FOOTBALL SEASON IS IN FULL SWING, WHICH MEANS IT’S TIME TO HIT THE ROAD FOR AN

ACTION-PACKED 36 HOURS IN ONE OF THESE FIVE HOT SEC TOWNS. GRAB YOUR SCHOOL

COLORS, GAS UP THE CAR, AND HIKE!

BY ALISON ABBEY, KRISTIN LUNA, AND ERIN BYERS MURRAY

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Friday4 p.m. Pull up to the full-service Hotel Capstone, your base for the weekend and home of 150 contemporary-style rooms. Since you’re staying so close to the National Champion-ship Trophy, be sure to take a peek—it can be glimpsed from the sidewalk below Mal Moore Athletic Facility. 7 p.m. Your Saturday is going to get rowdy, so steal away for a quiet dinner tonight at Evangeline’s, one of Tuscaloosa’s only fine dining, white-tablecloth establishments. Decadent items like lobster ravioli and shrimp and stone ground grits pepper the menu.

9 p.m. Enjoy a nightcap and some live music at Innisfree irish Pub before retiring to your hotel for the evening. (Remember: Tailgat-ing starts early!)

Saturday9 a.m. Grab a bite to eat at Waysider, a local landmark dishing out Southern staples like biscuits and gravy, country ham, short stacks, and beig-nets. From there, the Tuscaloosa River Market (open every Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon) showcases a bevy of artisan prod-ucts—from pottery to honey—and is a fun way to kill a few hours before kickoff. 1 p.m. Prior to heading to the quad to tailgate,

With 15 national championships to its name, including back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2012, the University of Alabama is among the SEC’s strongest compet-itors—and they know how to throw a party, too. —K.L.

SCHOOL: University of Alabama STADIUM: Bryant-Denny StadiumMASCOT: Big Al the ElephantBATTLE CRY: “Roll Tide!”

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA

brush up on your college football history at Paul W. Bryant Museum. For a little retail therapy, you can pick up select Alabama merch at the museum shop, or stroll through the sea of crimson crowding The Strip—the campus’ main drag, University

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Boulevard—for some serious people-watch-ing mixed with win-dow-shopping at local boutiques Effi s and Perfect Touch. 7 p.m. Order the catch of the day, like black grou-per or red snapper, from Chuck’s Fish, a casual joint serving steaks, seafood caught fresh from the Gulf, wood-fired pizzas, and more than two dozen types of rolls made at the restau-rant’s sushi bar. 10 p.m. Any game night must end with the signature Yellowhammer (a punch with vodka, Malibu rum, dark rum, pineapple juice, and orange juice) at Gallettes, a total hole in the wall that’s been around since the late ’70s. Not only is it a true college tradition to hit up this dive post-game—the patio

is always packed—but it’s also the closest bar to the stadium.

Sunday10 a.m. Sleep in then enjoy brunch at Five, where you’ll have—you guessed it—five choic-es each of entrees (like crab cakes Benedict or chicken and waffles), sides, and drinks. Bonus: Sundays feature live music, a Bloody Mary bar, and bottomless mimosas…if you haven’t gotten your fill earlier in the weekend. 2 p.m. Take a spin around campus to see what all you missed on game day before making the three-hour drive home. Many of the stately sorority and fraternity mansions of Greek Row have recently been renovat-ed and are definitely worth a gander.

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Friday4 p.m. After checking into the cozy 5 Twelve Bed & Breakfast, head into town, where the game-day crowds are starting to arrive—even against the sea of Ole Miss red, the historic town square is still an image of casual, small-town Southern charm. Take a stroll while popping into stylish boutiques, like Cicada and Maison Weiss 2. At Square Books and Off Squa e Books, you can peruse stacks of first editions or whole sections dedicated to Faulkner, espresso, and Southern studies.

7 p.m. City Grocery has be-

come the culinary heart of Oxford, with chef John Currence presid-ing in the kitchen and pumping out a blend of both Southern and international flavors, like grilled Malaysian barbecue chicken thighs and Szechuan cashew catfish.

9 p.m. It’s time to grab your spot on The Grove, the 10-acre site that on game day transforms into a tent city, with some outfits boasting chandeliers, faux Greek columns, white linens, and crystal stemware. Once you’ve pitched a tent, celebrate with a pint at The Library Sports Bar.

