Suamico, WI

Originally inhabited by Native Americans, Suamico was established as a village in 1848. It turned into a prosperous farming community, mostly settled along the Suamico River. The 1850s and '60s saw a boom in milling, and several large sawmills were erected. The city has grown into a mostly residential area, but you can still see the occasional family farm across the lovely Wisconsin countryside.

While there are no museums located within the city limits, the Brown County Historical Society resides minutes away in Green Bay. Filled with local history, the museum has many interesting exhibits focused on Suamico and neighboring areas.

Locals prefer to travel to Green Bay for the city's vibrant arts scene, but Suamico holds its own annual events. For over 10 years, the annual Feast with the Beasts event takes place at the NEW Zoo. The event features several food vendors, music and animals.

The up-and-coming neighborhood of Suamico offers a variety of nightlife options. You'll find locals enjoying the bar scene on weekend nights and Sundays during Packers games. With no particular bar hub, most bars tend to be further south towards Green Bay. Chives Restaurant provides a high-end option for residents. The restaurants resides in a former schoolhouse, with private dining for parties in the back. At this chef-owned eatery, all dishes are impeccably plated and served. Begin with a small plate. The chicken and goat cheese wontons, served with a side of spicy apricot sauce, will leave you wanting more. The generous portions of the large plates should be shared between two or three people. Chives has an excellent wine list, so wash your meal down with a server-recommended paired bottle of wine. For a quintessential Wisconsin experience, venture to the Four Way Bar. Known for its Friday Night Fish Fry, the restaurant gets packed quickly on Fridays. So busy, in fact, that you must take a number before you seat yourself. Try the lightly breaded, pan-fried walleye, a local favorite or choose between perch, haddock, and frog legs. The Four Way Bar offers a full bar, with some of the least expensive domestic beer prices in the area. You'll find a younger, more lively crowd at Shoots Bar & Grill. Locals dance to live music on Friday and Saturday nights, when area bands play until 1 a.m. The large burgers here hold the perfect amount of seasoning. Head to Shoots on Sunday, where the place is wall-to-wall packed for Green Bay Packers games. Stay until the team scores a touchdown, because the bar gives free shots for each and every score.

Highway 141 cuts directly through the heart of Suamico, making driving the most efficient and easily accessible means of transportation. Businesses offer free parking and readily available street parking makes commuting simple.

No public transportation exists within Suamico city limits, but a 10-minute drive gets you to Green Bay, where buses line the streets. If you would rather take a cab, you'll have to call ahead; Uber doesn't serve this area. If you prefer to walk, you'll find the streets quiet and safe. The largely residential area sprawls across quite a distance, so check the mileage before you set out on foot. The neighborhoods don't have bike lanes, but cyclists enjoy the area for its safety and low traffic.

The excellent park system in Suamico draws visitors far and wide. All parks welcome dogs except the animal exhibit areas of the NEW Zoo, and all are child-friendly. Most are free to the public, but some charge a nominal parking fee.

The most popular park, the Reforestation Camp, holds over 1600 acres of lush wetlands and trails. Exercisers love the park for the variety of outdoor activities. Miles of cross-country skiing, horseback and mountain bike trails cover the park. Outdoor aficionados enjoy the wildlife and vegetation at the park, which never seems crowded. The NEW Zoo resides within the park as well. Many picnic and observation areas make the park a pleasant and popular way to spend an afternoon.

The annual Beer Belly Two Walk and Run occurs every year in late June. Participants enjoy beer before and after the run. The race ends in Idlewild Park, where runners are greeted with a picnic. Runners and spectators enjoy food, beer and games for children. At the end of the night, the whole family can watch a fireworks display before heading home. The 55-acre Idlewood Park features a lighted softball field, two tennis courts and walking trails.

The low cost of living draws residents to Suamico from Green Bay and other neighboring communities. Although no public transportation exists, a mere 10-minute drive brings you to downtown Green Bay. Gas is an astonishing 13 percent lower than the national average. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment costs $626 per month. The price of a beer at a typical pub runs under $3, with many bars offering discounts during happy hour and football games.

The proximity of Green Bay makes a central shopping area in Suamico somewhat unnecessary. However, several high-value boutiques and thrift stores populate the neighborhood. Beth's Boutique offers unique and up-to-date clothing for teenage girls and women. Dresses, sweaters and blouses line the racks of the small but well-thought-out store. While the shop can be pricey, the quality garments last years. The home goods section, also popular, features handmade pieces from local designers. South off of 41, in Green Bay, Besselli offers a range of high-quality men's and women's clothing. Make sure you leave home in enough time to shop, as this boutique keeps early hours and closes by 6 p.m. at the latest, and sometimes as early as 4 p.m. It is also closed on Sundays. While many locals shop at grocery store chains such as ShopKo and Target, some independent retailers remain in the area. Woodman's Market has an attached gas station and liquor store, making shopping convenient for busy families. The excellent deli selection is reminiscent of higher-priced stores, with offerings such as gourmet cheese and homemade pasta salads.