Our Favorite College Towns
College towns have a special charm; they combine youthful energy, history, and vibrant art + culture scenes. Whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, a foodie adventure, or an outdoor experience, these destinations offer something for everyone. Here are five of the best US college towns to explore.
Ithaca, NY
Nestled in the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca is truly “gorges!” The scenic town is famous for its breathtaking gorges, waterfalls, and farm-to-table dining.
Buttermilk Falls and Taughannock Falls State Park are our favorite places to take in the falls. In the spring and summer, the parks are vibrant with everything in bloom! In the winter, you can see the frozen falls, which are beautiful in their own right. If you’re looking for a guided adventure, be sure to check out Experience the Finger Lakes for their incredible tours of the falls! Within the city, we love the Cornell Botanic Gardens, which are perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Ithaca is surrounded by incredible agriculture, and The Ithaca Farmers Market is a must-visit for food lovers visiting the city. It’s been in operation since 1973, happens every weekend, and features farmers from within 30 miles of Ithaca! Foodies should also be prepared to come hungry. The city has no shortage of incredible food, including Moosewood, an Ithaca institution known for its innovative vegetarian cuisine.
Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, blends college-town energy with Midwestern charm. If you’re there during football season, catching a game at Michigan Stadium is a must - did you know it holds 100,000 fans?!
In the spring and summer months, Nichols Arboretum and the Matthaei Botanical Gardens provide a peaceful escape in nature and are two of our favorite places to visit. The Ann Arbor Art Fair occurs every July and is an incredible celebration of creativity featuring local artists from all over Michigan, welcoming over 500,000 visitors over the three days!
Charlottesville, VA
Home to the University of Virginia, Charlottesville is a picturesque town known for its classic architecture, and thriving arts scene. The Downtown Mall offers charming boutiques, street performances, and local eateries. Fall is our favorite time to visit, when the foliage makes the hills surrounding the city come alive with oranges and yellows.
Wine lovers visiting Charlottesville must spend some time exploring the Monticello Wine Trail, including Blenheim Vineyards and Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards.
Outdoor enthusiasts should take a day to hike in Shenandoah National Park! Or, if you’re looking for a more relaxing way to experience the park, the Skyline Drive Scenic Roadway is a delightful way to spend an afternoon.
For a bit of history, visitors can tour Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s former home, to learn about the house + the president. We acknowledge that Thomas Jefferson played a role in the institution of slavery. Today, visitors can learn about the often-overlooked lives of the enslaved persons who ran his household.
Research Triangle (Durham, NC)
Durham, home to Duke University, blends Southern charm with a strong foodie culture and innovative tech scene. Spring is a great time to visit, as the world-famous Duke Gardens come alive with colorful blooms. You can’t miss a visit while you’re in town! For great dining + shopping, we love the American Tobacco Campus, which has dozens of options within a refurbished tobacco factory. Sports enthusiasts should definitely visit in the fall to catch a Blue Devils basketball game!
After exploring Durham, make sure to save time to explore Raleigh + Chapel Hill, which are also both incredible towns to spend a weekend in!
Madison, WI
With the University of Wisconsin at its heart, Madison is a lively city surrounded by beautiful lakes. It’s packed with outdoor activities and farm-to-table dining, making it a great destination for outdoors enthusiasts and foodies alike!
We recommend visiting in the summer months when you can take advantage of the warm weather. Bike around Lake Monona for scenic waterfront views, or rent kayaks to get on the water. The Dane County Farmers' Market is a must-visit for fresh produce and locally-prepared food. History buffs will love paying a visit to the Wisconsin State Capitol, which is known for it’s architecture, and offers tours daily!
Ready to visit one of these towns to check them out for yourself? We offer two different destination guide bundles!