Image courtesy of Tori Petry
You might know me as a travel advisor with Fora—but on fall weekends, I transform into something completely different: a college football sideline reporter. It's an unusual combination, I'll admit, but it's given me a unique perspective on what makes college football towns truly special. I've covered games across the country, stayed in countless hotels, and eaten my way through many college towns. Now I'm bringing that insider knowledge to you.
As someone who has spent years traveling professionally to sporting events around the country, I can assure you a good game weekend goes beyond the stadium - it's about the entire weekend experience. From century-old traditions that give you chills to hole-in-the-wall restaurants that define a town's character, each destination has its own personality.
Why trust a travel advisor with your college football weekend
Here's what I've learned from years of planning these trips: game day logistics are more complicated than you think. Hotels book up months in advance, restaurants have special game-day hours, and traffic patterns completely change. That's where having a Fora Advisor comes in handy. We know which hotels are within walking distance of stadiums, which restaurants take reservations during game weekends, and how to time everything perfectly so you're not stressed about missing the game when you should be enjoying yourself.
Reach out and have a Fora advisor design the perfect game weekend. There's nothing quite like experiencing these traditions firsthand.
SEC: Where I got my start
Since I went to an SEC school, let's start with the conference I know best. The Southeastern Conference delivers some of the most passionate fan bases and legendary traditions in college football.
Alabama: Tuscaloosa
The tradition you can't miss: Singing "Dixieland Delight" in the fourth quarter—the whole stadium erupts
Where to stay: The Alamite, a stylish boutique hotel downtown
Where to eat: The Waysider for brunch—it's a Crimson Tide staple
What to do: Stroll the Riverwalk along the Black Warrior River when you need a break from tailgating
Arkansas: Fayetteville
The tradition you can't miss: Calling the hogs before kickoff—you'll learn the hand motions quickly
Where to stay: Stonebreaker Hotel, right near campus
Where to eat: Hugo's, the basement burger joint every Razorback knows
What to do: Stroll Dickson Street for the full college nightlife experience
Auburn: Alabama
The tradition you can't miss: Rolling Toomer's Corner after a win—it's a rite of passage
Where to stay: The Laurel Hotel & Spa for luxury right by campus
Where to eat: Niffer's Place, a quirky Auburn classic that's been around forever
What to do: Get fresh-squeezed lemonade at Toomer's Drugs—trust me on this one
Florida: Gainesville
The tradition you can't miss: Singing Tom Petty's "Won't Back Down" before the 4th quarter—a newer but legendary game day tradition
Where to stay: AC Hotel downtown for easy access to everything
Where to eat: Satchel's Pizza for funky vibes or Dragonfly for upscale sushi
What to do: Hike Paynes Prairie to see bison and real Florida gators
Georgia: Athens
The tradition you can't miss: “Callin the Dawgs”—don’t be shy about getting into the bark
Where to stay: Rivet House for a boutique spot with a great restaurant, Osteria Olio
Where to eat: Cali N Tito’s for a local’s fave Latin American fare
What to do: Visit the State Botanical Garden of Georgia—beautiful and run by the university
Kentucky: Lexington
The tradition you can't miss: "My Old Kentucky Home" sung before games
Where to stay: The Manchester, a design-forward hotel in the Distillery District
Where to eat: County Club for bourbon and barbecue
What to do: Hit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail while you're here
LSU: Baton Rouge
The tradition you can't miss: Singing "Callin' Baton Rouge" before kickoff
Where to stay: The Watermark downtown
Where to eat: Parrain's, a staple for Louisiana-style seafood
What to do: Do not skip tailgating here—it just might be the best tailgating food of your life
Ole Miss: Oxford
The tradition you can't miss: The "Hotty Toddy" chant is absolutely legendary
Where to stay: The Oliver Hotel on the square
Where to eat: Snackbar, James Beard-nominated and chef-driven
What to do: Experience tailgating in The Grove—hard to beat the tailgating scene here
Mississippi State: Starkville
The tradition you can't miss: More cowbell, always
Where to stay: Courtyard Starkville right by campus
Where to eat: The Little Dooey for authentic barbecue
What to do: Wander the Cotton District, full of local bars and colorful houses
Missouri: Columbia
The tradition you can't miss: The "M-I-Z / Z-O-U" call and response
Where to stay: The Tiger Hotel, a historic landmark
Where to eat: Flat Branch Brewing for burgers and beer
What to do: Stroll The District, Columbia's buzzing downtown area
Oklahoma: Norman
The tradition you can't miss: The Sooner Schooner after touchdowns is iconic
Where to stay: Noun Hotel, sleek and walkable
Where to eat: Pepe Delgado's for Tex-Mex
What to do: Grab a Sooner Swirl at The Mont—it's a frozen margarita with sangria
South Carolina: Columbia
The tradition you can't miss: The towels waving for "Sandstorm" is a sight to behold
Where to stay: The Graduate with school spirit baked into the design
Where to eat: Groucho's Deli in Five Points, the original and a local fave
What to do: Visit Congaree National Park, just a short drive away
Tennessee: Knoxville
The tradition you can't miss: Singing "Rocky Top" with 100,000 fans is absolutely electric
Where to stay: Hotel Cleo, Knoxville's chic new boutique option
Where to eat: Calhoun's on the River for riverside dining
What to do: Stroll Market Square and Gay Street for shops and nightlife
Texas: Austin
The tradition you can't miss: Bevo, the live Longhorn mascot
Where to stay: Austin Proper with all the design details and rooftop views
Where to eat: Franklin or Terry Black's for barbecue royalty
What to do: Cool off at Barton Springs Pool
Texas A&M: College Station
The tradition you can't miss: The Midnight Yell the night before — it's one of the more unique traditions in college football
Where to stay: The George, Texas chic with modern cowboy touches
Where to eat: Dixie Chicken, an Aggie institution
What to do: Visit the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library while you're in town
Vanderbilt: Nashville
The tradition you can't miss: Start your game day with Vanderbilt's Star Walk
Where to stay: Virgin Hotels Nashville for something chic near campus
Where to eat: San Antonio Taco Company, better known as SATCO
What to do: Stroll Centennial Park to see the full-scale Parthenon
Learn more football intel on where to stay for bowl games here.