Finding A Place to Call Home in Downtown Appleton
Everyone knows the lyrics, "Just a small town girl, living in a lonely world." Well, little did Journey know, those lyrics would actually
describe my life dead-on. I'm from the very small farm town of Random Lake, WI and just moved to Appleton about 6 months ago for my very first
job out of college. Mind you, this job is very independent and being from out of town, I don't know anybody in Appleton very well. Not only< that, but I live in an apartment with just me, myself, and I. So, at first, it was indeed, a lonely world.
Lucky for me, my job sort-of forced me to get out and about downtown. Let me tell you, it didn't take long to call this place home and to fall in love with all that downtown Appleton has to offer. I can't count on my two hands how many times I've walked down College Ave. just to explore all the unique shops, boutiques, coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and other great businesses that reside there. To this day, I still discover a new place every time I take a stroll in the heart of Appleton.
One of my favorite things about downtown is how much culture you will find on basically one strip. You can get some top-of-the-line Soul food at Cozzy Corner or if you feel like it, walk down a few blocks and get some great sushi at Katsu-Ya. With a bunch of great cafe's and coffee shops sprinkled throughout, I always have a welcoming, relaxing place to get my work done while sipping on some quality beverages. If I have a break between meetings, I love heading over to Vintage Garden, to browse their unique collection of home decor and other fascinating trinkets. Of course, the nightlife doesn't disappoint. Name a type of bar, downtown Appleton's got it. I could just go on and on about everything that< happens here, but that wouldn't get you out here to experience it for yourself, would it?!
Long story short, in a few short months, my world doesn't seem quite so lonely anymore and I think I owe that to the city of Appleton and all of the great events, businesses, and people that are a part of it.
by K.D. Hartwig