Appleton was home to some quirky characters, the lives of whom you can explore on your visit. European-born Harry Houdini, who claimed Appleton as his hometown, is memorialized at the History Museum at the Castle. Originally a Masonic Temple, the museum houses town historical archives and includes a exhibit of Houdini memorabilia, reconstructed magic tricks and artifacts. Joseph McCarthy, the controversial senator, also called Appleton home. Alternately vandalized and covered with flowers, McCarthy's grave lies in St. Mary's Cemetery near the Fox River.
Opportunities for seeing, purchasing and eating Wisconsin specialties abound in Appleton. Lamers Dairy Inc. lets you see the milk bottling process as it happens, as well as offering cheeses, candies and sausages for purchase in its gift shop. The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers baseball team is a professional offshoot of the Milwaukee Brewers, and you can get your fix of all kinds of outdoor edibles at their April through September games. For a wildly unusual night of drinking, stop at Cleo's Brown Beam Tavern, which is decorated year-round in an all-holiday theme. Once there, order yourself a Snow Ball, an alcoholic milkshake.
Lawrence University and the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center serve as the cultural cornerstone of Appleton. Founded in 1847, Lawrence produces a number of student and faculty performances, art shows and lectures each year. Additionally, the Performing Arts at Lawrence series includes nationally and internationally known musicians in its classical and jazz concerts. The Performing Arts Center is home to a traveling Broadway series and brings in speakers, cultural performances and musical evenings to the area.
If shopping is your game, Appleton offers a small downtown filled with unusual boutiques and distinctive shops. For those travelers who prefer one-of-a-kind shopping, downtown Appleton is home to Globally Sound Fair Trade, which sells ethical clothes, art and gifts, ensuring that each product sold provides a living wage to a developing country artisan. Joseph's Shoes, Vagabond Imports and A'dore provide hard-to-find or quirky apparel and shoes for customers who prefer to shop off the beaten track. If you get hungry on your downtown excursion, you can stop at Aspen Coffee & Tea or Copper Rock Coffee Co. for a quick bite and a specialty coffee.
