Appleton, WI

Hello. It's been awhile since I did a real post about a new place. This may become two posts to encompass everything, but here goes.

First of all, I will be moving to Chicago on July 1st. I officially have an apartment in the city with Amy. After five years, goodbye Champaign-Urbana. Also, congrats to Darwin and Jess who bought their first townhouse last night.

So, Appleton, Wisconsin. You haven't heard of it right? It's about a half hour north of Oshkosh and a bit south of Green Bay. We're staying at the Radisson on College Ave. and the best part is we are literally a 20 second walk to the store. I can see the back of the store from my window, go down the elevator, walk 10 feet, go down another elevator, walk 30 feet, and there I am. The other nice thing about the location of the hotel is we are right in the middle of downtown, so there are a ton of restaurants and bars on this street within walking distance. We've already taken a cab twice (it's Wednesday) to different locations, but things are right down the block if we so choose.

Places to note:

10th Frame: $6 all you can bowl plus shoes. This is what we did Monday (plus a bit of happy hour at the hotel then a few pitchers) but it ended in a very fun time. It's quite an old bowling alley with no electronic ball return or screen giving you the score, but clean and not crowded. I did bruise myself running into the ball return, but oh well, I'll live.

Cleo's: A holiday themed bar a block down from the hotel. If you go, order a dirty snowball. Cheap drinks, enjoyable decor, a bartender who's worked there 17+ years, a bouncer who likes to hit on the ladies, and a relaxed atmosphere. I bought a shot glass from here to remember Appleton by.

Skyline Comedy Cafe: Saw a comedy show here tonight, and it was decent. Very cheap to get in (especially with a buy one get one ticket from the website) and a 2 drink minimum with somewhat pricey drinks. An enjoyable night, but the comic was not my favorite.

Victoria's: Awesome Italian food on College Ave that was fairly cheap and everyone got a TON of food. Mine last two meals and I still had enough left for a third. Definitely should have hit that up earlier in the week.


I've enjoyed staying at the Radisson so far. Parking is only a $1 to enter and no fees to stay however long you like, great location, big rooms, sleep number beds which are fun to play with for a bit, room service, free business center with a slow printer, my room has a microfridge, free internet, free bottles of water replaced everyday, shampoo and conditioner replaced everday, and I had a problem with my tv that was fixed by the time I got home after work. Nice work out facility, decent pool, hot tub, and a sauna. There are two bars to enjoy (one has swings and island themed, the other is sports themed but decently priced) and a steak house. Staff is very friendly and always says hello in the hall. Only problems: tv wouldn't stay on a channel (but fixed quickly) and ATM in lobby woudn't work (but many other ATMS nearby).

Appleton, Wisconsin has been enjoyable so far. I've even eaten some cheese curds while here. Staying in a central location next to the store has been a huge advantage. As always, thank you Priceline.