Photograph by PC John Oates Photography
e sse nt i al travel
Uncovering Wisconsin’s
HIDDEN GEMS BY ANNE SAYERS
GREEN BAY
The city of Green Bay usually brings one thing to mind: Green Bay Packers. The Packers are still the only publicly owned team in the National Football League. With over a century of history, their team has made Green Bay known throughout the world. However, Green Bay is a phenomenal place to visit regardless of your football loyalties. This winter, consider putting the city by the bay on your list for winter fun and holiday wonderment. The Green Bay Botanical Garden is a stunning place to visit during every season. This winter, visitors can check out the Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) Garden of Lights, encompassed by more than 300,000 twinkling lights. Create special holiday memories with a spectacular array of natureinspired light displays, featuring an enchanted icicle forest, glistening flowers, a dazzling 60-foot walk-through caterpillar, and so much more. The Neville Public Museum, a cultural institution showcasing history, art, and science, is a gem in Brown County. This year, the animated figures that once adorned the H.C. Prange’s department store windows in downtown Green Bay are featured in a holiday exhibit. Don’t miss Bruce the Spruce, the lovable talking Christmas tree who once chatted with holiday shoppers at Prange’s.
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Another hit with visitors of all ages is the National Railroad Museum, full of interactive and creative installations on the history of the American rails. For the holiday season, kids can take the Polar Express Train Ride to the North Pole, featuring a live rendition of the Hot Chocolate Dance followed by a dramatic reading of the original Polar Express book. At the end of the train ride, Santa personally greets each child. At the museum, you can also view more than 40 trees, decorated by local businesses and nonprofit organizations, at the Festival of Trees. I know I’m not alone when I say I’m so thankful that live theatre is back this year, and there are plenty of options in Green Bay this season. A Frank’s Christmas is a musical comedy tradition in northeast Wisconsin, and it will be playing downtown at the Meyer Theatre. You can also take in a dinner
