Last weekend, my husband and I celebrated our anniversary. Typically we both are very traditional when it comes to gift giving. We each spend time trying to be creative with our ideas but also keeping with the traditional theme. However, we have been rather busy this summer with our children’s sports and our travels that we decided to forego the gifts and leave for an overnight getaway in Appleton, WI.
One of my favorite cities in Wisconsin is Appleton. It is big enough that there is plenty to do, and also small enough to not feel overwhelmed by the city. Actually, we visit Appleton at least twice a year, we love it so much. If you ever get a chance to visit Appleton, here are a few recommendations from my visits.
The first decision to make is where to stay. A lot of hotels are located right off the main highway, which has plenty of shopping, including The Fox River Mall. Definitely a nice area if shopping is your main objective. We prefer to stay downtown where most of the stuff we want to do is within walking distance.
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OVERNIGHT GETAWAY IN APPLETON WI
The Copperleaf Boutique Hotel in Appleton WI
My absolute favorite place to stay in Appleton is the Copperleaf Boutique Hotel. It is modeled after small family owned European hotels. There are about 75 rooms total which gives it a more personal feel. It is a more refined hotel with a warm and inviting atmosphere. It is very modern, clean and quiet but yet in the middle of everything. Within walking distance to many restaurants, bars, museums, and specialty shops. We decided to treat ourselves with a suite and it was definitely worth it. Our suite had two rooms and a whirlpool in the bedroom. I loved our room so much that I wanted to spend all our time there and yet we did not.
Victoria’s
Within walking distance from our hotel is one of our favorite restaurants in Appleton, Victoria’s. This is an Italian restaurant that has an extensive menu with large portions at reasonable prices. It is a nice restaurant that could be dress or casual. I had the Artichoke Florentine and my husband had Shrimp Alfredo with broccoli.
It was excellent food and we had enough for three meals. I thought it was definitely a good choice for dinner.
Art on the town
Every third Friday of the month, from May until September, downtown Appleton displaces Art on the Town. The local art museums, galleries, studios and stores open their doors to allow the public to experience their favorite form of art. Enjoy numerous venues featuring a variety of art displays, live music, demonstrations and refreshments. We saw many artists creating sidewalk art with chalk. Let your creativity shine!
Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
Also, within walking distance from the Copperleaf is the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. This is a premier venue and a gathering place for the community to enhance their appreciation for the live performing arts.
Unfortunately, I have only been to one musical there but I intend to change that soon. Wicked is playing next month and I am seriously thinking I must see that.
Farmers market
This is an amazing market that is within walking distance from our hotel. It is now year round with more than 150 vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, exotic meats and cheeses, breads and baked goods, specialty food and handcrafted items along with live music. Every week there are different special features which include themes such as Learning & Education, Health & Wellness, Kids Market, or Sample the Market. Also, enter into a drawing to win a $25 Downtown Appleton Gift Certificate.
Overall Appleton is a very charming and pleasant city to visit. It has many more attractions to visit and is definitely worth the visit if you are in the area.
Overnight Getaway in Appleton, Wisconsin – By Shannon Huibregtse
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