presidential corridor:Between Austin and College Station lies the “Presidential Corridor,” which links Austin’s LBJ Library with Bryan–College Station’s Bush Library. Head east of Austin on US 290 through the towns of Elgin and McDade (see East Day Trip 01 for attractions along this route) before turning northeast on TX 21 through Caldwell and Bryan–College Station.
OK, there’s not much in the town of Dime Box, but with a name like that, isn’t it worth a quick detour? The burg is located just east of TX 21 on FM 141.
The town was originally named for its sawmill, but confusion with towns that had similar names led to its name change. The reason for the unusual moniker? Early residents could drop their mail—and a dime—in a box at the post office for delivery.
Actually Dime Box began up on TX 21, but when a rail line was built a few miles southeast of town, everyone up and moved. The original settlement became Old Dime Box and today’s community is, well, New Dime Box. The story of that namesake is recalled not only in the community’s museum but in a transparent box perched alongside FM 141 that contains an oversize Liberty Head dime, a fun photo stop on your day trip.
Dime Box also got national attention in 1945, when it became the country’s first community to have 100 percent participation in the new March of Dimes campaign. Dime Box’s citizens filled a mailbox with their collected donations and sent the package—mailbox and all—to then-president Franklin D. Roosevelt, who responded with a phone call to the city’s postmaster and banker.
where to go
Dime Box Museum. Downtown on FM 141; (979) 884-0182. This small museum traces the history of this community that was settled by Czech, British, German, and Polish immigrants. Exhibits include a pocket Communion Bible in Czech, a barber’s chair, and other farm and home memorabilia. Open Fri and Sat 1 to 4 p.m. Free admission; donations accepted.
Nicknamed the “Kolache Capital of Texas” by the 71st Legislature, Caldwell is located just south of TX 21 on TX 36. This community is the capital of Burleson County (and it’s confusing because there’s a nearby county named Caldwell County—whose county seat is Lockhart). You’ll find a traditional Texas courthouse square downtown.
The biggest event in town takes place the second Saturday of September when Caldwell celebrates its annual Kolache Festival. The event was begun as a way to revive Czech traditions in the region. The kolache, the Czech wedding pastry that can be sweet or savory, is the focal point of the day, with everything from kolache baking contests to eating contests. Along with plenty of kolaches, the event includes Czech traditions such as stenciling, dancing, egg decorating, cane weaving, and dulcimer playing.
where to go
Burleson County Czech Heritage Museum. 200 E. Fawn St.; burlesonczechmuseum.webs.com. The longtime links between Caldwell and Prague are traced in this local history collection that includes Czech costumes and household items used by Czech settlers in Texas. The museum works with local schools to preserve Czech traditions through special tours and exhibits. Open Sat 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., June through Sept.; other times by appointment. Free admission.
Burleson County Historical Museum. 100 W. Buck St. (1st floor of the Burleson County Courthouse); (979) 567-7196. The focus of this museum is on early county settlement and history. The museum has a variety of resources and archives for research that may be used on-site. The historical commission assists in research and can try to answer most questions. Open Fri 2 to 4:30 p.m., or by appointment. Free admission.
Caldwell Visitors Center Museum. 103 Presidential Corridor West; (979) 567-6854. Featuring displays on the history of Caldwell, this museum is located inside the Caldwell Civic Center. Works by local artists are also exhibited here. Open Mon through Fri 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sat 1 to 6 p.m. Free admission.
From Caldwell you can travel directly to Bryan on TX 21 or take a detour to the small community of Snook.
Like nearby Caldwell and many other neighboring communities, Snook was founded by Czech immigrants. First named Sebesta after a family of early settlers, the town’s name was later changed to Snook to honor the postmaster, who arranged for the town to get its own post office.
The liveliest time to visit Snook is in mid-April, when it celebrates Chilifest, a two-day blowout with a chili cook-off and live music drawing up to 50,000 visitors. The festival has featured well-known musicians such as Willy Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, and Pat Green. The proceeds from the annual event benefit local charities.
From Caldwell head east on FM 166 just over a mile to the intersection with FM 3058; turn right (southeast) on FM 3058 and continue until it dead-ends into FM 60. Then turn left and head north about 4 miles to Snook.
