In addition to SMU, NC State, Clemson, Florida, and Virginia on the Florida State home schedule, the 2026 season offers fan-friendly road trips to Tuscaloosa, Louisville, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and Miami, as well as the possibility of a two-game road trip over six days at Boston and Pittsburgh with maybe Cape Cod or the Poconos sandwiched in between.
To assist our readers with travel planning, The Osceola is working with Vera’s Voyages (my wife, for full disclosure) who has reserved rooms and a few tickets for each of the away games.
Alabama (Sept. 19)
Florida State travels to Bryant Denny Stadium on Sept. 19, one of College Football’s most-storied “Shrines.”
Hotels and a few tickets remain: Vera’s Voyages has rooms reserved through Sept. 3 in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham and can customize accommodation to suit your needs. Call (850) 321-9514. Rooms in Birmingham are as low as $375 total for two nights and $820 in Tuscaloosa including taxes. Birmingham is about an hour’s drive from Tuscaloosa.
Florida State has travelled to Tuscaloosa twice and both were among the most dramatic games in FSU history. The underdog Seminoles tied No. 2 Alabama 37-37 on Sept. 23, 1967. Then, in the middle of a 1-10 season in 1974, the Seminoles led No. 2 Alabama 7-5 before Bama pulled off the 8-7 upset with a safety followed by a 36-yard field goal with 33 seconds remaining.
Louisville (October 9)
Early October is a great time to visit the city and the weekend of Oct. 9–11, 2026 is right between "spooky season" and peak fall festival time.
Hotels and a few Tickets: Vera’s Voyages has rooms reserved or will customize accommodation to suit your needs by calling (850) 321-9514.
The "Bourbon City" Essentials
• Urban Bourbon Trail: October is a great time to hit Whiskey Row downtown. Tour Old Forester Distilling Co. or Angel’s Envy.
• Here’s a map of all the Bourbon regions in Kentucky, if you wish to venture beyond the city limits
• Louisville’s Great Chili Cook-off (Oct 12, noon-8 p.m.): A massive foodie fest with dozens of chilis, live music, and trendy shops of NuLu.
Signature Festivals
• The Garvin Gate Blues Festival (Oct. 10–11): A free arts and blues festival in historic Old Louisville neighborhood, which features preserved Victorian mansions, offers local and national blues acts, food vendors and a great street party.
• Belknap Fall Festival (Oct 9–10): Located in the "Douglass Loop" area of the Highlands, the neighborhood fest is perfect for families, featuring over 100 local artists, live music and plenty of local craft beer.
Churchill Downs and Kentucky Derby Museum open daily for tours and "The Great Steamboat Race" exhibits.
Hotels and a few tickets: Vera’s Voyages has rooms reserved or will customize accommodation to suit your needs (850) 321-9514.
Miami (October 17)
In addition to South Beach, Little Havana and the Las Olas area of Fort Lauderdale, there is a massive music festival in the Wynwood Arts District, Octoberfest and the ball game all in one weekend.
III Points Festival (Oct. 16–17): Explore the famous murals by day and the festival by night on the Mana Winwood campus that runs from afternoon to 4 a.m. A mix of electronic, hip-hop and indie music paired with avant-garde art installations and "cyberpunk" aesthetics.
Oktoberfest at the German American Social Club: The longest-running Oktoberfest in Florida hits its stride this weekend. It’s located in the Miller Drive area and features authentic bratwurst, schnitzel and plenty of imported German beer.
Hotels and tickets: Vera’s Voyages has rooms and a few tickets reserved or will customize accommodation to suit your needs (850) 321-9514.
Boston College (Nov. 7) and Pitt (Nov. 13)
A unique opportunity to catch one or both ballgames in one fall trip as FSU plays Boston College on a Saturday and Pittsburgh the following Friday.
It’s that time of year when most of the leaves have fallen, and the hotel prices with them. You’ll also avoid the summer crowds on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket but be sure to layer up as the temperature will also fall to 45-55 degrees.
Catch the Seminole United Tailgate (TBD) and the ballgame at Alumni Stadium on Saturday, November 7 in Chestnut Hill, a short train ride from Boston.
Transport: Avoid driving to the game if possible. Take the Green Line (B, C, or D branches) to the BC stop or Chestnut Hill stop.
The Street & Chestnut Hill Square is an upscale shopping and dining areas, a mile’s walk from campus. There will also be a Seminoles United event. Make reservations early.
Check out the Waterworks Museum located right next to the reservoir. A historic 1887 pumping station provides a look at "Steampunk" era engineering.
