Historic Downtown Neenah

Historic Downtown Neenah

by Adam Shea Photography

During the holiday shopping season, my wife and I decided to forego the mall.

We wanted to get out of the insanity and traffic.  And just have a nice time shopping.

You'd be surprised at how much more fun, and fulfilling it is to shop in a downtown district during the holiday season.

The stores are less crowded.  The traffic is light.  And you can even have a peaceful dinner afterwards.

If you happen to shop Historic Downtown Neenah, here's a few places not to miss.

Mom and Pop Place - High quality, thoughtful kids toys.  Owned by my friend, Adria, who puts a lot of effort into making sure the toys she procures are good quality and educational.  Not to mention helpful products for Moms and Dads, too.

Timshel Cafe - Go have a pour-over cup of coffee before shopping.  They source their beans from (2) main sources:  Kickapoo Coffee and ONYX Coffee Lab.  They focus on quality and making things from scratch.  Be sure to get a homemade French pastry there created with love from their excellent pastry chefs.

Red Door Mercantile - Tina has created a unique, dynamic store filled with everything from gadgets for guys to beautiful candles for grandma.  Her assortment and variety of items is amazing.  It's hard not to spend at least an hour around the store discovering new things and wandering.

Great Harvest Bread Co.- Neenah - Want a treat while you're shopping?  Stop into Great Harvest.  They are usually closed on Sundays, but are open almost every other day.  I'm not certain their holiday schedule, but walk by to see if they are running!

Town Council Kitchen and Bar - Do not miss the opportunity to see what Jonathan and his team has come up with at their urban restaurant.  You'll find food you will not get anywhere else in the valley.  Or the region, for that matter.  Like dining in Chicago?  Eat here.

Other retail businesses located in Downtown Neenah

Bill Paul Ltd. - High quality clothing and apparel.  Go in for a custom fitting or have your clothes dry-cleaned.  They have discount racks outside most days.

Elements Unleashed - Eye-catching apparel and accessories.  Super unique and sure to be a conversation starter.

FIBRE - A new yarn store with classes and high quality knitting supplies.  Adding more supplies continuously.

The Hang Up Gallery of Fine Art - Professional framing and a variety of art pieces.  I've often seen Marty for all my professional framing questions.

Holt's Jewelry - Quality jewelry from a local vendor.  Prefect for those who just got engaged.

J. Anthony Jewelers - One of the longest running business in the downtown district.  The owners, Joe and Amy, craft pieces from handpicked Antwerp and gems from around the world.

KNOX Furniture Gallery - A mainstay of downtown Neenah that is filled with unique, quality furniture.  You'd be surprised how much furniture fills this space!

Lucy's Closet Pet Boutique - Wonderful gifts for you and your pet.  It's hard to walk in and not want to buy 'all the things'.

Lyons Fine Books - A carefully curated selection of best sellers, unique books you literature you don't want to put down.

Luxe Fine Jewelry - A new addition to downtown.  They offer really cool engagement pieces.  Check them out!

My Soul Loves - The newest addition to The Marketplace.  A wide selection of meaningful apparel and accessories.  Perfect for yogis and wonderful place to pick up a gift.

The Natural Boutique - A wide selection of holistic resources.  Everything from essential oils to teas.  Their focus is on pure, clean products.

The Revival Neenah - A new addition to downtown that features trendy and wearable items.  Super interesting.  You should check them out.

Sew Biz Drapery and Blinds, LLC - Experts to all your questions on drapery and window treatments.

The Tailored Hide Custom Leather & The Gift Gallery - Absolute craftsmen/ladies.  The staff there can repair just about anything and they have a TON of cool leather products.  Bikers, you don't want to miss this store.

360 Custom Skate - Stop here for your longboard and scooter needs :).

And here are a few restaurants you'll want to check out.  Don't forget to eat!  Historic Downtown Neenah has everything from Mexican to Italian food.

Broken Tree Pizza - Wood-fired pizza with endless combinations of toppings.  I can't tell you how many times these good ladies and dudes have cooked up a 'za for me while editing photos late at night.

Cannovas Pizzeria - Super-yummy Italian food with *excellent* bar pizza.  Speaking of the bar - they have an insanely nice place to sit down and enjoy live music.

Copperstill Bourbon Bar - This place rocks.  Especially if you like your drinks on the rocks 😂.  Haha.  I'm a dad.  That's my joke.  But seriously - stop in here to have an insanely well-crafted cocktail.

Dairy Queen (450 S Commercial St, Neenah, WI) - This needs no explanation.  You know it.  You love it.  Just go to it.  And enjoy :).

Greene's Pour House - One of downtown's hottest places.  Especially to watch sports games and go to an afterparty.  There's always something going on at Greene's.

Lion's Tail Brewing Co. - Alex Wenzel has brought a new life to the Equitable Reserve Association building downtown.  He carefully crafts beers in their brewery that are incredibly unique and only available downtown.

Mr. D's Bar - A classic establishment where you can get a cheap old fashioned or just have a beer.  Hang out and shoot some darts or pool.

Paper City Pub - A great place to have a drink after a night of eating.  Or drinking.  Be sure to dance.  It's fun :).

Sabino's Latin & Asian Bistro - This restaurant took the place of Cy's Asian Bistro which was located downtown.  They incorporate a unique fusion of Latin and Asian food.  Super-yummy and one of the only places you can get *curry tacos*.

Uncorked Bistro -- Full Bar, Wine Bar, and More - Stop in here to have *delicious* appetizers or wine.  It's a great place to have a drink prior to dinner downtown.

Zacatecas Mexican Grill & Tequila Lounge - If you live in Neenah, you probably have had their delicious food at some point.  They put a Mexican-American spin on a lot of dishes.  Great place to hang out and have a margarita!

Other Places Downtown

Adam Shea Photography - That's me :).  I'm usually in my office editing or having a coffee with clients at Timshel Cafe.  I take appointments for all your photography needs.  And specialize in weddings and events.  I love what I do!

Bellwether Interior Design - Leslie, a former classmate of mine, is an incredibly talented designer.  She can take a boring space and make it incredible.  See her if you're looking to add a completely new look to your home or business.

Ballroom at The Reserve - I have photographed many weddings here.  It's an incredible, classy place to hold an event or wedding.  Contact Jessica or Umer to book a wedding here today.  Hurry, though.  Because dates fill quickly.

Future Neenah - The staff here is the heartbeat of downtown.  They organize, coordinate and promote almost all of our local events.  These ladies work *super* hard so that you can enjoy Neenah with your families.  Stop in and say "Thank you!".

The Master's Touch Flower Studio - Jessica is a master at creating unique floral displays.  See her for anything!  She has the skillset and personality to do just about anything :).

Rooster Dreams Visual Arts - Stop in here to paint and have a party while doing so!  Be sure you book with Kristine ahead of time.  By appointment only.  Perfect for small gatherings.

Great Places to Check Out

Zuppas Market Cafe & Catering - Zuppas has been a long-standing staple of the fresh food scene in Neenah.  Go here for a coffee, a dinner or to pick up some deli to take home.  Their food is always fresh.  Always unique.  And always delicious.

Xe 54 Wine Bar - One of Neenah’s newest wine bars!  Pamela from Future Neenah decided to follow her dream and finally open up an establishment where you can let loose and have fun!  Uniquely styled by Amy Barker, Xe 54 will become a spot you will go to week after week.  After week…