Where did you go to college?
Its a simple question, but one that can really get Southerners fired up.
Those of us whoattended a Southern universitytake education, amongst other things, quite seriously.
Credit:Robbie Caponetto
Even rivals can appreciate their sworn adversaries stomping grounds.
Theres no college town like one in the South.
Two backpack-laden students walk past, talking about their midterms.
An older couple ducks intoLast Resort Grillnearby, in search of its locally famed praline chicken.
A man zooms past on a unicycle.
The stadium is home, and Uga is a rock star.
Catch a show at 40 Watt.Credit:Robbie Caponetto
And there’s optimism in the locals' eagerness to turn tired spaces into shiny, happy new faces.
An old tire company is now a favorite brewery and farmers' market.
A kudzu-covered former cotton warehouse returns as an arts district.
Credit:Robbie Caponetto
What doesn’t change?
The Waffle House on West Clayton Street.
The Tree That Owns Itself, a quirk respected even by the local government.
Step back in time while sorting through the crates at Wuxtry Records.Credit:Robbie Caponetto
(Go read the plaque.)
The old-fashioned root beer floats atADD Drug, a landmark since 1961.
What called Hood to Athens in the first place?
Athen’s music history fills the walls at Weaver D’s.Credit:Robbie Caponetto
“It all boils down to the music here.”
Step insideWuxtry Records, and nostalgia hits you like an old Tom Petty song.
This is where the future members of R.E.M.
Credit:Robbie Caponetto
Lead guitarist Peter Buck even worked there for a short time.
He also knew Bill Berry, R.E.M.
’s drummer, from the time they spent together on UGA’s concert committee.
Enjoy a stroll in downtown Fayetteville.Credit:Robbie Caponetto
“And then all of a sudden, boom, they’re in this world-famous band.”
could use his catchphrase as one of their most famous album titles:Automatic for the People.
’s special guest," Downs remembers.
Weaver opened the restaurant in 1986, dishing out fried chicken and comforting side dishes with his trademark flair.
More than 35 years later, there are still people finding their song in Athens.
Theres no need to outsource entertainment, and colleges across the South want Athens bands at their parties too.
Hugo’s on the square is more than a basement burger joint; it’s a tradition.Credit:Robbie Caponetto
Along with GrandVille, there are countless other examples of young burgeoning creatives being fostered by Athens musical roots.
Athens is full of spirit in many different ways, says Tennyson.
Everyones behind the Bulldogs, downtown never sleeps, and its an exciting place to be.
Credit:Cedric Angeles
permeate the crisp autumn air.
Located in northwest Arkansas, Fayetteville feels far away from the hustle and bustle of big cities.
Fittingly for the Natural State, the outdoor world informs much of the city.
Peruse notable moments in LSU history around the tables of Pastime Restaurant.Credit:Cedric Angeles
Fayettevilles location at the lush foothills of the Ozarks makes it a prime playground for naturer lovers.
There are parks and preserves aplenty.
Biking is a hardcore passion in Fayetteville and the surrounding area (most notably in Bentonville).
Meet LSU’s beloved mascot, Mike VII.Credit:Cedric Angeles
Meanwhile, atKessler Mountain Regional Park, mountain bikers fly over rocky trails through dense forest.
Delightfully walkable, Dickson and the square are also flush with bars, restaurants, and boutiques.
No surprise, food is central to this college towns identity.
Pour a cold one at Tap 65.Credit:Cedric Angeles
Beyond game day, restaurants near LSUs campus attract diners eager for an authentic Baton Rouge experience.
The adjacent bronze Mike statue is perfect for Instagrammable back rides on the big cat.
Head east along Government to experience two jam-packed miles of shops, activities, and restaurants.
Dive into pastry paradise atElsies Plate Piewhere a family recipe enrobes sweet and savory goodness.
