has a stunning pool, lawn games, space for live music, fire-pits, and outdoor dining. Perfect for families! (And they are SUPER pet-friendly!)

And the rooms! They incorporate luxury, local style, and hip design… and they’re incredibly spacious. Smeg refrigerators, comfy beds, cool light fixtures… we could’ve stayed so much longer!

Love the design, the space, and the SNACKS!

EAT

When we talk about Lubbock, we’re most often reminiscing on Evie Mae’s BBQ. This popular family-run establishment gave us a new appreciation for BBQ, and we go back every time we are in town! When you go, try a little bit of everything… but our favorite is the brisket! (And don’t be scared of the line, it moves fast. And it’s SO WORTH IT.)

With the pandemic still in effect, we had to get creative with a few of the new spots we tried while we were in town. We had Thai Pepper’s to-go in our hotel room, and it was so tasty! The wait was long, but again, totally worth it. Another new favorite of ours is Dirk’s for fried chicken! We sat outside (due to Covid and Sally) and had a savory assortment of chicken, fries, green beans, and mashed potatoes. A true Texas feast!

If it’s your first time in Lubbock, we’d say you can’t miss La Sirena Cocina and the Funky Door. At La Sirena Cocina you can indulge in scrumptious latin-fusion plates and a variety of “coctel artesenales” (we recommend the ones with tequila!). We love the salsa trio, the crispy brussel sprouts, and the chicken pot pie! If you want to get adventurous with your cocktail, try the “Last of the Oaxacans”. The Funky Door has INCREDIBLE fondue and tasty burgers. They currently have a “Quarantine Essentials” menu with great deals on both food and drinks. When life heads back to normal, it’s a perfect date night spot for a delicious meal and soothing live music.

A trip to Lubbock without a trip to Evie Mae’s would be a disaster…

DRINK

If you’ve been following us for awhile, you know that there are two types of drinks in our book… coffee and alcohol. For coffee, we were obsessed with Yellow House Coffee, Gold Stripe and Sugar Brown’s on our first trip to Lubbock. We visited them all again this time around, and loved the new “Lobby by Sugar Brown’s” that was a 2 minute walk from our room at Cotton Court.

This time around we found two new coffee shops on the booming Lubbock scene— Monomyth Coffee and TOVA Coffeehouse. We said numerous times that Monomyth would be our spot if we were Lubbock locals. As I, Bobby, am a self-proclaimed coffee snob (I’m not proud of it, I just like good coffee), I was right at home at Monomyth. (Not among snobs, but really good coffee.) We went to TOVA one morning for breakfast and coffee, and loved the vibe and their mission - they’re a non-profit shop combating poverty in Lubbock and beyond. So cool!

For the afternoons and beyond, there are two breweries that can’t be missed. We enjoyed both The Brewery LBK and Two Docs Brewing on our last visit, and we will on our next as well. The Brewery LBK has really good beer and is a solid date night spot if you order food from the West Table (or start at the brewery and end at the West Table). Their wraparound patio is also perfect for dogs or loud babies (hehe, our reality now). Speaking of being outdoors, Two Docs is a perfect spot for craft beer, four-legged friends, and the whole family. Two Docs consistently has a solid variety of beers on tap and rotating food truck partners serving up unique street food.

If you’re more of a wine-o, head to Burklee Hill or McPherson Cellars. We got lunch and a bottle of wine to-go from Burklee Hill one afternoon, and the club sandwich was one of the highlights of our trip. Their dry rosé was easy-drinking and perfect to enjoy outside our room while Jude napped. We didn’t have a chance to get to McPherson Cellars on this trip, but may still have a bottle of Mouvédre from last year - we brought a few home :) We’ve also heard English Newsom Cellars is a must for next time… we’ll be there!

Note - all of the above restaurants, breweries, and wineries have Covid-safe protocols that make them accessible and safe in this new reality we live in. From takeout to socially distant patios, they have taken steps that made us feel safe during our time in Lubbock.

The whole fam at Two Docs… I think Sally had some beer ha.

