Football Fanfare: Best Tailgating in College Football

For US sports fans, autumn signals the start of football season.

While you’re probably thinking about the NFL, football season isn’t all about the big leagues for some Americans.

Rather than focusing solely on the NFL, millions also follow their favorite college football team. Some fans are alumni—but others might be part of intergenerational family fandoms or simply a local who enjoys joining the annual football fever.

While the NFL takes the lion’s share of football broadcasting attention, the NCAA’s DI and FBS leagues aren’t too shabby. Its most competitive division counts over 100 teams—and the most popular football programs sell out season tickets year after year.

Season ticket holders are invariably focused on their team’s success.

But they’re probably also a fan of tailgating before home games.

Even if you’re not a diehard football fan (like me), tailgating is more than enough reason to attend a live game.

Why do I love tailgating so much? The better question is… why wouldn’t someone like tailgating?

This American pastime sees fans pack into parking lots to share a few cold ones, fire up the grill, and catch up on team rumors and neighborhood gossip.

Best of all, tailgating season coincides with autumn. And I think it should be more widely regarded as a fall pastime. If you’re ready to explore the best tailgating in college football, start here.

Tailgating in college football: better than you think

The average college football game runs for around three and a half hours—tailgating usually starts two to three hours before game time, which turns the whole day into a football affair.

If you’re like me and aren’t part of any football fandom, then you might be there for food, drinks, and general splendor. That’s the magic of tailgating, in my opinion—it’s open to everyone, and people are friendly.

Don’t get the appeal of tailgating? Here are the highlights.

Food and drink. College tailgating scenes include plenty of snacks and, depending on the location, fully-fledged food trucks and similar operations. Think of it like an outdoor food mall.
Block party vibes. Bust out the camping chairs and take a seat. It’s time for everyone to gather around the cooler for some good old-fashioned small talk. Once again, the tailgating crowd is very welcoming.
Excitement. The tailgate is open to everyone and designed for socialization, snacking, and relaxation. But let’s not forget the focus here—college football. You can feel a palpable buzz at the best tailgating environments as fans gear up for the game. The more important the game, the more exciting the atmosphere.
People of all ages. I once falsely believed that tailgating was for drunk college kids. While that’s certainly a prime demographic, it’s far from the only one. Up top, I mentioned that many college football fans are intergenerational. That means you can find more relaxed areas with families of all sizes and age ranges.

Best universities for tailgating in college football

Below are some of the best tailgating communities in college football. But this list is far from exhaustive. If you’re interested in tailgating close to your home, start researching the best collegiate football programs in the area. I’m sure you’ll find one.

Louisiana State University (LSU)

Tiger Stadium – Baton Rouge, Louisiana

This university is renowned for its football program, along with its tailgating parties. As the marching band storms the grounds, thousands of tailgaters cheer and clap and toast.

But LSU’s tailgating party excels when it comes to tasty eats.

Thanks to its Cajun influence, revelers have access to some of the best bites in college football, from crawfish to etouffee to jambalaya.

University of California Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

California Memorial Stadium – Berkeley, California

If UC Berkeley isn’t a name you usually hear in relation to college football, you aren’t alone. While the Golden Bears are known to be competitive, this school is instead known for its free tailgating and accessibility.

Tailgating doesn’t end when the starting whistle is blown thanks to Charter Hill, a hill that overlooks the field below. In fact, many fans stick to the hill to continue their tailgating as the game unfolds in front of them.

University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium – Oxford, Mississippi

An official blue-blood legacy school for college football, Ole Miss is usually high on any lists that involve tailgating. It’s not hard to see why—the stadium grounds turn into a small city when major games roll around.

A 10-acre city known as the Grove, to be exact. From tented food stands to 25,000-people-strong chants, you’ll be in the competitive mood in no time.

University of Texas Austin (Texas)

Kyle Field – College Station, Texas

It wouldn’t be a discussion on college football without mention of at least one Texas university. At Texas A&M, the secret ingredient is hardcore fans.

While you’ll find diehards at every tailgating party in the US, Texas fans really enjoy their chanting.

They also love great eats, similar to the LSU crew. From smoked brisket to ribeye-wrapped bacon, it’s a bit of a culinary experience.

Notre Dame

Notre Dame Stadium – Notre Dame, Indiana

Football culture is a big deal at Notre Dame. You’ll be able to tell thanks to the number of families and alumni who regularly attend its football games and tailgating parties.

What I like about the Notre Dame experience is that important landmarks surround the grounds, including a Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and a giant mural known as The Word of Life—but unofficially called Touchdown Jesus.

