10 Totally Texan Things to Do in Bryan, Texas
From rodeos to two-steppin', there are plenty of ways to embrace your inner Texan with these Lone Star State experiences in Bryan, TX.
Whether it's your first time in Texas or you're a lifelong Texan looking to deepen your roots, this ultimate guide will help you find all the best Texan things to do, places to shop, and spots to eat in Bryan, Texas.
Spend a Night Two-Steppin'
It's well-known that two-steppin' is a must while you're in the Lone Star State! There are several occasions where you can grab your boots and hit the dance floor in Bryan, TX.
Big Barn Dance
March 27-29, 2025 | Enjoy a listening room by day, and a lively dance floor by night at Big Barn Dance. Swing your partner round and round to the sound of classic country singer-songwriters like Gary P. Nunn, The Bellamy Brothers, and Rick Trevino.
Troubadour Pre-Party
May 16, 2025 | Enjoy a free country concert at The Official Troubadour Pre-Party, which is sure to have plenty of dancing and barbecue. If you want to kick it up a notch, get tickets to Troubadour Festival, happening at Aggie Park that weekend.
Cadillac Ranch Bar & Grill
Along the shores of Lake Bryan, you can enjoy country music acts almost every weekend at Cadillac Ranch. This outdoor restaurant and entertainment venue has incredible views of the lake and a large dance floor for boot scootin' boogies.
Go To A True Texan Rodeo
Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo
October 17-19, 2025 | All of the best Texas things can be found in one place at the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo. Barbecue competitions, barrel racing, boots and hats for sale, petting zoos, ferris wheels, livestock shows, pig races...you name it! You'll definitely see more than one person in a cowboy hat (and have the chance to buy your own).
Click here for more details about this year's fair and rodeo.
Saddle Up On Horseback
Royal Legend
Experience horseback riding at Royal Legend, where you can take an introductory class and learn the basics of riding. The horses at Royal Legend are ranch-raised and very calm, perfect for a first-time rider.
On The Bit
You'll also find riding opportunities at On The Bit, which has private, semi-private, and group lesson options available. They have training horses and ponies you can learn with, or you can BYOH (bring your own horse).
Experience a Texas A&M Football Game
There's nothing like going to a home game at Texas A&M University. Whether you bleed maroon, you’re a fan of the visiting team, or anyone in between, you’ll find that Aggies are the friendliest football fans in the country — and some of the most passionate!
Get ready to Gig 'Em, "WHOOP!", and wave your spirit towel with the best of 'em as you check this one off your Texas bucket list.
Aggie Traditions
The night before a home game, join in an A&M tradition with Midnight Yell. If you really want to embrace the A&M spirit, learn "The Spirit of Aggieland" and the "Aggie War Hymn" so you can sing along with fellow Aggies while the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band plays.
Pro Tip: Free Shuttle
Catch the free shuttle from Historic Downtown Bryan to Kyle Field so you don't have to worry about parking! For the ultimate guide to an Aggie Football Weekend with more inside tips, click here.
Hunt Hogs from a Helicopter
HeliBacon
No, we're not kidding with this one. HeliBacon is a unique, thrilling experience that helps combat the feral hog problem in Texas. Their hog hunting expeditions are a Texan solution to control the wild hog population: Fly in a helicopter...with a machine gun..and shoot hogs. Yeehaw!
HeliBacon is dedicated to safety and to solving the Texas hog problem with a truly unforgettable experience. They'll provide the machine guns and safety training — just bring yourself and your desire to shoot feral hogs from a helicopter!
Listen to Live Country Music
First Friday
First Friday of Each Month | Sit back and enjoy classic country music during First Friday, where you'll find local musicians performing on almost every street corner.
The Palace
You can also find a lot of country music acts at The Palace, an outdoor music venue with comfortable seating and food and drink options.
Take a Photo with The Bluebonnets
Boonville Heritage Park
There are few things more iconically Texan than our state flower, the bluebonnet. During the spring, make your way to Boonville Heritage Park to find the perfect photo op with wildflowers and other bluebonnets. On March 22, enjoy Wildflower Day at Boonville Heritage Park, featuring artists, live music, and crafts for the kiddos.
If you see maroon bluebonnets around town, your eyes aren’t tricking you — That’s the Aggie Bonnet! A&M’s Horticulture Department developed this special kind of bluebonnet, also called the “Texas Maroon” bluebonnet, in 2000.
Please be careful when taking photos with the bluebonnets and be sure not to step on them.
Check Items Off Your Texas Shopping List
Hats, Boots, and Texan Wear
Put together your new Texan look with a visit to Texas Rose Boutique and 6Whiskey, two locally-owned boutiques that have plenty of dresses, jewelry, bags, and Texas-style outfits to choose from.
If you're looking for the perfect cowboy or cowgirl hat, head to Catalena Hatters, a family-owned business that's been producing custom hats since 1983. Their custom hats are high quality, made to be passed down through generations.
Lucchese Bootmaker, located in Century Square, is just a short drive from Catalena Hatters. Their high-end Western boots are the perfect counterpart to a Catalena hat!
