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 GameDay Getaways
Fall Weekends Full of Football, Food and Fun
By James Lay
After years of the same old trips to the same old stomping grounds, college football weekends are more pain than pleasure. The comfy couch is better than the stadium’s backless metal bleacher. The fridge is stocked with cold beers, way more than that Igloo cooler can hold. And the HDTV gives a clearer view than the real thing.
In truth, nothing replicates tailgating before a game with friends, cheering with 60,000 strangers and revisiting those rowdy college bars from your undergrad days. But convenience and comfort suddenly overrule these truths.
For the sake of keeping these weekends intact, we have a suggestion: tweak your traditions. Transform the pesky car ride into a flight and the overcrowded local motel into a four-star resort. Instead of putting around town, putt on the greens of a great golf course. And still find plenty of time to grab a bite or a beer from your favorite old haunts.
Each getaway we’ve designed is like a mini-vacation molded around a college football game, complete with ideas for activities, as well as local bars, restaurants and places that always pack it in on game days. So leave the couch for the
winter, the television for the replays, the fridge for the leftovers and start
planning for the first game day getaway of fall.
 Weekend 1
Aug. 31 - Sept. 4
Florida State vs. Miami
When: Sept. 4, 8 p.m.
Where: Orange Bowl in Miami
The Game: Top nationally ranked ACC teams. Big in-state rivals. Traditional opening match-up. Barometer for ACC season.
Surrounding Areas: Florida Keys, Fort Lauderdale
Miami is in many ways a warmer, wetter and wilder Atlanta. Evade the traffic and tall buildings by taking a short trip 80 miles south directly to paradise. The warm waters and balmy breezes of Islamorada are the closest thing to the Caribbean without leaving the States.
Reserve an ocean view, beachfront bungalow or The George Bush Presidential Retreat at the award-winning Cheeca Lodge and Spa (www.cheeca.com). Islamorada is the bonefish capital of the world and September is the high point of the season, so spend a day on the majestic flats of the Florida Keys casting for this game fish found in warm, shallow waters. If inclined, golf at their nine-hole course or indulge in the various amenities at the spa.
Others may favor Ft. Lauderdale for its proximity to the stadium. Celebrity Chef Johnny Vinczencz’s restaurant Johnny V (www.johnnyvlasolas.com) is reason enough for the trip. His critically acclaimed restaurant is Caribbean-influenced, new-Florida cuisine. For a more casual South Florida experience, shoot oysters and clams at the South Port Raw Bar (www.southportrawbar.com).
On Monday at 1 p.m., sports fans can catch the young, talented Florida Marlins take on the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dolphin Stadium just north of Miami. With three hours to burn after the baseball game, soak up the Hurricane fanfare at the Big Cheese (8080 SW 67th Ave., Miami, 305-662-6855). Its Miami sports memorabilia will get everyone fired up for the big game, and thanks to the great pasta and pizza, no one will have to go in search of food during the game.
The warm waters and balmy breezes of Islamorada are the closest thing to the Caribbean without leaving the States.
 Weekend 2
Sept. 7 – Sept. 11
Clemson vs. Boston College
When: Sept. 9, 3:30 p.m.
Where: Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Mass.
The Game: Two preseason top 25 ACC teams. First meeting last year since 1983. New rivalry brewing.
Surrounding Areas: Boston
Beantown is at its best in the fall. The leaves are changing color and the temperature is cooling while New England’s sports teams are just heating up. The Hotel Commonwealth (www.hotelcommonwealth.com) in Boston’s renewed Kenmore Square area is right in the center of it all. Inside its lobby is Great Bay (www.greatbayrestaurant.com), one of Boston’s best new seafood restaurants, and across the street is Fenway, America’s oldest baseball park. On Friday night, the Boston Red Sox continue their run for October against the Kansas City Royals. First timers take a moment to look at the Green Monster and soak in the history with a cup of suds and a Fenway frank.
En route to Alumni Stadium for Saturday’s game, Roggie’s Brew & Grill (www.roggies.com), an upscale sports bar, is a favorite pre-game spot for Eagles’ alumni. Another is Cask’n Flagon (www.casknflagon.com). At one time it hosted musical acts such as Hendrix, Springsteen and Boston, but now the restaurant is known for its great atmosphere, friendly service and scrumptious lobster roll.
