Almost Free Fun: Green Bay Area Trails
After such a miserable spring, it won’t take much convincing to get the people of Northeastern Wisconsin outdoors as the weather finally gets nice! Taking a walk or a bike ride on one of the trails in the area is the perfect way to enjoy some sunshine. Best of all, you can enjoy some of these trails for free!
Fox River Trail and Mountain Bay Trail: The Fox River Trail runs from downtown Green Bay, 25 miles south to Holland. The Mountain Bay Trail connects Rib Mountain and Green Bay and is 83 miles long! These are both state trails. Walking and running on both of these trails is free. To horseback ride, bike, or rollerblade, anyone over 16 years old will need a state trail pass. An annual state trail pass costs $20 or a daily pass can be purchased for $4. Click here for a list of vendors in the area that sell state trail passes.
East River Trail: This pretty trail that runs along the East River from Green Bay to Ledgeview is perfect for biking, rollerblading, walking, and running. There is no fee for any activities on this trail.
Reforestation Camp Mountain Bike Trail: This trail is actually four bike trails that can be accessed from the upper parking lot at the N.E.W. Zoo. As this is a county facility, state trail passes are not valid on the Reforestation Camp Trail. You can purchase passes right at the trailhead or by clicking here. An annual pass costs $20 and a daily pass is $5.
Can you cross the Fox River? A closer look at “Green Bay-itis”
Do you have “Green Bay-itis”? It’s what I call the inability of some of the Green Bay population to cross that darn Fox River!
It’s not that difficult to drive across town. Really, it isn’t. I do it all the time. Even though I was born and raised on the west side, I can and do go to the east side of Green Bay quite often.
A friend of mine who lived here for many years (but was not a native) always thought it was funny that Green Bay had at least two of most big-name stores: one for the east side and one for the west.
I’ve talked to many people who do not shop at stores like Woodmans or Big Lots because they live on one side of the town and there’s only one store, “way over on the other side of town”.
It’s not just the river, either. It’s the outlying communities. De Pere to Howard is sooo far away for some people. Or Scott to Bellevue. Yet I also know many people (including my husband) who commute every day from Green Bay to Appleton or vice versa. A 30-minute commute in other cities is nothing.
Ashwaubenon/Howard/West Siders, how many times have you had a conversation with someone from East Green Bay/Bellevue/De Pere, and the other person says, “I’m not going to go way over there!”
When we moved back to Green Bay following several years in Damn Near Dykesville, we picked a house in an excellent location, close to schools, church, and shopping. It’s probably because of this I found myself falling into the Green Bay-itis trap. Luckily I realized it and put a stop to it!
Piggly Wiggly is 6 miles from my house yet I go all the way out to Howard when there’s a good reason to partake in Olsen’s Double Coupon days.
I’ve never let a few miles deter me from a fabulous deal, a great restaurant, or a family-friendly event!
Green Bay-itis has been around since I can remember, even when gasoline was cheap.
All kidding aside, I think Green Bay-itis is part of the reason the city seems to retain that small-town feel even as the population grows.
Do you suffer from Green Bay-itis? Admitting it is the first step to recovery! 
Chula Vista Resort – Wisconsin Dells up to 38% off!
With spring break just around the corner for most of us, I thought I’d mention this deal for the Dells. Save between 32 and 38% when you buy this Groupon for Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells.
One-night stay in a junior suite:
- Option 1: $95 to check in Sunday–Thursday (up to a $149 value)
- Option 2: $129 to check in Friday (up to a $189 value)
- Option 3: $129 to check in Saturday (up to a $209 value)
Book by: 5/10/13
Travel by: 5/23/2013
Included in all options:
- Water-park passes for two adults and two kids
- $25 dining credit forKaminski Bros Chophouse or Market Fresh Buffet
As with any daily deal, make sure you read all rules and restrictions before you buy.
Appleton: Radisson Paper Valley up to 50% off!
Wow–can’t believe this deal. Right now you can get a one-night stay at the Radisson Paper Valley in downtown Appleton for as little as $59!
- Standard Room, King Size Bed $59/night
- Standard Room, two Double Beds $59/night
- Concierge Plaza Room, King Size Bed $70/night
- Concierge Plaza Room, 2 Queen Size Beds $79/night
The Radisson has dates available through the end of April.
Click here to get the deal. You’ll find it under Fox Cities.
I love the Paper Valley and have been there many times for events, but have never actually stayed there. This might be the perfect chance, either for a romantic getaway (with a fancy dinner at Vince Lombardi’s Steakhouse inside the Paper Valley) or a place to hang with the kids during Spring Break.
As with any daily deal, make sure you read all rules and restrictions before you buy.
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