OXFORD, MISSISSIPPIThe home of one of the most be-loved—and civilized—tailgates in the South is also where you’ll still find traces of the life and times of local boy–turned–literary giant William Faulkner. Spend at least part of your visit on the quaint-as-can-be town square and you will experience traces of tradition, Southern charm, scholarly love, and of course, a pretty fierce dis-play of school spirit. —E.B.M.

SCHOOL: University of MississippiSTADIUM: Vaught-Hemingway StadiumMASCOT: Rebel Black Bear BATTLE CRY: “Hotty Toddy!”

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Saturday8 a.m. Up and at ’em, espe-cially if kickoff is at noon, since tailgating starts early in this town. For a little pre-game fuel, stop off at Bottletree Bakery for a whole-wheat muffin and a Bump & Grind, which is coffee with a shot of espresso.

10 a.m. Two hours before game time, you’ll want to join the other well-dressed fans on The Grove to cheer on the team as they head into the stadium during the walk of champions—and practice your “Hotty Toddy!” chant, of course.

7:30 p.m. If game day hasn’t entirely tuckered you out, make your way out of town toward Taylor, about 15 minutes down the road, where the rustic

Taylor Grocery and Restaurant puts out some of the South’s finest fried catfish. Enjoy the dish with sweet tea or your own brown bag of wine or liquor.

11 p.m. Make one last stop at 4 Corners, a Chevron gas station just off the square where, for better or worse, Oxford’s night owls gather to socialize—and indulge in a late-night treat called chicken on a stick.

Sunday10 a.m. Sleep in for a bit before hitting Big Bad Breakfast on your way out of town. Order the Dear American Airlines plate, loaded with country ham, eggs, and grits, plus a dollop of tomato gravy—it’s just the thing to leave you longing for your next trip back.

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Friday4 p.m. Pull into town and make your way to the Oliver Hotel, an 1876 building that houses Knoxville’s only boutique stay. After you’ve gotten settled in one of the 28 well-appointed rooms, kick off your weekend with a cocktail at the hidden speakeasy-style bar downstairs, Peter Kern Library.

7 p.m. Enjoy the pleasant fall weather with a plate of wings and a brew in the recently renovated canopied beer garden at Sweet P’s Downtown Dive. Be sure to pack a blanket or lawn chair so you have a perch for the weekly Movies on Market Square (Friday nights through October 16).

10 p.m. If you’re looking for late-night action, meander down to the Old City, where you can kick up your heels with a little dancing at Hanna’s Cafe, catch a live show at Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria, or keep tabs on other games from a spot at the English-inspired gastropub Crown & Goose. Saturday9 a.m. Order a shot of caffeine at Three Bears Coffee Company from the weekly Market Square Farmers’ Market, then take your time perusing the other wares. The market offers much more than just food (though there’s plenty of that, too): Stress the Seams sells license plates repurposed into items

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE

SCHOOL: University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleSTADIUM: Neyland StadiumMASCOT: Smokey the Bluetick CoonhoundBATTLE CRY: “Go Big Orange!”

Boasting (arguably) the greatest song in all of college football, a 102,455-seat stadium, and a sea of orange and white, the University of Tennessee makes the SEC game day experience tip-top. Rocky Top, that is. —K.L.

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like birdhouses, Sarah Brobst Designs makes jewelry and more out of upcycled materials, and Sassy Glass Studios creates glass works of art, from bobby pins to cheese plates made from old wine bottles. 1 p.m. Since you’re already in the area, you might as well grab a calzone at The Tomato Head’s recently expanded Market Square location before jumping aboard a Knox Brew Tour. This hop-on, hop-off beer shuttle will transport you to the city’s best bars and tasting rooms as you acquaint yourself with the booming craft beer scene.

4 p.m. Just be sure you’re on the campus and near Volunteer Boulevard before the 330-member Pride of the Southland, Knoxville’s famed marching band, makes its musical procession to the stadium, signaling that the game is about to start.

8 p.m. Have dinner high above town at Icon—the restaurant on the fifth floor of the glimmering World’s Fair monument, the Sunsphere—and celebrate a game well

played as you look out over the city.

