by Nathan Litt
I am a YAP–a Young Appleton Professional. I live, work, and play in Downtown Appleton and I love it! To paraphrase a favorite saying of a longtime Appleton resident: Downtown Appleton is the center of my universe.
Age is what you make of it and while you don’t have to be 25 to enjoy all that downtown has to offer, as a twenty-something with an active lifestyle, I enjoy having it all–nightlife, great coffee shops and cafes, live music, unique shops, the arts, and much more–right at my door step.
Are you a YAP? Join the movement! As a YAP, share what you like about Downtown Appleton. Where do you like to hang out; where do you go after work to socialize; what do you do downtown on the weekends; what is your favorite restaurant/coffee shop/cafe; where do you go to meet other YAPs?
I am a YAP and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Appleton Downtown 
What is the age range of a YAP? 😀
Hi, Heather. 20-39….Just kidding! YAP is more of state of mind than a specific age range, because after all, age is what you make of it! The blog was geared towards the twenty and thirty-somethings who live, work, and socialize downtown; however, we want to hear everyone’s Downtown favorite locations and destinations. What do you like about Downtown?
Well I’m 37 and I live fairly close to downtown. My favorite downtown location is Copper Rock BY FAR! I love it there. I am there probably once a week to have my Harvest Chai Latte and work on my bible study homework. Great staff, great food, great beverages, great atmosphere!
I work just north of College Avenue and spend a lot of my free time during the week, and on weekends, enjoying all that the Ave has to offer. I typically start my morning off with coffee at Starbucks where the staff is like family. Any time I need a pick me up or just have some free time, I go to Hey, Daisy and take in all the new items they’ve put out on display since my last visit. I love spending my Sundays spread out in a booth at Copper Rock Coffee with a drink, pastry and my laptop. I’m not much of a night owl but when I do go out, I usually head over to Bazil’s where the extensive beer list and casual atmosphere are really inviting.
I think I’m a YAP too!
I’m a big fan of Bazil’s Pub – It has a huge beer selection, the best bartending staff in town, good food, and a great patio. If you have a chance, I encourage everyone to try out Cena. It’s a bit pricey, but it has a great wine selection and a great atmosphere. Look for it on Groupon!
I work just north of College Avenue and spend a lot of my free time during the week, and on weekends, enjoying all that the Ave has to offer. I typically start my morning off with coffee at Starbucks where the staff is like family. Any time I need a pick me up or just have some free time, I go to Hey, Daisy and take in all the new items they’ve put out on display since my last visit. I love spending my Sundays spread out in a booth at Copper Rock Coffee with a drink, pastry and my laptop. I’m not much of a night owl but when I do go out, I usually head over to Bazil’s where the extensive beer list and casual atmosphere are really inviting.
I think I’m a YAP too!
When I returned to Appleton as a young professional after my stretch as a student, I was surprised at how many new places had sprung up downtown. For a night out my first (and sometimes only) stop is Bazil’s. It seems there is a place to fit any kind of mood though, and I agree with Heather, CopperRock is one of my favorite places for quiet (and amazing coffee). The food options downtown are plentiful and delicious, depending on the day and my mood, I can always find something I like. However, I want to go on the record, and say that Bazil’s has the most delicious fries on the ave.
I just turned 40, so not young anymore, alas. But as a professional who doesn’t have children, downtown Appleton fits my needs as a place to meet friends, enjoy food, the arts, and shopping, and learn more about the community.
I work and used to play in downtown Appleton. I am 48 and single and have a hard time finding a place with a mixed crowd without feeling too old or too young! If you know of any good places, please share.
I do like Harmony Cafe for lunch – great people, good food, healthy options!
I really need to check out all the new shops on the Ave – some look awesome!