If you’re in the mood for shopping, we are big fans of Mountain Hideaway and California T’s. Bobby was obsessed with the clothing and adventure gear at Mountain Hideaway, while Alli LOVED all the color at California T’s. We both came home with plenty of souvenirs. If you’re in the mood for an afternoon of shopping local and capping it off with dinner, consider Cactus Alley. There you’ll find several local vendors, as well as Gold Stripe Coffee Roasters and La Sirena.

With a child under one, our list of things to do typically revolves around eating and drinking since they’re usually pretty easy to entertain. But soon enough we’ll be seeking out all the family friendly activities a destination has to offer. During this trip, we loved exploring At’l Do Farms! From the barnyard, to the cow train, to the corn maze (!), Jude was in heaven! Another activity that was great for little kids was Prairie Dog Town. Jude was totally zoned in as the little prairie dogs pop in and out of their holes… So cute!

If you have older kids, 4ORE Golf is such a fun spot to spend an afternoon. A driving range with serious technology, there are a variety of games you can play. And they have really yummy food! If you want to go the more educational route for an afternoon, the National Ranching Heritage Center will allow your family to immerse themselves in the Wild West. They have replicated houses and cabins where families can explore and really feel what it would have been like to live in that time. Definitely an upgrade from reading about it in a book...

If you’re traveling with a four-legged friend, Lubbock is very dog friendly! We have a whole blog that’s a guide to all the dog-friendly adventures Sally went on during her first time in Lubbock. This time, a highlight for her was running around Phil Hoel Park. And probably having a few nibbles of brisket from Evie Mae’s :)

Jude got over the maze and just wanted to play in the hay.

Contemplating if it’s worth jumping in :)

Whether you’re traveling solo or with a family and pets, Lubbock has something for you. The pandemic (and the newborn) slowed us down a little on this trip, so we’ll definitely be back again soon. We’ll be craving Evie Mae’s and Monomyth Coffee in no time!

Alli Talley

December 4, 2020

Road Trip, Texas, Family Travel

Plano, Texas - A North Texas Gem Ready for Families, Foodies, and Pets!

Alli Talley

December 4, 2020

Road Trip, Texas, Family Travel

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a lot of Texas - from Austin to Marfa, it’s a state that keeps us guessing, and keeps us coming back for more . Every city has a different vibe and distinctly Texan flare, and we truly love aspects of them all.

So when we had the opportunity to explore a city in the Dallas Metroplex, Plano, we were intrigued. What would this new Texas city have to offer? Well, fast-forward to a few days into our trip, and I think it’s safe to say that we’re big fans. (And I’m pretty sure we both gained a few pounds.)

Here’s where we stayed, what we ate (and where we’ll eat next time), how we kept Jude and Sally entertained, and what made Plano an absolutely fantastic Covid-safe destination.

WHERE WE STAYED

We stayed at the beautiful (and new!) Hilton Granite Park. While there are countless other accommodation options in Plano, we would recommend one of the bigger hotel brands for your first getaway– like Hilton. They have the ability to develop safety protocols throughout all their hotels that will make you feel as safe as possible. The Hilton Granite Park was no exception, with an easy check-in process with plexiglass dividers, hand sanitizer stations throughout the hotel, and room cleaning was on an as-needed basis (to avoid people in your room). It seemed as though every time we walked through the lobby there was somebody cleaning and sanitizing. It was wonderful!

Our room was spacious and immaculate. We did takeout one night that we were there, and were perfectly happy lounging in the room. We loved the massive fire pit outside of the lobby (we would enjoy it with Sally in shifts because Jude would already be asleep- parent life)! The best part of the hotel was the access to The Boardwalk at Granite Park and Legacy West - so many award-winning restaurants and endless shopping just a short walk from the hotel!

Other accommodation recommendations (and spots we have on our list for next time) are the Renaissance Dallas Plano Legacy West (if we’re without our pup) or the NYLO Plano (dog-friendly).

So much so that he’d fall asleep before we got back to the room :)

The nearby Boardwalk at Granite Park was a great place to eat and then stroll it off!

WHERE WE ATE (AND DRANK)

Where to eat and drink? That’s a tough question in Plano because we were there for 3 days and would probably have needed another 10 to properly explore all of our options. But we definitely hit some of the must visits.