10 p.m. It’s time to get rowdy. The Strip (aka Cumberland Avenue) is always bustling after a game, while the over-college-aged set often gravitates to the more, ahem, grown-up bars of Gay Street, like Downtown Grille & Brewery and Sapphire, a jewelry store turned cocktail lounge. Sunday

10 a.m. Knox Mason chef-owner Matt Gallaher’s brunch fare runs the gamut of savory and sweet, breakfast and lunch, with regular fixtures like fresh pork rinds, eggs Monroe, a pork belly sandwich, catfish and grits, and funnel cake with cinnamon sugar on the menu.

Noon Take advantage of the last remaining warm days of fall: Go for a drive in the Smokies, try your hand at kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in the safety of a historic quarry with Billy Lush Board Shop, or hit the open waters of the Tennessee River with a kayak rented from River Sports Outfit ers. Both companies also offer group outings and guided tours.

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Friday4 p.m. Arrive at Georgia Game Day Center, the ultimate place to stay for football fans. These Bulldog-themed one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites are available to rent for the weekend—or longer. Located two blocks from campus, they’re the perfect base and even offer full kitchens so you can prep your tailgate before walking to the stadium.

5 p.m. Head to Hugh Acheson’s 5 & 10 to snack on South-ern-inspired dishes like black eyed pea hummus, day boat scallops, and a killer pimento cheese com-plete with bacon mar-malade. Wash it all

down with one of the restaurant’s signature cocktails: The 13th Colony Cup—a mix of Pimm’s, bourbon, peach, lemon, and mint—is a fitting way to toast the start of a weekend in Athens.

8 p.m. Catch a show at the famed Georgia The-atre, whose storied history dates back to 1889 (when it was built by the Athens YMCA). This incred-ible venue has hosted hometown rockers like R.E.M. and The B-52s and interna-tional sensations like The Police. Though it was gutted by a fire in 2009, it was gloriously restored and resurrected two years later. Be sure to grab drinks on The Roof Top and take in

the stunning views of downtown Athens.

Saturday11 a.m. Nosh on award-win-ning game day grub at Last Resort Grill, including The Blow Oskar’s Sister—a grilled chicken sand-wich with tomatillo chimichurri salsa and melted Monterey jack cheese, topped with fresh guacamole—or Chuck’s Carolina crab cakes, and whet your pregame whistle with a Georgia Peach (Hangar One man-darin vodka, Leopold Georgia peach vodka, orange cream, and Vya sweet vermouth). And come early. Last Resort doesn’t take reservations, and the wait, while worth it, can be up to two hours on football Saturdays.

1 p.m. Not in town for the game? Explore the local shopping scene. Heery’s Clothes Closet in the heart of downtown offers designers like Marc Jacobs, Trina Turk, and Tibi. And if you’re looking for a gift for the pigskin fan in your life, try Heery’s Too. Just down the street from its sister store, this interiors boutique offers unique decor, including UGA-themed goods. If you’re in the mood for a throwback, visit Agora, stocked with vintage art, clothing, jewelry, and vinyl.

3 p.m. Join 92,000 of your closest friends as you make your way to Sanford Stadium and

cheer on the Bulldogs “between the hedges.”

8 p.m. Recharge and refuel at Clocked! This after-game hot spot serves up to-die-for diner fare using organic local ingredients. The burgers and tots are sure to hit the spot after a long day of fun.

Sunday11 a.m. After sleeping off a win (or loss), gather at South Kitchen

+ Bar for brunch. Traditionalists will love the biscuits and gravy, banana pancakes, and Low Country shrimp ’n’ grits, while the more daring diners won’t be able to resist the fried green tomato Benny with bacon and hollandaise alongside white cheddar grits. Also available: the Meatatarian Skillet, which consists of hash browns covered with onions, bacon, pork belly, apple-sage sausage, cheddar cheese, and a fried egg.

ATHENS, GEORGIASpend a Dawg day afternoon in a town renowned for its Southern charm, killer bar scene, and love affair with the game. With 14 conference championship wins under their belts, the University of Georgia Bulldogs know football. And the town of Athens knows how to have a good time. —A.A.

SCHOOL: University of GeorgiaSTADIUM: Sanford StadiumMASCOT: Georgia BulldogsBATTLE CRY: “How ’bout them dawgs?!”

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Friday5 p.m. After a five-hour drive, you’ll be ready to kick up your heels at The Hotel at Auburn Uni-versity and Dixon Conference Center, the largest—and nic-est—hotel in town with a convenient locale in the heart of campus.

