21 Things to Do in Bryan In 2021

Take time to discover Bryan, Texas this year! We’re a vibrant, diverse community home to extraordinary people, great food, exciting events, and fun things to do all year long. Read on for a list of 21 Things To Do In Bryan In 2021.

Once you’re ready to plan your trip, click HERE to learn about our hotels.

Get Outside at Beautiful Lake Bryan

Find room to breathe & soak up the sunshine at Lake Bryan, an outdoor recreation oasis in the heart of the Brazos Valley. With more than 20 miles of hiking, biking, and running trails, swimming areas, campgrounds, and largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and redfish stocked by Texas Parks & Wildlife, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature and escape the hustle & bustle of everyday life!

There are even opportunities to rent kayaks & paddleboards for your day at the lake! Reserve yours here.


Savor a Farm-Fresh Dinner Under the Full Moon

Enjoy a 9 course tasting menu at Ronin’s farm, complete with intermezzo and dessert made by their pastry chef. Begin the evening with a tour of the family farm, and then dine in the forest. Showcasing produce from the farm, the meal is prepared in a professional kitchen converted from an old barn on the property. Round off the night with a walk down a candle-lit path to their herb garden for dessert, set underneath the full moon and the stars.

With each full moon, Ronin presents a new menu, which is constantly evolving and is reflective of the best of each month’s harvest. Stop by their restaurant on your way to the farm to pick up recommended wine pairings or feel free to bring along that which suits your tastes.

To learn more about Ronin’s Full Moon Dinners, click here.


Experience First Friday in Historic Downtown Bryan

Enjoy live music, art and an array of shopping and dining options in Historic Downtown Bryan on the First Friday of each month. This is a free, family-friendly event that typically features live performances at The Palace Theater, as well as performances hosted by various Downtown businesses. You can expect to find members of the Brazos Valley Farmers’ Market selling their goods on Main Street, as well as shops & restaurants open extra late into the evening.

Learn more about First Friday here.


Treat Yourself to an Afternoon at the #1 Winery In Texas

Messina Hof Winery & Resort, located right here in Bryan, was recently named the Top Texas Winery at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo’s International Wine Competition! Founded on the cornerstones of family, tradition, and romance, Messina Hof Winery & Resort has held its place as a Brazos Valley staple since its start in 1977.

The Tasting Room is the original building on the estate and used to be the Ursuline Academy, an all-girls school. Many original elements from the academy were preserved when constructing the Tasting Room guests enjoy today. The Tasting Room showcases an immense wine selection suitable for any palate. Among these award-winning wines, there is a reserve selection of ultra-premium and library wines you cannot get anywhere else. Visitors can also shop for all their wine accessories, personalized labels, gifts and apparel.

Guests can also enjoy:

–Wine Flights & Weekly Specials at The Wine Bar

–Tours & Shopping in The Tasting Room

–Fine dining at The Vintage House Restaurant

–Weekend getaways at The Villa Bed & Breakfast

–Special events and festival all year long

Click here to learn more about Messina Hof Winery & Resort.


Find Unique, Locally-Crafted Goods at The Local

Held seasonally in the spring and fall, The Local is a weekly, outdoor market featuring artisans, farmers, producers, and crafters from across the Brazos Valley. From fresh foods including bread and honey, to homemade soaps and handcrafted jewelry, The Local features a variety of vendors week to week.

Stay tuned to thelocalbcs.com as their schedule is released for 2021, or follow them on Instagram (@thelocalbcs) for updates all year long!


Get Your Produce Straight From the Source at the Brazos Valley Farmers’ Market

The Brazos Valley Farmers’ Market is a pet-friendly, year-round farmers’ market supporting our region’s farms by connecting consumers directly to local food producers. The Brazos Valley Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday from 8AM-12PM at 500 N. Main Street in Historic Downtown Bryan. The market features more than 50 vendors, and is your go-to spot for locally-grown foods!

You can learn more about the Brazos Valley Farmers’ Market & their vendors here.