First… coffee. We’re big coffee people. 1418 is a coffee shop in downtown Plano that is the real deal. As in, it’s not great coffee for Plano, it’s great coffee for anywhere. I (Bobby) am definitely a bit of a coffee snob, and I was so pumped on 1418 that we went daily.

XO Coffee (yummy breakfast too) and Mudleaf (great vibe to sit and work) were our other two spots we visited and really liked. It seems like we barely scratched the surface.

For breakfast I’d choose the Biscuit Bar everyday, because biscuits. I kept it simple and had a Bacon, Egg, & Cheese biscuit, and it lived up to the hype! We had a super tasty breakfast at XO Coffee (Alli swears by their Shakshuka), and spent another morning at the Hilton’s Carso market.

Lunch and dinner is where the options come in. They’re endless. One night we were feeling the need for a healthy meal, so we had some fresh and hearty salads from the Original Chop Shop. On another evening we had a romantic date night at Cafe Istanbul and loved their mediterranean food. It may have been our favorite meal of the trip. (It actually would have been our favorite meal if it was a true date night and cranky Jude wasn’t there. Ha!) Whiskey Cake is also a must - they have insane cocktails and take pride in their farm-to-kitchen American dishes.

Legacy Food Hall deserves it’s own section. With more than 20 restaurants, bars, a brewery, and a live music venue, this was our favorite spot in Plano. Alli was craving street tacos and wine, so she had Velvet Taco and Blush Wine Bar. The sliders at Son of a Butcher were calling my name, so I indulged in a Classic slider and a Burnt Ends slider, along with a beer from Unlawful Assembly Brewing Co. They have live music and late night DJs that will definitely bring us back on our next trip to Plano. Plus, we have about 18+ more restaurants to try!

Our feast at Legacy Food Hall. We’ll be back to explore more!

WHAT WE DID

We’ve quickly learned that it’s almost impossible to keep a tight schedule when traveling with a baby. They nap when they want to nap, cry when we don’t want them to cry, and have dirty diapers WAY too often. That being said, Plano was amazing because it was so walkable. We were always a quick walk away from activities and restaurants, and getting back to the hotel for naps was never an issue. We could take Jude in the stroller and peruse the shops at Legacy West, the Boardwalk at Granite Park, or Georgia’s Farmer’s Market Downtown. He loved the colors of the Downtown Plano Murals, and he was obsessed with all the dogs at Windhaven Meadows Dog Park. I’m sure on our next visit he’ll want his share of Amorino Gelato and Press Waffle Co. Can’t wait!

Often we find ourselves in destinations where Sally (our bernedoodle) gets cooped up in our hotel room because there aren’t a lot of things for her to do. She did not have that problem in Plano. Sally loved exploring downtown Plano, and would’ve loved to play all day in Haggard Park. She was a big fan of sitting outside at XO Coffee, and tried to sip on our cocktails at Whiskey Cake. Her highlight, though, was Windhaven Meadows Dog Park. She made friends, chased tennis balls, and got a week's worth of wiggles out at this 5 acre park. It was clean, double fenced (so she couldn’t escape), and (obviously) had plenty of space to maintain social distance. She told us that next time she wants to visit Jack Carter Dog Park.

With the roller coaster of Covid-19, staying safe is our highest priority when choosing a destination to visit. With hotels like the Hilton Granite Park, outdoor dining and shopping galore, and places to explore like Oak Point Park and Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, Plano is a destination we can feel safe and be confident in! With family that recently moved to Frisco, TX (the nextdoor neighbor of Plano), we’re already planning our next trip back!

Alli Talley

October 24, 2019

USA, Texas

Where to Eat and Drink in Bryan College Station

Alli Talley

October 24, 2019

USA, Texas

If there’s one thing we’ve learned about Texas, it’s that this state LOVES its food. Major cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston are foodie metropolises… but even the smaller, lesser known towns are chalk-full of culinary surprises. Bryan and College Station are two neighboring towns that are of no exception, with mouthwatering restaurants nearly everywhere you turn.

