Visit Oshkosh Promotes Getting Outside, Patronizing Local Businesses

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) – While the Fox Valley area remains among the hardest-hit areas in the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still ways to safely get out of the house and even help local businesses.

“Get outside, breath in that fresh air,” said Visit Oshkosh Executive Director Amy Albright.

There are plenty of places to stretch your legs across the Oshkosh area this fall.

“We’ve got some amazing trails that include the Wiouwash State Trail, which runs through Winnebago, Outagamie, Waupaca, and Shawano counties. It’s great for biking, running, walking – whatever it might be,” Albright said. “Of course, we always like to talk about Terrell’s Island. It’s another great gem in our community. All of those trails can be found on VisitOshkosh.com.”

With another indoor capacity restriction being put into place statewide, many businesses and restaurants could again begin to struggle. But Albright has ideas to help with that as well.

“Our restaurants need our support, so if you can get out and make a takeout order or delivery order, whatever that might look like for you,” Albright told the WTAQ Morning News with Matt and Earl. “If money is tight right now and that’s not in your budget, go online and give an online review to one of our local restaurants that you’ve experienced in the past.”

Some local businesses are even allowing you to do both activities at the same time. Two of the city’s breweries are actually located right along the Wiouwash Trail.

“If you’re uncomfortable with going outside yet and you’re physically distancing and staying home – how about picking up a local growler of beer at one of the local breweries? Bare Bones, Fifth Ward, and Fox River Brewing Company all offer those to-go options,” Albright said. “They all have outdoor patios and they all offer takeout deals…All of their patios are dog-friendly as well. So if you and your pup need to get out of the house, why not check out one of the breweries?”

Obviously, not everyone is of-age to hang out and have a drink or two. But they have ideas and options for all ages covered. There are tons of museums and other spots for kids who might be stuck in virtual learning to get out and experience something new.

“Parents too sometimes are looking for things to do almost as a mini-field trip. If your kids are in virtual school, what are those experiences you can do? The EAA aviation museum never disappoints,” Albright said. “What do we do? How do we get out of the house? How do we make it educational and fun and something memorable? That museum is really just such a gem in our community.”

The Paine Arts Center and Gardens are also a valuable tool within the community, and Albright says the grounds tend to look great this time of year. The Oshkosh Public Museum and the Paine also share exhibitions involving history and art-related topics.

But if you want to just get out and have fun, rather than learn, there are options for that too.

“We teamed up with Calumet County and Fond du Lac County and put together a little Fall Bucket List,” Albright said.

That list can be found here: