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While public restrooms and visitor centers may be closed, the prepared walker can still enjoy the fresh air. The first section of trail was carved out in 1990, with additional sections stretching from Green Bay and Bellevue to De Pere and Ledgeview added in successive years. Far from a kept secret, the trails attract local walkers every day, with its shaded wooded areas, sunny open fields, and sprawling parks. Animals won't be shy either. Be on the lookout for deer and rabbits in the woods or look up for sightings of hawks and blue herons. If it's a leisurely stroll you're after, bring along a camera and capture the view from one of a few footbridges spanning the East River.

Inside the KI Convention Center, artist demonstration areas invite you to ask questions of the artist and learn more about any work you may consider buying. Live music, dance, and spoken-word performances will set the tone for the event with stories hailing from Ireland and music ranging from acoustic rock and spirited jazz to classical strings. After a full day on the 29th, doors open Sunday, March 1st at 10 am and close at 5 pm—give you ample time to admire the fine art in all its forms—including basketry, ceramics, fiber art, glass, graphic art, jewelry, metalsmithing, painting, paper art, photography, sculpture, and woodwork. Find more details online.

Its homey interior draws guests in from the cold to warm them in the main-floor beer hall that pairs farm-to-table culinary experiences with gameday specialties. For those keen to keep it fresh, Hinterland heats its outdoor patio floor. It's dotted with heat lamps, too, to ensure a most comfortable al-fresco experience. Think of it as catered tail-gating if you wish, or simply a way to spend a 'warm' winter afternoon outdoors. The brewery produces 20,000 bottles every year. Take a tour to learn Hinterland's recipe for success. All the historic details are on the brewery's website so make a reservation for your brewery tour today.

Rather try something new? Visit the rink to rent a bike! Yes, you read that right! Ice-biking or icycling combines bicycle riding with ice skating by replacing the front wheel with a skate and adding lateral stability. Give it a try at $10 per 30-minute rental. Skating passes and skates and icycles are available at the admissions building on the south side of the park, next to Ariens Hill. All the fun is tucked next to Lambeau Field in a new community called Titletown. Return in Spring when the tubing hill blooms to become a public park and the night market opens for live music. Check back with us for more about the new brewery in town, too!

From 5-9 pm on Friday, December 6th and 9 am -3 pm on Saturday, December 7th, you're invited to come and peruse the handcrafted jewelry, fine art, leather, glassware, soaps, and more made by some of the region's most talented local artists. Vendors number more than 20, with new artists participating every year. And that's not all! Inside the beautiful Old Main Street building, you'll get to enjoy live Christmas music, the steady hands of traditional henna tattoo artists, as well as a free make and take art project station. It only costs two dollars to get in, and with the price of admission come snacks and drinks too. It's the perfect way to get out of the house, stay cozy, and support local Green Bay businesses!

Then it's out of the woods and over to Lambeau Field. After all, what's Fall without football? The stadium is framed by more colorful trees. Our third stop is the Green Bay Botanical Garden. It's a win-win, with color galore amidst a beautiful network of walking trails and benches to stop and admire the views. And when you've seen them all, trade the confines of the garden for Thornberry Creek at Oneida. If ever you needed an excuse to golf, this is it. Swing for the trees! 

But don't wait until the 19th to visit the animals. Bring the whole family for a stroll through the park any day of the week, between 9 and 6. Only a short 15-minute drive north of Green Bay and giraffes, wolves, bobcats, and red pandas rule the roost. Check the website to learn how you can feed the penguins or eat breakfast with the animals. And if you have the energy to burn, skip over to the adjoining Adventure Park.

Take in the art to the tune of live musical performances or take a break from all the action to dance or watch a different kind of art on stage. Learn how the pros turn their ideas into reality during live art demonstrations. Nosh on a delicious array of local, specialty foods, and fuel the kids' aspirations with activities just right for their size. There's something for everyone at Artstreet and it's all for free! for additional event details, click here. 

The concerts take center stage in Green Bay's beautiful Botanic Gardens. So if you don't feel like reclining, stroll through the gardens, sip some wine or beer, and nosh on the snacks sold on the grounds. If you arrive before the music starts, make sure to visit Seeds to Snacks, an interactive activity for kids and adults alike that will send you home with a fresh garden snack from that week's garden harvest. Some of this summer's visiting acts include Kyle Megna & The Monsoons and The Monsters of Grass. Don't forget to bring your dancing shoes!

Get hands-on experience and learn from the experts on staff in nature classes and animal talks. Or strike off on your own for a self-guided bird watching hike using the refuge's Wildlife Sanctuary Bird Checklist. With miles of hiking trails to entertain your whims, you're bound to get lost in the fun. If you'd rather get wet, bring a fishing pole and find your way to the Bay Beach lagoon to fish for bass, trout, or bluegill.

Just across the way, you'll find entertainment of a whole different variety at Bay Beach Amusement Park. Enjoy the rides, concessions, roller coasters and games after a morning at the refuge!

Exploring at your own pace, the self-guided history hunt promises fun for all ages with hands-on activities, special behind-the-scenes tours, and exclusive Q&A opportunities with volunteers at each stop. Some of the stops include the National Railroad Museum, Heritage Hill State Park, UW Green Bay Viking House, Neville Public Museum, and the Automobile Gallery. All participants are part of Brown County's Federation of History. Each offers information online or over the phone if you'd like to learn more about what makes a visit on this particular evening different. Entrance is free at all venues. For more details about this unique event, click here.

Specifically their Gourmet Grilled Cheese Thursday's. Every Thursday through April (except April 6th), LedgStone invites you to indulge in their ooey-gooey panini. The kitchen opens at 3:00 with last orders at 7:00. Green Bay's own Voyageurs Sourdough provides the bread and Scray Cheese cheese shop in De Pere provides the melty insides. 

If timing isn't right, don't be discouraged, LedgeStone has plenty of other spring events scheduled! There's a wreath workshop, cooking class, mozzarella-making instruction, flatbread Friday, and a record player take-over. Visit the vineyard's website to learn the details and check out their calendar for more events.

The public-facing facility boasts a Tap Room amidst its 10 thousand feet of brewing space. That's enough room for 15 brewing barrels. Thirsty travelers are invited from all over for a pint, a flight or a growler to go! In addition to Badger State brews, beers native to Wisconsin more generally are available, too. And if it's an explanation for that flavor that you crave, tours are scheduled every Saturday at 3 and 4 pm.

And speaking of explanations, the name of the brewery is no coincidence. The three friends who grew the idea (and the hops) are proud Wisconsin natives and named it after the state animal. Check out more online!

But the music won't be your only entertainment. An evening at Meyer Theater is like taking a step back in time. Built in the 1930s as a vaudeville house and movie palace, the theater maintains many of its eccentricities including the Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ and its grand old staircase. Added features include Juliet viewing boxes adorned with Mediterranean influences such as cherubs, griffins, and gargoyles.

And with an eye and ear to improved acoustics, the stage has been enlarged with a new sound system. Find tickets to hear the Green Bay Civic Symphony as well as tickets to more than 200 other stage performances on the Meyer Theater website.

The mix of local and out-of-city bands play bluegrass, roots, rock, country, and alternative music – and the dance floor is always open!

At Jimmy Seas, all genres are fair game. It's a casual restaurant and bar in Allouez. With live music sets most Fridays and Saturdays, you'll hear anything from rock to reggae. During the summer months, bands play outside on the patio.

Or if you want to nosh while you listen, consider trying A's Restaurant and Music Cafe in De Pere. On Friday and Saturday nights listen to jazz, acoustic guitar, and piano as you sample the menu.