Laws of the Layover: How Long Do You Need?

Advice on how to survive multi-leg air travel changes depending on who you ask.

The most difficult part? Making connecting flights.

Even an hours-long layover doesn’t mean you’ll make your connecting flight if disaster strikes. And even with the new Fly Rights regulations in the US—which protect fliers against cancelations and delays—thousands of passengers are still going to miss their connections this year.

The good news? There’s an easy and direct way to avoid stressful layovers.

The bad news? You’re going to need a lot of patience… and a new skill set.

That skill set is knowing how long to schedule layovers. It’s not just about the airline you’re flying with or how long you have to board your connecting flight. You also need to consider factors like meals, airport size, customs, and more.

Want to know the laws of the layover? Here’s what you need to know to never miss a connecting flight again.

The basics: factors that affect how long your layover should be

The main factor impacting your layover length is whether you’re making a domestic versus international flight. But before we get to that, there are a few foundational rules that should inform how you think about layovers and connecting flights.

Here’s what to think about:

Booking. Many travelers choose to book on deal sites to save money. If that’s the case, make sure you’re selecting a flight with an adequate layover. Don’t let the deal site decide what layover time works for you—many underestimate the time necessary, in my experience.
Airport size and reputation. Some airports are the size of small villages. Others are regional and compact. If you’re facing a layover at a major international hub, you need to allow enough time to take trains to other terminals, collect your baggage, and more.
Air traffic control. Yes, you should also do a bit of research into air traffic control factors including understaffing and strikes—including at your final destination. A lack of air traffic controllers is regularly impacting flights at airports around the world.
Physical health. If you’re jet-setting across the globe, you might want to set aside time to eat a healthy(ish) meal before getting on another flight. While airport food isn’t known for being Michelin-quality, airport restaurants are usually a better bet than airplane food.
Baggage collection. If you’re switching airlines and need to recheck your bag, then be sure to leave enough time to collect your baggage and check it back in.
Plan a few backup flights. If you’re flying for a major event, industry professionals recommend having a few spare backups in terms of connecting flights. You can look up these flights before taking off from your origin. This allows you to get where you’re going in case disaster strikes.
Baggage and group size. The more luggage you’re carrying, the more time you need. The same for the number of travelers. More people = more time.
Weather. Some airports are prone to bad weather, which regularly causes flight delays and cancellations. When you research an airport’s size and reputation, set aside a few minutes to check on its weather patterns. Hurricane season, anyone?

The international layover: how long should it be?

There’s no fast-and-easy rule for how long domestic or international layovers should be. (Boo!) The main difference relates to customs.

Keep in mind that international flights might include long waits at customs lines. Just like airports have reputations for slow security and long walking distances, they also have a reputation based on their customs experiences.

Conservatively, I’d recommend putting aside an hour just for customs—especially in Europe. Brits are some of the most frequent travelers throughout Europe—and they’re now sharing lines with American tourists in customs thanks to Brexit.

In other words, lines might be longer than you think, even in regions where international travelers are a common sight.

The minimum recommended time for an international layover is 2-3 hours, but a more conservative layover time would be around 5 hours.

The domestic layover: how long should it be?

Domestic layovers are a lot less stressful than international connections.

That being said, domestic flights across the US are regularly delayed thanks to a variety of factors—all of which are outside of your control.

Bafflingly, US airlines recommend a measly 45 minutes for a layover. The issue here isn’t whether you can make it from one gate to another during that time—that seems pretty manageable to me.

The issue is that 45 minutes doesn’t protect you from delays at your origin. That’s the main culprit here for missing domestic connecting flights.

It’s especially problematic if your second flight is international, as border-crossing flights usually take off from different terminals than domestic ones. In some cases, you might even be required to go through a secondary security check.

To give yourself enough time to make up for any delays on your flight from your origin, the minimum recommended time for a domestic layover is 3-4 hours.

Best Autumn Travel Spots in British Columbia

Vancouver is a great place to soak up the fall weather.

For locals, September marks the last temperate stretch of the year. Thousands head outdoors to soak up the crisp air and lovely autumn leaves. It’s also a popular time to leave the city in search of more rural and scenic adventures.

Picturesque towns dot British Columbia. In autumn, they come alive with transforming leaves, harvest festivals, and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether heading to Vancouver alternates like Surrey or venturing farther off the beaten path, hidden gems can be found along BC’s country roads and major highways.

That being said, some offer more than others.

So, which British Columbian towns should you visit in September? Here are the best autumn travel spots in British Columbia according to natural splendor and small-town charm.