In four short days we learned that when it comes to BBQ, tacos, and beer, Bryan College Station have got it going on. And since those happen to be three of our favorite things, our love affair with this area happened quite suddenly. Here’s where we ate and drank while we were there, and where we think you should too:

COFFEE

Harvest Coffee Bar (College Station and Bryan): This coffee shop is a local favorite, and quickly became a favorite of ours as well. (Bobby went to their College Station location every morning!) Harvest Coffee Bar’s baristas are well-trained and knowledgeable, the coffee is strong and flavorful, and Alli’s still dreaming about their signature “Harvest Latte”!

POV Coffeehouse (Bryan): A little off-the-beaten-path, this stylish coffeehouse is a great spot for studying or meeting up with friends. (Chances are you’ll see tons of A&M students doing just that!) We loved POV’s outdoor seating and wide variety of specialty drinks… they even serve wine and beer!

Sweet Eugene’s (College Station): Sweet Eugene’s has eclectic and cozy written ALL over it, as you’ll feel like you’ve stepped inside someone’s charming living room - that also happens to serve coffee, smoothies, crepes, sandwiches, donuts, and more. It’s probably the most popular study and hang out spot for A&M students due to its plethora of comfy places to sit, and we don’t blame them! We’d be regulars here, too!

BREAKFAST

Clean Juice (College Station): We get SO excited when we stumble upon a healthy juice spot. Clean Juice is a 100% certified organic juice bar with cold pressed juices, smoothies, bowls, light bites, and more. We’re big fans of their avocado toast and “The Glow One” juice!

Sweet Paris Creperie and Cafe (College Station): With one sip of their picture-perfect cappuccino, you’ll instantly feel as though you’ve stepped foot into a true Parisian cafe. Sweet Paris Creperie and Cafe is a delightful and decadent place for breakfast or brunch, with a wide array of sweet and savory crepes, soups and salads, panninnis, and breakfast dishes. It’s le magnifique!

LUNCH/DINNER

All The King’s Men (Bryan): There’s just something about Texas BBQ, maybe it’s the sauce, maybe it’s the way it’s prepared, maybe it’s because it’s made by real cowboys… but whatever their secret is, they know what’s up at All The King’s Men! From the meat to the sides, you can’t go wrong… but you have to order at least one serving of the Candied Pork Belly Burnt Ends. You’re welcome

Proudest Monkey (Bryan): Gourmet tacos and melt-in-your-mouth burgers... that’s a pretty dreamy combo if you ask us! Proudest Monkey is a real gem of a spot in Downtown Bryan that boasts not only an extensive food menu, but some fun (and clever) cocktails, too!

Fuego Tortilla Grill (College Station): Ask anyone in College Station where the best tacos are in town, and chances are they’ll tell you to run, not walk, to Fuego! This casual, order at the counter lunch and dinner spot is famous for their hearty and very unique tacos. From the “Southern Comfort” filled with fried chicken, cream corn, potatoes and gravy, to the “Good Golly Miss Holly” stuffed with mac and cheese, brisket, cheetos and cheese, it’s comfort food at its finest. You’ll be instantly obsessed… and you’ll definitely need a nap.

Not the healthiest meal, but maybe the most delicious…

DRINKS

The Republic Steakhouse (College Station): There’s no denying that this classy and chic steakhouse is a fabulous date night option, but we love going to The Republic for a round of their specialty cocktails in their charming bar! No need for a reservation, the bar is open seating, and you can still order anything off the food (or dessert, hint hint) menus!

New Republic Brewery (College Station): Located on the outskirts of town is New Republic Brewery, a relaxed and friendly neighborhood brewery with a dog-friendly backyard and live music Thursday-Saturday! It’s the kind of place you’ll want to be a regular at, and their creative and tasty beers are not to be missed!

