Okay, I tried to figure this out.  From what I read, there are two towns – Bryan and College Station.  They were not called sister cities, but rather the articles I read refer to them as adjoined.  If you ask me, that is as clear as mud, and my instincts tell me there is more to the story.  I know all you Aggies out there know what Wikipedia does not know.

More than one person told us that downtown Bryan had been revitalized, and it was where some people who live in College Station like to go to dine.  We thought we would check it out.  Now it was early evening, on a Monday during Spring Break.  They were rolling up the sidewalks, but we still found interesting facts to share, and a decent place to dine.

As we were driving into downtown Bryan , the first thing we noticed was a large (very large) red and white crown spinning atop a building. This large crowns spins over the Queen Movie Theater.

This theater was in grave disrepair, and restoration began in 2010.  The facade complete with neon lights that glow at night is restored.  (I think they are still working on the interior.)    It is good looking.

A food truck selling sliders was parked outside the Queen.  Bryan is trying to be modern.

Down the street from the Queen is the La Salle Hotel.  It is another historic building that has been restored.

In some cities this would be called a “boutique” hotel.

Of course it is decorated in maroon and grey.

We dined at the La Salle Cafe that was inside the hotel.  The food was very good, but it was a little disconcerting to be the only patrons in the cafe.

The tomato basil soup was delicious.

Ever-Lovin’ ordered the pork loin, and it was very tasty.  The roasted  vegetables were as good as they were pretty. I loved the purple carrot.

Across the street from the La Salle Hotel was The Carnegie Library.  Sweet Mother of Pearl.  This is something.

A group of women (The Mutual Improvement Club) found Bryan to be uncivilized, and they wanted something better for their town.  They applied and were granted money from Mr. Carnegie for a library.    In 1999 it was restored, and it is now called the Carnegie History Center.   Documents about local history and genealogy research now occupy this building.  I do believe there are some museum exhibits also.   I would love to get to go inside this building.  Click HERE to learn more about the history of this building.

On the sidewalk outside The Carnegie Library, is a sculpture of a man reading to children.

What a fitting tribute to The Carnegie Library.  From what I read, Mr. Carnegie gave monies all over the world for towns that wanted a library.  He believed in self-improvement.

Another sculpture  in downtown Bryan is of children with a baseball player.

It seems that in the 1940’s Bryan had a semiprofessional baseball team called the Bryan Bombers.  I do like the sculptures.

Downtown Bryan was interesting, and it would be a good thing to return when the stores are open.  (Ask my friends.  I am notorious for going to towns after closing time.)

Blessings to you and yours,