Nelson

Locals describe Nelson as a foodie’s haven thanks to its range of mom-and-pop restaurants. That’s a great thing for autumn travelers, as there’s nothing better than a warm and cozy meal at the end of a long day spent hiking.

And speaking of hiking, Nelson abuts Kootenay Lake, a stunning body of water. You can even cross the lake via ferry to explore the nearby Creston Valley, which is home to a handful of wineries. To top it all off, Nelson is also home to well over 300 heritage buildings, offering a historical and quaint angle.

Kaslo

Speaking of history, Nelson is close to another historical and remote hotspot on Lake Kootenay: Kaslo. Kaslo offers a scenic lake byway with miles of hiking trails, along with plenty of storied buildings that date back centuries.

Just like Nelson, locals put a strong emphasis on homegrown businesses, including boutique shops, eateries, and even museums. Why not bundle a visit to Nelson and Kaslo together?

Powell River

As the largest town on the Sunshine Coast, Powell River is an up-and-coming destination. From this settlement, you can reach some of the most picturesque mountain hikes in the province—which alight in autumn with bright reds, golds, and oranges.

In town, you can find boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and breweries from local initiatives. Even fishing and scuba diving courses are offered on the river—though I’d stick with something like canoeing or kayaking at most autumn travel spots in British Columbia.

Fernie

The Rocky Mountains are an ideal place to soak up autumn wonders—and Fernie takes visitors straight to the feet of some of Canada’s largest mountains. Unsurprisingly, it’s a scenic mountain town that transforms each winter. But I suggest visiting during the height of fall to hike along the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail and soak up the warm water at nearby hot springs.

Revelstoke

If you enjoy mountain resorts, then keep Revelstoke on your radar—especially if you enjoy skiing and snowboarding. That being said, I’d prefer to settle down in Revelstoke during September.

The area offers dozens of outdoor adventures that stay open until the first snow, including a mountain coaster, disc golf, and mountain biking. For those who like to get active in the great outdoors, Revelstoke has just about every amenity you could dream of.

Smithers

Smithers is one of Canada’s premier fall fishing destinations—which should be enough of a selling point. But there’s another unique amenity in this town: A Bavarian-style downtown drag.

Many of its buildings were built to match German Alpine tastes, while some shops even sell German-style sausages. If you’re more interested in local culture, instead, you can experience the ‘Ksan Historical Village, which is a preserved village from the Gitxsan tribe.

Chicago Escapes: 4 of Illinois’s Most Charming Towns

Though Chicago spreads along the charming Lake Michigan, it’s not the most scenic place to soak up natural wonders.

With around 2.6 million calling Chicago home, it’s no surprise that thousands flee the city each year to relax in small towns and national parks.

Chicagoans usually head to neighboring states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana. Not only are they close by, but they’re speckled with semi-rural, charming towns.

But so is Illinois.

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy escape from Chicago, then there’s no need to cross state lines. All you need to do is pack your bags and head south. Not only can you find dozens of small towns ready to spoil visitors, but there’s also plenty in the way of history, outdoor activities, and even foodie hotspots.

Looking for the perfect Chicago escape? Start with one of these charming towns.

Galena

Galena is Illinois’s most well-known cozy town. Not only is it located close to Chicago, but the county’s tourism department has also rolled out an extensive list of activities.

Visitors can try their hand at some seriously un-city-like crafts, from spoon carving to antique tractor driving to goat-trek-wine-tour bundles. (Say no more, Galena! I’m on my way!)

As you might have guessed by that list of activities, Galena offers a seriously homegrown dash of comfort for city-slickers. Aside from Galena’s brick buildings and main street, other nearby sites worth exploring are Menominee and Hanover.

(Galena is the name of a small town, along with the county. You might see it listed as both.)

Mount Carroll

South Haven, MI Photo taken on May 17, 2023 On a beautiful spring morning the rising sun shines intently on the facades of the buildings on Phoenix Street.

Compared to Galena, Mount Carroll is tiny.

Only 1,500 residents call this town home—which is part of its appeal. Visitors can explore the local farmers market, see a play at the Timber Lake Playhouse, enjoy music at the Rhythm Section Amphitheater, or delve into the outdoors in the area’s surrounding parks.

Just know that this location is going to take you pretty far off the map—which might not be a bad thing if you’re burnt out on city life.

Woodstock

If you’ve seen and obsessed over the film Groundhog Day, then Woodstock, Illinois might already be on your radar. If not, there’s still plenty to enjoy in this quaint town.

