Hi, I'm @BTCock , you may know me as the official Financial Advisor of the On3 network, but you might not know that I also am the Chairman of the Welcome to Columbia! Travel Advisory Board.
First of all, a little history about yours truly: I have travelled all over the country to football games and have been to every single SEC stadium and most of the ACC, as well. Most of your ACC stadiums are the size of a typical high school so not much to see there. (Now, if I'm being honest, if I were to rate my SEC trips, Mississippi State would rank dead last behind Vanderbilt because at least Nashville is a fun town for a night or two. Starkville was lacking in, well quite frankly, everything. Restaurants, hotels, running water, etc.) So, I know a thing or two about travelling around the SEC.
Now, what always made my trips easier is an opposing fan giving some travel tips, so I have put together a list of some hotels and restaurants to make your trip to Columbia as smooth as butter on a wheel bearing on a shaved cooter. All of these recommendations are tailored each week towards the visiting fanbase.
Hotels
First up is the budget option: If you're familiar with golf you'll know that Augusta National is just about an hour down the road and this where the hotel derives it's name: The Masters Inn
Don't let the price fool you, unlike Starkville this place has indoor plumbing. They even have a pool where you guys can take your annual bath.
Check it out!
If you're looking for something closer to the stadium, try the Rodeway Inn over by Fort Jackson. I think they offer a military discount!
If you get homesick for the visual aesthetic of an abandoned barn, then this is the place for you.
Now, if you don't mind a little drive but are looking for something unique and upscale, try Trump's Inn in Orangeburg.
Don't stress about packing toiletries—reviewers report the rooms come equipped with pre-used, artisanal bars of mystery soap left in the showers by previous travelers. The local mold colonies thriving inside the microwaves provide a natural, earthy aroma that will instantly remind you of a hot August afternoon in Oktibbeha County.
And you get a free "Trump Duck" with every stay!
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Now on to the restaurants:
I know how you Mississippi boys like to eat, so for you big backs we'll get right to the all you can eat options.
The Flaming Grill has something for everyone: pizza, tacos, sushi, etc. Just be careful with the seafood being kept at room temperature, but I'm sure you guys are used to not having modern refrigeration in Mississippi.
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For a dinner and a show option, Platinum West has a FREE lunch option with paid admission. You folks can visit your daughters while they work!
If you have any questions, please feel free to drop them in this thread. I know it can be intimidating hitching up the wagon to leave town and go exploring, but we'll take good care of you while you're here.
First of all, a little history about yours truly: I have travelled all over the country to football games and have been to every single SEC stadium and most of the ACC, as well. Most of your ACC stadiums are the size of a typical high school so not much to see there. (Now, if I'm being honest, if I were to rate my SEC trips, Mississippi State would rank dead last behind Vanderbilt because at least Nashville is a fun town for a night or two. Starkville was lacking in, well quite frankly, everything. Restaurants, hotels, running water, etc.) So, I know a thing or two about travelling around the SEC.
Now, what always made my trips easier is an opposing fan giving some travel tips, so I have put together a list of some hotels and restaurants to make your trip to Columbia as smooth as butter on a wheel bearing on a shaved cooter. All of these recommendations are tailored each week towards the visiting fanbase.
Hotels
First up is the budget option: If you're familiar with golf you'll know that Augusta National is just about an hour down the road and this where the hotel derives it's name: The Masters Inn
Don't let the price fool you, unlike Starkville this place has indoor plumbing. They even have a pool where you guys can take your annual bath.
Check it out!
If you're looking for something closer to the stadium, try the Rodeway Inn over by Fort Jackson. I think they offer a military discount!
If you get homesick for the visual aesthetic of an abandoned barn, then this is the place for you.
Now, if you don't mind a little drive but are looking for something unique and upscale, try Trump's Inn in Orangeburg.
Don't stress about packing toiletries—reviewers report the rooms come equipped with pre-used, artisanal bars of mystery soap left in the showers by previous travelers. The local mold colonies thriving inside the microwaves provide a natural, earthy aroma that will instantly remind you of a hot August afternoon in Oktibbeha County.
And you get a free "Trump Duck" with every stay!
View attachment 1437384
View attachment 1437385
Now on to the restaurants:
I know how you Mississippi boys like to eat, so for you big backs we'll get right to the all you can eat options.
The Flaming Grill has something for everyone: pizza, tacos, sushi, etc. Just be careful with the seafood being kept at room temperature, but I'm sure you guys are used to not having modern refrigeration in Mississippi.
View attachment 1437419
View attachment 1437421
View attachment 1437422
For a dinner and a show option, Platinum West has a FREE lunch option with paid admission. You folks can visit your daughters while they work!
If you have any questions, please feel free to drop them in this thread. I know it can be intimidating hitching up the wagon to leave town and go exploring, but we'll take good care of you while you're here.
