Round Bales

Whats this? I thought farmers were outlawed from producing these round bales as it was determined the cows weren't getting a square meal. Sorry folks.... a little "corny" but hey...it is a sight seen quite often all over Wisconsin including Green Bay.

Chili Johns Chili

Another Green Bay institution. The original Chili Johns was at the foot of the Main St. bridge downtown. I don't remember that one as it was during the turn of the century period in the early 1900's. I do however remember one location that boasted the longest seating counter in Wisconsin. Paul Harvey even made reference to it on his radio show when that location closed in the mid 70's. Chili John (John Issac) was Lithuanian so I suppose his guarded "secret recipe" chili is of Lithuanian heritage. As a tradition John Madden always had to consume a bowl when stopping in Green Bay for the Green Bay Packer games and would also many times mention this on his football broadcast. When I lived in Los Angeles in the 1980's I stopped at a bookstore once and picked up a small booklet named The 20 Best Dives in LA... to my surprise listed there was Chili Johns! Sure enough, lo and behold there was a Chili Johns location in a warehouse district of  Burbank complete with Green Bay Press Gazettes on the wall... and featuring the exact same chili ....bizarre...sitting in Burbank, CA. surrounded by pictures and memorabilia of Green Bay eating Chili Johns chili...it always felt like some sort of Twilight Zone episode. The owner Micky Le Mere was from GB and we reminisced about our home town often. I loved the huge painted sign on the building outside that read "Famous Coast to Coast"  Yeah........  hahahaha..... Green Bay to Los Angeles!  Come to think of it I actually did prefer dining in at their location over Green Bays because they served N/A beer. I enjoy the taste of beer with my chili... wonder why they don't do that in Green Bay. I've got a pretty good feeling I'm not the only chili with beer (even if it were non alcoholic) lover in our fine community. Heres a little know fact ...I've been told Chili John had invented the small Oyster crackers that are now familiar everywhere in the world. Another stolen idea that should have been patented I guess. None the less, this is some incredibly tasty chili. Its also sold frozen in local grocery stores which is where I usually purchase it. (so I can bring it home to enjoy with a tall cold glass of my favorite brew.)     http://chilijohns.com/

Guess The Shot

Here's another shot of one of Green Bays downtown building embellishments. Do you know where?

Fall

The leaves are FALLING. Twas a beautiful day here in Wisconsin. A new friend took me for a walk on his property today. I really love this time of year. Thanks for a great afternoon Dave!

The Packer Stadium

Congratulations on the Packers win against the Bears. Go Pack Go!  Now  3-0

New Packer Slogan

One of the new Packer slogans painted on private residence fencing along Lombardi Ave. facing The Packer Stadium.

The Borough of Fort Howard

This emblem is embedded into the sidewalk somewhere in Green Bay. Do you know where?

Babble

The art piece in front of the Neville Public Musem called Babble was created by the artist Ned Cain in 2004 from mild steel. Its great to see art  being produced for the public in the various areas of Green Bay.

Beernsten's Candies

If you love chocolate you'll love this place. One of Green Bay's popular "Olde World" candy stores.  I remember as a kid during Christmas they sold hard candy cherries on a wire to hang from your Christmas tree... I don't think they still do, as that was a law suit just waiting to happen if you choked on the wire.
http://www.beerntsenscandies.com/

Guess The Shot

Green Bay has alot of these cool images and designs on some of the older buildings around town.
Do you recognize this one?

Kavarna

What a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee! Theres always something going on here...live music, readings, poetry etc. I've heard the food is good too but haven't yet tried any. Located at 143 N. Broadway in a cool art deco era renovated auto garage         .http://www.kavarna.com/

Neville Public Museum

Located at 210 Museum Place at Dousman along the river on the West side the Neville public museum is currently featuring a show of photographs by Anne Frank. They've always got something interesting going on. Click the link for more info

http://www.nevillepublicmuseum.org/

De Pere Celebrate Festival

The De Pere Celebrate festival is an annual event not to be missed. This years featured act was one of Green Bays favorite bands Big Mouth. Great food, music, drinks and friendly people ...just what  Green Bay area festivals are all about.

Lotus Restaurant

Sa was dee krup! (Thai greeting) Having been to the land of smiles 5 times has developed my pallete and penchant for great Thai food (its not all about spicy hot). Lotus restaurant, the brain child of Curt Christensen and Amy Yang, serves up some killer Thai cuisine and other SE Asian dishes. The lunch buffett is popular and a "double bubble" Pho (national soup dish of Viet Nam) happy hour is a fantastic deal and will surely bring you back craving for more. Curt and Amy are usually on hand to make suggestions if you are unfamiliar as what to order. After your meal I'm sure you will exclaim Aroy tee sut! (the most delicious)  Current construction is also underway for a lounge/bar addition for a cool place to enjoy a few cocktails before or after your meal. Located at 418 S. Military Ave
Khap kun kap (thank you) Curt and Amy!