Like most others on this list, guests can enjoy things like the farmers market, trivia night, meditation for beginners, and more. Those activities are offered year-round for residents and visitors alike.

But some of the larger events you might want to schedule your trip around are the McHenry County Fair and Groundhog Day. Given the latter’s association with a major Hollywood release, it’s a pretty big affair.

Elsah

Sometimes dubbed the ‘New England of the Midwest’, Elsah is home to dozens of beautiful historic homes that date back to the 1800s. That includes Italian, Greek Revival, and even Gothic homes.

So, how did such a small town end up with such larger-than-life architecture? When the town was founded in 1853, free lots were offered to those who built homes with stone from the local quarry.

Today, Elsah retains plenty of historic charm thanks to its lovely homes. The main street drag is also picturesque, bordered by the surrounding bluffs. Its natural splendor is also part of its charm. Elsah is a hot spot on the Meeting of the Rivers National Scenic Byway.

7 of the Coolest Bars in Los Angeles (2024)

There’s an almost endless list of things to do in Los Angeles.

From taco crawls to Hollywood film locations to art museums, this West Coast capital offers a wholly unique lens into Californian life. It’s beachy, it’s sunny, and it’s full of effortlessly good-looking people. Most of the time, at least.

The city also offers an air of distinction. Thanks to its many members-only clubs, flashy boutique hotels, and elegant Art Deco architecture, flashy vacations are a breeze in the City of Angels.

But did you know there’s also a highly creative and endlessly intriguing world of themed bars? That’s right—Los Angeles is ground zero for some of the country’s most memorable watering holes. They’re funky, they’re fresh, and they’re popping up in greater numbers of every year.

Want to dive into the deep end at some of the coolest bars in Los Angeles? Bring your reusable straw. It’s drinking time.

7 Coolest Bars in Los Angeles

The Roger Room

A speakeasy-inspired cocktail lounge in West Hollywood

I’m all about speakeasy bars. At The Roger Room, the US’s prohibition era is distilled in its dark wood and handcrafted leatherwork. From the booths to the velvet curtains, there’s a flapper-era vibe.

According to rave reviews, the bartenders are also masters at their craft—which makes sense. Every cocktail could cost you big time in the speakeasy era, so delicious drinks matter.

Drink at the Roger Room

No Vacancy

A speakeasy-themed bar located in a Victorian mansion

If The Roger Room isn’t realistic enough for your tastes, then step back in time at No Vacancy. Located in an actual Victorian mansion, it’s got the feel and construction of the actual speakeasies of yore. (And the scent, too, I’d wager.)

What I love about this spot is its faithfulness to historical accuracy. Though the drinks menu is pretty extensive, it’s focused on speakeasy-era favorites.

Drink at No Vacancy

Potions & Poisons

A wellness-based cocktail lounge

Yes, I said ‘wellness-based cocktail lounge’. From the outside looking in, this bar offers all the neon-lit fare of a typical club. The same for its drink list, which includes cocktails like Moscow Mules and Long Island Iced Teas.

But there’s something deeper at play. Along with a very standard cocktail menu, Potions & Poisons offers a more medicinal take. Medicinal liqueurs, soju, and herbal concoctions are available for those who want to sample something a bit more… healthy? I’m officially intrigued.

Drink at Potions & Poisons

Pacific Seas Tiki Bar

A highly ornate ode to Tiki bar culture

Clifton’s is a Log Angeles staple that functions as a cafeteria. It’s open to people of all backgrounds, offering a unique pay-what-you-can setup. On its upper floors, however, you can find eateries and bars for pay.

One of the best is Pacific Seas Tiki Bar—a holy grail for Tiki lovers. The décor is almost overwhelming on-point, offering endless details for you to soak up while you sip on a rum-centric drink.

Drink at Pacific Seas

Bar CDMX

An underground bar/love letter to Ciudad de Mexico

Looking for a place to sip on all the best cocktails Mexico has to offer? This seriously cool bar was created to delight drinkers who like Mexican flavors, from mezcal to demerara.

Whether or not you’ve visited Mexico City, you’re going to like the hyper-cool vibe of this passion-driven project. Bonus points if you also love mezcal and other smoky, agave-based liquors.

Drink at Bar CDMX

Scum & Villainy

A sci-fi and fantasy adventure set in Hollywood

Are you a mega-fan whose been persecuted for your nerdery? If so, Scum & Villainy is your safe space to nerd out while you sip on a themed cocktail.