The Ptarmigan Club (Bryan): Not only is The Ptarmigan Club the oldest bar in Aggieland, it’s home to the legendary “Flaming Dr. Pepper”! We won’t go into detail about what this drink is, or why it’s become an Aggie must-have, but we will tell you to stop by this hole-in-the-wall dive bar and order one. Or two. Or three. ;)

Dixie Chicken (College Station): Affectionately called “The Chicken” by A&M students, the famed Dixie Chicken has been coined Texas A&M’s “favorite local watering hole” as it has sat across the street from campus since 1974! It’s perfectly quirky and Texan, with a live rattlesnake, a honky-tonk resembling exterior, and swinging doors at the entrance. Gig em!!

There’s a rattlesnake back there at Dixie Chicken

Our time in Bryan College Station was short and sweet, and we’re already making a hit list for our next trip… So let us know if we missed any of your favorite spots!

Alli Talley

October 24, 2019

USA, Texas

Sally's Paw-fect Stay at Calvary Court

Alli Talley

October 24, 2019

USA, Texas

Hi furr-ends! Sally here.

I’m a fluffy Bernedoodle that loves to roadtrip. I’ve been all over the country with my adventure-seeking paw-rents, discovering new cities and making new friends everywhere I go! I’m learning that some places are more accommodating to furry friends like me, and Bryan/College Station is 100% one of those spots. I WUFFED it!

Want to know what I loved most about “BCS”? Our puppy-loving hotel, Cavalry Court! It was paw-fectly accommodating to me in every way, and I’m already begging my humans to take me back. Here’s what I loved about it, and why I can’t wait to return. (Maybe for my fourth birthday, hint hint?)

THE GROUNDS

I knew I liked Cavalry Court from the moment I laid big puppy eyes on it. It’s “casual cool” (kind of like me), with a spacious green courtyard, cozy fire pits and chairs for relaxing, big yellow rocking chairs, and a sparkling pool with modern cabanas (more on that later).

The lobby was decorated with quirky, Texas inspired accents, and the people at the front desk were always so kind to me.

Just steps from the property was a spacious grassy area with a big tree, where I could run free, play fetch, and take care of my business. As you can tell by the smile on my face, it was glorious!

Sally’s favorite place to play at Calvary Court!

OUR ROOM

Oh boy, our room was grand! I’m not sure what I loved more, the big comfy bed or the nice cool tile in the luxurious bathroom!

My paw-rents kept talking about the stylish design - how they loved the big barn door, luxurious bedding, and the big SMEG fridge stocked with local beer and sparkling water.

I just liked that there was so much room for me to roam, and that they had treats for me upon arrival! Speaking of treats...

CANTEEN BAR

Cavalry Court’s in-house restaurant, Canteen Bar may have been the highlight of my trip. Sure, they have great “people food”, a free continental breakfast for hotel guests, specialty cocktails, live music and more… but they also have puppy ice cream. PUPPY ICE CREAM!

After spending a day in the warm Texas sunshine, it was a much-needed treat, and it sure was tasty! I licked the cup clean in no time!

THE POOL

Any puppy friends that are reading this know that hotel pools are typically a touchy subject. While they look so fun and inviting from outside the fence, it’s rare that we’re actually allowed inside the pool area. Imagine my excitement when I found out that at Cavalry Court, leashed pups are allowed inside (just not in the pool)!

I relaxed in the shady cabana and played on the warm grass while my paw-rents swam around, and we even ordered a yummy lunch from the Canteen Bar! (They even snuck me some bacon!)

Can you see me back there? I wish I was jumping with my dad.

THE LOCATION

And the best part about Cavalry Court? It’s killer location! Located steps from Century Square, a trendy retail, restaurant, and entertainment space. Many of the restaurants have dog-friendly patios (my favorite was Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe), and their colorful Aggieland mural is a must-see!

We all enjoyed the convenience of walking to Century Square every morning - my dad would get a coffee at Harvest Coffee Bar, and my mom would get a juice at Clean Juice, and I inevitably made a few friends along the way.

See why I’m so obsessed with Cavalry Court? It’s a puppy paradise! I can’t wait to come back and relax on the cool tile, indulge in some ice cream, and cuddle up with my folks by the cozy bonfire. Who’s joining me?

Alli Talley

October 24, 2019

USA, Texas

Bryan College Station... Not Just for College Students

Alli Talley

October 24, 2019

USA, Texas

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!

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!

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

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!)