Visitors to Tree Town are spoiled by its collegiate charm. For the ideal location, check into Graduate by Hilton Ann Arbor, which is a few steps from the University of Michigan campus and a short walk to local shops. The nostalgic, university-inspired design, comfortable rooms, and lively common spaces, including the old-school Allen Rumsey Cocktail Lounge, make it the perfect backdrop for moving into your college dorm or spending a long weekend exploring with family and new friends.

Start your day with savory breakfast sandwiches at Poindexter Coffee, the hotel’s retro lobby-level cafe. If you’re on campus this fall, enjoy Poindexter’s limited edition iced lavender honey latte created in celebration of back-to-school season and then check out the Saturday morning farmer’s market just a few minutes away. The more than 100-year-old farmers market includes 125 vendors from across Michigan and is a must for any Ann Arbor visit. Stock up on picnic fare, including seasonal fruit, baked goods, and freshly made cheese. And be sure to browse the food truck offerings for local specialties.

Fuel up for a night on the town at Zingerman’s Roadhouse, a popular comfort food restaurant. Visitors and locals love this Southern-inspired eatery for its pit-smoked barbecue and Creole-seasoned fish and grits. Follow up your meal with live music at The Blind Pig, the city’s legendary concert venue. The Saturday lineup is always a draw, and features everything from 80s nights to DJs to the next indie breakout band.

You can’t end your Ann Arbor stay without Sunday brunch at the Gandy Dancer, a former train station that was converted into a restaurant in 1970. Start with a Filthy Mary, which includes a bacon garnish, then move on to specials such as Charley’s Chowder and the New England seafood roll. With a stone facade, soaring ceilings, and train-inspired decor, it’s one of the most memorable spots in town.

Back at the hotel, head down to the wood-paneled Allen Rumsey Cocktail Lounge. Adults can take advantage of happy hour specials, including $7 wines by the glass and $3 beers, while everyone can enjoy snacking on favorites like cheesy black pepper popcorn and fancy onion dip. Grab a seat at the bar or sink into one of the green leather armchairs and curl up with a book. Afterward, explore the hotel lobby, with details inspired by the university's iconic Law Library.

For some hands-on fun, don’t skip a baking class at Zingerman’s Bakehouse, an Ann Arbor institution that gets plenty of national acclaim. Offering classes for both children and adults, it’s the ideal way to spend an afternoon. Classes on baking brioche, strudels, and their famous coffee cakes take a few hours and provide a delicious flour-filled escape. They even offer 2-day-long “bakecations” for more in-depth learning.

After a weekend of art, adventure, and plenty of R&R — especially if you took advantage of the limited-time Graduate by Hilton and Calm partnership for back-to-school season and enjoyed a moment of pause with an in-room guided meditation, soothing sleep story, or breathing exercise before bed — you’ll check out from Graduate by Hilton Ann Arbor with plenty of stories worth sharing. With so much to explore, there’s no doubt you’ll be back for another Ann Arbor weekend getaway in no time.