Yes, Cheese
Week six of the NFL season brings the Bengals out to Wisconsin for a late afternoon matchup against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday, with Joe Flacco stepping in as Bengals QB for the first time. Unlike most pro sports cities, Green Bay is only home to around 100,000 residents, making it a unique destination for sports fans. While the city may be small, there is still plenty to see, so pack your bags and follow our guide to learn how to get down in Titletown!
DIEHARD FANS
If you’re headed to Green Bay as a diehard fan, you’ll certainly be among other likeminded individuals as the city lives and breathes football. Check in to the Hilton Garden Inn Green Bay to find your people as it is only a short walk from Lambeau. On that walk, you’ll pass right by Lambeau’s Johnsonville Tailgate Village where you can begin your festivities by catching some live music before the game. You can head that same way on your off day to reach the Packers’ Hall of Fame, a must-see as the Packers have one of the richest histories in all of sports. Tickets for the hall of fame cost $23 and the average individual spends 60 to 90 minutes inside on a self-guided tour.
Once you’ve learned enough about Packers history, stop by Kroll’s West on the opposite side of Lambeau to learn some Wisconsin food history. The restaurant has been a Green Bay neighborhood staple for over 80 years and has received cosigns from Packers legends like Brett Favre and Bart Starr. Get acquainted with Wisconsin delicacies like cheese curds and make sure to try Kroll’s famous Butter Burger. After all that walking, you don’t need to worry about eating healthy anyways!
On the Bandwagon
If your life doesn’t revolve around football but you still want to experience the magic of Lambeau Field, don’t worry, as Wisconsin certainly has other charms as well. Staying at the Aloft Green Bay will place you slightly away from the football fanaticism and also right by the Fox River. Speaking of scenery, you can drive a little over an hour away to bask in the beautiful autumn colors of Door County and the Door Peninsula. Take part in classic fall festivities like apple picking, go on a hike or drive through the scenic foliage.
When talking about Wisconsin, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention beer, given the state’s reputation as one of the highest beer-consuming states per capita. A great spot to grab a pint is Badger State Brewing. They boast a broad selection of beers, seltzers, ciders and seasonal releases leaving no doubt that you will be able to find something you like. They also serve up signature thick crust pizza and fresh cheese curds to pair with your beverage of choice and get fully immersed in Wisconsin culture.
along for the ride
If the Bengals are somewhat of an afterthought in your travel plans, consider staying in Milwaukee for the duration of your vacation and only spend gameday in Green Bay. There are even shuttles that run from city to city that you could take depending on your car situation.
Check in to the historic Pfister Hotel that may or may not be haunted to get a true, one-of-a-kind Milwaukee experience. Assuming the ghosts don’t get you, check out the Miller Brewery Tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s largest brewing companies. Tickets are $20 and the experience consists of a 75-minute indoor/outdoor guided walking tour that teaches the company’s history while also showing the high-tech production lines used today. Oh, and there are free samples.
Milwaukee is home to numerous great food options; just make sure you save some room for their famous frozen custard afterwards. Looking exactly like a 1950s drive-up diner, Leon’s Frozen Custard is one of the coolest and most famous spots to indulge. They keep it simple with only a few flavor offerings, but those flavors are promised by them to be the “finest and freshest available anywhere,” and their 80 years in business speaks truth to that.
After planning to make the most of Green Bay and Wisconsin, let’s hope our Bengals can send the Packers packing Sunday.
– Meredith Ruhland