Explore More in a College Town
From charming downtowns to lively tailgates, college towns make great fall getaways. Enjoy striking scenery, historic sites, or catch a game at the stadium. The best part — no final exams! Check out these college towns with excitement beyond the quad.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana - Louisiana State University
Let the good times roll in Baton Rouge with live Zydeco and the blues. Visit the city where Louisiana’s capital, flagship university, and distinctive Cajun and Creole cultures all come together. Soak up culture at the LSU Museum of Art, known for its collection of Southern, regional art.
Drury Inn & Suites Baton Rouge is conveniently located off I-10 and just steps to LSU Botanic Gardens.
Drury Inn & Suites Baton Rouge
Gainesville, Florida - University of Florida
Explore eight state parks and more than 100 miles of trails, or visit the Florida Museum of Natural History or the Butterfly Rainforest, in the heart of the University of Florida campus. Enjoy the nightlife scene on West University Avenue and savor local cuisine, from Cuban pastries to sushi.
Drury Inn & Suites Gainesville is located on I-75, minutes from the University of Florida and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Photo courtesy of Tempe Tourism Office
Tempe, Arizona - Arizona State University
In downtown Tempe, plan to feast on international flavors, shop locally, or visit Tempe Town Lake, a desert oasis that offers kayaking, paddle boarding, picnicking, and more. Don’t miss Papago Park, one of the most scenic desert areas in the Phoenix metro and home to Desert Botanical Garden.
Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Tempe is located off I-10, just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix and 9 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Tempe
Lafayette, Indiana - Purdue University
This college town offers three cultural districts: Arts & Market, Wabash Riverfront, and Chauncey Village. Stroll the tree-lined streets with outdoor public art and beautiful turn-of-the-century architecture. Enjoy a casual meal with a Purdue view, opt for a unique café or wine and dine in an elegant restaurant.
Drury Inn & Suites Lafayette is Drury’s newest hotel, just minutes from Purdue University, Columbian Park Zoo, and downtown.
Drury Inn & Suites Lafayette, IN
Flagstaff, Arizona - Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff boasts a bustling, historic downtown with eclectic architecture, bars, restaurants, stunning mountain scenery, and access to top national parks. If you love craft beer, freshly roasted coffee beans, and inventive dining, this is the place for you.
The Drury Inn & Suites Flagstaff is located on the campus of Northern Arizona University, close to downtown, and is also a great jumping-off point for the Grand Canyon.
Columbia, Missouri - University of Missouri
Three college campuses give this small town a hip vibe. Explore The District, a downtown neighborhood that is 50-square blocks of sidewalk cafes, retail shops, art galleries, historic architecture, and more. Don’t miss the Blue Note for jazz and local favorite, Shakespeare’s Pizza.
Choose from two Drury Hotel locations in Columbia.
Drury Inn & Suites Columbia Stadium Boulevard
Drury Plaza Hotel Columbia East
Champaign, Illinois - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Discover the restaurants, breweries, and food trucks that helped Champaign win Midwest Living’s Greatest Midwest Food Town. For a unique experience, visit Middle Fork River State Park, Illinois’ only International Dark Sky Park, for unforgettable stargazing.
Drury Inn & Suites Champaign is only five miles from the action at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Photo courtesy of Visit Austin
Austin, Texas - University of Texas
Known as the Live Music Capital of the World®, Austin retains its relaxed, college-town vibe. If you like country, blues, or rock, this is the place for you. Eat barbecue, visit 6th Street and Rainey Street, or enjoy a day outdoors on Lady Bird Lake.
Drury Inn & Suites Austin North is on I-35, just four miles from the University of Texas.
Iowa City, Iowa - University of Iowa
The University of Iowa campus blends seamlessly into downtown Iowa City where every block is home to local eateries, live music venues, and fun boutiques. Save time to visit Coralville Lake & Devonian Fossil Gorge, where a 2008 flood exposed a unique prehistoric landscape that’s 375 million years old.
The Drury Inn & Suites Iowa City Coralville is located off I-80 in the Iowa River Landing, minutes from the University of Iowa and a short drive to the Iowa Children’s Museum.
Greenville, South Carolina - Furman University
Hailed as the “Next Big Food City of the South” by Esquire, Greenville boasts 100+ restaurants in its charming downtown. When you’re done eating, enjoy Falls Park on the Reedy with inviting trails leading to local gardens, shops, and pubs.
Drury Inn & Suites Greenville is only 10 minutes from the downtown attractions, but plenty of shopping and dining options are within walking distance.
Published August 22, 2022