JuNK-A-PaLOOZA

Friday I "kidnapped" my husband from work (early) and we headed south.  My goal was to make it to College Station before dark and check out my very first Junk Gypsy event...JuNK-A-PaLOOZA!

We arrived in plenty of time to enjoy the event. 

The first thing I noticed were the signs about the event being filmed.

There were camera men everywhere...and they had their cameras rolling.

There were tents set up and all the "junk" was spread out so it was easy to shop.

There was also a GREAT band playing.  It made for an enjoyable shopping experience.

There were several couples dancing and everyone was enjoying the music.

Me...I wish I could afford the boots.  Even on sale, they would bust my budget, but a girl can dream!

I knew Emily would be all about this turquoise sink and heater...

There were plenty of skirts in every color and size!

Peter was very intrigued by this truck.  There was a "smoker" built into the back. Great way to take your BBQ with you when you're on the road.

There was something for everyone...

All in all I had a fun time at the event, and I bought a T-shirt to commemorate the event!

We left the JuNK-A-PaLOOZA around 7ish and headed to Bryan to find a place to stay over night. 

College Station is fun...but it's a college town and we wanted a quieter setting.  We headed to downtown Bryan and to the LaSalle Hotel.

The seven-story LaSalle Hotel was built in 1928. The hotel is now owned by the city of Bryan, which temporarily closed the property for a $6 million renovation before reopening in September of 2000. The "boutique hotel" has its all-original terrazzo lobby floor and each  guest rooms is outfitted with period antiques and reproductions.

Keep in mind, if you stay here, that there is a working railroad track on two sides of the hotel!  The train is required to blow the whistle...and believe me you can't miss that sound.  But, the bed was comfy and I didn't hear the early morning train.

The staff was very friendly (the girl at the front desk was actually from McKinney...small world!)

and helpful.

We asked for a recommendation for dinner...something local (no chain restaurant.)  We were told to eat at Caffe' Capri.

"Best Italian Restaurant" Award! 

It was not too crowded for a Friday night (we were a little later than the dinner hour) and only waited about 15 minutes for a table.

We started with an appetizer of Spicy Ravioli (cheese and jalapenos). 

Our waited brought fresh baked bread to our table and with one sniff...I decided at that very moment that I was not going to share that bread..so I ate the first 'basket'!  Peter did "tattle" to the waiter...he brought more.  It wasn't like there wasn't more in the kitchen!  REALLY?

I ordered the bowtie affair - bowtie pasta with a sundried tomato pesto, mushrooms & chicken in a feta cheese cream sauce. YUM!  Peter had the tilapia special, which he declared the best Italian meal he'd ever eaten!  The prices were very reasonable.  SO...if you make it to Bryan, eat at Caffe' Capri! 

Bryan and College Station have a lot to do and see, so be sure to make time to explore the area.  I love the old theater "The Queen".  The sign on the marquee states "Save the Queen!"  You can click the link to check out how to help or donate.

We had a very relaxing stay in Bryan...and I can now check off a "Junk Gypsy" event from my To Do List!

Leaving Bryan and heading to Navasota and Brenham next....

till tomorrow,

debi