Get Cozy at a Local Coffee Shop

Looking for a new study spot, or got the work-from-home blues? Check out our list of 5 cozy local coffee shops! Free wifi, great coffee, and tasty treats are a common thread, but each one has such a unique atmosphere, you’ll probably want to try them all. Click here to read the full list.


Indulge Your Brunch Cravings at One of Our Local Favorites

Brunch is a big deal in a college town like Aggieland, and there’s definitely no shortage of options here in Bryan. From Tex-Mex favorites like La Carretta Mexican Grill, to honey butter chicken biscuits and kolaches at Babe’s Doughnut & Coffee Shop, to cafe classics at The Village or southern fare with a twist at Campfire, there’s a brunch spot for everyone here. Be sure you also check out Ronin’s farm-fresh Sunday brunch, 3rd On Main’s diner-style dishes, the southern soul food favorites at Shannon’s Cafe, and some of the best bites & brews in Aggieland at Blackwater Draw Brewing Co.!


Take Your Tastebuds on a Journey Around the World

You can still have experience the flavors of a new culture, even if international travel is limited right now. Enjoy the cuisines from across the globe, right here in Bryan!

Some of our favorites include:

–Czech pastries at Kolache Capital Bakery

–Tex-Mex at Cilantro Mexican Grill

–Authentic taquerias: Taqueria El Tio, Raspas El Payasito, Taqueria Poblana

–Italian at Amico Nave or Caffé Capri

–Cajun at The Remnant of ‘Nawlins

–British pub fare at Tilted Pint

–Thai at Kluay-Kluay Thai or Pin-Toh Thai Cafe

–Chinese at T. Jin China Diner

–Soul food at Shannon’s Cafe or Lamar & Niki’s


Learn About a Crucial Part of Our Local History at the Brazos Valley African American Museum

The history of African Americans in Texas represents a compelling story of struggle and triumph for fellow Texans. This story is told with particular vigor and enthusiasm at the Brazos Valley African American Museum, located in Bryan, where an impressive collection of archives and artifacts explore the African American experience. Conceived by Bryan school teacher Mell Pruitt, the museum has grown from Pruitt’s personal archive of African American history in the Brazos Valley to a detailed collection that encompasses both ancient and modern history, housed in a modern museum built on the site of one of the first all-Black schools in the region. Today, the museum’s collection includes interesting art and artifacts from Africa, exhibits on the Civil War and Civil Rights and a gallery of artworks by contemporary Black artists.

The Brazos Valley African American Museum is located at 500 E. Pruitt Street in Bryan, and will offer free admission during the month of February in honor of Black History Month.

Learn more here.

Connect With the Past at the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History

The Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History features a rich variety of exhibits exploring the natural world and the history and culture of the Brazos Valley. Alongside these displays visitors can enjoy special exhibits, which include traveling exhibits or in-house exclusive exhibits on a diverse range of topics.

The permanent exhibits at The Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History represent the natural history of the area dating back to the Ice Age, as well as Texas and local history, including Native American history and artifacts from the earliest days of Bryan.

Click here to learn more about this wonderful museum and its exhibits.


Innovate, Create, and Play at The Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley

The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley in Bryan, Texas provides a child- centered, hands-on interactive environment for learning and discovery. Check out their brand new location at Lake Walk!

Visit www.cmbv.org for more information.


Taste One Of The Best Burgers In Texas At Top Of The Hill

Top Of The Hill specializes in old-fashion, greasy burgers with fresh cut vegetables & hand-pressed patties. Located on the outskirts of Bryan on West OSR, Top Of The Hill offers specialty. fries, cold beer and sodas & some of the tastiest burgers in the whole State of Texas. They’ve been featured in several statewide publications & TV shows, including The Texas Bucket List. Top Of The Hill is family-friendly and off-the-beaten-path. Come experience one of the best burgers in the Texas! Click here for more information.


Make Lasting Memories At Aggieland Safari

Go WILD at the Serengeti of the South! Created by Texans and Aggie operated, Aggieland Safari was born from a love of animal stewardship and dedication to conservation.

