Welcome to Around the Brazos Valley, a weekly guide from Southern Luxe Group to what's happening in Bryan, College Station and the towns around them.

Fall is finally settling into Aggieland, and this is one of those weeks when there's something for everyone. You can stroll Main Street on First Friday, fill a bag with library books for $20, get a head start on holiday shopping, and watch historic tanks roll across a field south of town. Then on Wednesday, the community comes together to say thank you to our veterans. Here's what's happening from Friday, November 6, through Thursday, November 12.

Friday, November 6

First Friday in Historic Downtown Bryan

On the first Friday of every month, downtown Bryan turns into one big block party with live music, street performers, local artists and late hours at the shops and restaurants along Main Street. It's free, it's walkable, and it's one of my favorite ways to show friends what Bryan is all about. Grab dinner downtown and plan to wander.

  • When: 5 to 10 p.m.
  • Where: Historic Downtown Bryan, centered around 110 S. Main St.
  • Cost: Free
  • Details: Destination Bryan

Saturday, November 7

Saturday morning farmers markets

Start your Saturday with coffee and a loop through the farmers market. The Farmers' Market in Brazos County sets up every Saturday at Midtown Park in Bryan, rain or shine, with local produce, eggs, honey, baked goods and handmade items. It's dog friendly, too (keep pups on a short leash). If you're on the College Station side of town, the Aggieland Farmers Market is another good Saturday stop.

  • When: Farmers' Market in Brazos County, 8 a.m. to noon; Aggieland Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Where: Midtown Park, 206 W. Villa Maria Road, Bryan; 1500 Harvey Road, College Station
  • Cost: Free to browse
  • Details: Farmers' Market in Brazos County

Winter Wonderland Holiday Market

It's never too early to cross a few names off the gift list. A&M United Methodist Church hosts its Winter Wonderland Holiday Market on Saturday, with local vendors, food and plenty of holiday spirit, all close to campus.

  • When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Where: A&M United Methodist Church, 417 University Drive, College Station
  • Cost: $5 at the door
  • Details: am-umc.org/holidaymarket

Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale (Saturday and Sunday)

Book lovers, this one's for you. The Friends of the Library fill the Clara B. Mounce Public Library with gently used books for every age and interest, and every purchase supports the Bryan + College Station Public Library System. Shopping bags are provided, so you just fill one up.

  • When: Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday, November 8, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (Friends members get early shopping Friday evening and Saturday morning.)
  • Where: Clara B. Mounce Public Library, 201 E. 26th St., Bryan
  • Cost: Free admission; $20 per bag of books on Saturday, $10 per bag on Sunday
  • Details: Bryan + College Station Public Library System

History in Motion at the Museum of the American G.I. (Saturday and Sunday)

Feel the ground shake at one of the Brazos Valley's most memorable weekends of the year. The Museum of the American G.I. brings restored historic tanks and military vehicles to life with live demonstrations and the boom of artillery. It's an outdoor event, so dress for the weather, and note that the museum building itself is closed during History in Motion.

  • When: Saturday, 10 a.m., through Sunday, November 8, 3 p.m.
  • Where: Museum of the American G.I., 19124 Highway 6 South, College Station
  • Cost: Special-event tickets (about $25 for adults and $10 for ages 5 to 17); check the museum's site for current pricing
  • Details: americangimuseum.org

Wednesday, November 11

Veterans Day Ceremony at Veterans Park

Each Veterans Day, the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial Board invites the community to a ceremony under the American Pavilion at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. The evening includes the Honor Wall roll call, when veterans newly added to the memorial's Wall of Honor are recognized, along with music, a rifle salute by the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Ross Volunteers and Taps. Come a little early and walk the 12-acre memorial afterward.

  • When: 5:30 p.m.
  • Where: American Pavilion, Veterans Park and Athletic Complex, 3101 Harvey Road, College Station
  • Cost: Free
  • Details: Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial

Local spotlight: Sunbeam Bagels

If you're heading downtown for First Friday or the book sale, start your morning at Sunbeam Bagels on Main Street in Historic Downtown Bryan. This locally owned shop serves hand-rolled bagels and specialty coffee, plus grab-and-go treats, and the patio is a lovely spot to linger on a cool fall morning. Sunbeam is also hosting a Slumber Party Coffee & Crafts morning on Sunday, November 8, from 9 to 11 a.m. ($10).

Living in the Brazos Valley

Weeks like this are a big part of why people love living here. Between Texas A&M traditions, a walkable historic downtown and neighborhoods with very different personalities, Bryan and College Station have a lot to offer. If you're curious about calling the Brazos Valley home, start with my guide to living in Bryan–College Station and my local's guide to the Brazos Valley. And if you missed last week's edition, catch up on Halloween weekend and November happenings.

Thinking about buying, selling or leasing in Bryan–College Station? Book a time to chat or call or text me at (512) 629-9050. I'd love to help.

Trina Heinmiller
Team Lead | Southern Luxe Group | eXp Realty

Event details can change. Please confirm dates, times and prices with each organizer before you go.