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kolache country |
| A sweet reminder of the Old Country, anyone who tastes a freshly baked kolache can recognize that more than apricots, apples, or cottage cheese is wrapped inside the sugar-topped bread roll—the main ingredient of this pastry is a love for tradition. This wedding pastry was traditionally baked weeks before a local ceremony, then given as an invitation to the upcoming event. | |
| Many Czechs immigrated to Texas in the mid-1800s in search of a more prosperous life, and today their descendants proudly pay homage to them each time they reach for a recipe for this tasty concoction. |
where to shop
Slovacek Sausage Company. FM 60 West; (979) 272-3333; slovacek.com. Slovacek has been cranking out tasty pork and beef sausage since 1957 in tiny Snook. The company has grown to become one of the premier sausage makers in the state. In addition to traditional beef and pork sausage, Slovacek now offers turkey sausage, hams, and hot jalapeño sausage. Most of their products can be purchased by phone and online. Open daily.
where to eat
Sodolak’s Original Country Inn. 9711 FM 60; (979) 272-6002. Texas-size steaks, burgers, and chicken-frieds fill the menu, but this restaurant’s real claim to fame is its chicken-fried bacon. Featured on Texas Country Reporter, a television series, this dish features strips of raw bacon dipped in an egg batter, rolled in flour, then deep-fried to a golden crispiness that no doubt makes cardiologists cringe but keeps diners coming back for more. Open daily. $–$$.
From Snook head northeast on FM 60 into College Station. Home of Texas A&M University, these adjoining communities are populated by over 178,000 residents, and several attractions are of interest to travelers.
Bryan was chartered in 1855 in the area where early colonists led by Stephen F. Austin first settled. The agriculturally rich city still has an emphasis on farming thanks to Texas A&M University, the first public institution of higher learning in Texas. The college is well known for its agriculture, veterinary, and engineering programs, as well as its military Corps of Cadets.
where to go
Benjamin Knox Gallery. 405 University Dr. East, College Station; (979) 691-2787 or (979) 696-5669; benjaminknox.com. This gallery features the work of Benjamin Knox, known locally as the “University Artist.” Along with fine art, the gallery sells gift items. Open Mon through Sat noon to 8 p.m. Free admission.
Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History. 3232 Briarcrest Dr., Bryan; (979) 776-2195; brazosvalleymuseum.org. Bring the whole family to this collection of natural history, with exhibits on life in the Brazos Valley more than 12,000 years ago. Open Tues through Sat. Fee.
The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley. 4001 E. 29th St., Bryan; (979) 779-KIDS; cmbv.org. Teaching through hands-on exhibits, this museum gives kids the opportunity to do everything from shopping for groceries to creating a puppet show. Open Tues through Sat. Fee.
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. 1000 W. George Bush Dr., College Station; (979) 691-4000; bush41.org. The state’s second presidential library contains exhibits on the first Bush presidency as well as research materials in the library center. Open daily. Fee.
Messina Hof Winery and Resort. 4545 Old Reliance Rd., Bryan; (800) 736-9463 or (979) 778-9463; messinahof.com. One of Texas’s most celebrated wineries offers tours and tastings. Started in 1983, the winery includes 45 acres of vineyards and demonstrates the wine-making skills of the Messina, Italy, and Hof, Germany, regions. Public tours daily. Call for tour hours. Fee for tours and tastings.
Texas A&M University. (979) 845-3211; tamu.edu. Several of the school’s facilities here in College Station are of special interest to visitors, including the Floral Test Garden (Houston and Jersey Streets). Stroll among hundreds of varieties of flowers planted and studied by university students.
Appelt Aggieland Visitor Center. Rudder Tower in the Memorial Student Center Complex; (979) 845-5851; visit.tamu.edu/visitor-center. A good introduction to the A&M campus, the center offers tours, videos, and exhibits. Open Mon through Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission.
Century Tree. In the central campus area near the Academic Building. One of the most beloved shrines on campus, this century-old live oak was among the first trees planted on campus. Over the years, generations of Aggies have gathered beneath its low-hanging branches to celebrate engagements and weddings and pose for photos. Free admission.
J. Wayne Stark University Center Galleries. Memorial Student Center, Joe Routt Boulevard; (979) 845-6081; uart.tamu.edu/visit-stark. This large university gallery features American drawings, paintings, and photography with a particular focus on Texas art and artists. Open Tues through Sun. Free admission.
M. Benz Gallery of Floral Art. Horticultural and Forest Sciences Building on the west side of campus; (979) 845-1699. This museum features everything related to floral art. Open weekdays. Free admission.
