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Southern towns home to leading state universities are enjoying a surge of popularity. Applications are up, bringing students and families from across the country to cities that are also giants in the world of college football. Their spirited culture captures not only students — but the entire community.
What if you’re not a football fan? No problem. There’s far more fun than just football.
Here’s an overview of four popular Southern college towns, plus where to stay, eat and find must-see attractions.
Austin, Texas The University of Texas Longhorns
With an impressive skyline, food scene and green spaces, Austin’s appeal extends far beyond the game. Consider the JW Marriott your home-away-from-home, where guests rave about drinks at the fifth-floor bar Edge. Other hotel options include the Driskill and the Renaissance Austin Hotel.
The state’s capital and a foodie city, Austin won seven of Texas’s 15 Michelin stars — La Barbecue in East Austin is one recipient. At The Picnic, get schooled on Austinites’ food truck obsession. Sip Iced Turbos at Jo’s on South Congress Avenue (SoCo) with the iconic “I love you so much” mural.
Also along SoCo, Güero’s offers fabulous Tex-Mex fare and a signature vodka “Tito’s Rita” margarita made with Austin-based Tito’s. Breweries are flourishing like the contagiously buzzy Lazarus Brewing Company with vibes expressed in their tagline: Coffee. Beer. Tacos. Joy.
Steps from your hotel, visit the formidable Texas State Capitol — the largest state capitol building in the U.S. Internalize the iconic music tradition at Austin City Limits or catch a show on 6th Street at blues club Antone’s. Walk or bike alongside Lady Bird Lake, the body of water Austin sits on, and at sundown, watch bats emerge from beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge — an astonishing sight.
Channeling Austin’s music theme, the AWAY Spa by W Austin offers a Led Zeppelin-inspired massage called “Over the Hills and Far AWAY,” evoking “Stairway to Heaven.”
Oxford, Mississippi: The University of Mississippi Rebels
Though Ole Miss and Rebels fever are defining parts of Oxford, the historic bookish town brims with character all its own. Established in 1837, the quaint town of Oxford has a population of around 27,000 without students. Ole Miss students add another 22,000 to 24,000 to the total. Orient yourself at the Square, the charming center of town, lively with restaurants and boutique shops.
Watch for creative expressions of its literary reputation or get tips for a self-guided literary tour from the Visitor Center. Regardless, be sure to tour Rowan Oak, the home of novelist William Faulkner, before visiting his gravesite at Saint Peter’s Cemetery. For the literary set, visit Square Books, Oxford’s collection of four family-owned independent bookshops housed in three separate buildings.
Also on the Square is the South’s oldest department store, Neilson’s. Snag some “me-time” with a facial at La Rousse Salon + Spa, oozing with Southern hospitality, minutes from the Graduate by Hilton Oxford, your stylish hotel with literary-themed décor — seamlessly continuing the town’s storytelling. For excellent vibes, sliders and Mississippi Mules, The Coop is the hotel’s rooftop dining venue overlooking the Square. Other hotel options include The Inn at Ole Miss and The Oliver Hotel of Oxford.
Find happy hour deals at Snackbar ($5 Negronis) or the Blind Pig, a crowd-pleasing pub. Snag a table at City Grocery, where Anthony Bourdain dined, a true local haunt that attracts professors, students and locals alike.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama: University of Alabama Crimson Tide
The historic former state capital, Tuscaloosa (founded in 1819) sits on the Black Warrior River. Be warned: It’s serious “Roll Tide” territory (the rallying cry for the University of Alabama’s football team), yet it shines as an interesting destination on its own. Enormous water oak trees form a canopy in the historic area, earning it the nickname Druid City after oak-worshipping Celts.
Immerse yourself in living history at antebellum homes turned into museums, such as the Battle-Friedman House and the nearby Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion. On the Crimson Tide campus itself, visit the Alabama Museum of Natural History before stretching your legs along the downtown Riverwalk, a beautiful four-plus-mile paved path.
Tuck into ribs at Dreamland Bar-B-Que, which has been serving classic barbecue since 1958. Consider Cravings for fresh sandwiches on New York-style bagels or croissants, and at Avenue Pub, order $5 happy-hour burgers and drinks.
The charming Wood Manor Guest House is an attractive overnight option, with spacious family suites among other layouts. Memory foam bedding and deluxe linen promise restorative sleep. Bonus for music lovers: It’s near the outdoor riverfront amphitheater, featuring classic artists like the Beach Boys and ZZ Top. To bookend your stay, visit Spa Belle La Vie for a peel that exfoliates and restores your glow. Other hotel options include Hotel Capstone and Hotel Indigo.
Athens, Georgia: University of Georgia Bulldogs
The bohemian town of Athens exudes an endearing indie attitude, artistic to its core. It features the University of Georgia, the oldest state university in America (founded in 1785). Its reputation is inseparable from “Dawgs” mania, where Bulldog football is a way of life.
Music is embedded in the culture, birthing the likes of The B-52s and R.E.M. Choose your stay accordingly at the Hotel Abacus, a soulfully curated historic lodging with a well-known music venue, The Foundry, on property. Other hotel options include Hotel Indigo and Hotel Abacus. Walk the self-guided Athens Music Tour before binging on live music at iconic venues 40 Watt Club and Georgia Theatre. For classic off-beat films — like Boogie Nights — visit the beloved Ciné.
See historic landmarks on foot via a self-guided tour or shop-’til-you-drop near your hotel at diverse independent retailers offering records, comics, premium paper products and artisanal designs. Discover vintage gems at Dynamite Clothing and eclectic gifts at Junkman’s Daughter’s Brother. Weary of shopping? Head to Urban Sanctuary Spa for a foot massage or book a spa party if you’re traveling with gal-pals.
Thick with cool dining choices, start at the diner called Clocked for burgers and milkshakes — prepared using organic ingredients. In contrast, The National delivers a classic Mediterranean cafe experience, while Creature Comforts Brewing Company presents a buzzy, community-driven tap room with a rotating selection of food trucks on-site.
Have you been to any of the above cities? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below.
