I am on my way back from a weekend in one of my all time favorite college towns – Washington, DC, so I thought it would be fun to share an oldie from the archives – this was originally posted over two years ago when I think my only readers were my mom and my daughter…
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What is it about the crisp air of
the fall that makes me want to take a road trip to a college town?
Football, tailgates, wool sweaters, bonfires and falling leaves are all
images that take me back to my college days. Having spent much of the
last five years looking at schools for my three children, we have
traveled to fifteen different states looking at countless campuses and
college towns. It must be something about the environment of academia
but almost all of them were places I enjoyed visiting and many are
places I would recommend for a weekend trip whether or not you were
visiting with a prospective student. Without claiming to be unbiased, my
top five favorite college towns are:
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1) Charlottesville, Virginia – Home of the University of Virginia,
my alma mater. None of my children opted to go here, but
Charlottesville will always be one of the top college towns in my book
(it also regularly makes the various top ten lists of best college
towns). With the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the
architecture of Thomas Jefferson, the campus is breathtakingly
beautiful. The Charlottesville area has grown significantly since my
years there and it is a vibrant community with many cultural and
historic offerings. On “The Grounds” of the University, don’t miss the
Rotunda, the Lawn or the stately Pavilions that line the Lawn. Check
out the dorm rooms on the Lawn where select students still live and must
walk outside to get to the bathroom. While in Charlottesville, Monticello, Jefferson’s home, is a must see. Stay at the Boars Head Inn or Keswick Hall. Eat at The Virginian, a favorite with students and professors since 1923 or The Local.
my alma mater. None of my children opted to go here, but
Charlottesville will always be one of the top college towns in my book
(it also regularly makes the various top ten lists of best college
towns). With the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the
architecture of Thomas Jefferson, the campus is breathtakingly
beautiful. The Charlottesville area has grown significantly since my
years there and it is a vibrant community with many cultural and
historic offerings. On “The Grounds” of the University, don’t miss the
Rotunda, the Lawn or the stately Pavilions that line the Lawn. Check
out the dorm rooms on the Lawn where select students still live and must
walk outside to get to the bathroom. While in Charlottesville, Monticello, Jefferson’s home, is a must see. Stay at the Boars Head Inn or Keswick Hall. Eat at The Virginian, a favorite with students and professors since 1923 or The Local.
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2) Georgetown/Washington, DC
– While Washington isn’t strictly a college town (although with five
major universities there, it certainly could be considered one), the
area of Georgetown is very much a college neighborhood. On the banks of
the Potomac, the gothic buildings of Georgetown University
take up 100 acres in the neighborhood. Beyond the academic and
cultural offerings of the University, Georgetown is only a short
distance from the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian, the Capitol and all
the other amenities of the nation’s capital. The majority of the
museums in DC are free, making them easily accessible for students. The
area around the campus is filled with the finest shopping and
restaurants in DC. Don’t miss walking around the cobblestone streets
with elegant rowhouses and along the historic C&O canal.
The Washington Harbor area along the Potomac riverfront park is a
relaxing place to hang out on a pretty Fall day. Stay at the Ritz Carlton Georgetown when you visit. Eat and drink at one of the many restaurants and bars along Wisconsin Avenue and M street (we like Clydes – a Georgetown institution), but don’t miss the cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake or the coffee drinks at Baked and Wired.
– While Washington isn’t strictly a college town (although with five
major universities there, it certainly could be considered one), the
area of Georgetown is very much a college neighborhood. On the banks of
the Potomac, the gothic buildings of Georgetown University
take up 100 acres in the neighborhood. Beyond the academic and
cultural offerings of the University, Georgetown is only a short
distance from the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian, the Capitol and all
the other amenities of the nation’s capital. The majority of the
museums in DC are free, making them easily accessible for students. The
area around the campus is filled with the finest shopping and
restaurants in DC. Don’t miss walking around the cobblestone streets
with elegant rowhouses and along the historic C&O canal.
The Washington Harbor area along the Potomac riverfront park is a
relaxing place to hang out on a pretty Fall day. Stay at the Ritz Carlton Georgetown when you visit. Eat and drink at one of the many restaurants and bars along Wisconsin Avenue and M street (we like Clydes – a Georgetown institution), but don’t miss the cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake or the coffee drinks at Baked and Wired.
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3) Boulder, Colorado – Home of the University of Colorado, Boulder
has become a mecca for people who love the outdoors. Because of it’s
proximity to the Rocky Mountains, hikers, mountain climbers and skiers
flock to the University and the town. With a student population of
nearly 46,000 out of a total population of 95,000, it is to be expected
that there are a lot of student oriented activities in town. Many of
those are centered around the campus and the Hill area near campus.
