5 Super College Road Trips for Fall
Whether your child is about to go off to college soon or you’re simply feeling nostalgic for your own school days, embarking on a road trip to a university town makes for a fun-filled autumn holiday. Take this armchair tour of five charming collegiate locales across the country to get a glimpse of what’s out there to explore.
Burlington, Vermont
It’s no secret to “Groovy UV” students at the University of Vermont that this Lake Champlain city has it all—a cosmopolitan yet laid-back feel, stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains, and plenty of nearby countryside for outdoor recreation. Enjoy a picturesque stroll along the lake’s edge at Waterfront Park, then meander Church Street Marketplace’s more than one hundred shops and restaurants or grab a glass of authentic Vermont hard cider from Citizen Cider. Just outside town, you can also enjoy fresh apples, doughnuts, and apple cider at Shelburne Orchards, watch ice cream being made at the Ben & Jerry’s factory, or make your own custom teddy bear at the Vermont Teddy Bear factory.
Of course, make sure you don’t overlook visiting the university itself, which has more than a dozen buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take the official ninety-minute tour that brings you to them all, stopping by sites such as the Billings Library, designed by famous architect Henry Hobson Richardson, and the Old Mill building, the oldest one on campus. And before you go, venture over to the Fleming Museum of Art to peruse a diverse collection of more than 24,000 pieces of artwork and cultural heritage objects.
Athens, Georgia
You can’t go wrong with a trip to this southern locale, known equally for its great food, music, and University of Georgia football team, the Georgia Bulldogs. Treat yourself at any of its award-winning restaurants, the best of which may just be Five & Ten, a contemporary southern cooking hotspot featuring dishes like confit chicken leg and beef short rib. On Wednesday evenings through November and Saturday mornings year-round, you can also shop locally produced veggies, cheeses, meats, and handcrafted goods at the Athens Farmers Market. Once your appetite is satisfied, check out the music scene, which has launched famous bands like R.E.M. and the B-52’s. Live music is in the air most days of the week at venues including the 40 Watt Club and Hendershot’s.
On game day, tailgate with students on the university campus at Myers Quad; afterward, catch the game if you can at Sanford Stadium or dine at an in-town sports bar like Paloma Park, where you can watch the Dawgs on the restaurant’s large outdoor projector screen. Upon victory, listen for the ringing of the Chapel Bell at North Campus, a student tradition to celebrate every win.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Like Athens, this midwestern town buzzes with excitement for its hometown football team on game days. To get the full experience, cheer for the University of Michigan Wolverines with the mass of students, alumni, and visitors at the “Big House,” the largest-capacity stadium in the United States. If tickets are scarce, you can instead pop by the Brown Jug sports bar and restaurant to delight in the game with locals. Either way, make sure to stroll the campus to take in its sights, including the leafy lawns of the “Diag” green, named for its diagonally crossing paths, and the Law Quadrangle with its classic Gothic architecture.
If celebrating nature’s beauty is more your speed, visit the university’s Matthaei Botanical Garden and Nichols Arboretum, where you can explore dunes and prairies in the Great Lakes Gardens and contemplative circles of sustainable plants in the Labyrinth. Or go farther out from campus to pick pumpkins at a local farm or enjoy fresh apples and cider at any of the many nearby farmers markets.
Boulder, Colorado
Sitting in the heart of Boulder, the University of Colorado offers some of the best views of the golden aspens and fiery sumac that make the area’s foothills a breathtaking sight to behold. The architecture on campus is equally gorgeous with its sandstone walls, red-tile roofs, and limestone trim, providing the perfect backdrop for a relaxing stroll on an autumn afternoon. If you’re interested in something a little more active, you could also head south of campus to hike or bike along the many nearby trails or explore the numerous offerings at Eldorado Canyon State Park.
Though perhaps not as nationally known, CU Boulder’s football team still delivers a thrilling experience, so make sure to plan for a game in your itinerary. The night before, take in the festivities at the Pearl Street Stampede, a pep rally and parade complete with music from the Golden Buffalo Marching Band and performances by the Colorado Spirit Squad. Then on game day, tailgate with fans at Ralphie’s Corral and root for the Buffaloes at Folsom Field or from a local eatery like the West End Tavern.
Santa Cruz, California
Soak up the sun in this coastal city, where you’ll find a satellite campus of the University of California. A global research institution, it offers various educational opportunities, such as at its Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Learn more about aquatic life by exploring indoor and outdoor exhibits that feature sculptures, authentic skeletons, and informative displays about the local wildlife. If music is more your speed, check out Quarry Plaza’s historic Quarry Amphitheater, which is an outdoor venue carved from limestone that hosts various concerts and other entertainment throughout the year.
There’s much to explore off campus as well. On a clear day, walk or bike along the Pacific Ocean via West Cliff Drive to spot dolphins and whales, ending at Natural Bridges State Beach to marvel at its majestic natural stone arch and gaze at shore birds, otters, and seals. You can also sojourn at a local vineyard like Beauregard Vineyards or Soquel Vineyards to savor exquisite chardonnays or pinot noirs. In the evening, delight in fine cuisine such as mushroom risotto from Iveta Downtown or fresh seafood from the Crow’s Nest, where you can capture photos of harbor and lighthouse vistas. If you manage to have room for dessert, don’t miss the homemade ice cream at the Penny Ice Creamery.
Follow the college crowd to any of these amazing university towns this back-to-school season for new sights and experiences. You may even pick up an educational tidbit or two—without having to hit the books.