Need Starkville Tailgating Info for Website Article

[GatorMike.sixpack]

Hey Mississippi State Fans,

I own GatorTailgating.com which, among other things, has a series of guides on tailgating for Gator away games.

We're playing you guys in Starkville on Oct 24th, and I'm doing a little research on where and how to tailgate for this game.

Anyway, I'd appreciate it if anyone could help us out. Also, if you guys ever make it down to Gainesville for any games, be sure to look us up. We're always willing to tailgate with random people, even if they are rooting for the wrong team!

Here's a list of questions... if anyone has any answers or anything else to contribute, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

1. Where are the good and bad areas of town for motels to stay in the night before/after the big game?

2. What are some attractions in Starkville that a visitor shouldn't miss? (i.e. nightclubs, bars, theme parks, tourist attractions, etc.). Is there a downtown district?

3. Where should a visiting fan go to eat before leaving Starkville?

4. Is there an area or a part of Starkville that the visiting fans usually congregate/tailgate/park? If so, any address or directions on how to get there would be a big help. If visiting fans usually spread out all around the stadium, help us by telling us where the best area to tailgate is with the most room.

5. How much should we expect to pay for a parking spot (preferably unblocked so there's enough room to setup tents, tables, and a grill to tailgate)?

6. Are there any special rules we should know about tailgating on or off campus, open-container policies we should be forewarned about, or anything of the sort?

7. Any gameday traditions we should not miss while in Starkville? (i.e. we have the Gator Walk, Auburn has Toomer's corner, etc.)

8. Is there anything else you would advise fans of before heading to Starkville to tailgate?

 

[GatorMike.sixpack]

Hey Mississippi State Fans,

I own GatorTailgating.com which, among other things, has a series of guides on tailgating for Gator away games.

We're playing you guys in Starkville on Oct 24th, and I'm doing a little research on where and how to tailgate for this game.

Anyway, I'd appreciate it if anyone could help us out. Also, if you guys ever make it down to Gainesville for any games, be sure to look us up. We're always willing to tailgate with random people, even if they are rooting for the wrong team!

Here's a list of questions... if anyone has any answers or anything else to contribute, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

1. Where are the good and bad areas of town for motels to stay in the night before/after the big game?

2. What are some attractions in Starkville that a visitor shouldn't miss? (i.e. nightclubs, bars, theme parks, tourist attractions, etc.). Is there a downtown district?

3. Where should a visiting fan go to eat before leaving Starkville?

4. Is there an area or a part of Starkville that the visiting fans usually congregate/tailgate/park? If so, any address or directions on how to get there would be a big help. If visiting fans usually spread out all around the stadium, help us by telling us where the best area to tailgate is with the most room.

5. How much should we expect to pay for a parking spot (preferably unblocked so there's enough room to setup tents, tables, and a grill to tailgate)?

6. Are there any special rules we should know about tailgating on or off campus, open-container policies we should be forewarned about, or anything of the sort?

7. Any gameday traditions we should not miss while in Starkville? (i.e. we have the Gator Walk, Auburn has Toomer's corner, etc.)

8. Is there anything else you would advise fans of before heading to Starkville to tailgate?

 

[615dawg]

1. Where are the good and bad areas of town for motels to stay in the night before/after the big game?

Try getting a room at the Hilton on Highway 12. The Hampton Inn is pretty convenient as well. Many out of towners stay at the Pearl River Resort (45 minutes away). Five-star restuarants, great golf, pretty good casino action. Do not under any circumstances stay at the Regal Inn.

2. What are some attractions in Starkville that a visitor shouldn't miss? (i.e. nightclubs, bars, theme parks, tourist attractions, etc.). Is there a downtown district?

You'll be coming in for the main attraction Starkville has - SEC sports. There are a couple of downtown districts. Old Main has some surprisingly good restaurants and bars - the Cotton District could have some good music going on.

3. Where should a visiting fan go to eat before leaving Starkville?

Mugshots could be the best burger in the SEC, there is also Little Dooey, which is what most out of towners think is good - if you like BBQ. ESPN raves about it. I think it could be the third best BBQ in Starkville.

