Bryan and College Station - also known as BCS - are part of "Aggieland" located in the heart of Brazos Valley. Although small, these two cities have a number of exciting activities due to its central location and large population of college students. The following sites offer various places to visit in the local area, list of restaurants, local events, and more in the BCS area!
Additional Resources in BCS
Additional Resources in BCS
Many organizations maintain online events calendars, and the following is only a selection of websites. These calendars are continually updated, so check frequently for the most up-to-date information.
- Visit College Station - https://visit.cstx.gov/
- Destination Bryan - https://www.destinationbryan.com/
- The Bryan-College Station Eagle - https://theeagle.com/events/
- Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce - http://business.bcschamber.org/events/calendar/
- Insite Brazos Valley Magazine - http://www.insitebrazosvalley.com/
- Texas Co-op Power - http://www.texascooppower.com/
- Texas A&M University Calendar - http://calendar.tamu.edu/
Brazos Valley Worldfest
Takes place nearly in November, and celebrates the cultural diversity of Brazos Valley. Many international student organizations organize booths to share information about their countries. Free admission.https://www.brazosvalleyworldfest.org/
Bryan and College Station Public Library System
Check out books, DVDs, audio books, etc. To obtain a free card, you need photo ID and proof of current address (for example, lease or utility bill). Programs vary seasonally and include story times, reading programs/groups for children and adults, and computer classes.https://www.bcslibrary.org/
First Fridays
On the first Friday of every month, Downtown Bryan becomes filled with art, music, food, and family-friendly activities.https://www.destinationbryan.com/firstfriday/activities/
Friends of Chamber Music
Free chamber concerts during Fall and Spring Semesters. Info on schedule and venues: http://www.communitychamberconcerts.org/Local Museums
The area has several museums including:- Brazos Valley African American Museum: Documents the history of the African American Community.
- Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History: Exhibits, live animals, classes and workshops, nature trail.
- Carnegie History Center: Part of the Public Library system, the center has collections of photos and other documents illustrating the history of the area and the State of Texas.
- Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley: Hands-on exhibit, special and summer programs.
- George Bush Presidential Library and Museum: Exhibits, story-telling events for children, free movie screenings, and more.
On Campus Art and Culture Tour Guide
Follow this link for more information on free on-campus art galleries and museums.(Note: Non-students pay admission to George Bush Presidential Library and Museum)
Seasonal Celebrations
Civic organizations, local governments, and area churches organize family-friendly celebrations throughout the year, such as Easter Egg hunts, Fourth of July celebrations, Fall Festivals, etc.These events are open to the community, and you do not have to be a member of the organization to participate. Advertising is generally by flyer, online events calendar, or word of mouth.
Movies
There are 2 commercial movie theatres in town (Cinemark Movies 18 in College Station; and Premier Cinema in Bryan). Movie tickets are very affordable, especially for matinee shows (i.e. shows before 6 pm).The George Bush Presidential Library has free screenings of movie classics during the summer months. Check https://www.bush41.org/ for the schedule.
MSC Aggie Cinema movies are shown on campus and are open to students and non-students alike. Movies are shown when classes are in session. Check the schedule at: https://cinema.tamu.edu/
Recreation Departments of the City of Bryan and City of College Station
Find information on swimming pools, parks, adult sports teams, youth activities, and community education online at:- City of Bryan Parks and Recreation Department
- City of College Station and Recreation Department
- In the summer, City of College Station organizes free open-air concerts in the Wolf Pen Creek area.
Texas A&M Rec Sports
Family members can purchase a membership or buy day passes to use the Rec Center facilities. For details, call Membership Services (979-945-7826), or check https://recsports.tamu.edu/membership/Rec Sports also offers Outdoor Equipment Rentals for camping and outdoor sports. Open to the public, and no membership required.
Bus Services
Aggie Spirit Buses (Texas A&M Transportation)Check online at https://transport.tamu.edu/busroutes/ for available routes and times.
Note: Transportation Services does not run routes as often during holidays, weekends, and break periods. Valid TAMU ID or ETD ID required to use Aggie Spirit Buses (BTD ID can be purchased at BTD Main Office).
Brazos Transit District
It is the Public bus transportation network, operating Monday - Friday, 5:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Routes and schedules can be found at http://www.btd.org/fixed-routes/ or by calling 979-778-0607.
Students with a TAMU or Blinn ID can ride for free.
Bike Services
There are several bike shops in B/CS (listed below), but you can also get a bicycle at Target or Walmart.
Trek Bicycle College Station
Aggieland Cycling
Texas A&M's Surplus Office also puts unclaimed bicycles for sale online via an auction website called Lonestar Auctioneers. Auctions are every 4 weeks. Many of those bikes are better brands that what you would see at the sale.
