2017 Year in Review: Memorable Stories from Around the Brazos Valley in 2017

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As 2018 comes barreling down the track, it's nice to take a moment to pause and reflect on some memorable stories in the Brazos Valley from 2017. Weather you feel like the year passed in the blink of an eye or dragged on with no end; we've got highlights from 2017 worth reviewing.

Glitter & Grit: The Junk Gypsies

Texas A&M graduates and sisters Amie and Jolie Sikes have built a business that tackles selling everything from clothes and jewelry to repurposed “junk” and completing bigger projects for celebrity friends like Miranda Lambert. In this article we gained insight on how the sister’s junking empire got its start, learned about their show, and caught a glimpse of the piece of their heart the Brazos Valley holds.

Hats Off! Peek Under the Brim at Catalena Hatters

Customers from all over the Brazos Valley, country, and world make a pilgrimage to Catalina Hatters in Downtown Bryan to purchase custom hats. This family owned and operated business uses 100-year-old machinery to produce high quality hats built to fit customers’ heads and personalities. Our article provides a peek inside the hat making world and family dynamic at Catalena Hatters.

Picture This: A Planned Wellness Community in the Heart of Bryan College Station

The ideal community has plenty of outdoor activities, places to eat, shop, stay, and be entertained, and is in the backyard of good schools and healthcare facilities. In this article we learned that the Traditions Club and Community extensions, ATLAS and Lake Walk, put the perfect community in the Brazos Valley.

Hidden Treasure: Around the World in 120 Minutes (or less)

The Franklin Drive-Thru Safari places exotic animals like zebras, giraffes, peacocks, and more just a cup full of feed away from its visitors. More than 800 animals from 100 different species call the Franklin Drive-Thru Safari home. The zoo’s owner and nutritionist and our writer shed light on what a trip to the safari is like in this article.

Running on Empty: College Students and Sleep Deprivation

If the bags under your eyes wouldn’t make it through security at the airport, this is a must read article. Weather you’re a college student, hard working parent, or sleep deprived employee this article provides a wealth of information about sleep deprivation and how to prevent it from creeping into your life.

Not your Granddad’s Northgate: Loupot’s, The Chicken, and Shiner! Oh My!

If your granddad were an Aggie, would he recognize Northgate today? History and tradition may be the backbone of the Texas A&M University community, but North Gate seems to be continuously changing. This article provides a look back at how Northgate has changed over the years to become the popular bar district it is today.

Got a Little Story for Ya, Ags! Reminiscing with a Former Yell Leader

In this story we meet Tom Miller, or “Killer Miller” as his classmates at Texas A&M University called him. Miller was a yell leader during the 1957-58 school year, and shares tales of his interactions with Coach Bear Bryant and John David Crow.

Detail in the Design: Custom Boots for Your Perfect Day

Here in the Lone-Star State leather boots are popular for wedding footwear. Brides, groomsmen, and guests are all likely to show off their boots at weddings in Texas. In our September issue we learned how the Mule Barn Boutique in College Station caters to this trend by creating custom boots for your perfect day.

50 Plus & Fabulous: How to Fight Back Against 10 Common Health Issues

This article highlights tips and tricks to help keep the golden years golden. Ten common health issues faced by people 50 and up are discussed in this article. With seniors currently making up 12 percent of the world’s population, it is important to foster an understanding for the challenges faced with aging.

Top Trends For Outdoor Living: Tips From the Experts

How do you maximize your backyards potential? Start by reading this article highlighting tips and trends for outdoor living from local experts. From swimming pools to outdoor home entertainment systems, this article covers it all.