Pitt vs. Florida State (Friday, Nov 13)
If you don’t sign up for the Seminoles United tailgate party prior to the game with Seminole Boosters, you can join others gathering at Southern Tier Brewery on the North Shore before walking over.
Take the "T" (Pittsburgh’s light rail). It’s free to ride between Downtown and the North Shore (Allegheny Station) to avoid stadium parking.
Festivals & Culture
Love Italian food? The Strip District on a Saturday morning is a must but be sure to bring an appetite as there are endless displays of cheese, meats, olives and other imported Italian delicacies.
Three Rivers Film Festival: The region's oldest film festival. Harris Theater downtown or the Kelly Strayhorn Theater.
Travel tip: Pack layers and comfortable boots as November is unpredictable.
Hotels and a few tickets: Vera’s Voyages has rooms reserved or will customize accommodation to suit your needs at (850) 321-9514.
Phipps Conservatory Winter Flower Show (Opens Nov 14): A Pittsburgh "must do." The historic glass house is filled with intricate floral displays and a massive outdoor light garden. Book tickets in advance.
Ice Skating at PPG Place: The iconic rink surrounding a giant glass Christmas tree in the middle of a skyscraper complex is usually open this weekend.
Zoo Lights (Wild Illuminations): The Pittsburgh Zoo typically launches its holiday lantern experience this weekend, featuring over a million lights and silk-and-steel sculptures.
Andy Warhol Museum: Located on the North Shore, this is the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist.
Travel with the Seminoles
Alabama
• Tailgating at The Quad: The 22-acre Quad is a sea of tailgate tents and is walkable and within earshot of Bama’s Million Dollar Band warming up. Seminole United will host a tailgate event ($88/person) there for people on the waiting list. Click here to sign up
• The Walk of Champions: About two hours prior to kickoff, busses drop off the Bama players and coaches who make the traditional walk to the locker room, a tradition that has been duplicated across the nation.
• Paul W. Bryant Museum: Located on campus, the museum is a deep dive into the history of Alabama football. Best time to tour the museum is Friday and Sunday, or early on Gameday as it gets crowded.
Dining & Nightlife
The Strip: This stretch of University Boulevard is right next to the stadium and is packed with iconic bars.
Gallettes: Famous for the Yellowhammer, a signature amber-colored drink that is a staple for every fan.
The Houndstooth: Regularly voted one of the best sports bars in the country.
Rama Jama’s: Located literally in the shadow of the stadium, this is the go-to spot for a "National Championship Burger" or breakfast. It's covered wall-to-wall in sports memorabilia.
Dreamland BBQ: "Ain’t nothing like ‘em nowhere." The original location is just a short drive from campus and is legendary for its ribs and white bread.
Louisville (October 9)
Early October is a great time to visit the city and the weekend of October 9–11, 2026 is right between "spooky season" and peak fall festival time.
Hotels and a few Tickets: Vera’s Voyages has rooms reserved or will customize accommodation to suit your needs (850) 321-9514.
The "Bourbon City" Essentials
• Urban Bourbon Trail: October is a great time to hitWhiskey Row downtown. Tour Old Forester Distilling Co. or Angel’s Envy.
• Here’s a map of all the Bourbon regions in Kentucky, if you wish to venture beyond the city limits
• Louisville’s Great Chili Cook-off (Oct 12, noon- 8 pm): A massive foodie fest with dozens of chilis, live music, and trendy shops of NuLu.
Signature Festivals
• The Garvin Gate Blues Festival (Oct 10–11): A free arts and blues festival in historic Old Louisville neighborhood, which features preserved Victorian mansions, offers local and national blues acts, food vendors, and a great street-party.
• Belknap Fall Festival (Oct 9–10): Located in the "Douglass Loop" area of the Highlands, the neighborhood fest isperfect for families, featuring over 100 local artists, live music, and plenty of local craft beer.
Churchill Downs and Kentucky Derby Museum open daily for tours and "The Great Steamboat Race" exhibits.
Hotels and a few tickets: Vera’sVoyages has rooms reserved or will customize accommodation to suit your needs (850) 321-9514.
Miami (October 17)
In addition to South Beach, Little Havana and the Las Olas area of Ft. Lauderdale, there is a massive music festival in the Wynwood Arts District, Octoberfest and the ball game all in one weekend.
III Points Festival (Oct 16–17): Explore the famous murals by day and the festival by night on the Mana Winwood campus that runs from afternoon to 4 am. A mix of electronic, hip-hop, and indie music paired with avant-garde art installations and "cyberpunk" aesthetics.