Texas A&M's Surplus Office offers a annual bike sale in the Fall Semester, usually in late September or early October. Unfortunately, the date and time of the annual sale is not shared until the day or two before the event. Be on the lookout for an email from Transportation Services about when and where the annual sale will be held. We will share details as soon as we receive them.
If you are looking for something more motorized (Mopeds, Vespas) check out Scoots College Station.
Trek Bicycle College Station
Aggieland Cycling
Texas A&M's Surplus Office also puts unclaimed bicycles for sale online via an auction website called Lonestar Auctioneers. Auctions are every 4 weeks. Many of those bikes are better brands that what you would see at the sale.
Texas A&M's Surplus Office offers a annual bike sale in the Fall Semester, usually in late September or early October. Unfortunately, the date and time of the annual sale is not shared until the day or two before the event. Be on the lookout for an email from Transportation Services about when and where the annual sale will be held. We will share details as soon as we receive them.
If you are looking for something more motorized (Mopeds, Vespas) check out Scoots College Station.
Cab Services
Cab Service in BCS and also to Houston and Dallas. Please be aware that cab rides outside BCS can be very costly.Rental Cars
Nearby Airports
- College Station Easterwood Airport: Flies out of College Station, but has limited options.
- Houston Hobby (HOB): Medium sized airport in Houston. Good for domestic flights.
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston: Large airport in Houston. Best for international flights.
For more information on transportation by bus outside of BCS, visit the Explore Texas page.
Specialty Grocery Stores
Most area grocery stores offer a wide variety of items, including international, Halal, Kosher, and organic foods.BCS Food Market
2704 Texas Avenue, College Station - Intersection of Texas Avenue and Harvey Mitchell Parkway (FM 2818)
(979) 695-6888
Wide selection of Asian food products
Brazos Natural Foods
4303 South Texas Ave, Bryan - Next to Luby’s restaurant
(979) 587-3511
Vegan, gluten-free, specialty spices, organic meats, natural products
Brazos Valley Farmers Market
Check locations and times at http://www.brazosvalleyfarmersmarket.com/
Farm-fresh produce, breads, etc., from local producers
The Howdy Farm
The Howdy Farm is a sustainable farm created and powered by students and is located behind the Horticulture and Forest Science building, just a short walk from main campus.
For more information, please visit http://tamuhowdyfarm.weebly.com/.
Dong Yang Food Market
3409 South Texas Ave., Bryan - Between University Avenue and Villa Maria
(979) 846-3000
Asian food products, especially for Korean cuisine
Farm Patch Produce Market
3519 South College Ave., Bryan - Across from Chicken Oil restaurant
(979) 822-7209 Fresh fruits/vegetables, including varieties used in Asian cuisine; ingredients for
Mediterranean cooking
Filipiniana Asian Emporium
3737 East 29th Street, Bryan - Between Carter Creek Parkway and Briarcrest Drive
(970) 817-8174
Asian food products, especially for Filipino cuisine
HEB
1900 South Texas Ave, College Station - Intersection of Texas Ave. and Holleman Drive
(979)-693-0361
Halal chicken
Kroger
2412 Texas Avenue South, College Station - Intersection of Southwest Parkway and Texas Ave.
(979) 693-9974
African and Caribbean cooking
World Spice Market
1381 Old Arrington Rd, College Station, TX 77845
(979) 485-9373
Wide selection of spices, South Asian food, and ingredients for cooking
Mini Mart
3800 South College Ave., Bryan - North of Hensel Park
(979) 260-6868)
Wide selection of ingredients for Indian cooking
Readfield Meats
2701 South Texas Ave, Bryan - Between Villa Maria Road and downtown Bryan
(979) 822-1594
Halal meats, including chicken, goat, lamb, and beef (call ahead to check availability of fresh Halal meat)
Village Foods
1760 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan - By Bryan High School
(979-846-9600)
Good selection of products for people with gluten intolerance and other food allergies, vegan
ZIP’N Shell Station and Indian Grocery
609 University Drive, College Station—Across from Mitchell Physics Building
(979) 846-6368
Wide selection of ingredients for Indian cooking
Shopping on a Budget
Department StoresMany department stores offer aggressive discounts before, during, and after holidays (such as Christmas or Presidents’ Day) or to sell off seasonal items and clothing. ‘Black Friday’ (the day after Thanksgiving) is known for incredible deals, but requires you to be an early riser and have tolerance for extremely competitive co-shoppers.
Dollar Stores
Originally selling everything for “1 $ or less”, these stores still offer very good prices on many items of daily living, including household and cleaning products, decoration materials, and shelf-stable food items.
