Honorable Mentions

Of course, many other destinations feature football and much more. Here are our other picks:

Eugene, Ore.: Enjoy the indoor tailgate party at the University of Oregon's Moshofsky Sports Center ("the Mo"), with live music, big-screen TVs and food galore to celebrate the Ducks. After the game, rack 'em up and enjoy a microbrew at East 19th Street Café. Take a tasty tour of Willamette Valley's wine, beer and coffee scene. For more fun, drive an hour north to Corvallis and an Oregon State Beavers game. The annual meeting between the Ducks and the Beavers, known as "The Civil War," is one of the nation's oldest rivalries.

San Francisco: What's not to love about the City by the Bay? The Golden Gate Bridge, a vast array of Asian food (try worthwhile dive Bang San Thai), Alcatraz, cable cars, Fisherman's Wharf (watch the famous sea lions) and shopping at Union Square are all set among picturesque hills and cool water. Watch the 49ers at Candlestick Park, or catch "The Big Game" between the University of California (Berkeley) Bears and top 25 team Stanford — Tiger Woods' alma mater, where you can take a swing on its golf course in Palo Alto.

Athens, Ga.: Though the University of Georgia is a bastion of hard-nosed SEC football (and soft-nosed mascot Uga — see "Fun Fact"), it's Athens' cultural side that might most impress you. The music scene is famous, having launched bands such as R.E.M. and the B-52s (try the 40 Watt Club for the latest acts). Athens boasts America's first garden club, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. And its surrounding area offers the best in Civil War sites, antebellum architecture and golf.

Madison, Wisc.: Not only home to the top 10 University of Wisconsin Badgers, Madison also offers much in fresh farm products. Sample local fare, including fresh fruit and gourmet cheeses (of course!) at the Dane County Farmers Market, one of the country's largest. After the game (and the postgame marching band concert, the "Fifth Quarter"), relax at the environmentally friendly inn Arbor House, or stroll the UW Arboretum. Want more football? The Green Bay Packers are less than three hours away.

New York: The Big Apple may bring to mind baseball and basketball before football, but with two NFL teams and a brand-new stadium (though admittedly in New Jersey), it's hard to ignore NYC. There is quite literally something for everyone here, whether you're on a family getaway (Coney Island, Bronx Zoo) or a romantic weekend for two (Broadway shows, Hotel Elysée). There's so much to do and see and eat, you might just forget about football altogether. But why would you do that?

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• Introduction: 11 Football Destinations You Can't Miss