In Green Bay, gratitude comes easy. Maybe it’s the way the bay catches the light at sunset, the barista at your fav local café who always remembers your name, the energy and excitement of a Packer win, or just a friendly “hey there” from neighbors each day. With Thanksgiving on the horizon, we turned to the people who know Green Bay best—our locals—and asked them what’s been filling their gratitude cup this year.
Not quite sure what you feel grateful for this year? Keep reading, and you might just find yourself nodding along (or discovering something new to appreciate)!
I’m thankful for…
“...Bay Beach and the [Wildlife] Sanctuary.
Every person who grew up here has gone. They are community-building experiences that not every community gets to have. We are lucky to have them.” - perrosrojo on Reddit
“...Sherwood Forest Park and St. Vincent de Paul thrift store!
Sherwood Forest has gorgeous walking trails, and our thrift stores have amazing deals that most places in the country aren’t finding, and for that, I’m ever so thankful.” - amazonchic2 on Reddit
“...tubing and skating at Titletown.
It’s a tradition for us now. Best part of the winter.” - Aaron, Green Bay resident
“...hidden gems to explore
I am grateful that when you look around and start getting to know more people and places, there are so many more locally owned businesses, artists, makeovers, and interesting communities than you would expect.” - Emma, Green Bay resident
“...the hiking trails at Baird Creek.
They’re very scenic trails that sometimes I find hard to believe are within city limits.” - VIDCAs17 on Reddit.
“...the hunting and fishing opportunities supplied to us by the Bay."
- MeteoroidCrow on Reddit
“....good neighbors!
Though we aren't a small town, we still have friendliness. My snowblower broke last winter, and a neighbor came over with his to finish my driveway. Another's lawnmower was out of commission, so he used mine a few times this summer. When my wife and I walk our dogs, we end up in conversations with others. Any of us who see litter around end up picking it up because we have pride in our neighborhood. We have people around us who are dependable and friendly in exactly the way a neighbor should be.” - TinyTom99 on Reddit
“…local music
...Stadium View doing bands every day in the summer. Gives more things to do in the summer.” - Icy-Finance5042 on Reddit
“...the City Band. They do concerts all summer at St. James Park. The vibe is chill, and it’s free. Fun for kids too because it’s right by the playground if they get antsy.” - Jean, Green Bay resident
“...the incredible fitness community!
So many ways to move, grow, and challenge yourself - surrounded by people who cheer each other on, and by group fitness instructors who support and collaborate sometimes even across different businesses, to help everyone thrive and become healthier and happier.” - Kari, Green Bay resident
“...a kid-friendly city.
There is literally ALWAYS something fun going on for kids all year long. Programs at the library, Wildlife Sanctuary, N.E.W. Zoo, splash pads, public pools, sledding, Gnome Games, a million different playgrounds.” - Ashley, Green Bay resident
“…community love and support
As a Veteran, I'm so thankful to be in a community that supports the tough job all these men and women veterans did, and continue to do. I always feel welcomed here. For that I am thankful.” - ok-chemist-568 on Reddit
“I’m grateful for the people and grassroots organizations that have stepped up in the past 30 years to improve Green Bay and make it a better place to live. Local governments can't do it alone. The partnerships between the city and organizations like On Broadway Inc., DTGB, GBBG, Neighborworks, Habitat for Humanity, and so many more have been instrumental in bringing positive change to the community.” - runforlondon on Reddit
“I’m grateful for The Fridge! It’s a community fridge trying to mitigate food waste and provide fresh food to those in need. There’s one in Joanne’s Park and one inside of Soul Purpose at the mall.” - Stephanie, Green Bay resident
“...our lake, our drinking water, our crops.
I'm thankful that we never have to worry about a water source. I'm thankful we don't have a data center that would take our lake away from us.” - hellgawashere on Reddit
“...Voyager Park, Let’s Run Around Green Bay, and the Brown County library system.
The library has so many engaging events for people of all ages.” - Pleeb1921 on Reddit
“… the small city life
After living in a large city, I’m thankful that I can be anywhere in Green Bay in 15 minutes, no matter what time of day!” - loadedbrewer on Reddit
“Thankful that for our small city, we are nearby to not one but two airports!” ConsiderationAny7495 on Reddit
“.....Odyssey climbing and Barkhausen!”
-HotelRegalePodcast on Reddit
“…local legends
Time Bomb Tom!” - Big_Difference_9978 on Reddit
“Stop in at UFO Record Store and say hi! Tom has been a staple of this city for 30+ years. The man deserves his flowers!” - DavidWtube on Reddit
“…food (of course!)
Cheesesteak Rebellion and Jake’s Pizza” - apilot2 on Reddit
“I’m thankful to be so close to Sunny’s Chinese Noodle House” - Purple_IsA_Flavor on Reddit
“...Boba Bae! I just like pretty drinks. And they have mochi donuts now!” - Lucy, Green Bay resident
“Deer hunting and the Packers"
-YP_Schwartzy
(Need we say more?)
Grateful for Green Bay
Green Bay gives us plenty to be thankful for! From the natural beauty that surrounds us to the people and places that make everyday life feel a little brighter, this city has a way of showing up for us in all seasons. As we head into Thanksgiving, here’s to appreciating the charm and community that make Green Bay such a special place to call home.
