re: Attn Aggie fans: Any advice for first visit to College Station?

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Freebirds has gone downhill, if it weren't for their queso I would also put chipotle ahead. They went corporate and lost a lot of luster.

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Meh, them going corporate didn't bother me, I guess. Kind of nice being able to grab some Freebird's when I visit my wife in San Angelo. Still prefer their taste/selection to Chipotle, but that's jmo.

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Sao's attraction to threads specifically about A&M is still going strong though, I see.

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This cannot be disputed

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Honest question: If I'm wearing a Bama polo earlier in the night while watching the game, will it stir up shite like it does here in Baton Rouge or will people be cool with it?

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No, people are so hyped up about us joining the SEC they will probably think it's awesome and buy you a drink

I figured as much, just wanted to double check. I'm accustomed to verbal abuse for being an Alabama fan fan so I figured even if it did happen, it wouldn't be near as bad as what I've heard over here. I'm starting to reevaluate my departure time for Thursday, might leave a little earlier so I can be there a little longer. I can see most of my night being spent in NG for sure.

DFW, will take a look at the student center for sure. I meant to schedule a visit the the academic dept but completely forgot, will probably do that next time around. On the suggestion of a friend of mine who was a graduate at VaTech and in their Corps of Cadets, I'm supposed to be meeting the A&M Corps of Cadets while I'm on campus. Not sure yet if I'll end up doing that while I'm in school for round 2, but it's something that has crossed my mind before.

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But do grab some Cane's before you do that

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No thanks

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But do grab some Cane's before you do that

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I actually prefer Cane's

If you are think about attending A&M and you want the full experience, check out the Jizz Jar museum, the sheepatorium and get a mantastic love burrito served to you by a dandy-boy from the corps.

If you want to get a true feel for the school instead of just where to eat and drink I would recommend hitting:

1) Bonfire Memorial
2) Memorial Student Center
3) Whatever buildings are associated with your major of choice (especially if you are doing engineering or the sciences we have some great new buildings that have gone up in the past few years)
4) Bush Library if you have the time

If you walk the first 3 you will probably see most of the campus then you can catch a bus from the MSC to the Bush library or just drive over there yourself.

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Is Fitzwilly's still open?

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I think so.

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But do grab some Cane's before you do that, one recently opened up and the locals are all pissy because they had a Layne's before that

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Went to Laynes not to long ago for the 1st time

Lots of good suggestions, here are the ones I usually recommend:

Dixie Chicken- It's the iconic bar of A&M complete with a true C&W atmosphere and a rattlesnake tank located at Northgate.

The other suggestions for nightlife are better than anything I could give as I have been out of school too long.

Best food imo:

Koppe Bridge for burgers or BBQ
J Cody's for a casual but amazing steak
Laynes for Chicken Fingers
Christophers for fine dining

On campus:

Driving down Wellborn and seeing Kyle Field, Blue Bell Park, and Reed Arena. Also the Student Rec Center is there which is a fantastic workout place for students and you can check it out.

Bush Library and Museum-Very cool if you have a couple hours. It's a first rate museum with some really cool stuff from GHWB's term like a walk through cut out of AF One and a section of the Berlin Wall as well as a lot of his WWII stuff.

MSC-Newly renovated and I haven't actually been there since the Spring when they reopened. This is the "living room" of the campus and home to the 7 Congressional MOH that Aggies have been awarded.

Corps Museum-If you are a military buff or just interested in A&M history it's fascinating. It's not very big so you can walk through it pretty quick. Also houses a fantastic gun collection.

Bonfire Memorial-Very powerful tribute to the tradition and the kids that died that day it fell. Reading some of the letters the kids had sent home prior to the tragedy talking about what A&M and Bonfire meant to them is hard to get through.

In terms of the town itself a lot of folks like to rag on it but it's really a nice and affordable college town. There are about 225k people in the Metro and it is growing at a nice clip. If you stay out of some bad parts of Bryan there is very little crime and everything revolves around the school. People tend to be friendly. If you wear gear from your SEC school you will also be greeted warmly by many Aggies and likely get more than a few free beers and folks wanting to strike up a conversation.