Sunday serves no rest for the fanatic. A little more than 20 miles south of Boston is Gillette Stadium, home to the three-time Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady face east division rivals the Buffalo Bills at 1 p.m. UGA fans will recognize Brady’s favorite tight end target, former Bulldawg Ben Watson, and past Georgia players Patrick Pass and Richard Seymour.
 Georgia vs. South Carolina
When: Sept. 9, 7:45 p.m.
Where: Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C.
The Game: Another great SEC match-up. USC improving under Steve Spurrier. Georgia’s inexperience.
Surrounding Areas: Columbia
Polish the rifle, string the bow and head due north. South Carolina’s hunting season is the longest one in the lower 48 states. The 75-mile area around the capital city of Columbia is littered with hunting camps. Acres upon acres of forests and grasslands are as close as 30 miles to the south and 70 miles to the north. Buck Ridge Plantation in Neeses (www.buckridge.com) and Orvis Endorsed Harris Springs Sportsman’s Preserve near Greenwood (www.harrissprings.com) are a few of the many. Lodging is usually available onsite, so the only stressful part of the weekend may be driving to the stadium.
Not to worry, non-hunters; there is plenty else in Columbia. Though South Carolina is one of the less populated states in the country, it has more golf courses than almost any other. Two courses close to Columbia and especially demanding layout-wise are Oak Hills Golf Club (www.oakhillsgolf.com) and Northwoods Golf Club (201 Powell Road, 803-786-9242). Oak Hills is a reasonably priced course with a hilly layout, while Northwoods is a Pete Dye-design that hosts various tournaments including the SCGA Amateur qualifying. The Marriott (www.marriott.com) in Downtown Columbia is close to both courses and Williams-Brice Stadium. With its in-house brewed beers and great entrées, Hunter Gatherer Brewery-Alehouse (900 Main St., 803-748-0540) is a favorite of both locals and visitors.
 Weekend 3
Sept. 14 – Sept. 18
LSU vs. Auburn
When: Sept. 16, 3:30 p.m. EST
Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala.
The Game: Two top 25 SEC teams. Great SEC West match-up. Always a close game.
Surrounding Areas: Opelika
In Auburn, hotels are few and most are full before students even return to school in the fall. Ten minutes north, however, is the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel that overlooks one of the best daily-fee golf courses in the country. The Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed Grand National golf course is 54 holes of what Jones described as “the single greatest site he’d ever seen for a golf course.” It’s hosted the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championship, the NCAA Women’s Golf Fall Preview, the NCAA Men’s Division I Golf Championship, the LPGA Tournament of Champions and the Nike Tour Championship. With green fees ranging from $40 to $62, it’s a great value for the quality of the course.
On Friday night before the game, it’s tradition for everyone in Auburn to go to Niffers Place (1151 Opelika Road, 334-821-3118). The menu of everything from pasta to chicken wings pleases even the largest and most diverse groups. The one-dollar domestic bottled beers, the watermelon fishbowls and the buttery corn nuggets make the standard two-hour pre-game day wait seem small.
After the game on Saturday and a Momma G’s Deli sub (www.mommagoldbergs.com), there are several time-honored traditions. With an Auburn win, Toomer’s Square, Auburn’s downtown, is rolled with toilet paper. Win or lose, though, the party is always at the War Eagle Supper Club (www.wareaglesupperclub.com). Years of grime, grunge, country and rock ‘n’ roll make this one of the top bars in the country and the best in Auburn. Save the effort on Sunday morning and make a late tee time!
 Weekend 4
Sept. 28 – Oct. 2
Alabama vs. Florida
When: Sept. 30, Time TBA
Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.
The Game: Two top 25 SEC football schools. After a 31–3 defeat last year, the loaded Gators seek redemption this season.
Surrounding Areas: Orlando, St. Augustine
Anywhere near “The Swamp” is totally swamped come game day weekend. But inside a two-hour drive, the attractions are endless. Orlando is always fun for children, but often too touristy for adults. The Omni Orlando Resort at Champions Gate is a close 20 minutes south of the attractions (i.e. Disney World, Universal and Sea World), but it feels a world away. With two Greg Norman links-style golf courses, a full spa and three outdoor pools including a lazy river, it’s not the typical Orlando resort.
