Ivy League Road Trip via Bed and Breakfasts, Part I

One of the most coveted feathers in a parent’s cap is an Ivy League diploma for their child and what better way to entice them into the world of world-class universities than a summer road trip to beautiful campuses combined with stays at unique Bed and Breakfasts.  These universities offer free tours for prospective students, so call in advance to book your reservations when you add a great Bed & Breakfast you make the trip extra pleasurable.

To make the college tour realistic and more fun for the entire family we’ve divided the tour into two parts: Part I includes the universities further south, including Harvard in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Brown in Providence, Rhode Island; Yale in New Haven, Connecticut; and University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Part II includes the colleges in New York and further north: Columbia in New York City, New York; Princeton in Princeton, New Jersey; Cornell in Ithaca, New York; and Dartmouth in Hanover, New Hampshire. Here are just a few of the area’s B&Bs and country inns for the universities in the first part of the college road trip:

HARVARD: Veritas
The Parkside on Ellery B&B is located a pleasant ten-minute stroll away from the bustling Harvard Square, which makes it convenient not only for visiting Harvard but also for exploring nearby Boston. Choose from one of the elegantly appointed rooms: The Scholar, The Victorian, or The Cambridge. Each room has a private entrance and wireless internet access. A continental breakfast is served in room.

For the budget-conscious, Prospect Place B&B is equally centrally located, but offers specials for mid-week arrivals. A full breakfast is served in the Victorian breakfast room on china, linen, and silver every morning – and an afternoon tea is available on request. Don’t forget that nearby MIT may also be worth a college tour.

BROWN: In deo speramus
Steep yourself in the gracious past at The Old Court Bed and Breakfast in Providence, Rhode Island. Originally built as a rectory in 1863, each of the ten guest rooms has been carefully decorated to reflect period tastes. A full homemade breakfast is served in the dining room every morning. This inn is walking distance to Brown and downtown Providence; and if your prospective student has an inclination to art, don’t forget to visit the esteemed Rhode Island Institute of Design (RISD) as well.

YALE: Lux et veritas
A favorite of Yale parents, A Touch of Ireland Guesthouse is located only a mile from Yale’s undergraduate admissions office in the East Rock section of New Haven and walking distance to the Yale and Berkeley divinity schools, the Yale School of Forestry and the Yale Peabody Museum. Eat a hearty breakfast by candlelight every morning with plenty of freshly baked muffins and buns. For the best deal for a traveling family, ask for the All-Ireland Suite, which is a combination of the connecting Armagh and Dubliner rooms.


If you prefer to stay downtown, you may decide to stay at the Historic Mansion Inn located centrally in the Historic District, just across from Wooster Park. True to its name, this inn is a rare example of stately Greek Revival architecture and was owned by Mr. Parmalee, the co-founder of the Baldwin Piano company. This New Haven landmark also offers special discounts for returning guests, to encourage parents, friends, and relatives to visit often!

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA: Leges sine moribus vanae
The Cornerstone Bed and Breakfast may be your little splurge during your college road trip. This fully restored 1870 Victorian mansion offers plenty of old world serenity for relaxing downtime between exploring Philly and UPenn. Put up your feet on the wraparound veranda overlooking gardens and mature shade trees or peruse the extensive library. Complimentary hot beverages are provided around-the-clock. On Saturdays, there is a complimentary wine and cheese hour.

Another great choice is the award-winning Gables B&B located in the University City section of Philly. This award-winning inn is a three-story Queen Anne mansion with a rich local history. Enjoy the authentic oak floors and luxurious details in the woodwork throughout the house. While a full-cooked breakfast is available from 8-9:30 every morning, early risers will find piping hot coffee and a New York Times ready by 7 am.

Browse through the 19,000 Bed and Breakfasts and country inns that specialize in other events and locations that may interest you. Many of the properties listed above are also in the best-selling bed and breakfast guidebook Bed & Breakfasts and Country Inns with a Buy-One-Night-Get-One-Night-Free Certificate. ILoveInns also offers Bed and Breakfast Gift Certificates.