At the turn of the century, downtown Bryan was booming. That trend continued until 1958 when the Townshire shopping center opened up south of town, taking many of the downtown business with it.
"People used to say downtown Bryan is dying and I would say no, downtown Bryan is dead," said historian Tom McDonald.
But in the late 1980's, after decades of downfall, downtown Bryan had a pulse. Revitalization of the area began in 1992 and now the area continues to boom.
"It has now risen from the dead and it's alive and well and I think its going to continue to be that way," said McDonald.
Every month on the first Friday of the month, folks come from all over the Brazos Valley to celebrate downtown and all it has to offer.
And after your visit downtown, you can take a short drive to one of the prettiest spots in all the Brazos Valley. The best way to end the Bryan bucket list is to sit and watch the sunset from the Lakeside Ice House.
"I'm taking him on a date," said Texas A&M student Katie Tillman with a big smile. "How do you like that," responded her date Alan Novitsky with an even bigger smile.
Novitsky is experiencing the Lake Bryan sunset for the first time thanks to Katie. Each Aggie takes something different away from the colorful sky.
"It lights up the sky over the water and I love being out here listening to music and spending some good time together," said Tillman.
"Someone always told me that the sunset is God flirting with us. I always thought that was kind of funny but I am a firm believer that there is something special out there and it's wonderful to have someone to share it with," said Novitsky.
A visit to downtown Bryan and engulfing yourself in the beauty of a sunset on Lake Bryan. Two more checks on our Brazos Valley Bucket list.