History buffs and golf enthusiasts will swing over St. Augustine’s World Golf Village Resort on the east coast of Florida. The Renaissance Resort offers two championship golf courses (the King & Bear designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus and the Slammer & Squire designed by Sammy Snead and Gene Sarazen), the World Golf Hall of Fame and even an IMAX Theater with special golf-themed features. St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, also offers plenty of the old Florida that has escaped much of the Sunshine State.
The considerable drives from Orlando and St. Augustine will make anyone hungry. When in Gainesville, fight the urge to stop at Guthrie’s (students call it the “Gut Box” for good reason) and instead try either Gator’s Dockside (www.gatorsdockside.com) or The Swamp (www.swamprestaurant.com). Adventurous opposing fans must try a bite of the fried gator tail. It’s a bit gamey, but it’s especially tasty with their signature sauce and a victory.
 Weekend 5
Oct. 5 – Oct. 9
South Carolina vs. Kentucky
When: Oct. 7, 7 p.m.
Where: Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Ky.
The Game: Interesting SEC game with two teams on the verge of success.
Surrounding Areas: Lexington
Outside the big three (Churchill Downs, Pimlico and Belmont), Keeneland Thoroughbred Race Track (www.keeneland.com) in Lexington is the place for horse racing. On the eve of game day, Keeneland marks the beginning of its fall season and pushes its first horses into the gates. It is Keeneland’s first season on the newly installed Polytrack surface. The new track is made of polyurethane rubber and is safer for the horses. Friday is the Darley Alcibiades (Gr. II) and Sycamore Breeders’ Cup (Gr. III). Before the game on Saturday, the Shadwell Turf Mile (Gr. I), Phoenix Breeders’ Cup (Gr. III) and Lane’s End Breeders Futurity run. The weekend finishes with the Woodford Stakes and Juddmonte Spinster on Sunday.
The Griffin Gate Marriott Resort (www.marriott.com), between Keeneland and the University of Kentucky, boasts an 18-hole golf course and spa. The Embassy Suites (www.embassysuites.com) next door offers much of the same.
Catch the bluegrass vibe on Saturday at Cheapside Bar and Grill (www.cheapsidebarandgrill.com) and The Bigg Blue Martini (369 W Vine St., 859-231-9000). For those determined to catch the local flavor, Redmons (269 W Main St., 859-252-5802) is the place. It’s a live music dive
whose walls vibrate with the best Southern rock and country in Lexington.
 Weekend 6
Oct. 19 – Oct. 23
Alabama vs. Tennessee
When: Oct. 21, Time TBA
Where: Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn.
The Game: It’s the third Saturday in October and the victors celebrate their win with cigars. The early season litmus test for both teams. Tennessee’s closest natural rival.
Surrounding Areas: Smoky Mountains
If orange isn’t your color, then Knoxville probably isn’t your place. Find refuge in the Smoky Mountains 30 miles to the south. On its grassy hills is the hotel considered by many to be the best in North America. The service, food, wine and rooms of the 4,200-acre Blackberry Farm (www.blackberryfarm.com) are all top rated.
While in the Smokies, try tackling the art of fly-fishing. Tim Doyle of Smoky Mountain Flywerks & Guide Service (www.smokymountainfly.com) not only teaches this masterful skill, but shows folks where the brook, brown and rainbow trout like to hide in mountain streams and rivers. And he’s helped catch quite a few.
Buckberry Creek (www.buckberrylodge.com) in Gatlinburg is another great place, a luxurious Adirondack-style mountain camp. Forty-five suites overlook the Smoky Mountains’ rolling peaks. The local tourist attractions downtown may consist of T-shirt and taffy shops, but don’t miss the apple fritter at the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant (www.applewoodfarmhouserestaurant.com). It’s one tasty dessert.
On Friday, the Thompson-Boling Arena will stage country music’s most controversial act, The Dixie Chicks, at 8 p.m. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, it’ll be interesting to see which Knoxville reception they receive. Afterward, hit up Toddy’s Back Door Tavern for a mug and a game of horseshoes. It’s a local favorite and especially hip during football season.
 Weekend 7
Oct. 26 – Oct. 30
Auburn vs. Ole Miss
When: Oct. 28, Time TBA
Where: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss.
The Game: Fiery SEC opponents.
Surrounding Areas: Memphis, Tenn.; Tunica, Miss.
