Offseason post: SEC Towns ranked

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1. Athens, Georgia (University of Georgia)

Aside from being the host to a never ending stream of beautiful women, Athens is also a diverse cultural haven that features upscale restaurants and beautiful, old-south mansions. When it comes to college football, Athens is a bucket-list location and the night life is top notch (Bourbon Street is a must).

2. Tuscaloosa, Alabama (University of Alabama)

Recently voted one of America’s most liveable cities, most of the town’s night life (and life in general) centers around the Alabama football program which is one of the greatest in college football history. Playboy Magazine called Tuscaloosa’s Houndstooth Sports Bar the #1 sports bar in the United States and you will not be disappointed making a weekend of it especially during the fall.


3. Knoxville, TN (University of Tennessee).

Nestled right at the beginning of the glorious smokey mountains, Knoxville is part laid-back mountain town and equal part crazed football village. Neyland Stadium sits right on the edge of the Tennessee River creating a unique college football experience. The town itself is perfectly sized and there is certainly something for everyone in Knoxville.


4. Gainesville, FL (University of Florida)

Tropical weather, natural beauty and one of the craziest party schools in America are just a few of the many reasons to check out Gainesville. Half of the town’s 120,00 residents are University of Florida students and a visit to “The Swamp” would satisfy any college football fan.


5. Columbia, MO (University of Missouri)

What Columbia lacks in southern flare, it makes up with one of the most beautiful college campuses in America as well as a progressive downtown that features live music and some of the best pizza that you will ever eat (Shakespeare’s Pizza). Columbia’s nickname is “the quality city” and that describes it perfect. Sports are a huge part of the city as the Mizzou Tigers as well as various pro teams are cheered for passionately throughout the year.


6. College Station, TX (Texas A&M)

One of the top research institutions in the country, College Station is also one of the most educated cities in America. College Station is aptly named because the town is as linked with its school as any in the SEC. North of campus, you will see some solid night life and a visit to Kyle Field is one of the most pleasurable experiences you can have as a sports fan.


7. Baton Rouge, Louisiana (LSU)

The capital city of Louisiana features a tremendous mix of big-city attractions as well as one of the best college football venues in the country in Tiger Stadium (AKA Death Valley). Baton Rouge is within shouting distance of New Orleans and anyone that has been there on a Saturday night during football season will tell you that there is nowhere quite like it.


8. Fayetteville, Arkansas (University of Arkansas)

Known as one of the best cities in the U.S. to retire to, Fayetteville is set in the beautiful Ozark Mountains and features a perfect mix of sports, restaurants and cultural happenings. If you don’t mind hearing the phrase “woo pig sooie” then Fayetteville is not a bad place at all to visit.


9. Nashville, TN (Vanderbilt)

Vanderbilt itself may not offer much in the way of football excitement or tailgating on gameday but Nashville is a tremendous city to party in, and if you like country music, you may never want to leave after visiting Broadway Street.


10. Oxford, Mississippi (Ole Miss)

Probably the best college football tailgating in American takes place each week on college football Saturday’s in “The Grove” on Ole Miss’ beautiful campus. Oxford has as sophisticated feel to it as the town has something to offer everyone.


11. Auburn, Alabama (Auburn)

Auburn is certainly a football-centric town and no one is saying that’s a bad thing. A visit to Tommer’s corner after a big Auburn victory is a must (unless you have a toliet paper phobia like hundreds of Americans).


12. Columbia, South Carolina (University of South Carolina)

The capital city of South Carolina, Columbia has a lot to offer sports fans and otherwise. Tailgating may be limited around Williams-Brice Stadium but museums, galleries, music venues and a national park may suit your fancy instead.


13. Lexington, Kentucky (University of Kentucky)

Known as the “horse capital of the world,” Lexington is home to southern hospitality and one of the nations most stable economic cities. The town is known more for basketball than it is for football, but if it’s good enough for Ashley Judd, then it’s good enough for us.


14. Starkville, Mississippi (Mississippi State)

Starkville was once the home of the #1 football team in the nation at one point during the 2014 season… We almost thought of something else, but it’s gone…

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I've never been to most of these towns, but I lived in Columbia, SC awhile. I loved it. I think it's a great little city. For the most part, I think the towns of the SEC are great towns. Starkville and Baton Rouge are the only SEC towns that suck.