Hello Wisconsin!

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/08/2023 (777 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

1. Marvelous Murals

The Broadway District of Green Bay boasts an impressive collection of more than 30 murals clustered around a few blocks, making for an easy walking tour. Among them is a fanciful deer painted on the side of a butcher shop and a dramatic golden lion on a black background. It’s all part of the Green Bay Public Arts Commission and Be on Broadway group that have joined forces to rejuvenate the downtown area with one-of-a-kind art displays. The murals are sometimes tucked away, giving pops of colour to back lanes and under bridges.

2. Historic Hotel

Located in the heart of downtown, the Hotel Northland makes visitors feel like they’ve stepped back into the time of elegant travel. The lobby is all about old-world charm with warm wood panelled walls and the original bank of key slots on the back wall (sadly, they are for display only). You’ll notice that all clocks here are set 15 minutes ahead, and nod to iconic football coach Vince Lombardi, who famously said: if you are five minutes early, you’re already 10 minutes late. The hotel is coming up on its 100th birthday next year and has a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, but the rooms have all the modern conveniences, blended perfectly with the charm of yesteryear.

3. Farmers’ Market

For a century, Green Bay’s Saturday market has been a shopping and gathering place, where over 100 vendors bring fresh bread, unique jewelry and summer produce to the table. It’s where you can pick up a big, beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers for $10, all from family farms in the area, many grown by a thriving Hmong community. There are special events including cooking demonstrations, activities for kids and live music nearly every weekend. The market runs until the end of October. And yes, there is fresh cheese.

4. Eat Cheese Curds

The squeaky little knobs are irresistible. And since you are in Wisconsin, you must sample all the cheese curds you can. Most restaurants serve them breaded and deep fried, so it’s the dipping sauces that set things apart. Try the Parmesan-breaded curds at 1919 Kitchen & Tap at Lambeau Field that comes with buttermilk parsley and Romesco sauces. At The Iron Duck, curds come with ranch, smoked tomato jam and chimichurri.

5. Tour Lambeau Field

Football fans from far and wide make pilgrimages to Lambeau Field, home of their much-loved Green Bay Packers. The 80,000 seed stadium is top notch with plenty of historical points of interest and a fabulous restaurant called 191 Kitchen & Tap. It’s the only non-profit, community-owned major league professional sports team in the US. The waiting list for season tickets includes over 140,000 names and waiting more than 50 years to snag a package is common. Be prepared to heat up your credit card in the gift shop.

6. Dine!

The thoroughly modern Republic Chophouse in downtown Green Bay has a classic supper club vibe, making every meal feel special. The menu includes steaks hand cut in Chicago, seafood and classic wedge salads too. Opt for the spicy rock shrimp appetizer and most definitely indulge in the mile high red velvet cake or the equally decadent triple chocolate mocha version.

7. Cheese Please!

For the finest selection of local cheeses, head over to Bountiful Boards, where owner Ashley Grant curates all her favorites. Sign up for a cheese-tasting session that includes tasty local breads and sweet honey.

8. Ride the Ferris Wheel!

Bay Beach Amusement Park opened in 1892 and has been thrilling families ever since. A roller coaster, thrill rides, Ferris wheel, concessions, kiddie rides and entertainment are offered all summer long. Best of all, there’s no admission, parking is free and ride tickets are only 25 cents each, with rides requiring one to four tickets.

9. Walk the CityDeck

It’s the hub of fun in downtown Green Bay! The promenade runs from the Walnut Street bridge to the Main Street bridge, gently terraced down to the Fox River. Restaurants, shops and a robust line-up of entertainment welcome locals and visitors alike. There’s a bubbler and splash pad for the kids, a kayak launch, walking trails and a fabulous brunch menu at The Creamery Café that includes Benedicts made with crab, pulled pork, country fried steak and fried green tomatoes. Bottomless mimosas come in more than a dozen flavours.

10. Kringle Crazy

What is it? A kringle, at least in Wisconsin, is a hand-rolled Danish pastry that’s rested overnight before being shaped, filled and baked. It’s a huge confection, the size of a medium pizza, and there’s no better place to sample it than at Uncle Mike Bake Shoppe. Take your pick from 23 flavours including sea salt caramel pecan, pumpkin cream cheese and strawberry margarita. Grab a big cup of coffee and dig into those 36 layers of dough and butter.

shel@shelzolkewich.com