College football is more than just the field. It attracts fans from all walks of life, including the electric stadiums and rabid fans. There are also the tailgating, road trips and parties. It can be just as fun to visit the bars and restaurants in the vicinity of your team's rival or favorite team -- or even more depending on how the final score is.
Our college football reporters set out to create a week-by, week-by-week guide for the ultimate college football road trip. It highlights the best spots for food, drink, and revelry along the route, as well as some great games. It's not an easy job but it's something that everyone has to do.
Pack your stuff, get on the gas and prepare for an unforgettable road trip.
Week 1: UNC at Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia
Virginia Tech is like a vacation in the mountains, complete with a little bit of Metallica and some good cocktails. A three-step plan that includes prep, enjoyment and recovery is the best way to make the most of your time in Blacksburg. Preparation begins the day before the big event. You can eat at Rivermill or The Cellar, or if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, the Blacksburg Wine Lab will provide all of your nutrition. You can then make your way to Sharkey’s on Main Street for cheap drinks and a great patio. The final stop for Friday should be Top of the Stairs. This landmark is New Orleans-inspired and offers Blacksburg's most famous beverage, The Rail. Reddit described it as "Self Hatred mixed with Sprite." It is not recommended before the noon kickoff. Consume at your own risk.
While game day is all about the tailgate and the food, don't forget to grab a Carol Lee Donuts breakfast treat before you head to the stadium. You'll make new friends in this welcoming crowd. Center Street is often a chaotic mix of student tailgates and adult-oriented celebrations. However, Lane Stadium is adjacent to the lot where more adult-oriented events are held. The spaces surrounding the dorms serve as prime real estate. You can bring drinks to share with new neighbors. You should get to your seats no later than 30 minutes before kickoff. This will allow you to catch the Hokies' iconic stadium entrance. The crowd shakes and shakes as they "Enter Sandman" the Hokies. Sundays are a great day for recovery, whether you're enjoying a delicious breakfast at Joe's Diner, or a ride on the New River Junction tube. You can take a few trips. You can also use the free shuttle service to return. You can also bring some extra drinks to make new friends. -- David Hale
Week 2: Oregon at Ohio State
Columbus, Ohio
Locals will likely dispute this itinerary, as there are so many choices in Columbus. There is no right answer and it may take you a while to fully digest all the food. My typical morning routine in Columbus begins with breakfast at Super Chef's. They believe that breakfast is art. I order the Cinnamon Toast Crunch waffles, and then add chicken to make a chicken and waffles. These cinnamon sugar waffles are topped with Cinnamon Toast Crunch flakes. They are delicious. Hot Chicken Takeover is my next stop for lunch and Nashville hot chile. Pick your meat, then choose your heat. I prefer the hot drumsticks with coleslaw and mac and cheese. Although you'll need to rest, once dinner is over, I love to go to The Thurman Cafe for a Thurmanator hamburger. The Thurmanator burger is a 12-ounce burger that's been topped with bacon, cheddar, and another 12-ounce pat. It's then topped with onions, mushrooms and American cheese, and finished with pickles. Jeni's Splendid ice creams is a great place to end your day. They have a wide selection of delicious flavors. -- Tom VanHaaren
Week 3: Alabama at Florida
Gainesville, Florida
The Swamp is the best place to go when visiting Gainesville to watch a football game. This information can be saved for 2022 when the Swamp restaurant will reopen in a new location. You can instead visit The Salty Dog Saloon on University Avenue, which has been serving drinks since 1962. You will find plenty of places on campus where you can enjoy the tailgating scene, from the O'Dome parking area all the way to Norman Hall, which is about a 15- to 20 minute walk from the stadium. As the Gator team enters the stadium, it is best to get there early to watch the Gator Walk. Satchel's Pizza is a short drive away from campus. Don't forget to grab a slice of pizza and a homemade soda. Ask to be served in the blue VW van. -- Andrea Adelson
It is an amazing sight to see more than 1,000 cadets march onto Michie Stadium. Danny Wild/USA Today Sports
Week 4: Miami (Ohio), at Army
West Point, New York
No matter what team Army is playing, you can still see the game at Michie Stadium. It's one of America's best venues for sports. Michie, a college football venue unlike any other, was built on the banks the Lusk Reservoir in 1924. It offers stunning views over the Hudson Valley and upstate New York. The campus is filled with beautiful architecture and will soon be changing as the leaves turn. It's also a landmark national historic site on an active military base. You'll want to spend time taking in the sights and gates six hours before kickoff. The parking lots can be difficult to find, and shuttle buses run for four and a half hours before kickoff. If the weather cooperates, there will be a full-dressed cadet parade three hours before kickoff. Black Knights Alley also opens with live music and food and drink tents. To see the 1,000 cadets taking to the field and the performance the national anthem, you'll need to be there with 20 minutes. A squad of American cadets, parachuting down from a helicopter to the middle of the field, will remind you that you are watching America's Team. Dave Wilson
Week 5: Auburn at LSU
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Take a tour of campus, then stop by Mike the Tiger's enclosure. It's rare that you can see a live tiger-mascot within a few feet of a football stadium. It's well worth the stop. Fleur de Lis offers Louisiana-style pizza. You didn't even know Louisiana pizza existed! It is delicious and rectangular. It's easy to find seafood that's delicious, whether you're looking for oysters at Drago’s or a po-boy from Parrain's. Don't eat too much on game day, as tailgating on campus is available from early in the morning and will keep you going until the end. You shouldn't be afraid of making new friends and mingling with others because hospitality in Baton Rouge is about feeding everyone. Alex Scarborough
The Texas State Fair features a Ferris wheel that is nearly as big as a car, fair food, and, oh!, the Texas-Oklahoma Game. Kevin Jairaj/USA Today Sports
Week 6: Oklahoma vs. Texas
Dallas, Texas
You will be witnessing a bitter rivalry within a major city. This trip will be focused on Fair Park in South Dallas. The State Fair of Texas runs for 24 consecutive day since 1929. This is where the Longhorns and the Sooners have met. (As Texans we are required to remind you this fair has the longest running fair in the country. The world's largest cowboy, Big Tex is there to greet visitors. There's also a 212-foot tall Ferris wheel, Texas Star, which offers spectacular views of the city and a bird's eye view into the Cotton Bowl. Fair food is the main attraction of the weekend. Fletcher's Corny Dog is required. Then, you can move around and see what other bizarre concoctions mad scientists have in store. The award finalists this year have something for everyone. Deep-fried seafood gumbo balls and deep-fried I-35 are two examples. A Czech pastry called a Kolache, which is filled with smoked beef brisket and topped with a peach/Dr. Garnished with peach slices and pepper glaze. You might also try brisket Brittle and garnished with peach slices. This is the perfect thing to keep you sugar high for college football's most intense rivalry, which will see the two sides split down the 50 yard line. Wilson
Week 7: Cal at Oregon
Eugene, Oregon
Oregon's Autzen stadium is the best place to spend a Saturday in fall. It is a must-see for any college football fan and offers a unique game-day experience in the Pac-12. Eugene is home to more than 100,000 people. While it doesn't have the same college town feel as Washington State or Oregon State, there is more charm in Eugene than in major metropolitan areas surrounding the conference. There are many bars, restaurants, and tailgating spots that can host a sold out game. This allows for the town to still generate the same buzz as larger cities. Sam's Place Tavern is a great choice if you prefer a sports bar scene. There's a shuttle service to the stadium and Trev's Sports Bar & Grill is just across the Willamette River from campus. It won't take long to find a tailgate. There will be thousands of people around Autzen. There's a chance that you will meet new people and walk around. Kyle Bonagura
Week 8 -- Doubleheader!
Coastal Carolina at Appalachian State, Wed.
Boone, North Carolina
Boone, North Carolina is, in my opinion, the best college town that college football fans have never heard of. Boone is a mountain town that has a great beer and food culture. It also offers a game-day atmosphere that rivals the best of the Group of Five (and maybe even better than some of the big guys). Take a walk down King Street to find some pre-game entertainment and food. You can also stop by Macado's and Melanie's for delicious craft beers. For a big game, head to the tailgate. It takes over every square inch of campus. You can find the Library Deck as the prime spot. Ask around to get a local to point you towards Big C's tailgate at River Street. It's legendary. You must get to the stadium before kickoff. Kickoff is a great atmosphere with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Grab a burger from the Come Back Shack after the game. Then, celebrate an App State win or drown your sorrows at The Annex where the party will continue late into the evening. Don't forget to leave campus. Blowing Rock is accessible by the Blue Ridge Parkway, and has many great restaurants, such as Woodlands Barbecue and The Speckled Trout. They also have a large beer-and wine list. You can then burn calories by taking one of the many breathtaking hikes. Keep hydrated. Hale
USC at Notre Dame (Sat.)
