DO & SEE

Fox Cities Ice Dogs

Great Lakes Hockey League action is on full display at Appleton Family Ice Center each winter. The Fox Cities Ice Dogs include both homegrown hockey standouts and talented transplants who have competed at the NCAA level. Games take place on Friday and Saturday nights and offer fun for sports fans of all ages.

Skyline Comedy Club

Would you believe one of the country’s longest-running comedy destinations is in Appleton? It’s true! Since opening in 1994, the club (above) located “between the locks” near the Fox River has hosted countless stand-up comedians, including some who have become stars, such as Amy Schumer, Lewis Black, Bill Burr, Bob Saget, Larry the Cable Guy, Tim Meadows and Frank Caliendo.

EAT & STAY

Brewed Awakenings

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, this independent, family-owned College Avenue coffeehouse is a great place to ease into your day with a cup of joe, a specialty espresso beverage, breakfast pastries and desserts baked in-house, along with inventive vegetarian riffs on popular deli mainstays. 

Carmella’s: An Italian Bistro

If you’re at the Fox River Mall and feeling peckish, skip the food court in favor of this nearby bistro. The AAA Three Diamond restaurant has a wide assortment of Italian classics, unique twists on old-world favorites and an emphasis on Wisconsin-sourced ingredients.

Vince Lombardi’s Steakhouse

This AAA Three Diamond steakhouse named after the renowned coach and trophy namesake has been an anchor of Appleton’s downtown dining scene for more than 20 years. Enjoy a Hall of Fame-caliber meal at this celebrated restaurant. If you’re lucky, you might even encounter a pro football player who’s staying at the connected Hilton Appleton Paper Valley Hotel before game day.

CopperLeaf Boutique Hotel & Spa

Located right on bustling College Avenue and within steps of the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, this AAA Three Diamond hotel has a first-class spa, a captivating lobby and a welcoming bar where you can enjoy a beverage before or after experiencing downtown Appleton’s many attractions.