Ohio & Pittsburgh Colleges: 6 Visits in 6 Days

Upon arrival in Cleveland, pick up your rental car and head to your hotel to settle in and unwind. In the evening, enjoy a taste of the city with dinner in Cleveland’s Little Italy at Trattoria Natalina, known for authentic Italian dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. For a more casual option, Urban Kitchen & Deli, or the lively Jolly Scholar on the Case Western campus offer great food and local flavor. End the night in University Circle with a stroll around Wade Oval—often featuring public art and live music—or relax at a nearby café before returning to your hotel.

Start with a 30-minute information session at the Office of Undergraduate Admission in the Linsalata Alumni Center, followed by a 75-minute guided campus tour. Afterward, enjoy a late breakfast or early lunch at Leutner Commons, just a short walk from the admissions office. Before leaving Cleveland, spend a few hours exploring either the Cleveland Museum of Art, known for its world-class collection, or the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a must-see celebration of music history. In the late afternoon, enjoy a scenic 45-minute drive to Oberlin, Ohio. For dinner, prospective students can choose between The Broad Street Diner, a cozy spot serving hearty, classic American fare, or The Hexagon, a casual café and pizzeria popular with students for its relaxed atmosphere and fresh, made-to-order dishes. After dinner, check into your hotel and unwind for the night.

Spend your morning immersed in Oberlin’s campus and town life. Take a leisurely stroll through Tappan Square, the green heart of the community and a central gathering place for students. Visit the Allen Memorial Art Museum on campus—free to the public and a wonderful window into Oberlin’s academic and creative spirit—then wander along Main Street to browse local shops, bookstores, and cafés that reflect everyday student life. Enjoy lunch on campus at Stevenson Dining Hall (“Stevie”), the main dining hall and a lively hub of student activity, for an authentic taste of campus culture before an afternoon info session and guided tour. Following the tour, depart Oberlin for Gambier, Ohio. The approximately one hour and 45 minute drive showcases the scenic, rolling landscapes of rural Ohio as you head to your next college stop.

In the morning, tour Kenyon College and sit in on one of the many classes that Kenyon offers up to prospective students to get a real taste of academic life at the school. After class, drive approximately half an hour to Denison University where you will enjoy lunch at Huffman Dining Hall (known as The Table at Huffman), Denison’s main dining hall on the East Quad and a convenient option near the admissions area. Attend an info session at the Burton D. Morgan Center, followed by a guided campus tour highlighting Denison’s beautiful grounds and key landmarks. After the tour, spend time experiencing student life beyond campus by exploring nearby downtown Granville, where you’ll find local shops, cozy cafés, and popular student spots like Curtis Park and the Granville Public Library. For dinner in Granville, consider Three Tigers Brewing Company, a lively brewpub serving creative pub fare and house-made beers. Granville Inn, an upscale spot offering seasonal New American cuisine in a historic setting. Or Pocho’s Tequila & Cocina, a vibrant Mexican restaurant with flavorful dishes and a casual, festive atmosphere.

Depart Granville, Ohio, in the morning and drive to Pittsburgh, a scenic trip of approximately three hours. Upon arrival, attend an afternoon information session and guided campus tour at the University of Pittsburgh (or Pitt, for those in the know!) to learn more about academics, admissions, and campus life. After the tour, spend time exploring the Oakland neighborhood, where students gather to study, dine, and relax between classes. Walk through Schenley Plaza, grab a bite along Forbes or Fifth Avenue, or explore the Carnegie Museums to get a true sense of daily life at Pitt. For dinner, enjoy one of the local student favorites in Oakland: Union Grill, known for its classic American fare, generous portions, and lively, casual atmosphere, or Butterjoint, a stylish yet relaxed spot offering wood‑fired contemporary dishes and a welcoming ambiance perfect for families and visitors.

Begin your day with a morning information session and guided tour at Carnegie Mellon University. As you explore campus, pay close attention to the collaborative spaces, academic buildings, and student project areas that highlight CMU’s hands-on, innovation-driven culture, as well as how students interact in classrooms and common areas. After the tour, grab lunch or a coffee on campus at The Exchange or Entropy+, both popular student spots that offer a great snapshot of daily life at CMU. In the afternoon, make your way to the airport to return your rental car and catch your flight home, wrapping up your college road trip.