South Bend, Indiana
If you're looking for something simple and delicious, you can't go wrong eating Rocco's Pizza. Their comfort food is Italian-style, which they don't mind calling. CJ's Pub offers a variety of burgers, including a 5-ounce, 10-ounce and 20-ounce burgers. For obvious reasons, the 20-ouncer is known as the Golden Domer. If you are looking for traditional American cuisine or unique beers, the Evil Czech Brewery might be a good choice. Although you wouldn't expect great barbecue in Northwest Indiana to be available, The Prized Pig is an excellent option. Tippecanoe place, a restaurant located in an 1800s-built mansion, offers a more luxurious experience. -- VanHaaren
The Florida-Georgia tailgate is known as the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. It tends to live up its name. Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP
Week 9: Georgia vs. Florida
Jacksonville, Florida
This series is still known for being "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party." Reason no. Reason No. 1: Drinking starts early, in many cases even days before, and the drinks flow just like the St. Johns River that runs through Jacksonville. Reason number 2. Reason 2. There are just too many parties in the area surrounding the stadium. You don't need a lot of money to have a good time. You can also party on your boat along the river. Between the RVs and cars, there are alumni clubs of both schools that host tailgates. There is also live music everywhere. The RV lot partying begins three days before kickoff. Despite the 67,000 people that TIAA Bank Field can hold, almost twice as many people attend tailgates each year. That is really the best advice. Take a sip, enjoy the sights, and make new friends. Adelson
Week 10: LSU at Alabama
Tuscaloosa (Alabama)
During your visit to Tuscaloosa, you can lean into the nostalgia. Visit the Walk of Champions. Spend time at Bryant Museum. Enjoy breakfast at the Waysider Restaurant. Here you can order country sausage and red-eye gravy, along with biscuits, and then sit down at Paul "Bear' Bryant's table. You can't miss it. This is the one that Bryant's bust is at the center of. You can then get barbecue at Archibald's or Dreamland, two of the town's most famous restaurants. While I don't want to get into a heated debate about which one is better, they are both great -- but it's worth trying to see their original locations. Grab a Yellow Hammer drink from Gallettes before heading to Bryant-Denny Stadium. Scarborough
Week 11: Texas A&M University at Ole Miss
Oxford, Mississippi
If you love classic Southern literature and long sentences, then Oxford is the place for you. The ghost of Mississippi's most celebrated writer is everywhere. If you don't like that, there are other options. You will find amazing food at Ajax Diner and City Grocery, as well as the Big Bad Breakfast. But the Saturday tailgate is the real star of this show. Ole Miss is the best at tailgating. It's like going back in time when you walk through the Grove. You will see men and women dressed in suits, as well as chandeliers hanging from the pop-up tents. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming to see what should be the main event. This is why you will often hear the phrase "We may not win every match, but we have never lost a party." Scarborough
Week 12: Iowa State at Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma
Campus Corner, an historic business district dating back to 1917, is the star of Norman's game day experience. There are many places to shop and eat in the area, including Othello’s, home to Barry Switzer’s famous "table of truth" and the Greek House. This traditional diner was founded by Greek immigrants in 1979 and is known for its spicy yogurt sauce. Visit the Legends Lobby of the Barry Switzer Center on the south side Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium for a brief history and to witness the dominance of one the sport's marquee programmes. The Sooners' five Heisman trophies as well as the statues of four coaches (Switzer, Bob Stoops and Bud Wilkinson) can be seen. They are the only school in the nation with this distinction. Finally, see if your gamer skills match those of Lincoln Riley, the current Sooners coach. Switzer met Riley at Benvenuti’s in Norman, where he was then the offensive coordinator for Stoops. Riley claims that the evening was filled with stories and too many glasses Switzer Family Vineyards wine, despite Riley's 5:30 a.m. practice. Riley proudly boasts that he made it. Wilson
Week 13: Ohio State at Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
If you are planning to attend a Ann Arbor game and you love food, I recommend you stop by on Wednesday so you can eat until Saturday. You can't go wrong with the variety of restaurants and shops available. Zingerman's is the best place to get fresh and unique sandwiches on homemade bread. Mr. Spots is also a popular spot that serves cheese steaks or wings. Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger, which is nearly 70 years old, will satisfy your craving for a burger. Jolly Pumpkin, a local brewery that is well-known for its diverse selection of beer and food, is also a good choice. Sava's, a more expensive option for lunch or brunch, is a good choice. You could continue the list, but Frita Batidos is a great place to eat Cuban street food. -- VanHaaren