Giraffes, hippos, and monkeys, oh my! Children & adults of all ages will love the beautiful and spacious Adventure Zoo, Drive-Thru Safari, and Wildlife Recreation Center. Aggieland Safari offers the perfect outing for families, field trips, small groups, and large groups alike.

Click here to learn more.


Experience Award-Winning Fine Dining At Christopher’s World Grille

Award-winning Chef Christopher Lampo, CEC presents classic steak & seafood dishes with delightfully unexpected twists. For more than 20 years, Christopher’s has garnered national recognition for exceptional quality and delightfully unexpected flavors.

Chef Lampo purchased the Andrews House (circ. 1913) and restored it to accommodate his world-class restaurant, which opened as Christopher’s World Grille in May of 1999. The house was left in its original condition wherever possible but made commercially viable by adding new square footage for a modern kitchen, restrooms (and an 1800 square foot banquet room, added in 2003). Like Chef Lampo’s eclectic menu, the Christopher’s World Grille facility itself is a potpourri of good taste. The spacious facility features an elegant blend of historic features like original fireplaces, leaded glass china cabinet, stained glass window, and oak floors.

Christopher’s offers Prime beef, seafood, desserts and Mediterranean cuisine from Lampo’s European travels as a private yacht chef. Christopher’s World Grille often features local, regional, organic and/or sustainable ingredients, and has a Certified Sommelier and award winning wine list.

Reserve your table now here.


Sample Local Brews At Blackwater Draw Brewing Co.

Blackwater Draw Brewing Co. is a small brewery nestled at the north end of Main Street in Historic Downtown Bryan. Featuring rotating & seasonal craft beers on tap and delicious brewpub bites, Blackwater Draw has become a local staple in the Brazos Valley. Stop by for a flight or a pint, live music, and make sure to try the parmesan truffle fries!

Click here for more information.


Discover High-End Boutiques And Vintage Finds In Historic Downtown Bryan

From handcrafted gifts to high-end fashion, vintage finds and one-of-a-kind boutiques, if you’re looking for something unique and fun, you’ll find it in one of the many retail shops in Historic Downtown Bryan.

Visit today to find gifts and items you can’t get anywhere else. Click here to learn more.


Take A Stroll Along Lake Atlas at Lake Walk

Naturally spirited, Lake Walk will engage your senses and replenish your soul. Lake Walk is home to a coffee shop, restaurant, and one of the top rated hotels in Texas, all overlooking beautiful Lake Atlas. With an emphasis on wellness and an appreciation of your healthy lifestyle, Lake Walk is the perfect place to begin and end your day.

Find more information at lakewalktx.com.


Getaway In Style At A Local Hotel

Whether you’re a local planning a staycation, or a visitor looking for the perfect weekend getaway, there’s a place to stay for every style and budget in Bryan, Texas! We’re even home to Condé Nast Traveler’s #3 Hotel In Texas, The Stella!

Click here to find the perfect accommodations to fit your needs.


Enjoy True Texas Barbeque

The Bryan-College Station area has made quite a name for itself in the world of BBQ in recent years. Bryan alone is home to several of the best BBQ joints in Texas, with All The King’s Men & Fargo’s Pit BBQ receiving prestigious recognition from Texas Monthly in recent years. Don’t sleep on C&J’s, J. Cody’s, and Martin’s Place, though. You won’t find any of the big barbeque chains in Bryan, but ask any Texas BBQ fanatic and they’ll tell you, that’s exactly the way it should be.


Find Fields Of Beautiful Texas Wildflowers This Spring

Bluebonnet photos are a rite-of-passage here in Texas as the roadsides bloom each spring. Make the trip to Bryan this year to find fields of bluebonnets & other Texas wildflowers painting the landscape! Boonville Heritage Park is always a great spot to find them, but they’ll be just about everywhere at peak bloom (usually sometime in April– we’ll keep ya updated!)

Get started on your Bryan bucket list today, and make memories all year long. Ready to plan a trip? Book your stay now!