College Towns
North and South Carolina’s spirited college and university towns are home to exemplary higher education institutions—and tons of activities for alums, sports fans and prospective students.
North Carolina
North Carolina’s Research Triangle Region—which includes Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill as a center for technology and biotech companies and three top-rated research universities. Those include Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University. Visit Duke’s gigantic 8,693-acre campus to gaze at eye-catching Gothic architecture and cheer on the Blue Devils men’s basketball team, which has the fifth number of all-time wins of any NCAA men’s basketball program in the country. Or watch the Blue Devils football team, which has a famed rivalry with the Chapel Hill Tar Heels.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a storied history—it was the first and only public university to award degrees in the United States in the 18th century—but has always maintained a forward-thinking philosophy. The school is dedicated to inspiring students to think critically and inspire change through strong academic programs and a community-minded setting. Chapel Hill is a tight-knit college town, where sports and school spirit rule. To take part in the action, get tickets to a sporting event; the Tar Heels compete in everything from football to fencing. When you’re not on campus, meander along Franklin Street, where there are tons of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, museums and music stores worth visiting.
Winston-Salem has nearly a dozen colleges and universities, most notably Wake Forest University. More than 9,100 students roam the 340-acre private university, celebrated for its high rates of grad school and job placement among graduates. Athletics are a big part of the college experience at Wake Forest, whose athletes compete in the NCAA Division. Enjoy a pre-game meal at popular student hangouts like Burke St. Pizza or Heff’s Burger Club before you join the fans at a Demon Deacons football, basketball, baseball or soccer game.
South Carolina
University of South Carolina is located in Columbia, a city beloved by students for its access to the great outdoors and booming arts and culture scene. The Gamecocks athletics program also has a dedicated following. Mingle with other fans at Gamecock Village, a center for football pregame activities, and partake in the Gamecock Walk, when the team and coach parade into the Williams-Brice Stadium before kick-off. Also check out local hot spots near campus such as Bernie’s Chicken, Peebles Sporting Bar & Grill and Doc’s Barbeque & Southern Buffet.
Charming Charleston is home to The Citadel Military College of South Carolina, where 2,300 members of the elite South Carolina Corps of Cadets pursue a military college education. Tour the 300-acre campus, which is known for its eye-catching fortress-like buildings, and check the Citadel Bulldogs events lineup for baseball, basketball and football games to attend. Then fill the rest of your schedule with the endless sightseeing options in Charleston, from shopping at Charleston City Market and admiring the architecture of the homes on Rainbow Row.
Since Clemson University was established in 1889, it has maintained a commitment to bettering the greater community. For example, the land-grant institution’s students and faculty are involved in projects that improve technology, treatments and industries in South Carolina and beyond. In addition to offering top-notch academic opportunities, Clemson is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference and has 19 NCAA athletic teams. Don’t miss a Clemson Tigers game at Memorial Stadium, one of the largest stadiums in college football (fondly nicknamed “Death Valley”). Before or after the action, follow other orange-clad fans to local go-tos such as Mac’s Drive In and the Esso Club sports bar.
Where to Stay in the Carolinas
To make college town travel affordable for budgets of all sizes, Best Western Hotels & Resorts in North and South Carolina boast many special offers and discounts. Take advantage of Best Western Rewards Member benefits, including the opportunity to earn double points on qualified stays.