Lake Winnebago Region 2019

Joe Venhuizen Director of Membership, Envision Greater Fond du Lac Fond du Lac “There is a significant economic resurgence coming with the Hotel Retlaw property. This will be a watershed moment for Downtown. It will bring a luxury experience to the heart of Downtown.

INSIDER

Downtown Fond du Lac. Photo courtesy of Todd Dacquisto.

Already dubbed a “don’t miss” place in the heart of Downtown, the ripple effect that the Hotel Retlaw is having on adjacent properties is notable in this very walkable Downtown. With a rich history of hosting presidents, all guests at the Hotel Retlaw are made to feel special. And that’s a feeling that’s palpable throughout the Downtown, especially in the uptick of upscale business neighboring Hotel Retlaw. “Around the corner from the Hotel Retlaw is a community gem— Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts (THELMA). Visitors and residents owe it to themselves to spend a little time here. Thelma draws a great crowd of people interested in the arts. And hosts a number of unique events and experiences that, I believe, are important when you are seeking to attract the new workforce interested in quality of life experiences.” Just down the street is the Fond du Lac Farmers Market , Saturdays May–Oct. “Ours is second to none. It is a great

community gathering point. There’s a variety in what you see, hear, and smell.” The premier outdoor dining place Downtown is Fat Joe’s , where you can enjoy a vast menu alfresco atop the rooftop patio. Then head to the Downtown YMCA to work-off those calories in a group fitness class. “The YMCA is so much more than just a gym. It’s a community gathering point that offers Les Mills classes, group cycling, and open gym for zero- to six-year-olds—which will come in handy with my 8-month-old son.” In any Downtown there is a certain churn of ideas. “The mark of a good community is that it does not stagnate. We don’t in Fond du Lac. We have systems in place to continue to fill our Downtown storefronts.” And Joe is optimistic that this growth will continue. It is just one of the many reasons his family has planted their stake in this ground. “I’m very optimistic about my son’s future here.”

WHAT TO SEE

GALLERY NIGHT 920-921-1144 tourthetownfdl.com info@tourthetownfdl.com

CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. PAUL 51 W. Division Street

Gallery Night is a fun and free way to explore the arts in Fond du Lac. Each gallery offers a unique art experience with changing exhibits featuring local and regional artists. Most participating galleries are within walking distance of each other. Enjoy artist talks, demonstrations, hands-on projects, music, and more. Start your own art collection or add to your existing collection and support the local economy with one-of-a-kind gifts of art. Gallery Night hours are 5-9pm. 2019 dates: Jan 25, Mar 29, May 31, Aug 16, Oct 4, and Dec 6.

920-921-3363 stpaulsfdl.org

View an outstanding collection of German and American woodcarvings in an English Gothic setting. 19th century stained/painted glass windows, marble statuary, endolithic color-infused marble frontal, oil paintings, and frieze. Tours by arrangement by calling the above phone number. DOWNTOWN HISTORIC WALKING TOUR fdl.com This self-guided walking tour takes you through Fond du Lac’s Downtown and North Main Street Historic District. The sites have been selected for their variety of architecture and historical significance. Please take in the ornamentation and attention to detail on the listed sites and on the buildings along the way. The locally owned businesses hold a unique charm if you would like to shop or dine during your walk.

DOWNTOWN

THELMA SADOFF CENTER FOR THE ARTS (THELMA) 51 Sheboygan Street 920-921-5410 thelmaarts.org Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts

(THELMA) is a premier venue offering unparalleled access to music, film, classes, and art exhibits with a stunning backdrop for corporate meetings, weddings, and

Photo courtesy of John Sibilski.

Downtown Fond du Lac. Photo courtesy of Todd Dacquisto.

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