Texas Books, Home Decor, and Country Records
Brush up on your Texas history (or get some new coffee table books) at Ed's Bookstore, a local favorite in Historic Downtown Bryan. Ed's has a great collection of used and rare books, specializing in Texana, the West, and 20th century history and literature.
For larger home decor, head to Dirt Road Home. This family-owned business specializes in custom home furnishings, including custom couches, living and dining room furniture, bedroom sets, and office sets.
You can even add a country record to your collection with a trip to Curious Collections. They have a lot of vintage vinyl and hard-to-find records, along with used and new CDs and cassettes.
Taste Texan Beer, Wine, and Spirits
Hush & Whisper Distilling Co.
Discover grain-to-glass whiskey, gin, and vodka at Hush & Whisper Distilling Co., the only distillery in Bryan, Texas. You can join in a tour (offered every hour on the hour) or unwind with a craft cocktail in their stylish bar area.
Blackwater Draw Brewing Co.
Just down the street, you'll find Blackwater Draw Brewing Co., a small-scale brewery focused on "making beers we like". They have a large taproom and a variety of brews that change out seasonally. Settle in and raise a glass to authentic Texas beer!
Lonestar Meadery
Quickly becoming known as one of the best meaderies in Texas, Lonestar Meadery is a great place to try something new. Their menu items also rotate seasonally, so there's always a new flavor profile to enjoy.
Messina Hof Estate Winery
Did you know? One of the most award-winning wineries in Texas started in Bryan as an experimental vineyard in 1977. Messina Hof pioneered the growth in the Texas wine industry, and has since earned its reputation as a leading producer of 100% Texas wine. Enjoy a vineyard tour, wine tasting, or one of their many annual events.
Fuel Your Adventure with Texas Favorites
Tacos, Tacos, and More Tacos
Everyone knows that Texans will happily eat tacos for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With the Bryan Texas Taco Trail, you can experience over 40 different taco spots and eat tacos for every meal, like a true Texan would.
If you don't have time to visit everywhere on the Taco Trail, make sure you bump two to the top of your list: Jesse's Taqueria & Bakery for breakfast tacos, and Taqueria Poblana for tacos al pastor.
Need dessert? La Espiga Dorada Bakery might not have tacos, but they do have delicious Mexican baked goods and sweets!
Top-Notch Barbecue Joints
The other Texan classic? BBQ! Dig into delicious brisket, ribs, and pulled pork at 1775 Texas Pit Barbeque (open from 11AM until they're sold out, Thursday through Saturday). You'll also find mouthwatering meals at What's the Deal Barbecue and C&J Barbecue, both locally owned.
On Fridays and Saturdays, make sure to stop by family-owned restaurant, Lamar & Nikis Pit Barbecue and Soul Food Cafe, for brisket and ribs. Everyone who eats here raves about how good it is!
Martin's Place has been a fan favorite for barbecue since the 1920s. The area around it may have changed, but the delicious BBQ and family-like atmosphere has stayed the same. Fun fact: It's recognized as an official Texas historic landmark.
Steak (and Chicken-Fried Steak)
Another excellent Texan meal is waiting for you at Campfire at the Stella Hotel, where you can choose from T Bones, Beef Filets, and Ribeyes. You'll find the best of both worlds at J. Cody's Steak & BBQ (Aggie-owned, whoop!) and great deals with Sirloin specials at Sodolak's Beefmasters Restaurant.
If you're a fan of Texas wine, head to The Vintage House at Messina Hof Estate Winery. Their Rustic Steak and Potatoes pairs perfectly with a variety of Messina Hof wines. Plus, you'll get to enjoy your meal while overlooking the vineyard where your wine started out as a bunch of grapes. How neat is that?
For a platter of Chicken-Fried Steak, head to Longhorn Tavern Steakhouse in Historic Downtown Bryan. It's a long-time local favorite and their Chicken-Fried Steak is proof of the fact that "everything's bigger in Texas".
Farm-to-Table Favorites
Ronin is committed to preserving the culinary traditions of Texas by sharing sustainable foods and exceptional experiences with the community. Their family farm is just a 15 minute drive north of the restaurant, which is located in the renovated Ice House on Main Street. Don't miss their Full Moon Dinners throughout the year, which combines a tour of the family farm with a delicious nine-course meal under the stars.
Texas Classics
For a good ol'fashioned burger, make sure to stop by Margie's Bar & Grill (originally opened as the Opersteny Saloon in 1924). The Opersteny Family’s burgers were known to be so delicious that patrons would lick the juice off the paper wrappers after finishing their burger! More than 100 years later, you can still get an Opersteny Burger made the old-fashioned way on the original grill.
Although it's recently expanded across the South, Whataburger originated right here in the Lone Star State. Pick up a tasty meal to-go from their location at 902 South Texas Avenue, or on 3109 South Texas Avenue.
Another "must" while in Texas: H-E-B. Yes, we know it's a grocery store...but we also know that their handmade tortillas are out of this world! Stop by their location in the Tejas Center on E Villa Maria Road to grab some before you head out of town.
Did we miss a totally Texan activity in Bryan, Texas, that needs to be on this list? Drop us a line and let us know!
Make a Weekend Out of It!
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