- lsktravelz@gmail.com
I had an opportunity to be part of the Five College Tour Fly-In. Even though my students typically apply to institutions in Illinois, I want to provide opportunities outside the state. I hope several students take advantage of the information I share about my Five College Consortium experience in Massachusetts.
The Five College Admissions Group paid for accommodations at the Hotel Northampton. I loved the charm of the hotel. Before our meet and greet, I walked around to support a few local businesses. I picked up chocolates at Sweeties, purchased a souvenir at Strada & Essential, and picked up chips and guacamole at Bueno Y Sano. I also earned a few Rapid Rewards Dining points. Overall, everyone welcomed me with open arms.
The tour was intense, but I learned so much. I visited five institutions in two days. I enjoyed the student panels and listened intently to each speaker. We had breakfast or lunch on each campus. It was hard to ignore the green space as we toured each institution. Our final stop was the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The institution holds the title of best campus food. They did not disappoint. I visited Hampshire, Amherst, Smith College, and Mount Holyoke College.
It would be great if my students took advantage of some of the opportunities in Massachusetts. There is money available for low-income, first-generation BIPOC students. I have always worked with underrepresented and underserved students. If you know students who want to go away to school but think they can’t afford to go, encourage them to research the Five College Consortium. Requirements vary by institution.
Because I flew in a day before the tour started, I was responsible for covering the costs of my one-night stay at the DoubleTree. I used 20,000 Hilton Honors points plus cash to offset the cost. I chose this location because the hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service every 20 minutes to and from the airport. Upon arrival, I stopped by the front desk for a warm DoubleTree cookie and refreshing water before heading to my room.
I also learned the shuttle driver could drop me off and pick me up from Bear’s Smokehouse. Of course, I tipped the driver. Overall, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford is an option if you are looking for a clean, comfortable, and convenient stay near the airport. Because I will travel through BDL to visit one of my students for Family and Friends weekend at Trinity College, I will make another reservation at DoubleTree.
After I checked in, I took the shuttle to Bear’s Smokehouse. I ordered pork belly burnt ends with baked beans and fries. Although it did not look like I had a lot of food, I boxed burnt ends and fries to go, but I ate every baked bean. I reheated the burnt ends and fries later, and they held up well. Bear’s Smokehouse is a participating restaurant for Hilton Honors and Rapid Rewards Dining. Of course, dining here was intentional. I earned 134 Hilton Honors Bonus Points.
I enjoyed breakfast at the DoubleTree. Order an omelet. Even though it took 10 minutes to prepare, it was worth the wait. My egg white omelet was fluffy, the cheddar cheese melted perfectly, and the spinach was fresh. As a Diamond Member, I received a $15 Food & Beverage credit. The buffet was only $16. I also enjoyed fresh fruit, an English muffin, bacon, and breakfast potatoes.
Because our last tour was over at 3:00PM, we scheduled our flights after 4:30 to allow the private shuttle to take everyone back to the airport. My flight boarded at 7:30; I headed straight to the lounge. I enjoyed complimentary pre-flight refreshments and spent time in a relaxing environment before walking to my gate.
I attended the Harvard Summer Institute on College Admissions in 2019. Massachusetts was no longer on my 50 State Challenge list. Although this 4-day trip was not about my travels, I spent $264 on accommodations, food, souvenirs, parking at Midway, and tips. In addition, the Consortium reimbursed my $205 airfare. I cannot put a price on the wealth of information I gained to share with students and colleagues.