MCE Loves College Towns

With fall approaching, many families in the DC area are saying goodbye to their children as they move to their college town. Some near, and others far, we want to highlight, in no particular order, some great college towns that our local co-eds call their home away from home. 

 

Oxford, Mississippi

School: The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)

About: Touted as the “Cultural Mecca of the South,” creativity abounds in Oxford as musicians, artists and writers alike find inspiration in the rich history, small town charm and creative community. Over the years Oxford has also been known for its excellent culinary scene. We invite you to experience all Oxford has to offer! (www.VisitOxfordms.com)

Where to stay: The Graduate, Oxford

Where to Eat: St. Leo

Where to shop: JANE for the ladies or Hinton & Hinton for the whole family

What to do: Tour William Faulkner’s Home, Rowan Oak

Catch an Ole Miss Game & tailgate in The Grove

Come in the spring for the Double Decker Arts Festival

 

Charlottesville, Virginia

School: The University of Virginia (UVA)

About: Charlottesville is centrally located in the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Rich in history, culture, natural beauty, and a thriving arts community you can easily fill a weekend. Options throughout the area include first-rate museums and historic sites, galleries, wineries, shops, restaurants, and a variety of outdoor recreation. (Virginia.org)

Where to stay: The Draftsman

Where to eat: Farm Bell Kitchen

Where to shop: Quattro Tizi

What to do: Hike Humpback Rock

Tour Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello 

 

Athens, Georgia

School: The University of Georgia (UGA)

About: Just 60 miles northeast of Atlanta, Athens is an edgy college town filled with creative energy. You’ll find plenty of ATHventures in their gardens, museums, forward-thinking restaurants, plus the live music that made the town famous. (visitathensga.com)

Where to stay: The Graduate, Athens

Where to eat: Porterhouse Grill

Where to shop: Heery’s Closet

What to do: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

 

Blacksburg, Virginia

School: Virginia Tech

About: Blacksburg is located in the northern Blue Ridge Highlands region of Virginia. Home to Virginia’s second largest public university, Virginia Tech, visitors can walk the campus and visit the popular Moss Arts Center, home to the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech. Galleries and performances will create a night of splendor when coupled with a leisurely stroll through Downtown Blacksburg to window shop. Enjoy beautiful vistas and the artisanal touch of this cultural crossroad and go to town! (Virginia.org)

Where to stay: Main Street Inn

Where to eat: Cabo Fish Taco

Where to shop: 310 Rosemont

What to do: Moss Art Center

Tour Smithfield Plantation, home of Revolutionary War patriot William Preston

 

Bloomington, Indiana

School: Indiana University

About: Bloomington is nestled in the rolling hills of southern Indiana and home to 85,000 residents and tens of thousands of university students and alumni. You’ll cherish the city’s dynamic energy, spectacular scenery, outdoor activities, and world-class educational opportunities, Big Ten sporting events, thriving local businesses, vibrant arts scene and unique shopping and dining experiences. Whether you come for school, business, pleasure, or would like to make this your home, you will be welcome.

Where to stay: The Graduate Bloomington

Where to eat: Janko’s Little Zagreb

Where to shop: Pitaya

What to do: Catch a Hoosier Basketball Game

Walk around the limestone campus of IUl

 

Dayton, Ohio

School: The University of Dayton

About: In Dayton and the surrounding area, you will find big-city amenities with Midwestern charm and affordability. Dayton, known as “The Birthplace of Aviation,” was the home of the Wright Brothers and features two excellent museums. Check out the Destination Dayton Visitors Guide for more information. (Daytoncvb.com)

Where to stay: Marriott at the University of Dayton

Where to eat: The Pine Club

Where to shop: Leeli + Lou

What to do: Visit the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park and the National Museum of the United States Air Force 

Take in a Dayton Basketball game

 

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)

About: In a place that’s been awarded almost every “Best Places” award, you’re not going to have trouble finding fun things to do. Music? Check! Performing Arts? Check! Restaurants? Check! Kid-Friendly? Check! Outdoor Recreation? Check! No matter your age or interest, Chapel Hill and the surrounding communities of Carrboro (right next door, West side) and Hillsborough (just about 13 miles to the North) have lots to offer. (visitchapelhill.org)

Where to stay: The Carolina Inn

Where to eat: Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery

Where to shop: Uniquities and Shrunken Head

What to do: Walk through The North Carolina Botanical Gardens 

Catch a basketball game

 

Eugene, Oregon

School: The University of Oregon

About: Eugene, Oregon is at the south end of the Willamette Valley where two large rivers and many smaller ones meet. It is also a place of converging ideas, artists, innovators, and visionaries. Alongside the new, Eugene embraces the history of the native peoples of the Cascades and Coast region. This destination strives to be welcoming by designing accessibility into growth plans and taking leaps toward a more sustainable future. (eugenecascadescoast.org)

Where to stay: The Inn at 5th

Where to eat: Placido’s Pasta Shop

Where to shop: The shops at 5th Street Market

What to do: Go to the Saturday Market

Hike Spencer Butte Trail 

Catch a game at Oregon’s stadium

 

---

 

Don’t miss a post! Get the latest local guides and neighborhood news straight to your inbox!