4. Is there an area or a part of Starkville that the visiting fans usually congregate/tailgate/park? If so, any address or directions on how to get there would be a big help. If visiting fans usually spread out all around the stadium, help us by telling us where the best area to tailgate is with the most room.

The Junction. Due South of the stadium.

5. How much should we expect to pay for a parking spot (preferably unblocked so there's enough room to setup tents, tables, and a grill to tailgate)?

10 bucks.

6. Are there any special rules we should know about tailgating on or off campus, open-container policies we should be forewarned about, or anything of the sort?

No dogs. Everything else pretty much goes. They had some problems with dogs last year so they banned them.

7. Any gameday traditions we should not miss while in Starkville? (i.e. we have the Gator Walk, Auburn has Toomer's corner, etc.)

We have a Dawg Walk, its nothing more than a rip off of everyone else's "Walk." Check out the Junction - its quickly becoming a cool little area.

8. Is there anything else you would advise fans of before heading to Starkville to tailgate?

This board could have fun with this question.

 

[Toag Redloh]

Anyway, I'd appreciate it if anyone could help us out. Also, if you guys ever make it down to Gainesville for any games, be sure to look us up. We're always willing to tailgate with random people, even if they are rooting for the wrong team!

Last time I made that trip it was 35-0 at halftime. Then the vehicle I was in broke down on the way back.

Just kidding, 615dawg pretty much summed it up. If I were you I'd pay a visit to the titty bar outside of town, can't remember the name.

 

[Optimus Prime 4]

[No message]

 

[seshomoru]

http://gameday.msstate.edu/pdf/gameday-brochure.pdf

http://www.mstateathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=16800&KEY=&ATCLID=926238

Other things:

Don't set up in my spot

Dave's Dark Horse Tavern's deep dish pizza has always been my favorite Starkville dish.

The biggest game day tradition on campus is MSU losing the football game. Don't miss it.

/Urban Meyer(sp?)

 

[vhdawg]

....we were taking shots of Mickey's Malt Liquor out of a Gator shot glass, and the shot glass spontaneously combusted.

We all looked at each other and said "Well, that's not a good sign."

That game was also where we founded the original "how many plays is it going to take them to score THIS time?" betting game. The crown is currently held by megadawgmaniac, who correctly predicted LSU would score in one play on their fourth drive in Baton Rouge in 2006.

 

[saltybulldog]

http://gameday.msstate.edu/webcam.php

Long live the Christmas tree!

 

[topdawg.sixpack]

1. Where are the good and bad areas of town for motels to stay in the night before/after the big game?

Anywhere along Highway 12, except for University Inn and maybe Days Inn. This includes Hilton, Comfort Suites, Hampton, Holiday Inn Express. Also, Microtel on 182. However, most rooms will be booked, Columbus and West Point are about 20-25 min away and have some options. Pear River Resort in Philadelphia is good as well, but its an hour drive.

2. What are some attractions in Starkville that a visitor shouldn't miss? (i.e. nightclubs, bars, theme parks, tourist attractions, etc.). Is there a downtown district?

Cotton District has about 4 spots, mostly outdoors. Its around the University Drive and Maxwell St. area. Old Main/ Downtown has 5 or so bars, much bigger, and is on Main St., between Montogmery and Washington Sts. Most places in both spots have live music on the weekends. Both areas are usually PACKED on gameday weekends, and stay open to 1:00AM on Friday and Saturday.

Ricks is a big club, but sometimes the bands are halfway decent for music. Also, Dave's Darkhorse Tavern is a dive, but has good food and usually very good live music.

3. Where should a visiting fan go to eat before leaving Starkville?

Mugshots, Lil' Dooey, and Daves are all good and local . If you want a nicer meal, try The Veranda (on Lincoln Green) or Restaurant Tyler (Main St., in the Old Main/Downtown District). Both are avg. 15-20 a plate, but very good food.

My favorite restaurant in the area is Anthony's Food Market in West Point. The steaks are awesome, and they also have fresh seafood, along with chicken, pork, and pasta dishes. The best part about Anthony's is that you can bring your own liquor and/or wine with you.

