10 Things to Do Around Appleton this Fall (That Don’t Involve the Packers)
Aug 18th 2023
While fall is typically the official cue to get geared up for football, plenty of other seasonal activities to be enjoyed in Northeastern Wisconsin don’t revolve around our beloved Green Bay Packers. Here are a few of our favorite ideas for making the most of autumn in Appleton.
Whether immersing yourself in the outdoors, savoring fall flavors, or celebrating seasonal traditions, Appleton offers a delightful array of fall activities for locals and visitors alike (while leaving the football attractions in Green Bay). Here are a few of our favorites:
1. Apple Picking Extravaganza
Nothing says fall like a day of apple picking at one of Appleton's scenic orchards. Grab a basket and pluck your own juicy apples straight from the tree. Most orchards also offer a sampling of tasty apple treats such as cider, donuts, pies, jams, and caramel apples!
2. Autumn Foliage Hiking Trails
Lace up your hiking boots and explore the stunning fall foliage along Appleton's picturesque trails. The Newberry Trail, Bruce B. Purdy Nature Preserve, and High Cliff State Park are just a few of the many spots that offer breathtaking views of the colorful autumn landscape. Remember your camera to capture the beauty of the season.
3. Octoberfest Celebrations
Raise a stein and join in Appleton’s Octoberfest festivities at the end of September. With traditional German food, live music, arts and crafts, and a family fun area, the “Mile of Fun” provides an exciting day of entertainment while benefiting local nonprofit organizations.
4. Pumpkin Patch Adventures
Experience the magic of fall at a pumpkin patch! Enjoy the thrill of finding the perfect pumpkin amidst rows of vibrant orange gourds. Many pumpkin patches offer additional attractions, such as corn mazes, hayrides, and petting zoos. It’s a fantastic outing for families and friends.
5. Impressive Halloween Displays
As Halloween approaches, Appleton comes alive with light shows (like Christmas, but spooky!). Check out all the decorative displays at private residences, parks, and local cemeteries. (Many displays also collect voluntary donations, so you can support various causes along the way!)
6. Locally-Made Goods at the Farm Market
The Downtown Appleton Farm Market runs every Saturday morning through the middle of October. It’s a great place to pick up fresh produce, deli items, baked goods, handcrafted gifts, and more from over 100 local vendors. You can also enjoy a variety of snacks while listening to live, original music.
7. Seasonal Flavors Food Tour
Savor the season's tastes with a fall flavors food tour of Appleton. From pumpkin spice lattes and autumn-inspired beers to hearty soups and delicious pies, more than 65 local breweries, eateries, and coffee shops offer an array of seasonal delights to tantalize your taste buds.
8. Fall Fashion and Decor
If your home or closet needs a cozy refresh to prepare for the colder months ahead, downtown Appleton has over 70 shops offering all the fall essentials. Spend the day walking down College Ave. to find the perfect comfy sweater, fuzzy blanket, or pumpkin spice-scented… well, everything!
9. Spooky Museum Tours
In the spirit of the season, the Hearthstone Historic House Museum hosts several spooky history tours like ‘Sequential Killers of the Victorian Age’ and ‘Horrors of the Household’. Uncover real-life scary secrets about the Hearthstone Mansion on Fridays and Saturdays in October.
10. Fun Festive Events
If you love attending events, there’s always something going on! Go for a run during the Houdini 10k, sample some craft brews at Fox Valley LagerFest, or don your best costume and get into the Halloween spirit at the family-friendly Glow in the Park and Romp in the Swamp celebrations.
Whether you're drawn to the beauty of fall foliage, eager to indulge in seasonal treats, or seeking festive events for the whole family, Appleton has many activities to make the most of this magical season.
And, okay, fine, we know you still have Packers on the brain… Check out a couple of these fun articles about our favorite team ( Packers vs Bears: A House Divided and Do You Remember the Green Bay Packers Playing at a Milwaukee Baseball Stadium?), and then come into our showroom where we can talk sports while picking out your new favorite piece of heirloom furniture.
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