Howdy, y’all! Thinking about taking a non-rev trip to CLL? Whether you are visiting Texas A&M for an Aggie gameday or are just looking to escape to a new destination, the Bryan-College Station offers something for everybody by combining small-town charm with all the amenities you can expect from a nearby SEC college campus. The college town’s population of around 116,000 people visibly ebbs and flows based on when the country’s largest student body is back in session.
Non-reving down to CLL is possible on American Airlines or United Airlines. Both airlines fly regional jets to CLL multiple times per day from DFW and IAH respectively. Flights generally aren’t too full, but it’s a good idea to check the Texas A&M calendar to confirm if you are planning a trip during any of the large events. Home football games, Ring Day, and the beginning/end of each semester are generally the busiest weekends for College Station’s little regional airport.
Saying that College Station’s Easterwood Airport is small is an understatement. With only two gates and a single boarding area, deplaning is an experience. You are shuffled out of the jetway and directed towards a single exit door that can only be opened by a security officer. Just beyond the exit door lies a stairway downstairs to the baggage claim area along with a few rental car desks. That’s it. The entire commercial aviation terminal can be explored in a grand total of 2 minutes.
Where to stay in College Station
College Station
Staying in College Station means staying near campus if you want to be close to the most popular recommendations. I recommend centering your search around the intersection of Texas Ave & University Drive. This centralized location will put you right in the middle of the action in College Station. The George is a trendy boutique hotel offering modern rooms and a gorgeously decorated lobby right in the Century Square development. The pool at The George was the perfect homebase in between our stops in College Station. I didn’t get to explore the neighboring Calvary Court, but the rustic military-inspired theme fits in with Texas A&M’s aesthetic.
Bryan
If you are looking for somewhere a bit more laidback, consider staying in the neighboring city of Bryan instead. The historic LaSalle Hotel sits squarely in the heart of Downtown Bryan and features a secret speakeasy in the basement. Those looking to escape the city will find refuge in The Villa Bed & Breakfast located on the charming Messina Hof Estate Winery grounds. Every guest is treated to a uniquely decorated suite and a shared breakfast prepared by the Innkeeper each morning.
Where to eat in College Station
I got a chance to sample a number of fried chicken & chicken wings spots while in College Station. Layne’s Chicken Fingers knows that simplicity is key and has been serving up their famous chicken since the nineties. Layne’s menu is basically no more than just chicken fingers, a handful of sides, and some sauces. Wings’N More is, as the name says, known for its Buffalo-style chicken wings. You can’t go wrong here, but I recommend getting your wings tossed in hot lemon pepper sauce served alongside curly fries and Wings’N More’s house ranch. If you are a chicken & waffles fan, you absolutely must stop at MESS Waffles etc in Century Square. Born out of a A&M graduate’s food truck nearly 10 years ago, this waffle shop’s maple aioli and spicy honey sauces go perfectly with their crunchy fried chicken.
College Station is also home to local Mexican & TexMex gems. Coco Loco is my favorite place to pick up authentic Mexican plates, and their spicy green salsa drizzled over breakfast tacos is to die for. Make sure to come on the weekends when they are serving up their delicious menudo to cure your hangover. Fuego’s Tortilla Grill has been serving late-night TexMex food to Aggies for years. I walked in here hankering for some queso, so I enjoyed their roasted poblano queso before digging into the impossibly ridiculous Good Golly Miss Holly filled with smoked brisket, mac & cheese, cheese, and some Cheetos for good measure.
Highlighting every Aggieland favorite could honestly be its own blog post. The Christopher’s World Grille steakhouse is a local favorite for celebrations & special occasions. On the opposite side of the spectrum, the drive out to Hullabaloo Diner is worth it. Come hungry to stuff your face inside this old-timey New York diner; the breakfast plates were so good that we had to come back for lunch later. When I started asking around about sushi in the area, I was quickly pointed towards Azure Fusion Bistro & Sake. Every Asian-inspired restaurant in College presents a “fusion”-style menu, but the sushi here seems to be a cut above the rest.
What to do in College Station
Celebrate like a true Aggie in the Northgate bar district of College Station. You will find people taking pictures in Bottle Cap Alley throughout the day, but I don’t recommend trying to walk across if you are wearing open-toe shoes (tetanus scares me). While barhopping in Northgate, you will quickly find that many bars have signature drinks. The Breakfast Shot at Duddley’s Draw was easily my favorite (spoiler alert: it comes with bacon), but you can find everything from classics (like the pickle shots at the Tipsy Turtle) to downright insane options (Logie’s Unicorn Cum shot comes to mind). Once you remember that you aren’t 21 again, take a break at Dixie Chicken for beer pitchers or relax on top of The Corner’s rooftop patio.
Look towards downtown Bryan if you want to immerse yourself in a world of brick buildings and vintage storefronts. The downtown district is lined with charming small businesses and local eateries with character. Take a walk along West 31st street to take pictures in front of the gorgeous murals south of downtown. For libations, I enjoyed a wine flight at the unpretentious Downtown Uncorked wine bar and a few craft beers at Blackwater Draw Brewing Company a few blocks down the road (their Contract Killer porter is a winner in my book). For food, I recommend grabbing a spicy El Jefe burger topped with a fried egg at the bustling Proudest Monkey (the best seat in the house here is right at the bar) or a loaded Urban Cowboy pizza at the cozy RX Pizza.
American history buffs need to add the 41st president’s library & museum to their itinerary. I had never been to a Presidential Library and was unsure of what to expect, but I was thoroughly impressed with how the exhibits were laid out and presented. The landscaping is picturesque and deserves an impromptu photoshoot out near the pond. The family plot is located on the farside of the pond, so you can the final resting place of this president and his family. Seeing a piece of the Berlin Wall in person was breathtaking. A visit here is good for a couple hours of meandering through the museum and walking around the grounds.
Where to get the best Instagram-worthy shots in College Station
Century Square
This new development has a modern vibe with plenty of open spaces, green areas, and unique backgrounds to help you construct the perfect shot. Visiting Century Square at night will allow you to take advantage of some of the suspended string lights that crisscross over the community patios. One of the best places here to snap or snack is Sweet Paris. With European cafe vibes and delicious crepes, this is a match made in heaven.
Texas A&M University
No list of places to go in College Station is complete without naming Texas A&M. You don’t have to be an Aggie to appreciate this campus. The Administrative Building features gleaming white Greek columns that can be creatively incorporated into your photos. The nearby Century Tree is a massive oak tree that is over 100 years old and is the perfect spot for a picture with your significant other. Campus tradition stipulates that couples who walk under the tree are destined to last forever, but don’t walk under its branches alone for fear of being cursed with being alone forever! If you really want to live a day in the life of an Aggie, check out their larger-than-life bronze Aggie ring statue at the Haynes Ring Plaza.
Conclusion
Some of my favorite non-rev trips have been to tiny airports and cities off the beaten path. While most people have at least heard of Texas A&M, College Station generally isn’t at the top of people’s travel list. Flying into CLL is a great way to experience Aggieland in all its glory. I hope this quick trip report and compilation of local spots helps you build your CLL itinerary if you find yourself non-reving to eastern Texas.
Did I miss your favorite Bryan-College Station spot? Let me know in the comments below.