4. Is there an area or a part of Starkville that the visiting fans usually congregate/tailgate/park? If so, any address or directions on how to get there would be a big help. If visiting fans usually spread out all around the stadium, help us by telling us where the best area to tailgate is with the most room.

The Junction is the hot spot to tailgate for MSU fans, and Gator fans are certainly welcome, but I know the University in the past has been putting the "official" visitors gathering spot in the parking lot of Humphrey Coliseum.

5. How much should we expect to pay for a parking spot (preferably unblocked so there's enough room to setup tents, tables, and a grill to tailgate)?

$10

6. Are there any special rules we should know about tailgating on or off campus, open-container policies we should be forewarned about, or anything of the sort?

No dogs.

7. Any gameday traditions we should not miss while in Starkville? (i.e. we have the Gator Walk, Auburn has Toomer's corner, etc.)

8. Is there anything else you would advise fans of before heading to Starkville to tailgate?

 

[beachbumdawg]

Anyway, I'd appreciate it if anyone could help us out. Also, if you guys ever make it down to Gainesville for any games, be sure to look us up. We're always willing to tailgate with random people, even if they are rooting for the wrong team!

Last time I made that trip it was 35-0 at halftime. Then the vehicle I was in broke down on the way back.

Dude same **** happened to me....hit a frickin deer (dead in the middle of my lane) near panama city on the way back....punctured my tire....had to stop every 45 minutes to put fixer flat and air to make it back to vegas

 

[beachbumdawg]

....we were taking shots of Mickey's Malt Liquor out of a Gator shot glass, and the shot glass spontaneously combusted.

We all looked at each other and said "Well, that's not a good sign."

That game was also where we founded the original "how many plays is it going to take them to score THIS time?" betting game. The crown is currently held by megadawgmaniac, who correctly predicted LSU would score in one play on their fourth drive in Baton Rouge in 2006.

interesting.....we were doing that in the group i was with too...hmm

 

[hullabaloodog]

1. Where are the good and bad areas of town for motels to stay in the night before/after the big game?
Stay at: Hilton Garden Inn, Comfort Suites, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express. Also, could call the Cotton District rental office, they occasionally have furnished apartments that are not rented that they will rent out for the weekend....Nearby: Columbus (20 minutes away) has a couple of decent chain hotels or the Pearl River Resort (like someone else said) would be a great option. DO NOT Stay: Regal Inn, University Inn, University Motel...

2. What are some attractions in Starkville that a visitor shouldn't miss? (i.e. nightclubs, bars, theme parks, tourist attractions, etc.). Is there a downtown district?
Old Main (downtown) or Cotton District (just off campus)...Downtown has several good options as far as bars (Mugshots, Barristers, State Theater, Old Venice). Cotton District.. you'll find 4 or 5 smaller outdoor-patio bars which can be a lot of fun as well, and you can walk there after the game..

3. Where should a visiting fan go to eat before leaving Starkville?
A lot of people will say Lil' Dooeys, and it's good...but, I'd try Petty's BBQ on Hwy 12, the Veranda for a good dinner, or Dave's Dark Horse for wings and awesome pizza. If you're looking for a steak in town, I'd go with Cappe's. Pretty good stuff there.

 

[lawdawg02]

after they scored 21 straight on 3 possessions and we had gone 3 and out on each of our possessions, the students started jingling their keys at us - in the FIRST QUARTER. later, when it was about 35-0, i looked at our dejected group of fans and said "hey, do y'all think this is going to knock us out of the top 25?"

that game was absolutely horrific. i do remember drinking at the purple porpoise before the game with a waittress in my lap. that part wasn't so bad.

 

[HD6]

was seeing the sixteen time world heavyweight champion "Nature Boy" Ric Flair on the sidelines.

 

[Agentdog]

4. Is there an area or a part of Starkville that the visiting fans usually congregate/tailgate/park? If so, any address or directions on how to get there would be a big help. If visiting fans usually spread out all around the stadium, help us by telling us where the best area to tailgate is with the most room.

There is an organization on campus that host visitors on their front lawn. It is difficult to explain exactly where but the address is;</p>

103 Clyde Q. Sheely Circle, Mississippi State, MS</p>

They don't mind if you use their restrooms, eat their food, or hit on their dates.</p>

 

[mstate1977]

Don't forget about the smoking ban. No smoking indoors at any public place (restaurants and bars included).

