Finding the perfect fall destination to spend a weekend immersed in pumpkin flavored everything, leaf filled hikes and drives and cozy B&Bs, might take you back to school. Colleges across the country spend a lot of time and money creating beautiful campuses, and the towns that they are part of also benefit from the seasonal influx of students. It only makes sense that college towns make great destinations for their lively art and theater scenes, bustling city centers and oftentimes, the perfect location.
If you are looking for the perfect fall destination, why not head to one of these beautiful college towns this year.
Saratoga Springs, New York
Home to both Skidmore and SUNY Empire State College, Saratoga Springs is named for the natural mineral springs that sit just outside of town in Saratoga Spa State Park. The fall season is when this college town comes roaring to life, invigorated by the new class of freshman, returning students, a bustling downtown and growing art and cultural district. This college town sits on the doorstep of Adirondack Park with popular destinations that include Blue Mountain Lake, Lake Placid and Lake Pleasant, all of which require that you pass through great fall foliage routes.
Duluth, MN
Duluth is not the best known college town in Minnesota, but it is one of the more popular ones because of its small town vibe and outdoor options along Lake Superior. Winter comes early to this college town, but no one here lets that stop them from getting outdoors and taking advantage of the many outdoor recreation opportunities that the city has in place. The small town has boomed and restaurants and shops aren’t afraid to bring new cuisine and options to the students.
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Fayetteville is home to the University of Arkansas, which sits in the center or town and leads the way in a lot of the activities and entertainment choices. Fall is the time to get outdoors in this college town, with several nearby springs, hiking trails and rivers for fishing in. Small town history, art galleries and a thriving theater and musical community provide entertainment for all hours of the day. Drive to the nearby Ozark National Forest to immerse yourself in the fall colors which peak from mid October through November.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina has a lot of small town color, with quirky boutiques, art galleries and co-ops that beg to be browsed. Fall drives, hikes, bikes and horseback rides coincide with some of the biggest harvest festivals in the area, especially of interest is the Blue Ridge Parkway. Spend a day or weekend at The Biltmore Estate, where you can sip the wine harvest, tour the mansion, explore gardens and dive into the better things in life. Life in Asheville is so refined, you might forget its a college town once you get there.
Boulder, Colorado
Residents and students of Boulder, Colorado know that they have a beautiful campus and city center, and an even more beautiful natural setting to live in. Fall festivals, aspen groves, hikes that can go on for days, a clear view of the new celestial crowd pleasers and entire mountainsides awash in color with every angle being the best await. The University of Colorado Boulder has one of the highest post graduation retention rates in the country, because once you’ve experienced life in Boulder its hard to find something better.
Pam Buttikofer is a co-founder of Imperfect Women. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband of 37 years and enjoys spending time with her husband, sons and her lovable pups.
I never thought about traveling to college towns in autumn until now, sounds like I need to add a few to my fall travel itinerary.
These are great locations with fantastic ammenities and usually so well manicured too. Great tip!
I love college towns, and visiting them would be much less stressful now that my kids have already graduated!
I have always wanted to visit Saratoga Springs, New York. I might have to put these on my “talk to the hubby where i want to visit list”.
I don’t see Boston on that list? We are one of the biggest college cities in the country and of course the leaf peeping up here is the best.
Those places seems wonderful to visit – only if I am near those area.
I’ve been to all of them except Saratoga Springs, NY and you are absolutely right they are gorgeous. I love Boulder, Colorado but Asheville is very close to my home so we go here alot, it is an amazing little town especially with the Biltmore Estates!
We love to travel and all these destinations sound like fun places to visit, thanks for sharing!
I would love to go to Boulder Co. We are currently looking at colleges on the west side for my son for next year. I will show him this list but hope he stays closer to home.
I haven’t visited any of these but I do agree that college towns are fun to explore!
How could you miss Michigan we have beautiful colors here in the fall time. Saratoga Springs, New York and Boulder, Colorado are two places I would love to visit some day.
I don’t see Pennsylvania in there. I would sure like to go to North Carolina and see what their fall looks like.
Nice comparison of college towns and destinations! I like that! There are three colleges in the town I live in, does that make us a destination?! LOL
I have’t been to any of these places but would love to. I would like to go to NC the most!
Duluth is absolutely GORGEOUS in the fall! Great choices.
Out of all the towns listed, I’ve only ever been to Asheville, NC. It is beautiful area. I’d love to travel to the other towns.
I have never considered college towns as place to travel. However, this article was a real eye opener!
I’ve been hearing so many great things about Asheville, NC. I really need to visit.
I have not visited any if the cities on your list. You just gave me a bucket list!
I’ve never gone to college towns before, that sounds like an amazing idea!
I’ve been to North Carolina, but never Ashville. I would love to travel to Boulder!
I’ve never been to any of these places, I live in Canada but I love reading about destinations to visit. I plan on traveling in the next few years to see what all i can see, so this will be helpful!
I’ve heard great things about Ashville. I know they have awesome craft beer!
I spent a good portion of my life living in Stillwater, Ok. I miss the fall there. I have been in MI for the last 7 years and its just not the same.
We like to head on up to Ann Arbor this time of year. It’s a college town too, and chock full of great activities in the fall.
I never thought about traveling to college towns. I will definitely have to check these places out as we really love to travel!
We love Asheville! They have great hiking and a great amusement park!
They look really nice will definitely check it out!
I live in a small college town in New England. Watching the leaves change every Fall is one of the best things about living here.
I have never been to any of these. This is a nice list!