48 Hours to Explore Green Bay

Green Bay is Wisconsin’s oldest settlement, with the French setting up a fur-trading center here in 1634. Yes, it’s that old. On the flip side, it also has some of the “newest” news going on in the state, with the Titletown District open for “green and gold” season. Make your visit a blend of what’s old and what’s new, and you’ll leave a fan for life.

Day One

Noon – Kick off your visit with a stop at Angelina, an authentic Italian eatery where every meal is made from scratch.

1 p.m. – Make this afternoon fully a nod to the past, starting at the Oneida Nation Museum, with history and culture on full display, along with exhibits of pottery and beadwork. For a blend of old and new, The Automobile Gallery features dozens of vehicles of distinction spanning the last 100 years, and the National Railroad Museum houses the world’s largest steam locomotive.

4 p.m. – Here’s where the “what’s new” kicks in, when you check in to the Lodge Kohler on the grounds of the new Titletown District, a 34-acre destination immediately west of storied Lambeau Field. This property delivers high-end showers and exceptional service, just as you’d expect. Choose first-floor rooms for the ultimate tailgating experience, with large slider doors and patios\ overlooking Lambeau, complete with grill. Go all out and enjoy their Taverne in the Sky restaurant and Kohler Waters Spa too.

If you favor historic, the Astor House B&B is ideal. Built in 1888 on land owned by businessman and Titanic victim John Jacob Astor, the Victorian inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. St. Brendan’s Inn is another fine choice, complete with Irish pub and restaurant.

6 p.m. – Start out the evening at The Bottle Room, with wine and tapas pairings. There’s also Captain’s Walk Winery, kitty corner from 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 of hand-cut and aged-in-house steaks. Fine dining choices for Friday evening include Chefusion, Republic Chophouse, Black & Tan Grille, and Plae Bistro.

8 p.m. – Cap off the evening with some brews. Stillmank Brewing Company is best known for Wisco Disco, an ESB style ale brewed for smooth body with lactose, making it a nice pairing with cheese. At Noble Roots Brewing Company, their “Garage Series” features half-barrel brews and they have a dog-friendly patio.

Day Two

9 a.m. – Kavarna Coffeehouse serves java from Milwaukee roaster Anodyne and makes all their own baked treats.

10 a.m. – Saturday is devoted to all things Packers, starting with a stroll through Titletown District. This parklike setting has public art, walkways, a training camp-themed playground and a full-size football field. In the winter months, they’ll be making their own snow for the tubing hill (hard to imagine that will be necessary given this is the frozen tundra) plus there will be ice skating.

11 a.m. – Next stop, Lambeau Field, and the Packers Hall of Fame, a two-level tribute to the greatest story in sports. Tour there and then complete the stadium tour; for true Packers fans, you’ll want the Legendary Tour, with access to the locker rooms, press box and more. Good luck keeping your credit card in check at the Packers Pro Shop, where the offerings are on the wish list of Packers faithful everywhere.

Noon – This stop is nearly a requirement – it’s Kroll’s West, in business for more than 80 years and third-generation run. Dig in to the original Kroll’s burger, grilled over a charcoal flame and served on a toasted roll with butter. Don’t forget the cheese curds.

1 p.m. – For those interested in both Packers history and community history, book the Original Packers Heritage Trail Trolley Tour. Badger State Brewing Company in the Stadium District with a tap room and beer garden offers Saturday tours. Hint: Even during away games, the place is tailgate central.

6 p.m. – Hinterland, a familiar name among foodies, relocated earlier this year to Titletown. This combo brewery and restaurant sports a “cool urban but woodsy” vibe. Choose superelevated pub food in the beer hall or head upstairs to the High-Gravity Kitchen for a high-end culinary experience.

7 p.m. – Take in a show at the Meyer Theatre, one of only a handful of historic FOX Theatres still standing today. Check out performance calendars at the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts and the Resch Center too.

Day Three

9 a.m. – Time for old-school staples the locals frequent like The Pancake Place, a 40-year-old diner serving plate-size pancakes, or Bay Family Restaurant, with a menu of classics like biscuits and gravy and steak and eggs.

For a sweet treat to enjoy on the ride home, shop Seroogy’s Chocolates in De Pere, where they’ve been making hand-dipped chocolates since 1899.