As for where to eat... The best BBQ in Starkville is at Sonny's (not the chain restaurant), but it is in a little shack held together with duct tape and spit and it's in the boonies. Everybody else pretty much covered the rest of the eateries worth mentioning.

 

[lanceharbor7]

Ric

 

[vhdawg]

after they scored 21 straight on 3 possessions and we had gone 3 and out on each of our possessions, the students started jingling their keys at us - in the FIRST QUARTER.

That's okay, we got them back by shaking our keys at them early in the fourth quarter as they were all leaving. I don't remember if that was before or after the TD that was for the ball boy that had allegedly gotten beat up the previous year.

 

[topdawg.sixpack]

Sonny died a few years back, and it is now Morris's BBQ. I think they have actually cleaned it up a little, however, it is still a shack held up by duct tape and spit. There is also a sign on 182 where to turn now.

 

[mstate1977]

Also didn't realize how long it had been since I'd been there. Guess that shows how often I get up to Starkville.

 

[JimHalpert.nafoom]

nm

 

[Coach33.sixpack]

I will help you out with late night and food choices since that's what I know most about.

Eat at Does or Restaurant Tyler if you want a steak or somewhere nice to eat. The Veranda is also nice but is not located downtown, Does and RT are. Mugshots is also located downtown and is a good place to get a GREAT burger.

As far as late night scene, go downtown or to the Cotton District. Both are located on University Drive (Main Street) and are only about a mile apart. They are two seperate areas and have different choices for music and dining. Cotton District is more residential and has about 4 bars. Cotton District Grill, Bin 612, Up Your Alley, and Rock Bottom. They all serve food but I would recommend Bin 612 for the best live music and atmosphere.

Downtown has a great bar scene also. Go to either Mugshots or Barristers (across Main Street from each other). Old Venice Pizza Company also has good Italian food and has a pretty cool late night bar. 15-20 years ago these areas were mostly dead but now they are FULL of people, especially on game weekends. Starkville has improved alot in the past 10-15 years and added tons of watering holes.

It will be just as easy to have a bad *** time here as it is to beat us in football.

 

[DawgforHire]

I agree with all the suggestions above. But I will add my 2 cents to this subject. Regardless of what people say, you can have a great time in Starkville. Like coach33 said, there have been many additions to the Jewel in recent years.

1. Of course the better hotels are Comfort Suites, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Microtel, Hilton Garden Inn and Hotel Chester. Hotel Chester is located on Main Street right next to the downtown nightlife. It also has a pretty good hotel bar and sushi bar. The main hotels to stay away from would be the Regal Inn and University Motel. I would say that the Days Inn and the University Inn are on the same level. They would be a good choice for the traveling college student on a budget. One that wasn't mentioned is America's Best Inn and Suites. It is on Hwy 12 as well, which is the main strip through the city. I would say it would be an ok place to stay.

Hotel options outside of Starkville are West Point, Columbus and Louisville. Also mentioned is the Pearl River Resort and Casinos. If you stay in Louisville, then you will only be about 30 min from Starkville and about 45 min from the Casinos. Not many choices there, but a good mid-point. West Point has a new Hampton Inn going up now, and should be finished by football season.

2. As far as the attractions and bars/restaurants go, you have several choices. All the above mentioned watering holes are great. Lots of variety around town for entertainment. Most of the popular bars will be packed on game weekends. Fat Rabbit's Bar and Grill is not the exciting place, but could be an alternate if all others are to cramed for you. The Hunt Club on Hwy 12 is pretty big. I don't go there much, but it would be an ok alternate as well. For a more laid back spot, the Veranda, the Cotton District Grill and Old Venice Pizza Co. have a pretty cool bar. The hotel bar at Hotel Chester is called Big Daddy's. Not sure how long it stays open? Rick's Cafe has 4 different bars in 1 location. Good college bar as well as State Theatre. The smaller outside bars on Univesity Drive are really good.

