7 “College Towns” to Visit This Fall (Even If You Don’t Love Football)

If you’re like me, the beginning of fall means one major thing: it’s finally football season! But maybe you’re not like me. Perhaps your passion for pigskin is undeniable … or you’re just tagging along with your family and friends because you’ve heard it’s something everyone has to “experience.”

As an avid fan(atic) of the University of Oklahoma Sooners myself, I can’t say I completely understand your lack of enthusiasm, but nonetheless I can certainly appreciate your desire to explore all that a great college town has to offer other than a few hours of spirited sportsmanship. Whether your blood runs deep for your favorite college team or not, we can all agree on one thing — these “college towns” will keep you entertained long after the final score flashes and the stands clear out. How’s that for a win-win?

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 

Louisiana is synonymous with festive parties and great food, namely barbecue, shrimp boils and killer jambalaya. But why should New Orleans have all the fun? Baton Rouge, home to the Louisiana State University Tigers, is a college town with a big attitude, and you’ll find plenty to do here even if purple and gold aren’t your colors.

Louisiana State Capitol 

Before the big game you’re sure to find local fans cooking up some of the city’s authentic cuisine, but if you don’t feel like wading through crowds of tailgaters head to The Chimes, named for the famous chimes that echo across LSU’s campus. The Southern and Creole restaurant is known for classics like po-boys, gumbo, blackened alligator, oysters and ice cold beer, what could be more Louisianan than that? Once your belly’s full, explore the state’s capital city quite literally, by venturing downtown to check out the tallest State Capitol in the country. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to get a dose of history at the Old State Capitol, overlooking the Mississippi River and dubbed the “castle-on-the-river” for its unique Victorian and Gothic architecture. Complete your escape by tempting Lady Luck at the Belle of Baton Rouge Hotel, where an on-site casino invites you to roll the dice for one more night of fun. 

Austin, Texas

Home to Texas’ State Capitol, Austin may not be known for its “college town” atmosphere in terms of size. But step one foot into the city and you’ll feel the University of Texas pride no doubt. Burnt orange and white run rampant here, as does the propensity to keep the area “weird,” and no, that isn’t an insult. Not a Longhorn fan? Skip the game and you’ll still find more than enough fun to make even the most die-hard tailgater a bit jealous.

Austin’s Sixth Street 

Head straight to Sixth Street for local live music, art galleries, eclectic boutiques and local cuisine — from hipster food trucks to casually chic restaurants. Remember, this is the “World’s Live Music Capital,” and a fall season visit might find you amid the excitement of the city’s coveted Austin City Limits Music Festival, where you’ll always find a wide range of musicians on deck to satisfy anyone’s preferred genre (the 2016 lineup features everyone from Kacey Musgraves to Cage the Elephant to Major Lazer.) Still not convinced? Take in the peaceful scenery of Lady Bird Lake on a hike or bike trail, then refuel at a local Tex-Mex spot for tacos and margaritas that are sure to hit the spot. For a guaranteed win head to Chuy’s, where the food is always awesome and you can feel good about eating “local” even if it is a national chain — it originated in Austin back in 1982!

South Bend, Indiana

Boasting arguably one of the most beautiful college campuses around, South Bend’s Notre Dame is the ideal place to find yourself during college football frenzy. Better yet, the campus will be nearly deserted during the game, so if you want to skip out on the action you can take your own personal guided tour without fighting the crowds or dodging energetic students along the way. Be sure to include the stunning Basilica of the Sacred Heart with its vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows and breathtaking artwork, the peaceful and serene Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and the famous “Word of Life” mural often referred to as “Touchdown Jesus” (which can be seen over the north end zone during games) as stops along the way.

The University of Notre Dame’s picturesque campus 

Want to go beyond campus? Don’t miss the Studebaker National Museum for a briefing in automotive history, which houses three levels attached to The History Museum. Families will also love the Potawatomi Zoo, featuring more than 400 animals that will make you feel like you’re in the middle of the wild as Indiana’s oldest zoo!

Knoxville, Tennesee

Sure you’ve considered a trip to Nashville, but why not head three hours east to Knoxville for your next Tennessee escape? Home to the University of Tennessee, this college town is known for its history, music and outdoor adventure, leaving you with an array of things to do while the rest of the city is donning its best orange and white attire. A growing craft brew scene gives you more than a dozen craft breweries to tour if you’re in the mood to sip your way around town. Of course, no trip to Knoxville is complete without a stop by the official State Theatre of Tennessee and home to the Knoxville Opera Company and Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Tennessee Theatre. Or fill your afternoon with a stroll through downtown for some of the best eats and shops around.

