Back to School

by Derek Bagley as a part of 2009 Fall Travel Planner
Posted on August 25, 2009
Back to School

Fall is here, and that means school is back in session. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially on college campuses throughout the South. College towns are now bustling with activity, and that means you can get in on all the excitement.

College towns provide an exciting atmosphere that will bring out the kid in you. You can opt for a fun night out on the town or relax with a leisurely walk around campus. Many college towns also provide educational experiences that you don’t have to be a student to appreciate. Art galleries, sports museums, and other attractions provide entertaining ways to broaden your horizons. College sporting events are also are great way to spend time with the family or significant other, along with tons of other passionate fans. College campuses draw wonderful musical entertainment, cultural events, sports, and dining that make for great “date nights.”

Brimming with history, college towns provide a new approach to fall vacation. These towns offer an unmatched combination of amenities and attractions, thanks to the campuses and the students they house. Take a day or a weekend to explore these unique cities and campuses, where local dining, shopping, history, culture, and fun await.

Athens

Athens may be home to one of the South’s finest universities, but that’s not the only thing the town has to offer. You are sure to discover incredible local dining, shopping, history, culture, and fun here. Athens is the place to be — and college kids aren’t the only ones who feel that way. Explore Athens and discover why it’s a hotspot you will want to revisit over and over again!

When visiting Athens, you can’t miss downtown. With a variety of restaurants and bars, the nightlife is topnotch. Escape to a quaint little bar and savor some cocktails. Maybe you feel like something more upbeat, so take advantage of the live music and dance the night away in the downtown bars in Athens.

Auburn

Football rules here on Saturdays in the fall, but it’s not always all about the pigskin. Auburn is full of Southern charm and history, not to mention many modern staples like a happening nightlife scene and top-notch dining.

The downtown area is the place to be, with bars and lounges and restaurants lining the street. Don’t miss Toomer’s Corner after the big game either, when rowdy students roll the trees after a victory. It’s an Auburn tradition. Stop by Toomer’s Drug Store during the day, and have yourself some of the best lemonade in the world.

Oxford

The gorgeous campus of Ole Miss isn’t the only place worth visiting in Oxford. Visitors appreciate Oxford for its sophisticated shops, excellent restaurants, SEC sporting events, and Broadway-caliber musical productions, offering the perfect getaway.

The Square is the one place you absolutely have to visit in Oxford. After a visit to this all-American town square, you’ll see why it was listed as one of the 1,000 places to see before you die. You can spend an entire day here shopping, visiting art galleries, and dining with that special someone. Be sure to visit the South’s oldest department store and one of the nation’s most renowned independent bookstores. And if you two want to spend a night on the town, the Square is where you need to be.