How travel will look in three weeks, three months, or three years is anyone’s guess, but research and intuition suggest that the first wave of travel will be regional, favoring smaller cities and natural areas with plenty of space to spread out. In the shadow of COVID-19, many travelers will feel most comfortable staying fairly close to home and prioritizing destinations that feel safe, welcoming, and familiar.
Small cities that are welcoming, comfortable, and a bit nostalgic present the perfect opportunity to pack your weekend bag and head to a college town.
College towns possess numerous advantages as early post-COVID travel destinations. These small cities tend to have warm and welcoming residents, a wide range of recreational activities, and quality healthcare systems to ensure your comfort as you ease back into travel after quarantine.
“College towns constantly refresh themselves,” says Nick Pfeiffer, vice president of marketing and communications for Think Iowa City, home of the University of Iowa. “New students and faculty come and go each year. This equips us with new ideas, new processes, and adaptability, positioning college towns to be the most elastic and prepared to recover from this pandemic.”
While your own alma mater will always hold a special place in your heart, if you’re seeking a new college town to visit when it’s time to travel again, here are five that absolutely deserve a spot on your places-to-explore-next list.
1. Iowa City, Iowa
Iowa City is a UNESCO City of Literature. Visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s creative energy in various ways. “In Iowa City, you can enjoy a beverage in the haunts that served Kurt Vonnegut and John Irving while they attended the famed Iowa Writers’ Workshop, and take a stroll on the Literary Walk through downtown,” says Pfeiffer.
Be sure to browse the offerings at the iconic Prairie Lights bookstore, and treat yourself to a latte at the café upstairs—where many first drafts penned at its tables eventually became published works. Check out the quirky décor at the literature-themed Graduate Hotel, where the lobby is adorned with a hand-painted novella by Writers’ Workshop graduate Tim Taranto.
Food enthusiasts will appreciate Iowa City’s culinary scene, which mirrors the same supercharged creativity and innovation that fuels the literary landscape—especially regarding breakfast. Don’t miss the fried chicken sandwich at Pullman and chorizo and eggs at Bluebird Diner. While the timing of the Hawkeye Wave—a beloved tradition where football fans wave at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital during games—remains uncertain, the generous spirit local fans bring to Kinnick Stadium can be found around town, with smiling locals eager to help ensure your trip is unforgettable.
2. Oxford, Mississippi
If you are not yet acquainted with the quintessential Southern college town, note that Oxford, Mississippi has everything: history, charm, amazing food, and local residents who are passionate about Ole Miss and welcoming visitors to town.
It’s easy to spend a full day exploring the historic downtown square, browsing local boutiques, dining at beloved establishments like City Grocery and Bottletree Bakery, and enjoying a patio cocktail or two. Carve out ample time to wander the aisles of Square Books, where cozy chairs tucked into reading nooks invite you to peruse your stack of titles before bringing them home.
If being around that good literary energy increases your craving for more, visit Rowan Oak, the former home of William Faulkner, which is now owned by the university and open for tours. While you’re in a wandering mood, don’t miss Oxford Canteen, just a few minutes from downtown, to try one of their epic grilled cheese sandwiches.
3. Davis, California
Located about 20 minutes outside of Sacramento and just over an hour from San Francisco, Davis is home to UC Davis and offers all the amenities of a charming college town: excellent restaurants, unique boutiques, a lively arts scene, plenty of green spaces, and a fun, walkable downtown.
Davis features the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame, and there’s no better way to experience the city and its surroundings than by bicycle. Rent a bike and explore the area’s extensive network of paved bike lanes and trails across 100 miles. Without hills, you might be surprised at how far you can go.
The city has a rich agricultural history and is located in the heart of California’s farm country, providing a food scene rich with locally sourced restaurants like Seasons and The Mustard Seed. Treat yourself to an orange blossom honey ice cream cone for dessert at Davis Creamery, and do yourself a favor by picking up fresh produce at one of the many fruit stands dotting the highways outside of town. You’ll be glad to have a taste of Davis to enjoy at home.
4. Madison, Wisconsin
Ranked among the most physically active cities in the country, Madison offers numerous options for outdoor recreation. “There is a vibe and energy in a city that has a major university. It inspires a very active lifestyle for the community, and we take advantage of that in Madison,” says Rob Gard, director of PR and communications for Destination Madison.
Madison’s outdoor amenities include “boating, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding on one of Madison’s five lakes, 241 miles of paths for biking, running, and blading, and 14 area state parks with remarkable hiking opportunities.”
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, Madison’s restaurants are sure to impress. From fine dining to dive bars, innovative international cuisine to traditional supper clubs, this small city’s restaurant scene rivals that of a major metropolitan area. A few standout spots include Bar Corallini, Tornado Steakhouse, and Sardine.
Of course, no trip to Wisconsin would be complete without indulging in cheese. Make a stop at Fromagination (certainly a contender for best cheese shop name ever) to sample the finest cheeses from the region and beyond, plus a variety of gourmet accompaniments.
5. New Haven, Connecticut
Yale’s stunning campus is a reason enough to visit New Haven, but this historic college town and its surroundings offer much more than postcard-perfect Ivy League scenery.
New Haven’s location provides easy access to the shoreline and all the biking, boating, and swimming your heart desires. Nearby Hammonasset Beach State Park boasts over two miles of beach. History enthusiasts will find themselves immersed in numerous sites and museums: take a stroll around town to admire 18th-century buildings and beautifully preserved churches, and visit the New Haven Museum for an insightful look into the history of this city founded in 1638.
Whether you’re returning for a dose of nostalgia or trying New Haven-style pizza (known for its super thin, crispy crust) for the first time, a stop at Sally’s or Pepe’s is a must.