Boulder is also home to several film festivals. One pleasant surprise
about Boulder is the high quality of restaurants in the area – it seems
to be a mecca for foodies as well as outdoorsmen. Be sure to check out
Pearl Street – a pedestrian mall with many shops and restaurants with
outdoor seating where you can observe the various street performers. The Dushanbe Tea House near Pearl Street is a great place to relax – it has a gorgeous hand carved and painted ceiling from Tajikistan. Stay at the St Julien Hotel and Spa. Dine at The Kitchen and don’t miss breakfast at Lucile’s.
has become a mecca for people who love the outdoors. Because of it’s
proximity to the Rocky Mountains, hikers, mountain climbers and skiers
flock to the University and the town. With a student population of
nearly 46,000 out of a total population of 95,000, it is to be expected
that there are a lot of student oriented activities in town. Many of
those are centered around the campus and the Hill area near campus.
Boulder is also home to several film festivals. One pleasant surprise
about Boulder is the high quality of restaurants in the area – it seems
to be a mecca for foodies as well as outdoorsmen. Be sure to check out
Pearl Street – a pedestrian mall with many shops and restaurants with
outdoor seating where you can observe the various street performers. The Dushanbe Tea House near Pearl Street is a great place to relax – it has a gorgeous hand carved and painted ceiling from Tajikistan. Stay at the St Julien Hotel and Spa. Dine at The Kitchen and don’t miss breakfast at Lucile’s.
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4) Providence, Rhode Island – Home to four colleges – Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence College and Johnson and Wales University,
Providence isn’t a town you often see on any of the “Ten Best College
Towns” lists. Since my youngest son just started his first year at
Brown, I have recently spent quite a bit of time in Providence and, as a
result, feel that it is a college town that is highly underrated. The
College Hill area where Brown University is located is quaint and
charming with many gorgeous federal style homes reminiscent of historic
Charleston or Newport. With RISD in town, there is the renowned RISD Museum along with a lot of fun, artsy shops. The Rhode Island Historical Society showcases
Rhode Island’s Colonial past. We have been very impressed with the
high quality of restaurant choices in Providence – maybe it’s because of
Johnson and Wales, the respected university for the hotel and
restaurant industry, is in town or maybe academic types just love great
food. We have already found two excellent restaurants (Red Stripe and Parkside)
and are looking forward to trying many more that have been recommended,
particularly some of the Italian ones on Federal Hill, Providence’s
Little Italy. There are several large hotel chains (Westin, Marriott,
Renaissance) in Downtown Providence and several B&B’s in the College
Hill area, so there is no shortage of places to stay when visiting. Try
to go in the summer or fall when WaterFire is happening – it is one of the most unique experiences I have had in a while – well worth a trip in and of itself.
Providence isn’t a town you often see on any of the “Ten Best College
Towns” lists. Since my youngest son just started his first year at
Brown, I have recently spent quite a bit of time in Providence and, as a
result, feel that it is a college town that is highly underrated. The
College Hill area where Brown University is located is quaint and
charming with many gorgeous federal style homes reminiscent of historic
Charleston or Newport. With RISD in town, there is the renowned RISD Museum along with a lot of fun, artsy shops. The Rhode Island Historical Society showcases
Rhode Island’s Colonial past. We have been very impressed with the
high quality of restaurant choices in Providence – maybe it’s because of
Johnson and Wales, the respected university for the hotel and
restaurant industry, is in town or maybe academic types just love great
food. We have already found two excellent restaurants (Red Stripe and Parkside)
and are looking forward to trying many more that have been recommended,
particularly some of the Italian ones on Federal Hill, Providence’s
Little Italy. There are several large hotel chains (Westin, Marriott,
Renaissance) in Downtown Providence and several B&B’s in the College
Hill area, so there is no shortage of places to stay when visiting. Try
to go in the summer or fall when WaterFire is happening – it is one of the most unique experiences I have had in a while – well worth a trip in and of itself.
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5) Hamilton, New York – Colgate University
is located in Hamilton, which is a very small town with not a whole
lot going on beyond the University. I admit complete bias here as my
daughter graduated from Colgate in 2011. While she was there, I spent
many wonderful fall weekends exploring the area around Colgate, so it
would be crazy for me not to include it in my list of best college
towns. Hamilton is a quaint little town with probably the prettiest
college campus in the country as it’s centerpiece. Because of Colgate’s
presence in Hamilton there is a lot more going on than in most small
rural towns. What other town of 3,500 residents can say they had Bill
Clinton speak there one year and the Dalai Lama the next? The Picker Art Gallery at Colgate and The Palace Theater
performing arts center are two other cultural attractions in town. In
my opinion, the Central New York region is extremely underrated and is
often passed over amidst all the other attractions in New York State. It
is a beautiful area offering many cultural activities and gorgeous
scenery. Not too far from Hamilton is the Earlville Opera House, the antiques shopping of Madison, historic Cazenovia and Cooperstown, with the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Fenimore Art Museum. In Hamilton, stay at The Colgate Inn, which has been recently renovated, or a little B&B called The Guest House at Weathervane Farm, which is truly lovely. Book way ahead if you will be there for family weekend, reunions or graduation. Go to Rusch’s for lunch or the Hamilton Inn for dinner. Be sure to stop in to Swank for fun and eclectic home decor and accessories.
