5 more for the road

The trip to Arizona and 2008-09 hopes have Georgia Bulldog football fans excited, but the faithful to flock to their traditional locales this fall for five other road games. Here are a few tips of fans making those trips. When possible, we've tapped into the Bulldog network to ask UGA alumni now living in other SEC strongholds for advice.

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University of South Carolina , Sept. 13, Columbia, S.C.

The first SEC game of the year makes the South Carolina capital city worth the trip. The town has plenty of pre-game and post-game diversions, says Amy Harmon, head of the local UGA Alumni Association chapter. There is a good concentration of restaurants and watering holes in the Congaree Vista district and Five Points neighborhood. Take a cab and start walking.

Where to stay: The new Hilton Columbia Center (803-744-7800; www.hiltoncolumbia.com) is within walking distance of the Vista district. There is a Ruth's Chris Steak House in the hotel. There is free Wi-fi access throughout the hotel so you can check out Bulldog blogs at AJC.com.

Where to eat: The food at Terra (803-791-3443; www.terrasc.com) "is French inspired and very good," says Harmon, Class of 1987. The restaurant was given a "Wine Spectator" award of excellence in 2007. A good meat-and-three spot is Lizard's Thicket (www.lizardsthicket.com). There are several locations across town.

Among friends: There is a concentration of bars and clubs in Congaree Vista , a former warehouse district by the river. Just keep walking until you hear someone shout, "How 'bout them Dawgs."

Beyond the stadium: A fat suit worn by Eddie Murphy in "The Nutty Professor 2" and the gallows used in Mel Gibson's "The Patriot" are on display at the South Carolina State Museum (803-898-4921; www.museum.state.sc.us) as part of the "Hollywood Comes to South Carolina" exhibit.

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Louisiana State University, Oct. 25, Baton Rouge, La.

New Orleans has the reputation, well-deserved, as the fun town in Louisiana, but this capital city has its share of good food and drink, slot machines and black jack tables, says Christian Vaicius, Class of 1997. Vaicius, a New Orleans high school Spanish teacher, lived in Baton Rouge three years while his wife was in law school.

Where to stay: The Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center (225-344-5866; www.hilton.com) downtown has a pool overlooking the Mississippi River. The diversions at the Sheraton Baton Rouge Convention Center Hotel (225-242-2600; www.starwoodhotels.com) include the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino.

Where to eat: George's Under the Overpass on Perkins Road (225-343-2363; www.georgesbr.com) is "probably the best place to get a po boy," says Vaicius. A more upscale pick would be Juban's (225-346-8422; www.jubans.com), a Creole spot where Jude Law, Kate Winslet, James Gandolfini and Patricia Clarkson dined while filming "All the King's Men."

Among friends: The best place to run into Georgia fans, Vaicius says, is The Chimes (225-383-1754; www.thechimes.com), which is near the stadium and has more than 130 beers available.

Beyond the stadium: In addition to the Belle, Hollywood Casino (225-709-7777; www.hollywoodbr.com) just north of downtown provides plenty of chances to win (or lose) a few bucks. The casino has more than 1,100 slot machines.

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University of Florida, Nov. 1, Jacksonville, Fla.

The amount of red and black in the crowd makes it hard to count this as an away game. It's a trip thousands and thousands of Bulldog fans plan the year around. Even though he loves Athens, James Hopkins, Class of 2003, says, "I get excited when talking about Jax."

Where to stay: It's tough to beat the downtown Omni Jacksonville Hotel (904-355-6664; www.omnihotels.com) for convenience, but the recently opened One Ocean Resort in Neptune Beach (904- 247-0305; www.oneoceanresort.com), is dazzling, with "lots of restaurants and beverage establishments nearby," Hopkins says.

Where to eat: 11 South Bistro (904-241-1112; www.elevensouth.com) in Jacksonville Beach is a favorite. Chew Restaurant ( 904-355-3793; www.chewrestaurant.com) is a popular lunch spot dowtown that recently started serving dinner Thursday-Saturday.

Among friends: Local chapters of the alumni association and the Bulldog Club hold events at the Mudville Grille (904-398-4326; mudvillegrille.com) in the St. Nicholas neighborhood just across the river from downtown.

Beyond the stadium: The behind the scenes tour at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (jaxzoo.org) "is well worth the price," Hopkins says. Jaguars — the local NFL team is the Jacksonville Jaguars — are among the headliners.

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University of Kentucky, Nov. 8, Lexington, Ky.

Thoroughbred horses and fine spirits are well-represented in this part of the Bluegrass State. But the best part about visiting here for Bulldog football fans, says Troy Stufflebean, "it's still easy to get a ticket." Stufflebean, Class of 1994, is president of the alumni chapter in nearby Louisville and often makes the hour trip to Lexington.

Where to stay: The downtown Hyatt Regency Lexington (859-253-1234; lexington.hyatt.com) is a convenient spot where you're likely to run into other UGA grads, says Stufflebean. Each room has an iPod docking station. The Griffin Gate Marriot Resort & Spa (859-231-5100; www.marriott.com) is four miles from downtown, but boasts a 6,830-yard, Par 72 golf course.

Where to eat: Bellini's (859-388-9583; www.bellinis.us) is a top-flight Italian spot and Merrick Inn (859-269-5417; www.murrays-merrick.com) is a local favorite, Stufflebean says. If the weather allows, enjoy the patio.

Among friends: Two Keys Tavern (859-254-5000) is a popular UK hangout a short stroll from campus.

Beyond the stadium: Kentucky is known for raising horses and making bourbon and three distilleries in the Lexington area have regular tours. If you only go to one, Stufflebean says, go tour the Woodford Reserve Distillery (859-879-1812; www.woodfordreserve.com).

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Auburn University, Nov. 15, Auburn, Ala.

While a short enough drive to be a day trip, it's worth spending some time at the place dubbed "the loveliest village on the plains," says Larry Nix, Class of 1977.

Where to stay: The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center (800-228-2876; www.auhcc.com) is just two blocks from the stadium and offers golf privileges at the private Auburn University Golf Club.

Where to eat: One of the two locations of Momma Goldberg's Deli (334-821-0185; www.mommagoldbergs.com) is close to the stadium. A bit more sophisticated ambience can be found at Amsterdam Café (334-826-8181; www.theamsterdamcafe.com).

Among friends: The Auburn Oyster House (334-502-2491; www.auoysterbar.com) "is a great sports bar," says Nix.

Beyond the stadium: If you're determined to make it a day trip, you can make it easier to get home by parking at Tiger Town or University Mall and taking a shuttle bus to the game.