Howdy,
Excited to host yall next weekend!
There are a few things you HAVE to do if it is your first trip down.
1) Midnight yell: It is quirky and kind of weird (if you have never seen it). But it is a one of a kind tradition that is unique to A&M. For the Tennessee game (since it will be a big game) yell practice will be packed.
2) The Dixie Chicken: The Chicken is the most famous bar in college station. As far as a great late night bar scene? Its not the best. But, it is the most Aggie place on earth. Swing in, get a burger and a pitcher of Shiner. Play some pool or dominoes and then order another pitcher!
3) North Gate: North gate is the bar district right across the street from campus (The chicken is on north gate as well). There are ~25 bars in a couple block radius, all directly across the street from campus. If you go later on Friday or Saturday it will be packed with students enjoying themselves. Its still a fun place to hang out, even if youre older. If the weather is nice, go to The Corner Bar and go get drinks on their third floor roof. Swing by the chicken. If you want a nicer environment and a cocktail, swing by Rough Draft Whisky bar or head down to West End Elixir.
4) The MSC. The MSC is the equivalent of a student union at other schools, but it is SOOOOOO much more than that. MSC stands for Memorial Student Center and is often described as the "living room of campus". In addition to all of your normal student union type things, the building itself is a memorial to Aggies who have given their lives in defense of our country. For that reason you are asked to "Uncover" or take your hat off when you are in the MSC. Outside of the MSC is the grass that Aggies are oft made fun of. The grass in front of the MSC is a living memorial to fallen Aggies/Americans and it is asked that you respect that memorial by not walking on the grass.
5) The Bush Presidential Library. It is a very good presidential library, bur for a football weekend it may be a bit lower on my list.
6) Tailgating: If you don't already have a tailgate in mind, I would recommend just kind of wandering around Spence Park (on the east side of Kyle Field). It is a big park that is full of tailgaters and I am sure more than a handful will invite you in, give you a beer and be happy to make sure you are enjoying your visit. Another good tailgating spot is at Reed Arena (the basketball arena). You lose the shade of spence park if you go to Reed Arena BUT the tailgating is every bit as good imo. We usually do a little tailgate in the rec parking lot (right across the street from reed), so if we bump into each other we have a beer or two with your name on it.
7) The Corps March in. Before the game the Corps of Cadets marches into the stadium. However, to see this you have to be in the game over an hour before kick off. As an alternative, I would recommend tailgating in Spence park and then watching them march in down Houston Street (the street just east of Kyle Field).
8) The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band. At half time do yourself a favor and don't just ignore the band by going to the restroom. The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band is a unique band and highly entertaining/impressive. Despite how the game is going, the Aggies always win half time. That should give you some insight into how good they are
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Ok so as far as restaurants the ones I would hit up are:
Fuego: Best tacos you've ever had
Corner Bar and Grill: Right across the street from campus and Rooftop is very nice if weather is good.
Dixie Chicken: Discussed above. A must do imo.
Blackwater Brewing Company: Also on north gate. They brew their own beer and have a great relaxed atmosphere
Hope yall have good travels and enjoy your trip (besides the game)! Welcome to Aggieland!
