The Commons Hotel is smack-dab in the heart of the University of Minnesota campus, so there’s always a buzz in the air.

Gopher Football: If you’re a college football fan, you’re in luck. The Gophers take on Middle Tennessee State Saturday, Sept. 16, and Maryland Saturday, Sept. 30.

Metro Transit Light Rail: Just outside the hotel, you’ll have access to Metro Transit’s Green Line, which will transport you to downtown Minneapolis or downtown St. Paul depending on which direction you’re headed. Each city is full of activities and sights to see. Downtown St. Paul is home to the Capitol, historic Landmark Center, Wabasha Street Caves, Xcel Energy Center, Science Museum and more. Taking it to downtown Minneapolis will put you on the doorsteps of Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins, Target Center, home to the Timberwolves and other events, an extremely active nightlife and a variety of award-winning restaurants.

You could also take the Green Line to downtown Minneapolis, and then hop on the Blue Line which will give you a one-way ticket to the Mall of America. The best part of all this? A ticket will only cost you a couple bucks. Plus, you can get off at any of the stops along the route to get out and explore if you choose to do so.

Another option is the Weisman Art Museum which is truly in walking distance from the Commons Hotel. Designed by internationally renowned architect Frank Gehry, the museum’s permanent collection includes more than 25,000 works of art, and is truly one of the most uniquely designed buildings in the Twin Cities.