Rating the Nation: Best Spots for Tailgating

Before football games at the University of Mississippi, one of the best parties in the South is held on 10 grassy acres shaded by dozens of hulking oak trees in

Before football games at the University of Mississippi, one of the best parties in the South is held on 10 grassy acres shaded by dozens of hulking oak trees in the middle of campus.

Under canvass tents, women in dresses and high-heeled shoes mingle with men wearing pressed khakis and starched dress shirts.

The buffet tables are covered with checkered cloths and freshly cut flowers. There's plenty to eat and drink.

Welcome to the Grove, tailgating with a touch of class and a heaping of Southern hospitality

Ahead of the college football season, The Associated Press asked its panel of voters in the Top 25 poll to weigh in on the spots around the country to tailgate.

Ole Miss took to the top spot and the Southeastern Conference was well-represented.

Go to LSU (No. 2) for the food. At No. 3 Washington and No. 4 Tennessee, you can sailgate, docking a boat outside the stadium.

No. 5 Wisconsin and No. 6 Penn State prove the cold weather doesn't stop the party.

The rest of the top 10 was South Carolina, Texas, Georgia and Ohio State.