Texas A and M University as seen through Albritton Tower.

General -

Located in area where Stephen F. Austin's colonists settled between 1821-1831. Bryan formally chartered in 1855. Economy long based on diversified agriculture, enhanced by educational centers, including Allen Academy and Texas A&M Univ.

College Station adjoins Bryan forming the urban center of Brazos County. As its name implies, the city has always received its sustenance from Texas A&M Univ., the state's first institution of higher education, established in 1876. Hunting, fishing, and camping popular almost year round at nearby streams and woodlands. Wolf Pen Ampitheater, in center of College Station, is surrounded by three acre lake, and features big-name entertainers and free open-air concerts throughout the year.

Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History-

Natural history, archaeology, prehistory, other collections. Open Sept.-May, Tues.-Sat. 10a.m.-5p.m.; Jun.-Aug., Mon.-Sat. 8a.m.-5p.m. Brazos Center at 3232 Briarcrest Dr. in Bryan.

Lake-

Gibbons Creek

Messina Hof Wine Cellars-

Wine making traditions of Messina, Italy, and Hof, Germany, are blended in the vineyards of this Texas winery. Picnic facilities and fishing at lake on property. Tours of winery (reservations required) weekdays 1:00p.m., Sat. 10:30a.m., 12:30, 2:30, and 3:30p.m., and Sun.12:30 and 2:30p.m. Retail store and tasting room open Mon.-Fri. 9a.m.-5:30p.m., Sat. 10a.m.-5p.m., Sun. noon- 4p.m. On Wallis Road (next to airport) south of Texas 21, six miles northeast of Bryan. 409/778-9463.

Texas A&M University-

Famed for military cadet corps and ROTC, whose graduates served by the thousands in World Wars I and II, Korea, Viet Nam, and Iraq. Noted for outstanding research in agriculture, animal pathology, salt and fresh water fisheries, engineering, and nuclear technology. Information Center in Rudder Tower, open Mon.-Fri. 9a.m.-5p.m., provides information and maps for campus attractions:

"Albritton Bell Tower"; 49 bells cast in France with total weight of 17 tons, with largest weighing 6,500 pounds. Old Main Dr. and Wellborn Rd., College Station.

"Art Exhibits": J. Wayne Stark University Center Gallery, open Tues.-Fri. 9a.m.-5p.m.; Sat., Sun. noon-6p.m. Forsyth Gallery, open Mon.-Fri. 9a.m.-8p.m.; Sat., Sun. noon-6p.m. Both galleries in Memorial Student Center.

"Centennial Wood Carvings"; six walnut hand-carved panels depicting history of the university since 1876.

"Floral Test Garden" ; hundreds of varieties of seeds and bulbs cultivated to test adaptability of local climate. Houston and Jersey Sts.

"Sam Houston Sanders Corps of Cadets Center"; exhibits honoring the past, present, and future of Texas A&M University and it's Corps of Cadets; miniature canons, swords, guns, flags, library, Hall of Honor, memorials, works of art, information center, gift shop and more; includes Metzger-Sanders Gun Collection with antique, historic firearms and weapons, and the Sam Houston Sanders commemorative Colt Collection. (409)862-2862.