Fall shopping in the Fox Cities

From a charming downtown to a full array of local shops, boutiques, and stores, there’s nothing like a fall shopping trip to the Fox Cities.

For the second year in a row, we spent a weekend in Appleton and Neenah, Wisconsin, for a full itinerary of shopping and exploring. Thanks to the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau for having us! During our stay, we enjoyed walkable downtowns, locally owned businesses, vintage and secondhand shops, and had plenty of spots to check off our list.

Here’s everywhere we shopped during our fall weekend in the Fox Cities!

Staying in downtown Appleton

For this trip, we made Downtown Appleton our home base and stayed at the CopperLeaf Boutique Hotel.

The location was perfect for our weekend; we could step outside and immediately start exploring College Avenue, with restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and plenty of shopping nearby. Staying downtown made it easy to build store-hopping into the entire weekend rather than spending a ton of time driving from place to place.

And when we were ready to explore beyond downtown, the Fox River Mall and Neenah were both an easy drive away.

Fall shopping in Appleton

Appleton has a little bit of everything when it comes to shopping. We found trendy boutiques, secondhand gems, home decor, and plenty of fall fashion inspiration.

DVSN 1 Vintage

We kicked off our shopping adventure at DVSN 1 Vintage, located in downtown Appleton on College Ave.

Decidedly cool, DVSN 1 specializes in sneakers and streetwear, making it a completely different shopping experience. The space is fresh and eclectic, with records on the walls, sneakers, and vintage finds for both men and women.

Lillians

Right next door, Lillians was a must for cute, high-quality women’s clothing and accessories.

From investment pieces to wardrobe capsule items, they had a range of closet staples as well as plenty of transitional fall pieces, plus a men’s section upstairs.

The Wild Goose Exchange

As a secondhand shopping aficionado, The Wild Goose Exchange was right up my alley. This vintage store had a mix of trendy, designer, and vintage finds, sourcing from both the public and other storefronts.

They have a range of items for both men and women, with an eclectic range of shoes, jackets, shirts, hats, and just about everything in between, with a fun and whimsical space to boot.

Cedar Harbor

Cedar Harbor is another fun stop for a fall shopping weekend, especially when seasonal shopping extends beyond the closet.

With home decor, gifts, and plenty of items to browse, Cedar Harbor was a whimsical stop to get lost in, especially with diverse rooms packed with options. It’s located just a short drive away from downtown in Appleton.

Chandelier Boutique

Chandelier Boutique was already a favorite from our previous Fox Cities shopping trip, and it was worth another visit.

This secondhand boutique is colorful, eclectic, and packed with personality. There are multiple rooms to explore, with styles ranging from trendy and boho to retro and unexpected, plus outstanding service. Big fan!

Olive & Rose Boutique

Olive & Rose Boutique is another Downtown Appleton shop that makes it very easy to want one of everything, and I walked away with a few great finds.

The boutique carries contemporary women’s clothing and accessories alongside candles, bath and body products, books, gifts, and home items. It’s trendy and sweet, and affordably priced! I was a huge fan of Olive & Rose.

Beatnik Betty’s

Beatnik Betty’s is another required stop in downtown Appleton for vintage lovers, with so many items to peruse. It’s a consignment store with a range of items, specializing in the quirky and cool, as well as designer.

There’s a mix of vintage, shoes, western pieces, accessories, and both men and women’s items. I found a great thrifted hat, and had my eye on many iconic pairs of boots. Beatnik Betty’s is always a vibe!

SCHEELS at the Fox River Mall

We also made time for the Fox River Mall, to check out SCHEELS. The Appleton store is one of just two SCHEELS locations in Wisconsin, so it’s definitely worth checking out while you’re in the area.

It’s massive, and you can shop for everything from outdoor and sporting goods to clothing, shoes, accessories, and Wisconsin gear. For example, we picked up some dog treats and grilling supplies. Whether you’re preparing for football season, updating your fall wardrobe, or getting ready for colder weather, it’s an easy place to spend a lot of time.

Fall shopping in Neenah

The next part of our shopping adventure took us about 15 minutes south to Neenah.

Downtown Neenah has a totally different feel from downtown Appleton, which is part of why I recommend visiting both. Wisconsin Avenue is lined with local shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, and many of the stores are close enough together that you can park and explore on foot. There’s a charming small town aesthetic that adds to the magic of a fall trip.

We visited three shops this time around.

Red Door Mercantile

Red Door Mercantile is exactly the kind of store I want to wander through when fall arrives. The shop carries gifts, home decor, seasonal items, Wisconsin products, and locally made goods, all displayed in a cozy space that fits perfectly with the atmosphere of Downtown Neenah.

If you’re shopping for a hostess gift, something Wisconsin-themed, or a seasonal addition to your home, this is a great place to start. Look out for the signature pop of red!

The Revival

A standout store from last year, The Revival boutique combines trendy clothing, jewelry, accessories, and gifts in a boutique that feels fun and current without being intimidating.

The Revival is a super stylish and fun space, and I always find staple pieces, from trendy bandanas to statement pants.

Acre Vintage

And, of course, we had to fit in more vintage shopping. Acre Vintage is tucked into an upstairs space along Wisconsin Avenue and offers a curated collection of vintage clothing and accessories. It’s intentional and styled, with a great curation of items.

Enjoy!

The Fox Cities offers an incredible variety of shopping to choose from. We loved a mix of vintage and secondhand shops, as well as trendy boutiques, outdoor gear, and more.

It was an amazing opportunity to support local businesses, while also discovering spots we wouldn’t find back home. If your ideal fall weekend includes cute downtowns, local boutiques, vintage finds, and an excuse to refresh your wardrobe, add the Fox Cities to your Wisconsin fall bucket list.

When you visit, be sure to let them know that Sunshine with Savannah sent you!

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