Stevens Point isn't the first city that pops to mind when pondering where to go for a big blast of winter fun. But it should be. Because this compact town of nearly 30,000 in central Wisconsin combines a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities with some interesting shopping, a nice selection of inns, prime dining and an array of craft breweries, all in town or within a 20-minute drive. Add to that the affordable prices and lack of crowds that come from heading to a destination slightly off the beaten path, and you've got the perfect spot for a relaxing weekend getaway.

The basics

Wisconsinites know Stevens Point as the home of Sentry Insurance, a prominent 110-year-old mutual insurance company, and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. UWSP's undergraduate natural resources program is considered one of the nation's best. It's not surprising, then, that the area has an abundance of prime natural spots. The Schmeeckle Reserve is a 280-acre conservancy tucked into UWSP's campus. Open to the public, it offers 5 miles of trail and boardwalk, plus a 24-acre lake.

The 26-mile Green Circle Trail makes a loop around the city's perimeter, providing hiking, biking, running, skiing and snowshoeing opportunities as it winds through forests and parkland, across wetlands and along the Plover and Wisconsin rivers. The trail also connects with 20-plus miles of additional recreational paths.

Amazingly, while all town residents are within 10 minutes of some section of the trail, more than 80 percent of its mileage runs through natural areas and secluded parks, affording users a feeling of getting away from it all.

There are certainly shopping and arts venues in the Point area, too, plus quite a few craft breweries that are fun to visit. But when you come to Point, the point is to spend time outdoors.

What to do

Start off your winter getaway by spending several hours, or maybe the entire day, outside. The 10-kilometer Plover River Trail is a gentle path, groomed for classic skiing, that leads you through hardwoods and evergreens and, in spots, right next to the pretty Plover River.

Standing Rocks County Park is a good choice for more serious Nordic skiers. Its 10 miles of trails are groomed for classic and skate-skiing, and most are rated intermediate or expert. The park also includes a five-run downhill skiing area. Passes are required for all skiing.

Schmeeckle Reserve is the spot to enjoy a quieter, more natural experience. Although the trails aren't groomed for winter recreation, you can ski, snowshoe and even snow-bike here, plus ice fish or skate on the property's Lake Joanis.

Kids love Iverson Park, which boasts three sledding hills (one reserved for children under 6), two toboggan slides, a skating rink and snowboarding area. There's also a small network of cross-country ski trails perfect for beginners.

If snowmobiling is your passion, the Point area boasts more than 300 miles of groomed trails.

In between your forays outdoors, head to downtown Stevens Point. The quaint, compact area is home to a small selection of interesting shops such as Gepetto's Workshop, which carries classic toy lines like Brio and Playmobil, and Gallery Q, an impressive artists' co-op. There's also a two-story antique mall here with more than 60 dealers.

Beer aficionados can pass a few hours exploring the area's craft breweries, all of which offer tastings and tours. Stevens Point Brewery is the granddaddy, open since 1857.

But there's also Central Waters in Amherst, O'So in Plover and Kozy Yak in Rosholt. Tours are staggered between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., making it possible to visit all of them in one afternoon. (None of the breweries have Sunday tours.)

Where to eat

The Sky Club in Plover (1-715-341-4000; skyclubdining.com) opened in 1935 and claims to be the originator of the salad bar, which it unveiled in 1950. While the building's exterior is worn, the interior is beautifully refurbished. Steaks are good here, as is the Friday fish fry.

A more modern option is Christian's Bistro (1-715-344-3100; www.ChristiansBistro.com), a trendy spot in Plover where the menu changes frequently but always features inventive, delicious options, like the Thai-marinated white shrimp stir fry with homemade udon noodles, kimchi and a miso broth.

For breakfast and lunch, it's hard to beat the Wooden Chair (1-715-341-1133; thewoodenchair.wix.com/thewoodenchairtest) on Main Street in Stevens Point, where you can nosh on banana walnut pancakes, chicken pita pizza and any number of sandwiches. Try the Rocker: grilled turkey, avocado spread, sprouts and mozzarella on home-baked bread.

Where to stay

While you can book a room at any number of chain motels for your visit, the Point area is home to a variety of choice bed-and-breakfast inns you should consider.

Antique lovers will be impressed with the quality pieces throughout Dreams of Yesteryear (1-715-341-4525; dreamsofyesteryear.com), a Queen Anne house that's a National Historic Landmark.

Owner Joan Ouellette is known for the decadent Turtle French Toast and candied bacon she often whips up for breakfast at A Victorian Swan on Water (1-715-345-0595; www.victorianswan.com).

Artha Sustainable Living Center (1-715-824-3463; arthaonline.com/Bed-and-Breakfast.html) sits on 60 rolling acres a little southeast of Point. After enjoying a local/organic/pesticide-free/fair-trade breakfast, cross-country ski right out your door or take a private yoga class in the adjacent barn.

If you go

Call 1-715-344-2556 or see www.stevenspointarea.com.

Writer Melanie Radzicki McManus focuses on health and travel. She lives in Sun Prairie, Wis.