7 p.m. Grab a bite at Maestro 2300, a relaxed, contemporary Amer-ican spot offering a number of steak and fish selections and an impressive wine list to boot. For the diner with restrictions, there are plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options.

9 p.m. Sip your way through the list of classic

cocktails—like a frosty Moscow Mule—at the dimly lit Avondale Bar and Tap Room, celebrated for its stellar bourbon and scotch selection, before hitting the sack.

Saturday10 a.m. Have a late breakfast at Crepe Myrtle—a cafe that serves crepes both savory (like buf-falo chicken or Philly steak) and sweet (try the Simply Naughty: sliced bananas topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream, cin-namon, and banana liqueur). Then head into nearby Opelika to sample the Hay Shed Saison or Hop Jubilee at the newly opened Red Clay Brewing Company, a taproom and brewery that’s the

brainchild of a pair of homebrewing Au-burn alums.

2 p.m. Check out the game day action at Toomer’s Corner and, while you’re in the vicini-ty, grab a treat from the soda fountain at Toomer’s Drugs, a pharmacy that’s been around for more than a century. Four hours before the game, Tiger Fan Fest—an interac-tive area of free fun for game-goers—opens up in front of the Nichols Center on Donahue Drive. Just be sure to stick around for Tiger Walk, a long-standing Auburn tradition that happens two hours before each kickoff.

7 p.m. Skip out of the game

early—especially if Auburn is already winning by a land-slide—and claim a table at The Depot, a brand new fine dining experience that opened in the historic train depot last month. The brasserie-style seafood concept specializes in fresh Atlantic and Gulf offerings but also serves Southern favorites like steak and pork chops made from a custom wood-fired grill. Plus, there’s a full bar with a dozen or so beers on tap and a carefully curated

wine list from regions around the world.

10 p.m. Squeeze in one last thrill at the famed War Eagle Supper Club, which will close its doors on New Year’s Day after more than 75 years in the location.

Sunday10 a.m. On Sunday mornings, there’s no hotter place to be than The Hound, a three-year-old restau-rant that has quickly become Auburn’s most

popular hangout. And with dishes like granola French toast and a fried green tomato stack with Andouille cream sauce, fried egg, and homemade green relish—not to mention brunch cocktails like a sriracha Blood Mary and bottomless mimo-sas (none of which can be served until noon per state law)—it’s easy to see why. There’s al-ready a line by the time the restaurant opens its doors, so arrive early to avoid an hour-long (or more) wait.

AUBURN, ALABAMAThe sworn in-state rival of the Tide, Auburn can hold its own both on the football front—the Tigers have their own pair of national championships, the most recent being 2010—and in the tailgating realm. —K.L.

SCHOOL: Auburn UniversitySTADIUM: Jordan-Hare StadiumMASCOT: Aubie the Tiger BATTLE CRY: “War Eagle!”

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GET TO THE GAME ON TIMEThe problem: You want to make it to a game but don’t feel like making the drive to your favorite SEC town. The solution: Spring for a chartered flight in tead.

Andrew Bettis has been transporting both business and leisure clients all over the United States and the Caribbean since founding AB Jets in 1999; he’s also discovered a niche with the game day crowd. Private charters on Bettis’ flee of eight jets—each of which holds six to eight passengers—can prove to be a relatively hassle-free way to get to small-er towns not well connected to major airports, cutting a four-hour drive down to 45 minutes or less in the air. Not to mention, passengers are screened in advance, allowing them to arrive at the jet just moments before de-parture and completely bypass the time involved in a typical airport check-in and TSA process.

“Our clients pack as many friends in the jet as they can, and they all just have a great time,” Bettis says.

Once on the ground, some customers have their next move preplanned, while others figu e it out after they arrive.

“Typically, the smaller airports we fl into cater to the game day crowd, and a lot of times, they’ll have shuttles—for $10 a head, they’ll put you on a van [to the campus],” Bettis explains. “Other-wise, our customers usually have a car and driver waiting or have arranged for transportation.”

He adds that AB Jets has to keep departure times within certain parame-ters because the pilots can only be on duty for a set amount of time, but it’s a large enough window that customers can get to the destination, tailgate, and enjoy the game before heading home. (abjets.com)

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For more tips on traveling in style this fall, read our Q&A with Andrew Bettis on NashvilleLifestyles.com.

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