Graduate Hotels: Madison and Ann Arbor

A bicycle sits in the lobby at the Graduate Ann Arbor, a hotel that opened earlier this year near the University of Michigan.  (Chicago Tribune / Andrea Guthmann)

The Graduate Hotels directory plays up the college theme.  (Chicago Tribune / Andrea Guthmann)

The Big House isn’t an exaggeration: It’s the largest sports stadium — collegiate or professional — in the country.  (Chicago Tribune / Andrea Guthmann)

Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh’s success has locals calling the city Ann Arbaugh.  (Chicago Tribune / Andrea Guthmann)

Wolverines fans sport maize and blue at a football game this fall.  (Chicago Tribune / Andrea Guthmann)

A chalkboard full of equations adds an erudite touch at the Graduate Ann Arbor.  (Chicago Tribune / Andrea Guthmann)

Dane County Farmers’ Market is a Saturday staple in Madison through early November.  (Chicago Tribune / Andrea Guthmann)

Stella’s Bread Stand at the Dane County Farmers’ Market.  (Handout / Andrea Guthmann)

Badger touches permeate the Graduate Madison, which opened last year in the Wisconsin capital.  (Chicago Tribune / Andrea Guthmann)

Ann Arbor’s Michigan Theater.  (Chicago Tribune / Andrea Guthmann)

The lobby of the Graduate Madison.  (Chicago Tribune / Andrea Guthmann)

Madison’s lakefront path along Lake Mendota.  (Chicago Tribune / Andrea Guthmann)

The Wisconsin State Capitol is a must-see in Madison.  (Chicago Tribune / Andrea Guthmann)

The Solidarity Singers perform in Madison.  (Chicago Tribune / Andrea Guthmann)

The Har-Bug pays homage to Ann Arbor’s favorite son, Coach Jim Harbaugh.  (Chicago Tribune / Andrea Guthmann)

Ann Arbor’s Graffiti Alley.  (Chicago Tribune / Andrea Guthmann)