is located in Hamilton, which is a very small town with not a whole
lot going on beyond the University. I admit complete bias here as my
daughter graduated from Colgate in 2011. While she was there, I spent
many wonderful fall weekends exploring the area around Colgate, so it
would be crazy for me not to include it in my list of best college
towns. Hamilton is a quaint little town with probably the prettiest
college campus in the country as it’s centerpiece. Because of Colgate’s
presence in Hamilton there is a lot more going on than in most small
rural towns. What other town of 3,500 residents can say they had Bill
Clinton speak there one year and the Dalai Lama the next? The Picker Art Gallery at Colgate and The Palace Theater
performing arts center are two other cultural attractions in town. In
my opinion, the Central New York region is extremely underrated and is
often passed over amidst all the other attractions in New York State. It
is a beautiful area offering many cultural activities and gorgeous
scenery. Not too far from Hamilton is the Earlville Opera House, the antiques shopping of Madison, historic Cazenovia and Cooperstown, with the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Fenimore Art Museum. In Hamilton, stay at The Colgate Inn, which has been recently renovated, or a little B&B called The Guest House at Weathervane Farm, which is truly lovely. Book way ahead if you will be there for family weekend, reunions or graduation. Go to Rusch’s for lunch or the Hamilton Inn for dinner. Be sure to stop in to Swank for fun and eclectic home decor and accessories.
Where is YOUR favorite college town??
I love this list, and am especially happy you included Hamilton, NY! Being a resident of the central NY area, I have to agree that it is an often over-looked area of the state but is extremely beautiful with much to offer culturally and a great place to live!
We need to hit the road and visit some of these. I miss the crisp Fall weather. Thanks for the tips.
Ugh, these all look amazing and would be amazing for a weekend giveaway!
Our favorite town is Pullman, WA, home of Washington State University. The town is tiny, and completely surrounded by wheat fields. The University's amenities include organic culinary gardens, Wagyu beef, Cougar Gold cheese and a very lovely wine culture.
The Palouse holds a charming bed and breakfast community, which includes old barns that have been converted to chic lofts and bunk houses. On football weekends, we have been guests in the homes of gracious residents, including two lovely family farmhouses of retired University professors.
Complete relaxation…with the exception of the game, of course!
GO COUGS!
withLove!
Wow, just gorgeous, Sandy. We've never visited my husbands family in the fall, which is a shame! Although I did make a tour of New England while looking into grad schools years and years and years ago. Hanover New Hampshire was just gorgeous. There is something about college towns and fall that seem to go hand in hand.
Hope you had a lovely weekend! Oh, and guess what? Headed your way in a couple weeks! Can't wait! XOXO
I love DC and Charlottesville. My heart is broken about the girl who has been missing for two weeks from UVA! Hope you had a great time with your darling daughter!
Since one of us graduated from Georgetown and we spent four years having a great time there, we'd vote for DC as well. But Boston is a blast and we look forward to exploring some of the campuses California has to offer this fall.
xxoo
C + C
Every time I see pictures of East Coast college towns, I'm tempted to enroll again just to have that fall college experience! What is it about sitting in crowded classrooms and then emerging into fall sunlight…and rain…ugh I miss being a student.
beck daily
All of these college towns look attractive particularly at this time of the year with the array of autumn colours. The last image with the trees' reflection in the water is perfect.
I will forever have the best memories of going to school in Boston with my husband and seeing this type of view every year of our 11 years as college students back east. WONDERFUL pictures for the day my friend! Anita
Welcome home!!! I hope the trip was fabulous! I LOVE Washington D. C and lived and worked there myself, sadly for just a year. But I visit often and love it more each time.
This is a beautiful post, each place is magical.
Looking forward to hearing about your adventure.
GREAT POST! I loved visiting college visit and of course love visiting in the fall….you picked some great cities! DC being one of my faves and Charlottesville as well…sad whats going on there lately.
Never been to Boulder but heard its beautiful….it sure looks it! I have so many towns that I love and you have chosen some of my faves, the Northeastern small towns are probably my most favorite in terms of being the quintessential college towns with small town appeal.
I know I've only got a 7th grader, but colleges seem to be on my mind this year! We have friends that either went to one of these beautiful colleges or their children did. Personally, I'd be thrilled if either of my boys went to UVA! I've heard Colgate's campus is simply stunning, too!
Hope you had fun in D.C.!
xoxo Elizabeth