Corvallis is quaint, but is not for the party animal

AFTER 2 A.M.: The Cantina and Sancho's are the bars to be at after hours for late-night drinks and dancing, and afterward hungry bar-hoppers can enjoy hefty portions for less at any hour at La Conga and Shari's.

MUST-EAT: For steak lovers, The Gables is a must. Their infamous succulent steaks, wide variety of beers, delicious dishes and fancy yet welcoming atmosphere makes for a great experience.

DOSE OF CULTURE: Corvallis is filled with small businesses and family-owned organizations. Many are located downtown in a centralized shopping area, which is a convenient way to explore the town.

RULE #34: Never wear green, and hide your beer during football games. Alcohol isn't allowed in the stadium. You can only buy and drink beer in the Valley Football Center and the skyboxes during games.

MUSIC MUST-STOP: Oregon State's favorite new local band, Sweater Club, started out by performing on campus in the MU ballroom, writing announcements all over campus paths in chalk and conducting meetings with students. While they still play in town for their fans, they are now going on tour.

GETTING AROUND: The OSU shuttle, a free, cozy and heated bus, has designated stops around town and carries fans right up to the front gates of Reser Stadium on game days.

TICKET MASTER: Fans can visit OSUBeavers.com and enter the "FanZone" for detailed information and access to buying any kind of ticket.

ONLY AT OREGON STATE: Trysting Tree is the name of Oregon State's golf course and has been recognized by GolfWeek magazine as one of the top five collegiate golf courses on the West Coast. Its name is traced to a tree near Benton Hall where student couples would meet and do whatever it is that couples did back in the day.

PREGAME: Fans park their cars, trucks, trailers, RVs and any other kind of vehicle in the Reser Stadium parking lot and surrounding lots to eat homemade food and drink beer before football games. Beavers fans also invite opposing fans to their tailgates to discuss the upcoming game and share good times.

POSTGAME: Since OSU rarely loses at home, Beavers fans celebrate victories at their tailgates with food and music and head to nearby sports bars The Cantina, Clod's and Tailgaters for late-night team spirits and dancing.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Nov. 12 vs. Stanford. The Beavers hope to be bowl-eligible with a win over the Cardinal at home before the Civil War against Oregon in Eugene the following week.

PACK YOUR: Cap and jacket. The weather in Oregon is always unpredictable; a football game could begin with rain, add some hail around half time and end with some good old sunshine. So be prepared for it all.

RITE OF PASSAGE: Not so much for students as for shoe junkies: Find a way to get onto the guest list of the Nike Store on the lush campus of the shoe giant located about 80 miles away in Beaverton -- and be sure to bring your credit card.

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