Billy and I went on our second of three annual trips last week. The first, in the spring, is to Jefferson, Texas. We leave our house by the pond in the forest to go stay in a cabin by a pond in the forest and mosey Jefferson’s beautiful downtown streets. The second trip, this past one, is the one where we leave our house by the pond full of ducks we feed daily and go to Sattler, Texas where we stay in a loft by a river full of ducks we feed daily before moseying around the outlet mall and Cabella’s. For the third trip, in November, we’ll leave our house in East Texas’ hilly countryside to stay in a cabin/triplex in the Texas Hill Country for our annual hunt. Guess you could say we like staying in the country.
Our trip started Saturday, when we ran to Bryan and did some things for Mom for which she treated us to lunch–some sort of something I don’t even remember but hearty enough that I broke a tooth. So tooth #14 is now a tri-cuspid molar waiting for repair Wednesday of this week (please pray for me–this repair will involve the needle).
Jen, John & Amelia (Christmas 2008)
But one of the best parts about Saturday was getting to see the Js and Amelia. The Js are our daughter and son, Jennifer and Joshua, and Jen’s husband, John. Amelia is our absolutely adorable four-year-old granddaughter who gave her grampie at least 20 kisses while trying to pull his whiskers out.
The Js recommended we go to downtown Bryan for supper, which was a wonderful surprise for me. I was raised in Bryan, and Bryanites in my age group were among the last to see the downtown area die. I remember being six years old or so, and trying to keep up with Mom while we shopped the stores in the early ’60s, when ’50s generation ladies, in their shirt-waist dresses with seamed hose and shoes that matched their purses, came face-to-face with the new generation of tie-dye and bell bottoms. The Palace and Queen theaters held movies like The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit and Herbie, the Love Bug. Those were the days when Petula Clark sang “Downtown,” and the words had meaning.
Then in the ’70s a new phenomena appeared: the Mall. Manor East Mall went up on Villa Maria, near my childhood home, and downtown Bryan died a slow, painful death. The only businesses to survive were Catalina Hatters and the True Value stores. The theaters closed, the hotels were eventually boarded up–even the library relocated. The courthouse and city buildings kept the area viable, but as a fun place for families to go and have fun? Nope. The entire area became dangerous after dark. And that’s how I remembered downtown Bryan even after I left the city.
But, now, in 2009, the Js were not only recommending we go downtown–they suggested going after dark! The whole idea was exhilarating–like dropping in on Freddie just before his next killing spree.
Imagine my surprise to see the old town looking so good.
You can’t tell from the picture, but the A&M kids have turned the downtown area into a happening place. When we were there (granted, it wasn’t that late–just after seven), cars and kids were everywhere. It’s a beautiful area now, far more attractive than I remember.
We ate at a place affectionately called Casa Rod–Casa Rodriguez
. It was so crowded, we actually had to wait for a table. Billy had the fried, beef-stuffed avacado; Jen had the same, only stuffed with chicken. I haven’t figured out how they get the pit out and put it back together around the filling yet, but they bread it with what looks to be panko crumbs and flash fry it just long enough for the crumbs to crisp. Although I had the tamales, I slipped a bite of Billy’s avacado–and was sorry I didn’t order it myself!
Casa Rod was established in 1978, but it wasn’t located downtown. Now, it’s one of several restaurants there. It’s wonderful to see my old stomping grounds vibrant again.
And it was wonderful being with the Js and Amelia and pigging out on some of Bryan’s best fare. What a great start to our vacation.
Our next stop was in Bremond for the bazaar–what ’til ya hear about that!
What fun!! I bet the Js and Amelia and downtown Bryan appreciated you, likewise.
I look forward to more.
It was fun. And to add to your story (forgot to tell you this), but on the first Friday of every month, downtown has ‘First Fridays’ and the area is buzzing… There are musicians out in the street all night, playing their tunes, artists and just general fun for people of all ages! Here’s a link:
http://www.downtownbryan.com/firstfridays.php
@Shaddy–yes, it was fun! Being with the family is always fun. I wish I had as many pics to share as you usually do from your trips, though. Mine didn’t come out too well.
@Jen–Oh, wow! I didn’t know that. Mom’s friend is coming from Georgia on the 6th–I wonder if she and Mom will have the energy to go hear the musicians. If nothing else, maybe we can cruise the drag and check out the scene. Thanks for the link and info!
My hometown is dying the slow death also, everyone ventures 20 or 30 miles to do their shopping. Before long it will be a “historical district”. Glad to see that Bryan has done some “urban renewal”.
Walk, it’s the same here in Nac–everyone goes to Lufkin to shop and eat out. As beautiful as this town is, it can’t seem to hold a store or a restaurant. The mall has only two major stores in it and is used primarily as a track for heart-healthy mall-walkers. Downtown changes stores as often as a politician changes his promises.
Do you have any idea how bad I want a fried avocado now?!
Sounds good, doesn’t it? I think I’m ready for one myself!