Cody York
Football season is back whether you’re a fan or not. That means the blistering heat will continue to beat down on the field, beer and soft drinks are set to slush around in the seats and the cheers and boos of passionate fans will fill stadiums everywhere. But while many sports spectators eagerly await this season each year, others may be turned off to the scene. Not to worry. If you’re unenthusiastically dragged to an away game this fall, these football towns also feature options to get away. In these cities, even the fans may agree that the sights off the field are more promising than watching the game.
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit Lions fans have had a tough run. Besides being one of the few NFL teams that haven’t made it to the Super Bowl, their last regular season was a bust as they finished 6-10. This put them in dead last in the NFC North. But if you find yourself in Detroit to see the Cowboys spar off with the Lions, there’s more than just football to help fill your days. The city also boasts three 24/7 Vegas-style casinos for those looking for a thrill off the field. For a more soothing experience, take in the sights via one of the city’s riverboat or yacht tours, or swap out a pregame for one of Motor City’s brew and wine tours to sample fresh Motown drinks. If you are looking for some classic entertainment, forget the Lions and be entertained by a different kind of feline during Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats.” The musical production is staged at Fisher Theater and runs through September 15.
Jacksonville, Florida
Speaking of cats, the Jacksonville Jaguars have lost more games than they have won in the past eight seasons. Luckily, Jacksonville is home to more than 22 miles of beaches, beautifully preserved urban parks and boutique neighborhoods that are perfect for sightseeing. Enjoy several coastal cuisines as well, with many delightful bistros, fish camps and more staple restaurants available right on the shoreline. You could visit one of the city’s several historical multicultural hotspots, including the Ritz Theatre and Museum, which was constructed on the site of the Ritz Theater movie house in 1929, or the American Beach on the south end of Amelia Island. You could also explore Jacksonville’s vibrant arts scene, and check out one of the more than 30 large-scale murals throughout the city. No matter where you go in Jacksonville, you’re sure to find a good time far away from the shouting matches in the football stadium.
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Cleveland, Ohio
While the Cleveland Browns have a promising quarterback in Baker Mayfield, who helped lead the team last year to its best finish since 2007 with a 7-8-1 record, the Browns’ winning history is rocky at best. They lost all 16 games in the 2017 regular season, only the second NFL team to do so since the Detroit Lions’ 0-16 in 2008. In the event that Mayfield is benched, there’s more to discover in Cleveland beyond the FirstEnergy Stadium. Look around the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame downtown, catch a thrilling roller coaster ride at Cedar Point Amusement Park or traverse through the topsy-turvy Adventure City inside the Children’s Museum of Cleveland. If you want to slow down and relax, stroll through the vibrant and gorgeous Cleveland Botanical Garden founded in 1930 or visit the famous Parker house from the 1980s movie “A Christmas Story.” Either way, you’ll spend your day enjoying a fun-filled adventure that’s a safe distance from the onslaught of sports fans who are up in arms because the referee made a bad call.