On a more serious note, Scum & Villainy is open to all drinkers—though if you’re a fan of Star Trek, Alien, or other similar projects, you’ll feel particularly at home. Even the drink list is an ode to SFF content, including Fantastic 4, Lord of the Rings, and Mad Max-themed cocktails.

Drink at Scum & Villainy

The Mermaid

Enter a new era of dive bars

Looking for a neighborhood dive bar? The Mermaid transports you into a blue, neon-lit world with plenty of mermaid fare.

According to reviews, the cocktails are also dangerously delicious. But as with any great dive, you can also order from a selection of great bar snacks, from tater tots to chips and guacamole.

Drink at The Mermaid

Autumn Activities: Best Things To Do in Michigan in Fall

Michigan is one of the best places to soak up autumn.

That shouldn’t come as a surprise given the state’s sprawling forests, quaint small towns, and its extensive number of outdoor pastimes.

While life in the state slows down for winter, its warmer spring and summer months are packed with non-stop fun.

The same is true for autumn.

Though temperatures start to fall, September and October offer one last chance to soak up the great outdoors. Toss in a delightful display of color-changing leaves, and Michigan transforms into a fall paradise.

But what should you be doing in the Great Lake State during this time?

With so many opportunities to get outdoors, you might need a handy place to start. I suggest kicking off your autumn with one of the best things to do in Michigan in fall.

Best things to do in Michigan in Fall

Chairlift at Crystal Mountain

Thompsonville

Every fall, Crystal Mountain Resort opens up its chairlifts to ferry guests across an autumn dreamland. The lift rises above the treeline to offer a bird’s eye view of the changing forest surrounding Thompsonville. It’s a great adventure for families of all ages.

If you’re staying at the Four Seasons Crystal Mountain Resort, the chairlifts are free. However, they remain open to the public and are highly affordable at only $15/ticket.

Explore the chairlifts

Copper Peak Chairlift

Ironwood

This chairlift isn’t quite like the experience at Crystal Mountain thanks to its towering height. Back in the day, the grounds served as an important sporting venue. Back in 1969, the Copper Peak Chairlift served as part of a major artificial ski jump.

The ski jump has since been transformed into a tourist experience that offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding forest—from a whopping 469 feet in the air. To get to the top, guests must take an elevator and an 800-foot chairlift.

Explore the adventure ride

Copper County Trail National Byway

Delaware to Copper Harbor, Keweenaw

If you’re driving through Michigan, be sure to schedule a scenic byway. The state isn’t short on these options thanks to its winding, rural roads and delightful natural wonders.

In other words, you might need to shop around to find the ‘best’ in your area. Let me kick off your list with a suggestion of my own: the Copper County National Byway.

The Copper County National Byway weaves through the Keweenaw Peninsula. It’s become a popular choice because much of the route is covered by an archway of mature trees.

The spread of pines, maples, oaks, and spruces creates an almost tunnel-like feel as you cruise beneath the orange-and-red canopies—which feels like something out of a Pixar film.

Check out the byway

Fort Wilkins Historic State Park

Copper Harbor

Assuming you head into Copper Harbor via the Copper County Trail National Byway, you can easily bundle in a trip to the Fort Wilkins Historic State Park.

Just like Michigan isn’t short on scenic byways, it’s also got a solid range of parks. Some even offer a glimpse into the past with historical programs, sites, and landmarks.

At Fort Wilkins, visitors can wander along the Lake Superior coastline to soak up the autumn foliage. But here’s why I love this option: the park is also home to 19 historic buildings that visitors can explore.

These date back to the mid-1800s, which you can explore on foot as well as via a living history program.

Learn more about the park

Yates Cider Mill

Rochester Hills

Speaking of history, let’s move on to one of the tastiest ways to enjoy autumn in Michigan—at a cider mill. At Yates, there’s also a historical angle.

The farms have been family-owned and operated since the days of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency. Since then, they’ve perfected arts like apple-growing, cider-distilling, and doughnut-baking.

If you’re heading to Rochester Hills, don’t miss out on Yates Cider Mill’s Apple Fritter Friday event.

Check out the cider mill

Johnson’s Giant Pumpkin Patch

Saginaw

I think Saginaw is worth visiting regardless of the season—but I’ve always enjoyed visiting this area during fall.

Part of the reason is Johnson’s Giant Pumpkin Patch, a larger-than-life staple. Giant pumpkins abound, as you might imagine. On top of that, there’s also a seriously massive corn maze (it’ll take almost an hour to solve), doughnut-making, and a mini-petting zoo. There’s even a craft store.

Learn more about the pumpkin patch