Green Bay is the oldest settlement in Wisconsin, and the French established it as a fur trading center in 1634. Yes, it’s that elderly. On the other hand, it has some of the “newest” news in the state, with the Titletown District open for the “green and gold” season. Make your visit a mix of elderly and modern, and you’ll be a lifelong fan.
The first day
South – Start your visit with a stop at Angelina, an genuine Italian restaurant where every meal is made from scratch.
1 pm. – Make this afternoon a full nod to the past, starting at the Oneida Nation Museum, where history and culture are on full display, including pottery and beadwork. To blend elderly with modern, The Automobile Gallery showcases dozens of characterful vehicles from the past 100 years, and the National Railroad Museum is home to the world’s largest steam locomotive.
16:00 – This is where the “what’s new” begins when you check into the Kohler Lodge in the modern Titletown District, a 34-acre destination just west of legendary Lambeau Field. This property offers high-end showers and exceptional service, just as you’d expect. Choose first-floor rooms for the ultimate tailgating experience, with gigantic sliding doors and terraces overlooking Lambeau, complete with grill. Go all out and enjoy their Taverne in the Sky restaurant and Kohler Waters Spa.
If you prefer historical sites, the Astor House B&B is a great choice. Built in 1888 on land owned by businessman and Titanic survivor John Jacob Astor, the Victorian inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. St. Brendan’s Inn is another great choice, with an Irish pub and restaurant.
18:00 – Start your evening at The Bottle Room, where wine and tapas are served. There’s also Captain’s Walk Winery, Kitty Corner at The Automobile Gallery. The Union Hotel & Restaurant in neighboring De Pere dates back to 1883 and has been run by the same family since 1918. Enjoy a classic supper club menu featuring hand-cut and dry-aged steaks in-house. Friday night specials include Chefusion, Republic Chophouse, Black & Tan Grille and Plae Bistro.
20:00 – Finish the night with a few beers. Stillmank Brewing Company is best known for Wisco Disco, an ESB-style ale brewed for a velvety consistency with lactose, which makes it a good match for cheese. At Noble Roots Brewing Company, their “Garage Series” features half-keg beers and they have a dog-friendly patio.
Day two
9 am – Kavarna Coffeehouse serves coffee from Milwaukee-based Anodyne Roastery, and all of its baked goods are made in-house.
10 am. – Saturday is dedicated to all things Packers, starting with a walk through the Titletown District. This park-like setting has public art, trails, a training camp-style playground and a full-size football field. During the winter months, they will be making their own snow for a pontoon slope (it’s challenging to imagine that will be necessary given the frozen tundra), and there will also be ice skating.
11 o’clock in the morning. – Next stop: Lambeau Field and the Packers Hall of Fame, a two-story tribute to the greatest story in sports. Tour the venue, then complete the stadium tour; for true Packers fans, it’s the Legendary Tour, with access to the locker room, press box and more. Good luck checking your credit card at the Packers Pro Shop, where the offer is on the wish lists of true Packers fans everywhere.
South – This stop is almost a must-see – Kroll’s West, in business for over 80 years and run by the third generation. Indulge in the original Kroll’s burger, chargrilled and served on a buttered toasted bun. Don’t forget the cheese curds.
1 pm – For those interested in Packers history and community history, book the Original Packers Heritage Trail Trolley Tour. Badger State Brewing Company in the Stadium District, with a taproom and beer garden, offers tours on Saturdays. Tip: Even during away games, this venue is a focal point at the tailgate.
18:00 – Hinterland, a household name among foodies, moved to Titletown earlier this year. This brewery and restaurant combo has a “cool urban but woodsy” vibe. Opt for super-elevated pub food in the beer hall or head upstairs to the High-Gravity Kitchen for a culinary experience of the highest order.
19:00 – Catch a show at the Meyer Theatre, one of the few historic FOX theatres still standing. Check the show calendars at the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts and the Resch Center.
Day third
9 am – Time for customary dishes that locals love, like The Pancake Place, a 40-year-old restaurant serving plate-sized pancakes, or Bay Family Restaurant, whose menu includes classics like biscuits and gravy and steak and eggs.
For a sweet treat on the way back, visit Seroogy’s Chocolates in De Pere, which has been making hand-dipped chocolates since 1899.