99¢ Only Store
2104 S. Texas Avenue, Suite 200, Bryan (979) 823-4919
Dollar General
12905 Wellborn Rd, College Station – Intersection with Rock Prairie Rd. (979) 696-9197
Dollar Tree
1661 S Texas Ave, College Station (979) 696-6241
King Dollar
2408 S Texas Ave, College Station – Southwest Kroger Shopping Center (979) 694-3860
Resale/Thrift Stores
Resale (thrift) stores sell items donated by community members and businesses. Items sold may include furniture, household goods, clothing, toys, etc., and are generally very cheap. The selection can vary from one day to the next. Check before you buy, since you cannot return items. Resale stores are usually operated by benevolent organizations, meaning that your purchase will help support people in need.
Goodwill Thrift Stores
2704 S Texas Ave, College Station, (979-764-8297) – by BCS Food Market
2600 S Texas Ave, Bryan, (979- 823-2083) – close to Harmony Science Academy
Clothing, furniture, household items, toys, etc.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
2211 Maloney Ave., Bryan – close to Harmony Science Academy
(979-775-8122)
Furniture, household items, appliances, building materials
Hospice Thrift Store
2814 Cavitt Avenue, Bryan
(979-775-7227)
https://www.hospicebrazosvalley.org/
Furniture, household items, clothing, toys, etc.
Twin City Mission Second Chance Thrift Stores
424 N. Main, Downtown Bryan
803 Wellborn Rd., College Station close to campus
3808 Old College, Bryan – close to Farm Patch
https://www.twincitymission.org/
Furniture, household items, clothing, toys, etc.
Clothing
The following stores sell mainly clothing, but you can also find an eclectic collection of household goods, luggage, decoration materials, etc., at most of these businesses. Selection varies, so check back often.Burke’s Outlet
1200 Harvey Rd, College Station
(979) 764-3029
Plato’s Closet
1104 Harvey Rd, College Station
(979) 694-8440
Buys and sells name brand clothing and accessories for teen and women
Big Lots
1913 S Texas Ave, College Station – across from HEB
(979) 696-0327
Once Upon a Child
2220 S Texas Ave, College Station – close to Target
(979) 696-7161
http://www.onceuponachild.com/
Buys and sells name brand children’s clothing, toys, and furniture
Ross
1911 S Texas Ave, College Station– across from HEB
(979) 694-5399
Stein Mart
2408 S Texas Ave, College Station– Southwest Kroger Shopping Center
(979) 696-3210
TJ Maxx
1128 Harvey Rd, College Station
(979) 694-2008
The Warehouse at C.C. Creations
114 Holleman Dr, College Station
(979) 693-9664
Texas A&M themed apparel (t-shirts, shorts, etc.)
Household Items and Furniture
HomeGoods
1725 Texas Ave S, College Station
(979) 695-0001
Ashley Furniture
1201 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station
(979) 694-0202
Furniture Row
267 N Earl Rudder Fwy, Bryan
(979) 691-0248
Quality Used Furniture
2039 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy S, College Station
(979) 693-8669
Tuesday Morning
1210 Harvey Rd, College Station
(979) 693-2613
At Home
2301 Earl Rudder Fwy, College Station
(979) 329-7600
In addition to Texas A&M University, the Bryan/College Station area also has a campus of Blinn College . Blinn College is a community college offering 2-year degrees (Associate level), as well as vocational training for mechanical and other trades.
International citizens who plan to take courses at Texas A&M University or at Blinn College must first seek admission to these schools. Please note that visa regulations currently do not allow F-2 status holders to enroll or to audit higher education or vocational instruction. (For Change of Status procedures and timeline, please refer to How to get F-1 or J-1 Status
People in F-2 visa status can, however, take classes that are considered of recreational or a-vocational (not related to a trade) nature, or sign up for basic English language classes.
There is a rich offering of such recreational classes available in the area, for example through the College Station Parks and Recreation Department (http://www.cstx.gov/), and through local museums, art galleries, and craft businesses.
International citizens who plan to take courses at Texas A&M University or at Blinn College must first seek admission to these schools. Please note that visa regulations currently do not allow F-2 status holders to enroll or to audit higher education or vocational instruction. (For Change of Status procedures and timeline, please refer to How to get F-1 or J-1 Status
People in F-2 visa status can, however, take classes that are considered of recreational or a-vocational (not related to a trade) nature, or sign up for basic English language classes.
There is a rich offering of such recreational classes available in the area, for example through the College Station Parks and Recreation Department (http://www.cstx.gov/), and through local museums, art galleries, and craft businesses.