10 Best Things to Do in Bryan, TX

April 7, 2020 - Updated

Bryan TX and its twin city, College Station, are situated in the Brazos Valley, approximately 100 miles north of Houston. The Agricultural & Mechanical (A&M) University is the major employer in the area. Bryan, established in 1855, is semi-rural so several of its attractions are to be found on farms nearby. The local winery and several superb restaurants cater for all tastes. The streets are shut down after working hours, every 'First Friday' for an evening of cultural entertainment. Once a year, the 48 Chilifest, a country musical festival is held in the town.

1.The Children's Museum

The Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley initiative was started in 1995 by volunteers, led by Kellogg Foundation Fellow, Dr Dale Whittaker and his wife, Mary. They have moved a few times but are hoping to purchase their own premises in due course. They focus on learning through play and inspiring young minds by augmenting classroom learning with practical application. Their interactive exhibits, science simulators and reading times are popular. They cater for birthday parties and offer summer camps, dad and daughter dances and a ducky derby. Entrance is free on Sunday, thanks to sponsor donations.

4001 East 29th St. Ste. 80 Bryan, TX 77802, Phone: 979-779-5437

2.Royal Oaks Alpacas

Royal Oaks Alpacas is a labour of love. Alex and Donna Lamarche combined their love of animals with an opportunity to take care of their son full time. Michael sustained a brain injury in a car accident but has managed to complete high school and is in charge of feeding the 3 llamas on the property. The Lamarche's have collected 45 of their own alpacas and offer boarding facilities for a half dozen more. Their motto is “Raising Alpacas with Manners”, so it is quite likely that one will kiss you on a walking tour. They offer fiber art lessons and sell alpaca yarn and other related products at their shop.

Royal Oaks Alpacas, LLC., 9525 Grassbur Road, Bryan, TX 77808, Phone: 979-589-9934

3.Messina Hof

Messina Hof is a family-run winery that was established by the Bonarrigo family in 1977. Today, the pioneering enterprise is run by the second generation, and has won countless awards for its wines. There are three venues, namely Bryan, Fredericksburg an Grapevine. Canned and bottled wines are sold on the premises, through retailers and on-line. Visitors can join the wine club. An intriguing program of VIP wine events, cellar tours, murder mystery dinners, cooking parties and harvest festivals are held on-site. Away from the premises, a river tour is conducted.

4545 Old Reliance Road, Bryan, TX USA 77808, Phone: 800-736-9463

4.Ronin

Ronin family farm and restaurant, run by Brian and Amanda Light, is a celebration of traditional life and foods of the area. They raise heritage breeds of chickens, pigs, guinea fowls and turkeys and heirloom flowers, fruit and vegetable. Food in season, directly from the lands, is served in the restaurant and at special events. Their 9-course Full Moon suppers are enjoyed at various stops around the farm. At the Farmer Dinner Series, food is sourced locally and diners get an opportunity to meet the farmers that produced it. Ronin also caters for weddings and other special events.

800 N Main St, Bryan, TX 77803, Phone: 979-704-3294

5.Christopher's World Grille

Christopher's World Grille, run by award winning chef, and owner, Christopher Lampo (CEC), offers an eclectic menu of cuisine from around the world. Christopher returned to his hometown in 1998 to set up the restaurant, utilizing his experience gained from serving several celebrities, working at prestigious establishments in London and sailing round the world on private yachts. The restaurant currently has a 4 Diamond rating from Triple A and the wine list has received similar acclaim. It is situated in the restored 1913 Andrews House. Many of the original features were retained but the kitchen and banquet have been modernized to international standards.

6.J. Cody's Steaks and Barbeque

J. Cody's Steaks and Barbeque is a meat extravanganza. The choice includes beef, chicken, turkey and pork, or a combination of two or three. The steaks are grilled while you wait and there is more than a hint of mesquite in the seasoning. The old hickory smoking barbecues are out the back but the mouth-watering smell wafts inside. The large vegetable buffet, contains Cody's other speciality, Cody Corn. You can satisfy your appetite seven days a week at Cody's. You will usually find Cody on the premises when he is not out at a catered function.

3610 S College Ave, Bryan, TX 77801 Phone: 979-846-3832

7.Caffe Capri

Caffé Capri was established in 1995 in downtown Bryan by Rami Cerone, using credit card advances. The risk paid off as the restaurant has subsequently received numerous awards, including multi-year awards for being the Best Italian Restaurant in the region. Old family, secret recipes are used along with experiments by Rami, in the open kitchen. Recycling is very important to the enterprise as is supporting local community projects. The upstairs private banquet room seats 60 people and outside catering is also possible.

222 N Main St, Bryan, TX 77803, Phone: 979-216-5482

8.Fritella Italian Cafe

Fritella Italian Café is a family venture, backed by decades of experience in the restaurant industry in both Italy and Texas. In the state-of-the-art, open kitchen all manner of mouth-watering Italian dishes on the extensive menu are produced with care. The finest and freshest ingredients are used. The patio is large enough to accommodate 80 people for a private function. Rehearsal dinners, birthday parties and several other occasions have been celebrated there.

3901 S Texas Ave. Bryan, TX 77802, Phone: 979-260-6666

9.Saint Andrews Episcopal Church

Saint Andrews Episcopal Church started out as a mission in Millican in 1864. It was not until 1914 that the congregation finally settled in their current premises, on the highest point of downtown Bryan. The neo gothic, stone building with its original stained glass and wooden interior, is the oldest church building in continuous use in the town. Besides the three Sunday services and weekly program, there are regular potluck and games evenings. The church has services for all life events, from birth to burial, as well as annual events such as graduation and teacher appreciation days.

217 W. 26th Street, Bryan, TX 77803, Phone: 979-822-5176

10.Saint Anthony's Catholic Church

Saint Anthony's Catholic Church was established in 1896 to serve the spiritual needs of 100 Italian families in the area. Today, the multicultural congregational has grown to around 700 families. Daily and weekend mass, retreats, private prayer, novenas and the full range of sacraments are offered in the parish. Day-care is offered for children under 5. The Church is also active in ministry, Bible studies, youth outreaches and religious education. There are regular days out, festivals and bazaars as well as a gift shop on the premises.

401 South Parker, Bryan, TX 77803, Phone: 979-822-4367