Downtown Knoxville’s Market Street 

If nature is calling, Knoxville answers at the World’s Fair Park, Ijams Nature Center, the University of Tennessee Gardens and greenways galore. Get a bird’s eye view of the city on the Observation Deck of the Sunsphere at World’s Fair Park. Bike, hike, paddle or stroll your way through Ijams Nature Center, brimming with discoveries within 300 acres of protected wildlife habitat. Or just relax and sip a sweet tea … because, why not? It’s the Southern way, after all.

Columbus, Ohio

Even if you forget to pack Ohio State’s signature scarlet and gray for your trip to Columbus, you’ll still have many options to pass the time this fall. The 15^th largest capital city is brimming with eye-catching sights, including a 100-foot metal ART sculpture, the Arch Park at McFerson Commons and the Scioto Mile Fountain — a great place for kids to cool off during a sunny afternoon! At night, the fountains come to life with lighting and fog effects for a dramatic experience in itself.

Scioto Mile Fountain

Shopaholics and foodies alike will appreciate all that Easton Town Center has to offer, with over 200 shopping, dining and entertainment venues to stroll. Or for a more cultural based shopping and dining experience, head to the historic German Village, a Columbus staple featuring all independently-owned businesses. And nature lovers will find no shortage of activities to enjoy in Columbus, like the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Who says an adrenaline rush can only be found inside a football stadium?

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Visiting Ann Arbor, but don’t want to rub shoulders with a Wolverine? The scenic beauty of this area alone is enough to keep you entertained. Take it all in as you explore the great outdoors, with photo-worthy opportunities abound at Nichols Arboretum and the 300-acre Matthaei Botanical Gardens. The first, known as “The Arb” by locals, is actually operated by the University of Michigan, and offers 123 acres of grounds just asking to be enjoyed for strolls, picnics, jogs or just kicking back to soak up the sun among pristine gardens — and even a chance to splash your toes in the Huron River that runs within it! Check their website to see what’s in bloom during your stay. And don’t forget to experience the gardens at Mattheai, including a Bonsai & Penjing Garden and Medicinal Garden!

Experience fall foliage at its finest in Michigan’s Ann Arbor

You probably won’t need a break from nature, but just in case the weather isn’t cooperating not to fear, you’ll still have indoor options, too. Check out the Museum of Natural History to experience the most extensive dinosaur exhibit in Michigan, or get artsy and peruse the University of Michigan Museum of Art. And if all this exploring has helped you work up an appetite, rest assured you won’t leave hungry, with icons like The Pretzel Bell and the Maize and Blue Delicatessen, featured on Man vs. Food!

Madison, Wisconsin

It’s beginning to feel a lot like fall in Wisconsin, with temperatures gradually dipping just low enough to give you an excuse for cozy sweaters, boots and pumpkin everything. Sounds like a good reason to head to Madison, even if you aren’t there to cheer along with Bucky Badger (yes, that’s their official mascot.) The lake city is primed for the season, and ready for you to take it all in at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens — where you’ll find 16 acres of outdoor gardens, plus a tropical conservatory that will leave you feeling like you’ve just flown away to paradise! Follow it up with a little political education at the Wisconsin State Capitol, and then watch the sun set atop the Terrace at the Memorial Union, a local hangout for students and tourists alike.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens 

Have another day to play? Head to downtown Madison’s State Street, home to boutique shops, restaurants, coffee houses and absolutely no traffic (cars aren’t even allowed on the street.) For great people watching dine at Fresco, a rooftop restaurant offering delicious contemporary cuisine and an elevated view of this charming college town.

Of course, a list of college towns wouldn’t be complete without mentioning my own alma mater, Norman, Oklahoma, where you’ll always find the perfect Sooner Swirl at The Mont restaurant (dine on the patio!), run-ins with dinosaurs and bison at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History and an up-close-and-personal look at the people who protect the nation from inclement weather conditions right in the middle of Tornado Alley at the National Weather Center.

You see, there are hidden gems in every college town, and that’s what makes them so fun to explore — whatever your background or reason for visiting. Whether you’re a football fan, a foodie, a shopaholic, a history buff or an alumnus, we can all come together and appreciate the story each has to tell. Which college town will you visit this fall?

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