Appleton: The Heart of the Fox River Valley

• HelloHowdy
  [HOU-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [SEE yuh]
• YesYep
  [YEP]
• NoNah
  [NAH]
• Please/You're welcomeSure thing
  [SHUHR thang]
• Thank youThanks a bunch
  [THANKS uh BUNCH]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me
  [PAR-dun me]
• How are you?How's it goin'?
  [HOWZ it GO-in]
• Fine. And you?I'm good. How 'bout you?
  [AHM good. HOW 'bout yuh?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [Yuh SPEEK ING-lish?]
• I don't understandI'm lost
  [AHM lost]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
  [KAN eye CHEK out the MEN-yoo?]
• I don't eat meatI'm vegetarian
  [AHM veh-juh-TAIR-ee-un]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [CHEERS]
• I would like to pay, pleaseCan I settle up?
  [KAN eye SET-ul up]

• Help!Help!
  [HELP]
• Go away!Get lost!
  [GET lost]
• Call the Police!Ring up the cops!
  [RING up the KOPS]
• Call a doctor!Get a doc on the line!
  [GET uh DOC on the LINE]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [AHM turned uh-ROUND]
• I'm illI'm feelin' under the weather
  [AHM FEEL-in UN-dur the WETH-er]

• I'd like to buy...I'm lookin' to purchase...
  [AHM LOOK-in to PUR-chuss...]
• I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [JUST BROW-zing]
• How much is it?What's the damage?
  [WATS the DAM-ij?]
• That's too expensiveThat's steep
  [THATS steep]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya knock the price down?
  [KAN yuh NOK the price DOWN?]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [WATS the TIME]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [ITS one]
• Half past (10)Half past ten
  [HAF past TEN]
• MorningMornin'
  [MORN-in]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [AF-ter-NOON]
• EveningEvenin'
  [EVE-nin]
• YesterdayYest'day
  [YEST-day]
• TodayToday
  [to-DAY]
• TomorrowTomorrer
  [tom-OR-er]
• 1One
  [WUN]
• 2Two
  [TOO]
• 3Three
  [THREE]
• 4Four
  [FORE]
• 5Five
  [FIVE]
• 6Six
  [SIX]
• 7Seven
  [SEV-en]
• 8Eight
  [AIT]
• 9Nine
  [NINE]
• 10Ten
  [TEN]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [WHEREZ the]
• What's the address?What's the addy?
  [WATS the ADD-ee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out (on the map)?
  [KAN yuh POINT it OUT (on the map)]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [WHENS the NEXT (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [uh TICK-it (to ....)]

Appleton, Wisconsin, was founded in 1853 and named after Samuel Appleton, a prominent Boston philanthropist who donated funds to help establish the Lawrence Institute (now Lawrence University). The area had initially been inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Menominee. The arrival of European settlers brought significant changes, and the burgeoning town began to grow as an important center for education and commerce.

Established in 1847, Lawrence University is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in Wisconsin. It was founded by Amos Adams Lawrence, a Boston merchant, and missionary, who sought to provide quality education to the settlers of the region. The university played a crucial role in the town's development and has maintained a strong presence in Appleton. Its beautiful campus is a cornerstone of the city's cultural and intellectual life.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Appleton became a major player in the paper industry. The city is located along the Fox River, which provided an ideal setting for paper mills due to its water power. The industry attracted workers and businesses, leading to a period of rapid growth and industrialization. Appleton's paper mills were among the first in the nation to install the Fourdrinier machines, which revolutionized paper production.

In 1882, Appleton made history by becoming the site of the world's first hydroelectric central station to serve a system of private and commercial customers. The Hearthstone House, a Victorian mansion built by industrialist Henry J. Rogers, was the first residence in the world to be powered by Edison’s hydroelectric power station. Today, the Hearthstone House Museum stands as a testament to Appleton's innovative spirit and industrial heritage.

The legendary escape artist Harry Houdini, born Erik Weisz in Budapest, Hungary, spent part of his childhood in Appleton, where his father served as the city's first rabbi. Although Houdini moved away at a young age, he always considered Appleton his hometown. The city commemorates this connection with the annual Houdini Plaza, a public space dedicated to the magician’s life and legacy.

During World War II, Appleton contributed to the war effort through its industrial capabilities, producing materials and goods essential for the military. Post-war, the city experienced significant growth, with new housing developments and an expanding economy. This era also saw the rise of diverse cultural institutions, further enriching Appleton's community life.

Appleton has a rich tradition in the performing arts, with institutions like the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center playing a pivotal role. Opened in 2002, the center hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and other performances, drawing audiences from across the region. The presence of Lawrence University’s Conservatory of Music also bolsters the city’s vibrant arts scene, offering numerous concerts and recitals throughout the year.

Today, Appleton is a thriving city that blends its historical heritage with modern innovation. It is known for its high quality of life, excellent educational institutions, and diverse cultural offerings. The city continues to celebrate its rich history through various museums, historical sites, and community events, while also looking forward to future growth and development.

Appleton is located in northeastern Wisconsin, and the nearest major airport is Appleton International Airport (ATW), which offers flights from several major U.S. cities. Alternatively, travelers can fly into General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) in Milwaukee or O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in Chicago and then drive to Appleton. Both Milwaukee and Chicago are approximately 2 to 3 hours away by car. Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses also serve the region, with nearby stops in Oshkosh and Green Bay.

Appleton has a reliable public transportation system operated by Valley Transit, which covers most areas of the city and surrounding communities. Buses run regularly and are an affordable option for getting around. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available. For those who prefer to drive, car rental services are available at the airport and in the city. Biking is another popular mode of transport, with numerous bike paths and trails throughout the area.

The official currency in Appleton, as in the rest of the United States, is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and it's easy to withdraw cash when needed. Some smaller establishments may prefer cash, so it's advisable to carry some for convenience.

Appleton is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep personal belongings secure in crowded places. While Appleton does not have specific neighborhoods with high crime rates targeting tourists, it's always wise to stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance from police, fire, or medical services. The ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton is the primary hospital for medical emergencies. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the season. Casual wear is generally acceptable. Don't wear overly revealing clothing, especially in more conservative settings. Religion: Do respect local religious customs when visiting places of worship. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't play loud music or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly hello or handshake. Don't be overly informal with strangers. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Wisconsin delicacies like cheese curds and bratwurst. Don't forget to tip your servers, as it is customary in the United States.

To experience Appleton like a local, visit the Downtown Appleton Farmers Market, which operates on Saturdays from June through October. Explore the Fox River trails for scenic walks or bike rides. Attend a performance at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center for a taste of the local arts scene. Don't miss the annual Mile of Music festival in August, featuring hundreds of live musical performances. Be sure to indulge in local specialties at family-owned restaurants and cafes.