Oktoberfest at the German American Social Club: The longest-running Oktoberfest in Florida hits its stride this weekend. It’s located in the Miller Drive area and features authentic bratwurst, schnitzel, and plenty of imported German beer.
Hotels and tickets: Vera’s Voyages has rooms a few tickets reserved or will customize accommodation to suit your needs (850) 321-9514.
Boston
Dining: Make reservations early for restaurants in Cleveland Circle (like City Feed or Pino’s Pizza) as they will be swamped with fans post-game.
Check out the Waterworks Museum located right next to the reservoir. A historic 1887 pumping station provides a look at"Steampunk" era engineering.
The "Wicked" Musical (Oct 28 – Nov 15): The Broadway hit “Wicked” is scheduled to be at the Citizens Bank Opera House that weekend on Saturday night or Sunday matinee.
SoWa First Friday (Nov 6) Arrive early on Friday on the South End for a night of art, wine and music at the SoWa Art + Design District from 5-9 p.m.
Pro-Tips for BC Weekends
Check out a classic New England tavern 🍻
Take a day trip to Newport’s White Horse Tavern, one of the oldest taverns in the world. Built in 1652, it’s a must-visit for history buffs and food lovers alike.
Enjoy some rooftop igloo dining 🍹
Boston’s popular igloos are back, just in time for the colder months! Enjoy stunning views of Boston Harbor while staying nice and cozy.
Grab the best waffles in MA 🧇
Got a sweet tooth? Head to Curio Coffee in Cambridge for their award-winning waffles. Perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—pure happiness on a plate.
Test your ping-pong skills at SPIN 🏓
Gather your friends for a night of ping-pong, food, and drinks at SPIN in Seaport. It’s the perfect way to add some fun to a chilly November evening.
Indulge in rich hot chocolate at the Ritz 🍫
Head to the Avery Bar at The Ritz-Carlton for an indulgent hot chocolate experience fireside, with delicious chocolates crafted by their talented pastry chef. Available Saturdays from 3-8 PM.
Pittsburgh
In mid-November, Pittsburgh transforms into a cozy, high-energy city. The air gets crisp, the holiday lights begin to twinkle, and the sports scene is in full swing.
The weekend of Nov. 13–15 offers a perfect mix of high-stakes college football and the very start of the city's famous holiday season.
The Big Game: Pitt vs. Florida State (Friday, Nov 13)
The weekend kicks off early with a Friday night matchup at Acrisure Stadium. Since this is a rare primetime Friday game, the North Shore will be buzzing.
• The Atmosphere: Friday night lights at the NFL stadium (Acrisure) feel a bit more professional but just as loud. Fans typically gather at Southern Tier Brewery or Voodoo Brewing on the North Shore before walking over.
• Pro-Tip: Take the "T" (Pittsburgh’s light rail). It’s free to ride between Downtown and the North Shore (Allegheny Station), saving you a massive headache with stadium parking.
The Kickoff of Holiday Magic
Pittsburgh is famous for "Light Up Night," which usually happens a week later, but several major attractions open their holiday displays this specific weekend:
• Phipps Conservatory Winter Flower Show (Opens Nov 14): This is a Pittsburgh "must do." The historic glasshouse is filled with intricate floral displays and a massive outdoor light garden. It’s incredibly popular, so book tickets in advance.
• Ice Skating at PPG Place: The iconic rink surrounding the giant glass Christmas tree in the middle of a skyscraper complex usually opens this weekend. It’s one of the most picturesque skating spots in the country.
• Zoo Lights (Wild Illuminations): The Pittsburgh Zoo typically launches its holiday lantern experience this weekend, featuring over a million lights and silk-and-steel sculptures.
Festivals & Culture
• Three Rivers Film Festival: This is the region's oldest film festival. You can catch independent features, shorts, and Q&A sessions at various theaters like the Harris Theater downtown or the Kelly Strayhorn Theater.
• The Strip District (Saturday Morning): No trip to Pittsburgh is complete without a Saturday morning in the Strip. Grab a "Primanti Bros" sandwich (the one with the fries inside), shop for local "Yinzer" gear, and visit Wholey’s Market for the full local experience.
• Andy Warhol Museum: Located on the North Shore, this is the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist. It’s a great way to spend a chilly Saturday afternoon.
Sports Beyond the Gridiron
Pittsburgh Penguins: Check out the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins’ schedule of games, including a matchup with Ottawa on Saturday at PPG Paints Arena.
A quick tip for the weather
Pittsburgh in mid-November is unpredictable. It could be a beautiful 55°F or a slushy 35°F. Pack layers and comfortable boots, especially if you're walking the North Shore or the Strip District.
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