MSC Forsyth Center Galleries. 275 Joe Routt Blvd.; (979) 845-9251; uart.tamu.edu/forsyth-permanent-collection. This gallery features both touring exhibits and an extensive glass display. Open Tues through Sun. Free admission.
Sam Houston Sanders Corps of Cadets Center. 12 Short St.; (979) 862-2862; corpscenter.tamu.edu/index.php/sanders-corps-center. Learn more about the Corps of Cadets through College Station’s displays that trace the graduates’ service in World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and more recent conflicts. Open Mon through Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission.
Texas A&M Sports Museum. Bernard C. Richardson Zone at Kyle Field; (979) 846-3024; aggielettermen.org/our-museum. The long tradition of Aggie sports is featured in this museum with exhibits that include not only all types of A&M sports but also the Aggie band, and interactive computers that display historical footage. Open Mon through Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat home game days from 9 a.m. to kickoff. Free admission.
where to shop
Catalena Hatters. 203 N. Main St., Bryan; (800) 976-7818 or (979) 822-4423; catalenahats.com. Even if you are an “all hat and no cattle” kind of cowboy or cowgirl, you’ll enjoy this shop which has been producing custom hats for over 30 years. Sammy and Carolyn Catalena and their family can build a hat to your specifications or restore a favorite hat to look like new. Open Mon through Sat.
Charli. 505 University Dr. East, College Station; (979) 268 9626; charlionline.com. High fashions from trendy designers are offered at this boutique located just north of the Texas A&M campus. You’ll find formal and casual apparel, jewelry, and accessories here. Open daily.
Old Bryan Marketplace. 202 S. Bryan St., Bryan; (979) 779-3245; oldbryanmarketplace.net. Set inside a historic 1908 building in downtown Bryan, this expansive store offers treasures of all sizes, from furniture and home decor to gifts and women’s clothing. Open Mon through Sat.
where to eat
C&J Bar-B-Q Market. 4304 Harvey Rd., College Station; (979) 776-8969; cjbbq.com. This prize-winning restaurant has hundreds of loyal diners in the College Station area. Their specialties include beef, ribs, sausage, and chicken barbecue plates and sandwiches. C&J also has two other locations: 1010 S. Texas Ave., Bryan (979-822-6033), and 105 Southwest Pkwy., College Station (979-696-7900). All locations are open daily. $$.
Cenare. 404 University Dr. East, College Station; (979) 696-7311; gotocenare.com. For over 30 years this restaurant has been a local favorite for its Italian cuisine ranging from veal marsala to homemade pastas and for friendly, attentive service. Open Mon through Sat. $$–$$$.
Christopher’s World Grille. 5001 Boonville Rd., Bryan; (979) 776-2181; christophersworldgrille.com. Chef Christopher Lampo spent 10 years wandering the globe before returning to his home region to restore a 100-year-old ranch house and transform it into a fine-dining destination. Mediterranean, South Pacific, and Louisiana touches grace the menu, which includes pastramied steelhead salmon, Zihuatanejo snapper, Hawaiian pork tenderloin, and the Bleu Filet, a bacon-wrapped seared beef tenderloin topped with blue cheese. Open for lunch and dinner daily; reservations encouraged. $$$.
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bonfire memorial |
| Throughout the state, the Texas Aggies had long been known for their pre-game bonfires, a tradition since 1909. On November 18, 1999, the tradition came to a halt when 12 students were killed by the collapse of the massive stack of logs they were constructing. To commemorate the fallen students and the longtime tradition, the university constructed the Bonfire Memorial, a circular ring with doorways representing each of the lost students. The History Walk leading up to the memorial traces the tradition’s timeline, leading up to the 170-foot-diameter circle representing the size of an actual Aggie bonfire. The memorial is located on the Polo Fields at the TAMU campus. |
where to stay
Hilton Hotel and Conference Center College Station. 801 University Dr. East, College Station; (979) 693-7500; hiltoncs.com. This hotel offers guests a pool, exercise facilities, restaurant, private balconies, and more. Located less than 2 miles from the Texas A&M campus. $$.
The Villa at Messina Hof Bed and Breakfast. 4545 Old Reliance Rd., Bryan; (800) 736-9463, ext. 222; messinahof.com. One of Texas’s most romantic bed-and-breakfast properties, guests enjoy an evening wine and cheese reception, a European-style champagne breakfast, and a winery tour. Featuring 11 antiques-furnished guest rooms, it is a place where couples can enjoy an evening alone in the vineyards at a romantic hideaway. Book early for this popular getaway on weekends and holidays. $$$.