Fall Travel Series: Off Main Street in Waupaca
This fall adventure suggestion is not an unknown off-the-beaten-path location. This town is a tourist hot spot and has some of the most idyllic Caribbean colored waters you could ever hope to enjoy in Northern Wisconsin. Years ago I focused on the (lesser known) nearby town of Rural and I thought that would fill my need to further advertise the area. However, I have made a tradition of attending the annual pumpkin event in the town square and it inspired me to pull together a few other surprises that do feel slightly off-the-beaten-path. So enjoy my little list of three things to do in Waupaca this October!
Serenity Park
Within walking distance of the main street is a sign and a staircase built into a concrete wall that beckons you down to a river. In all of my years of enjoying downtown Waupaca I had little knowledge of this park’s existence.
Even though I am getting slightly burned out by the overuse of murals on every building wall- I thought the nature scene here, to cover the cold concrete infrastructure of the road and bridge, was a perfect application of this art expression.
The small park offered a walking trail along the river and viewing points to pause and take in the rushing water. Of course- this made my short list since I am a sucker for any wooden boardwalk!
It’s not going to swallow up a lot of time in your day, but the pleasant walk is a quick break from the shopping district if you want to duck away for a tiny touch of nature.
The Legend of Old Mead Bank
I’m definitely a history lover, but even more than just learning about past times I like the kind of history that has a quirky story to tell. Some legend or whispering of an event that shares real stories with a hint of curiosity. If you are wandering off the main drag of downtown Waupaca you can inquire all about the history of the Old Mead Bank and the “head in a jar.”
Lucky for you- this isn’t just an interesting old building- it’s an amazing little business full of locally created candles, room sprays, diffusing oils and all things custom fragrances.
I don’t need to say anything more- just go there! Their Haunted Hollow room spray is my favorite fall scent. This is worth making the time to stop and shop!
Pumpkin Time at the Millers
Over two-hundred pumpkins! Over 200 flawlessly carved artistic pumpkins available to view over the course of two October weekends (check their page- Pumpkin Time at the Miller’s).
I could share pictures for days! Every year the theme is different and every pumpkin is a one of a kind work of art.
From traditional to scary to pop culture to…just plain fun! I am amazed at the talent and time that goes into this free town event. Thank goodness for those in the world that use their gifts to create, not for monetary gain but for the chance to make people smile. Of course you can reward this goodwill by making a donation to the cause- so that we can all look forward to an event like this for many years to come!
And that’s my little list. Waupaca is full of wonder, shopping areas and places for a great meal! Their main street was recently upgraded with new concrete sidewalks, benches and beautiful planters to add even more small town charm to historic storefronts and decorative street lights. If you are driving up from the New London area I highly recommend a stop at Olde Country Antiques, which I featured as a great place to do some Christmas shopping.
And if you are going to nearby King you will find Vintage Plus the Mercantile is a sweet little option as well. Now that we are mid way into October- it’s not too early to start thinking about holiday gift buying. But don’t worry- I’m not rushing into the next season yet- we still have a few fall travel stops to explore before the snow flies!
And don’t forget about these favorites-
In Case you Missed it!
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