Of course, the cheese? Yes, Wisconsin is synonymous with cheese. Hence, the cheese head uniform isn’t an uncommon theme. Beyond the cliché of cheese and the Green Bay Packers—which are phenomenal—draws, there breathes a quaint Wisconsin gem. Green Bay is the oldest city in Wisconsin and the smallest city to host an NFL team.
Perhaps you haven’t been the best friend. Perhaps you haven’t had an opportunity since the bachelor party to get away with the fellas. More than likely you have neglected the thought of a guy’s trip because everyone has been pursuing career goals? Lastly, the role of father can be oh so overwhelming and you find yourself last in the pecking order? Well, those thoughts are done. Since you are busy, we formulated a travel plan and destination that will make jumping on a jet a breeze and easily persuading to your crew. It’s almost football season! Let’s get packing!
If you bleed green and gold, you are destined for sheer excitement. However, if you are not a fan of the Green Bay Packers, you will be. The reasons you will fall in love are cheeses, rich history, filling foods and unparalleled hospitality. Admittedly, I wasn’t that knowledgeable about Green Bay, Wisconsin, to include the Green Bay Packers prior to my journey to craft this article. Super Bowl champion Reggie White’s prowess on the field and jersey recognition made me somewhat familiar in years past. However, the fanatical spirit of Green Bay is immediate, evident and undeniable upon arrival. Intoxicating paraphernalia greets travelers upon touchdown at Austin Straubel International Airport. Consider yourself welcomed into the winner’s circle.
Here is your quick guide to organizing the ultimate guys getaway that will result in an annual travel ritual to Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Green Bay Training Camp
Get up close and personal with world class athletes. The Packers organization is very unique in comparison to other football franchises in the NFL. The Packers are owned by the fans. You too can be a shareholder of this legacy. Now, this is truly FAN TASTIC! If ownership isn’t enough wow factor, fans and the public are invited to training camps. The Vince Lombardi legacy of allowing kids to offer players bike rides to Ray Nitschke field continues today. The pictures of Dream Drive are inspiring, heartfelt and humbling. Highlight your journey with the Lambeau Field Tour and stand on the field of champions.
Lodge Kohler
Perhaps you need rejuvenation and relaxation. Lodge Kohler is literally a football field away from the action of the Packers’ home. This 4-star hotel will have you covered, comfortable and in close proximity to downtown Green Bay. More importantly, the Kohler Waters Spa was designed to treat the mind, body, and soul. Therefore, if by chance you arise with a hangover from the big game or guys retreat, you can restore in peace before departing Wisconsin.
Hinterland Brewery & Restaurant
Hinterland is a small artisanal brewery devoted to brewing world-class beer and serving world-class food. Hinterland means a place untraveled and unknown. Their ultimate goal is to take people to discover those places through beer and food—to a place they haven’t yet been but once they do, they’ll feel like they’ve found home.
This is exactly what they’ve done. Upon walking into Hinterland, you’ll feel the coziness and friendliness of an upscale, fine-dining restaurant in Northeastern Wisconsin. The farm-to-table approach with multicultural influences takes the chefs and customers on a journey through bold flavors and uncommon pairings.
In 1995, the brewery was created in a renovated, turn of the 20th century meat-packing warehouse. Beer is brewed for maximum flavor, color and aroma. Each batch is carefully crafted for quality and consistency so that each bottle and keg delivers a promise for an exceptional craft beer experience through hinterland. There are currently 11 different brews, some traditional and others somewhat extreme. They are constantly experimenting with new flavors to continue this adventurous journey!
1951 West
Perhaps, you don’t know a fine eatery in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Well, now you do. From the signature 1951 west burger to the wild berry chicken salad, there is something on the menu to dance across your tongue and delight your tummy. 1951 West serves truly refined cocktails and delicious American cuisine with a staff determined to make you smile.
Anduzzi's Sports Club - Holmgren
Whether you’re looking for good drinks, delicious food, live entertainment or sports on TV, Anduzzi’s Sports Club is the place to go. Sit at the bar and enjoy nightly drink specials at the Best of the Bay’s Best Happy Hour in Green Bay.
Anduzzi’s-West on Holmgren Way features nearly 40 HDTVs and a second story roof-top deck that makes for great tailgate parties before a Lambeau Field Packers game. Just be sure to order their Ultimate Bloody Mary – topped with hot wings, cheese, sliders, shrimp and much more.
New Zoo & Adventure Park
Perhaps you prefer to keep physically fit or you want to challenge the guys while traveling. The New Zoo & Adventure Park offers dual “racing” zip lining, an aerial adventure course and a climbing tower. Not only will you get to meet over 200 individual animals, but you can also get your adrenaline flowing with some healthy competition.
Green Bay Botanical Gardens
Perhaps you are in dire straits for a moment of peace and tranquility. Roam the 47 acres of horticulture in the spirit of adventure. The Green Bay Botanical Gardens is more than a gorgeous backdrop of blossoms. Spend the afternoon learning and absorbing the knowledge to become a better green thumb. Your refreshed perspective will surely encourage you to beautify your personal garden and landscape surrounding your man cave.
The Automobile Gallery
Perhaps you will be lucky enough to encounter “Red,” the owner of The Automobile Gallery. From humble beginnings of one car wash to owning multiple facilities, William “Red” Lewis is down to Earth and charmed with an infectious personality that will entertain you for an entire day while touring his showroom of cars. Truly a grown man’s Hot Wheels collection and unlike most museums that are stuffy with rope barriers, this gallery welcomes you to get behind the wheel of exotic cars and snap pictures to your heart’s content.