This rapidly growing urban area in eastern Wisconsin offers a sophisticated mix of art galleries and co-ops, antique stores, ethnic restaurants and night life options sure to please those looking for a quiet treasure hunting adventure or a "girlfriends getaway" weekend.

Recent historic renovations in the downtowns of Appleton, Neenah and Little Chute have created downtown destinations where people live, work and play. Appleton is the heart of the Fox Cities with a vibrant downtown right off the Fox River. Fast becoming the cultural center of the Fox Cities, Appleton presents unique galleries such as La Pomme Rouge, an artist co-op full of great finds by local artists; the Veterans Art Center, featuring works by and about veterans; and the Appleton Art Center, presenting a wide range of local, regional and national exhibits as well as educational programs.

The 5th annual Downtown Appleton Art Walk on Oct. 2 will feature 15 different art venues along College Avenue.

The state-of-the-art Fox Cities Performing Arts Center will present Broadway's "Chicago" Oct. 26-31, "Evita" Dec. 14-19 and "Wonderful Town" Feb. 1-6 [2005].

Other entertainment for the fall season includes Tap Dogs Rebooted, Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra., Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company and Bill Cosby. There will also be performances by the Fox Valley Symphony and local theater groups.

Those seeking rare antique finds are sure to uncover something in the Fox Cities. Several local shops have won state and national recognition. The Harp Gallery, noted as one of the best in the state, features a variety of items by Stickley, Tiffany and others. Urban Evolutions in Menasha specializes in salvaged architectural items. The Fox Cities Antique Mall features items from a variety of vendors all under one roof.

One of the largest fall migrations to the Fox Cities begins in late October and continues through the holidays. Thousands of deer hunting widows on "girlfriends getaway" weekends flock to the Fox River Mall in the town of Grand Chute. The mall features more than 180 retailers ranging from the large department stores to specialty shops. Recently opened J. Jill, Chico's, Coldwater Creek and Pottery Barn make this mall a destination for shoppers who have only previously seen the catalogs of these companies. The area adjacent to the mall has seen rapid development of many other major retailers and specialty shops, making for a frenzy of shopping activity any fall weekend.

A number of clubs featuring live jazz and blues have opened in the Fox Cities over the past several years, ensuring that the night does not end after dinner.

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