Must-Visit Stops During College Football Season

Football fans rejoice, for football games are finally back in our lives.

This season, why not pack up for the away game or spend a weekend at that one stadium you've always wanted to visit? After all, if football is your passion, you owe it yourself to experience the best football towns in America.

And to me, a true football town is none other than a real college town. We're avoiding the big city schools and focusing on that what a college town is all about: the atmosphere. The fun of football is about tailgating just as much as it is about the game.

Major cities just don't have that college ambiance about them, but these five towns do and you should plan to visit them at some point in your life if you consider yourself a true football fan.

Athens, Georgia

Arguably the best college town in the country-and the best in America if you ask me. But I live here, so let's ask Barrett Sallee, college football writer for CBS Sports: "Athens is great because it can offer you a small-town version of just about anything. Small town shopping? Hit downtown. Small town eating and drinking? Microbreweries and small cafes litter the edge of campus. Football? They have that too-all day, every day. It's everything you want from a big city, miniaturized, with southern charm."

Additionally, the home of The University of Georgia was ranked as the No. 1 college town from an expert poll last year and is among Travel Channel's top college towns as well.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor has a stunning picturesque setting to it that makes you never want to leave.

Home to The University of Michigan, this town features plenty of outdoor activities to do year-round, sensation eateries and bars, as well as the biggest stadium in the country in "The Big House."

Michigan Stadium can hold over 100,000 fans and the tailgating is an all-day affair, with the high school across the street being one of the premier tailgate party locations on game day.

College Station, Texas

It's no secret that Texas is the most football crazed state in the country. While Austin, Texas gets a ton of hype these days (and rightfully so, it's a phenomenal city), its growth has put it over the top of a true college town. Nearly one million residents reside in Austin, but College Station, however, is much smaller and holds an authentic college town atmosphere to it.

The town is home to Texas A&M University and the "12th Man", which is what the fans refer to themselves as. They're perhaps the most passionate fan base in the country, holding the tradition of the "Midnight Yell", where they gather the night before the game at midnight to practice cheering on their team.

That's dedication, and it's no surprise how hardcore these fans are given they reside in a town that has "college" in its name.

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Madison, Wisconsin

Madison is nestled in between two lakes, making for some truly spectacular views.

You may come for the football, but we wouldn't be shocked if you stayed for all of that glorious cheese. Oh, and who can forget about all the amazing brats to be found around town?

The food is incredible and the football scene is also top-notch, as the entire town transforms to Badger country for game day. The fans can literally make the stadium shake with their "Jump Around" tradition and their fandom shines as they all stay after the game for the "Fifth Quarter" celebration.

Clemson, South Carolina

Clemson is home to Clemson University, but it's often referred to as "Death Valley" to the fanbase. Now, don't let that deter you from visiting because the town really is quite lovely.

The charming town is synonymous with the University, especially on game day as it's covered in Tiger orange.

There's plenty to do around town with great food and bars, as well several outdoor areas. Also, you can stop by "The Graveyard" to see all the tombstones for Clemson's major wins. After all, it's only right to visit the home of the reigning National Champions.

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