Restaurants are everywhere. Chains as well as the starkville locals. For bar-b-que, I like the Little Dooey and Petty's. But for good tailgating bar-b-que, I get pans of brisket and pulled pork from Morris BBQ(formerly Sonny's). Tons of sandwhich shop options. For steaks, go to Does, Cappe's, Veranda and Anthony's(West Point). Bin 612 has an awesome Fillet. Best Burger is definetly Mugshots. Pastas are best at Old Venice, Rest. Tyler and Veranda. For a good mid level meal, go to the Cotton District Grill. Good Seafood places are Rosey Baby's, Rest. Tyler and Anthony's.

Like another poster said, the best attraction will be the football game. Pearl River Resort could be another option. Not far from Starkville. Maybe Tupelo...home of the King...Elvis Presly. 1 hour from Starkville.

3. For the tailgating on Campus:
I am pretty sure most of the visiting fans, especially the RVs, are guided towards the intramural fields. There is also a large field in front of the Vet school where a lot of visiting fans gather. Lots of room there for tailgating. Of course, you should work your way to the Junction. If we somehow pull off a decent season by the time we play you guys, that place will be packed. The place to be for southern co-eds!!!! That has been where my group has tailgated since it opened. But, since it is prime tailgating Real Estate that you have to almost fight for, we might move around the corner. We will have the giant blow-up bulldog! Stop by for some refreshments. Ask for DawgforHire! We also usually stay around for some post game partying. Sometimes the last ones to leave! You might be able to find some visiting fans over by the Hump/Sanderson Center Parking lots? I would say that you would be more likely to spend $12-$15 for open parking. If you could find a place to park on university drive, that would be a cool walk to campus. Get there early though! You can call for a cab to get you to campus if needed.

All in All, you should find your visit to the Jewel pleasant and fun. Hopefully not during the game, but the rest of the time anyway. These are my ideas and suggestions. Hope you find them useful.

Strip Club in West Point is called The Pony!

Oh, and I hope you guys hang 90 points on UT this year!

GO DAWGS!!!
DawgforHire

 

[jack.sixpack]

Doe's Eat Place in there with the nicer restuarants. Sometimes can be hit or miss, but usually is a hit.

 

[seshomoru]

Too many damn people, who bring no food or beer, are starting to show up.

 

[cowbell9]

...less fortunate. Providing for those without jobs. Shareing with those who dont produce. Get with the program!!!

 

[graddawg]

Not trying to tell you how to run your tailgate or anything, but it's pretty damn easy to identify the moochers and tell them to either 1) bring something of substance next time or 2) find another group to tailgate with.

 

[Optimus Prime 4]

[No message]

 

[cowbell9]

and less fortunates dont?!! That is not fair!!!1

 

[dawgstudent]

it's where HD6 does his Truffle Shuffle.

 

[RocketCityDawg]

Was having a seat in the middle of the UF staff section.

They were no less obnoxious than any other random Gator fans you may encounter.

One of my co-workers, a SP avid reader, had it worse: he was in their student section.

 

[hullabaloodog]

Definitely the best BBQ in town when it was Sonny's...Hopefully it's just a name change and the food has stayed the same. Anyone been since it re-opened as Morris'?

 

[cowbell9]

and slap your brain. Larry Bell's out by OCL is better than that though.

 

[Dinkle]

.

 

[GatorMike.sixpack]

Thanks for all the great tips. We appreciate it. I personally won't be making it out to Starkville this year, but if any of you guys head into Gainesville for the 2010 game, look us up!

 

[Sutterkane]

I must have been blind, I looked for at least 30 minutes for the SPS tent allegedly 3 white tents together in front of the bookstore before the vandy game last year. There were probably 10 sets of 3 white tents together in front of the bookstore. Then I tried looking for fat people since supposedly DS and HD6 are fat. Of course, I didn't know whether to look for Bernie Mac fat, Chris Farley fat, or Jon Pinette fat. After looking and not finding, I thought it was a huge board practical joke and I was just a dubmass for thinking there was a legit tent.

 

[SallyStansbury]

Cowbell19,
We went out there last Friday, Larry said that the economic slow down was kicking his ***. He has scaled back to only cooking on Saturdays. If you would like to make it out there give me a shout. This is without a doubt the best BBQ in the area. 100% no doubt.
SS