Jesus on the cross

This shot was taken at one of the local cemetery's in the Green Bay area that I often pass by. Do you know which one?

Hinterland Brewery

Located at 313 Dousman Hinterland brewery and restaurant began in 1995 in what was a former turn of the century meat packing plant. Hinterland, the brainchild of Bill & Michelle Tressler has earned a spot as one of Green Bays premier micro brewery and upscale restaurants. Some nights feature local musicians either on the outdoor patio, or in the upstairs lounge. This place reminds me of the type of quality establishment available in a larger metropolitan city. Its a really hip place to enjoy incredible gourmet food and award winning beers.
http://www.hinterlandbeer.com/

Dino the dinosaur

Dino the dinosaur. A longtime Green Bay icon and fixture at the corner of Lombardi and Ashland. This was  the original mascot of the Sinclair gas station chain. I can remember in the early 60's Sinclair even gave away green bars of Dino soap after they filled your car (no self service then) with 26 cent per gallon gas. Man, am I a dinosaur! In the past, Dino was stolen a few times by pranksters and once couldn't be found for a few years until someone reported seeing him up North back in the woods. Since his return and theft proof lock down Dino, now adopted by Shell, has been transformed into a Packer mascot donning a variety of Packer apparel including the occasional Cheesehead hat.  At the current $3.76 per gallon gas/self service price do you think Shell might make enough profit to at least bring back the free soap?

Titletown Brewery

Located at 200 Dousman in the old Chicago & Northwestern Railroad depot Titletown Brewery has become a popular Friday Night Perch favorite and one of the finest watering holes in Green Bay. A full menu of affordable delicious lunch and dinner options and a plethora of of hand crafted award winning beer choices make this a no brainer for anyone wanting a tasty dinner and a quality beer to enjoy. Owner Brent Weycker had the vision to take the dilapidated train station which had been deteriorating for many years and undertake the extensive renovation converting it to its current use. Passionate, proud and a genuine all around nice guy Brent once took my family and I up the old wooden ladder that leads to the tower area to show us the beautiful view of the surrounding area. Thanks Brent!
For more Tiltletown info and history visit http://www.titletownbrewing.com/

The 12th President of the United States

The future 12th President of the United States lived in Green Bay? Thats right...Major Zachary Taylor was commandant of Fort Howard in 1817. Fort Howard stood where what is now the Leicht Park area on Green Bays West side along the Fox River. I wonder if any of the 500 troops he commanded voted for him?   Wierd ironic fact... it is believed Zachary died in Washington DC after drinking a bowl of milk. Maybe he aquired a penchant for milk from living in Wisconsin? If you'd like to read more intereting facts about Zachary Taylor click the following link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zachary_Taylor

911 Memorial

Its hard to believe 10 years have passed since the 911 tragedy. In remembrance, the 911 memorial at the foot of the Dousman St. bridge on the West side had firefighters and many visitors paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the event.

Guess The Shot

Can you guess what building this is on? Hint: Downtown area.

I often drive past these cool artistic touches added to many of the older Green Bay buildings and thought they should be featured here. Too bad they don't put the time or effort into adding them on the newer buildings that are built.

JOE'S BBQ A Hidden Treasure

Joe's BBQ.  1800 Ashland Ave. I didn't even know about this place until last week even though the owners told me its been here for about 10 months. Incredibly fantastic authentic Texas BBQ. The owner Joe is from Texas his wife Lynn from Australia. Its on Ashland just North of Lombardi behind the Shell station (the former Hietpas Auto car lot) This place is sure to be another Green Bay local favorite. Its that good!

Game & Celebration Day!

This is it! The parking lot is starting to fill up with Packer fans. The sun is shining with no rain in the forecast. The only thing that would make this even better would be a win.

Lambeau Field

One more day till the start of football season. Theres a crisp chill in the air but the sun is shining bright.

Tomorrow the Back To Football kick off party includes a free concert with featured artists Maroon 5, Lady Antebellum, and Kid Rock as the headliner. Oneida St. has been closed off for the expected crowd and party in the street along with the best tailgating in the NFL on the Packer Stadium Parking lot. There's a buzz of excitement all over Green Bay in anticipation of this seasons opening. I can imagine the delectable smell of brats cooking already.

Can you guess where this shot was taken?

This photo was taken in the Green Bay area.  Can you guess where?   Hint: This is not a real Elk it is a statue of one.

Are You Ready For some Football?