In the tailgating world, there’s The Grove and then there’s everywhere else. It’s a massive partially wooded park in the middle of campus that remains virtually empty until the early hours of game-day morning. Hit 2 a.m. on Saturday and the red, white and blue tents start to rise. They shade checker-clothed tables carrying platters of everything from cheese straws and shrimp and grits to salsa and chips. Hire students to help set up, or bring along an eager college-aged child or relative. Remember to pack accordingly. The gentlemen dress in khakis and collared shirts and the ladies wear cocktail dresses and fancy hats. “Hotty Toddy,” the first part of the Ole Miss chant, says hello to stranger, goodbye to new friend, and excites an Ole Miss crowd into cheer.
Though you may make friends in the Grove, you won’t find a room in this small college town. Not to worry; the largest casino between Atlantic City and Las Vegas is no more than an hour west, and the home of the blues is less than two hours north. The Grand Tunica (www.caesars.com), a Caesar’s casino, is a Las Vegas-style resort flattened and spread over 2,000 acres. It includes three hotels, more than 140,000 square feet of gaming and Cottonwoods, and a 7,000-yard golf course designed by Hall of Fame professional golfer Hale Irwin.
If you find yourself in Memphis, then The Peabody (www.peabodymemphis.com) is the place to stay. Its 464 award-winning rooms are right in Downtown Memphis on famous Union Avenue and its restaurants Chez Philippe and Capriccio Grill are two of the best. One block away is Beale Street, the epicenter of the blues universe. See the bright neon lights and breathe in the Mississippi Delta while listening to the soulful notes of electric guitars, saxophones and trumpets filtering into the street.
 Georgia vs. Florida
When: Oct. 28, 3:30 p.m.
Where: Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla.
The Game: Rivals since 1915.
Surrounding Areas: St. Simons Island, Ga.; Amelia Island, Fla.
The event formerly known as the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” is really more for the college students. They fill The Landing to its utter brim and pack its bars and restaurants. But within 100 miles of Jacksonville teetering on the Florida-Georgia border are some of best vacation spots in either state. The TPC at Sawgrass Resort (www.sawgrassmarriott.com), only 20 minutes outside the city and the more accessible of the destinations, offers two of the best golf courses in the country. Though the Stadium Course is closed for renovations until November, the Pete Dye-designed Valley Course is only its “younger brother” in years. The rate of $147 per person is pretty standard considering the quality of the course.
Island dwellers will prefer Georgia’s southern and Florida’s northern coastal islands, located less than two hours from Jacksonville. The Village Inn and Pub (www.villageinnandpub.com) on St. Simons Island defines the bed-and-breakfast. Its 28 individual guest rooms are perfect for families and couples. For those wishing to stay a little closer to the action, the Ash Street Inn (www.ashstinn.com) on Amelia Island has the quaintness of a bed-and-breakfast with the amenities of a full resort. Its fresh lemonade and homemade cookies are the perfect touch.
And forget the car all together. The Landing in Downtown Jacksonville is on the St. Johns River. Make friends with a boater or rent one from a local. Troll up the St. Johns River, and with any luck, you’ll be able to dock it right in the middle of the party.
 Weekend 8
Nov. 2 – Nov. 6
UNC vs. Notre Dame
When: Nov. 4, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind.
The Game: Notre Dame is one of the top teams in the country. North Carolina is usually an ACC contender.
Surrounding Areas: Chicago
South Bend is legendary in college football lore. It’s home to the blue and gold, the College Football Hall of Fame, and the story of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, a legendary Notre Dame walk-on. Standing in the stadium and walking around the campus, scenes from the 1993 movie “Rudy” become
familiar. Corby’s Irish Pub (441 E La Salle Ave., 574-233-5326), just 2 miles south of campus isn’t the same Corby’s from the early days, but it’s in several of the movie’s bar scenes. The producers paid the owner to fix up the place and when filming finished, he kept the renovated bar and reclaimed it as the new Corby’s. Other great pre- and post-game spots are Legends (www.legendsofnotredame.org), across from the stadium’s south parking lot, and the Linebacker Lounge (www.backernd.com), the last remaining old-time bar.
A short shuttle ride from the stadium to the South Bend Airport catches the South Shore train, a two-hour ride along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan to the windy city.
In Downtown Chicago, hotels such as The Drake (www.thedrakehotel.com) and Monaco (www.monaco-chicago.com) are as much landmarks as they are places to stay. Shaw’s Crab House, an eastern seaboard-style seafood restaurant, is a great place for dinner and a really good time. At the retro raw bar, smash whole crabs and shuck oysters right off the half shell. Staying in Chicago without a little live jazz or blues would be a shame. Green Dolphin Street (www.jazzitup.com) is best for jazz and Kingston Mines (www.kingstonmines.com) for the blues.
