Wondering what to do in Bryan/College Station?
Recently someone asked me what there was for adults do in College Station besides go to the Dixie Chicken. I wondered how many other Texans have thought the very same thing. If you are a resident, visitor, or considering moving or retiring to College Station, this post is for you. I compiled a list of some restaurants, recreation opportunities, and stores, and at the end I provided a comparative analysis of the cost of living in College Station. Hopefully this helps anyone searching for things to do in BCS! This city is full of life, culture, and diversity. It continues to grow and prosper. While the current of college students coming and going from College Station is constant, the university only adds to the spirit of this city. Afterall, it is “Aggieland!” Texas A&M is a huge part of this city and in addition BCS has countless other things to offer as well.
Restaurants:
The Republic:
Upscale Texas-style steaks & seafood, house-brewed beers, whiskeys & live music.
Café Eccell:
Well-known for its Earthstone Pizza, handmade, chef driven cocktails, and stellar service, Café Eccell offers a superb dining experience.
Black Water Draw Brewing Co.:
Open everyday from 11AM-2AM, Black Water Draw offers a delicious brunch, dinner, and late night menu.
Hullabaloo Diner:
Featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, this restaurant offers live music and delicious food.
Downtown Uncorked
This wine bar in Bryan offers a wide selection of wine `and appetizers. Must try the Mediterranean Nachos and chicken pesto pizza.
Atami
Steak & Sushi restaurant in a convenient location, with delicious food and great service.
Grub Burger Bar:
Known for their fresh, in-house beef and buns baked daily. The Nutella Milkshake is highly recommended!
Napa Flats:
One of two locations in the state, Napa Flats offers a wide variety of food from pasta and pizza to steaks and fresh fish. Conveniently located to Texas and Harvey.
Recreation:
First Friday in Bryan:
The Downtown Bryan Association (DBA) host and coordinates First Friday, which features street performers, artists, non-profit groups, food trucks, music, and more. Many boutiques will open their doors after normal hours for more shopping opportunities.
Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History
https://www.brazosvalleymuseum.org/
Includes the Carter Creek Natural trail conveniently located across from the museum entrance.
Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater
https://www.cstx.gov/index.aspx?page=669
Beautiful venue featuring concerts, fundraiser events, 5Ks, marathons, and more.
Trails for Walking and Jogging
https://www.cstx.gov/Index.aspx?page=667
There are 27 trails in College Station, each ranging from ¼ mile to 4.95 miles.
Southwood Community Center
This venue offers Senior Adult (55+ years) as well as youth & community programs.
They offer dominoes, bridge yoga, tai chi, and computer classes as part of their older adult programs, M-F from 9AM-3PM.
Shopping:
- The Collection Boutique
- Sabi Boutique
- Pine Boutique
- Hemline BCS Boutique in Downtown Bryan
- Willa Boutique
- The Shops at Brazos Valley (Coming October 2015)
Downtown Brenham:
If you have the time and the weather is just right, Brenham makes a perfect afternoon road trip from College Station.
Brenham, home of Blue Bell Creameries, is located about an hour away from College Station. The city has a rustic, hometown feel. Downtown Brenham offers many opportunities for shopping in their boutiques and antique shops, and furniture stores. Downtown Bryan is also home to the Brenham Heritage Museum, Downtown Art Gallery, and Unity Theater.
https://downtownbrenham.com/shops/
Art & Culture:
The Theatre Company:
Local Community Theater performance group that presents quality productions at affordable prices.
This current season featured productions including Tarzan, A Christmas Story the Musical, Kiss Me Kate, and still to come, Peter Pan, Carousel, and the Addams Family.
George Bush Presidential Library & Museum
The library hosts various events, but one of the most notable ones is the annual “I Love America” Fourth of July Celebration. There is no cost for admission and the event includes a fireworks display and a concert by the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra.
Cost of Living Analysis:
The cost of living in College Station is extremely reasonable in comparison to other metropolitan areas in Texas.(Cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. An amount below 100 means the city is cheaper than the US average. A cost of living index above 100 means the city is more expensive.)
College Station:
Overall: 93.70
Grocery: 89.1
Health: 96
Housing: 92.4
Utilities: 97.5
Transportation: 99.6
Health: 95.5
Miscellaneous: 92.9
Austin: (College Station is 12% More Affordable. Cost of Housing in College Station is 31% cheaper)
Overall: 106.5
Grocery: 84.8
Housing: 135
Utilities: 94.4
Transportation: 94.5
Health: 100.6
Miscellaneous: 94.4
Dallas: (College Station is 13% More Affordable. Cost of Housing in College Station is 28% cheaper)
Overall: 106.3
Grocery: 96.8
Housing: 118.6
Utilities: 105.1
Transportation: 101.6
Health: 106
Miscellaneous: 99.4