Finish the weekend with a dolphin of another kind. On Sunday, at the new Soldier Field, the Miami Dolphins challenge the Chicago Bears. Tar Heel fans may remember Vonnie Holliday, a defensive end who played for UNC until he was drafted in 1998.
 Weekend 9
Nov. 9 – Nov. 13
Alabama vs. LSU
When: Nov. 11, Time TBA
Where: Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La.
The Game: Top 25 SEC game. Long-seeded rivalry.
Surrounding Areas: New Orleans
Any excuse to visit New Orleans is a good excuse. Any excuse to stay in its hotels, to eat in its restaurants, and to drink in its bars helps in the recovery of the Big Easy. Readers learned last month that though some areas of New Orleans are still ravaged from Hurricane Katrina, the French Quarter is nearing relative normalcy. Visitors are safe, welcome and gladly accepted. Places like the Chateau Sonesta Hotel (www.sonesta.com) near Bourbon Street and the W Hotel (www.starwood.com) close to Harrah’s Casino (www.harrahs.com) never skipped a beat. The Columns bar (www.thecolumns.com) in the beautiful Columns Hotel on St. Charles Avenue is charming but happening. Dick and Jenny’s (www.dickandjennys.com) is Neo-Southern cuisine at its best and the Port of Call (www.portofcallneworleans.com) right off Bourbon Street serves juicy burgers and steaks until late night.
No more than 75 miles to the northwest is Baton Rouge, home to the Tigers. On game day, the aptly named Tiger Town (Tigerland) fills with purple and yellow. Its five spots, Bogie’s, Reggie’s, Tiger Bar, Fred’s (www.fredsbar.com) and Rotolo’s (www.rotolos.com), offer some variety of the college bar or restaurant. Walk-Ons (www.walk-ons.com) is the king of the sports bar in Baton Rouge. It hosts the LSU coaches show, and if an LSU sport is playing and it’s televised, it will appear on one of their televisions. And Chimes Restaurant and Oyster Bar (3357 Highland Road, 225-379-3423) has the Cajun and Creole delicacies that define Louisiana.
When entering Tiger Stadium, you may want to plug both ears; the sound in the stadium, known as Death Valley, is comparable at times to the decibel level of a jet engine.
 Weekend 10
Nov. 16 – Nov. 20
N.C. State vs. North Carolina
When: Nov. 18, Time TBA
Where: Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill, N.C.
The Game: Big in-state rivals. Equal to the Carolina-Duke rivalry in basketball. Translation: The blood boils.
Surrounding Areas: Raleigh, Durham
Tar Heel and Wolfpack fans need little motivation to make this trip. Still, if needed, there is plenty. The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, located in the heart of Chapel Hill on the university campus, is the perfect place if traveling with kids. The planetarium and the recently added NASA Digital Theater will whisk everyone off to a galaxy far, far away.
Just be sure to return in time to tailgate near the stadium. Or head to Franklin Street where favorite haunts such as the Carolina Brewery (www.carolinabrewery.com), Top of the Hill (www.topofthehillrestaurant.com) and Spanky’s (www.spankysrestaurant.com), a landmark since 1977, await revelers. For a true taste of Chapel Hill, grab a Blue Cup at He’s Not Here (919-942-7939).
The historic Carolina Inn is elegantly tucked neatly into this college town, but good luck finding a room for game weekends. If that’s the case, check out the $4-million renovation at the Sheraton Chapel Hill Hotel, which has new Sweet Sleeper beds and 42-inch plasma televisions in each of its 168 guest rooms. For a more intimate spot, take the short drive to the Fearrington House Country Inn (www.fearringtonhouse.com), which boasts a 5-star rating for its rooms as well as its restaurant.
Before heading home, travel about 60 miles south to one of the premier golf resorts in the world. The 100-year-old Pinehurst resort has eight top-notch golf courses, a spa and special packages that include the complete Donald Ross experience. A good round at No. 2 might trump a
victory, but it will certainly replace a loss.
Women, this one’s for you — go shopping at A Southern Season (www.southernseason.com), Chapel Hill’s landmark gourmet market. After the game on Saturday, catch the defending Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh at 7 p.m.
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