Appleton Monthly Magazine

04/01/2026

IT’S HERE AT LAST (OR SO WE HOPE) — SPRING! 🌺 It’s time to refresh and get back to the activities that make Wisconsin's warmer weather worth the wait. As we bid farewell to winter, Tim helps with 25 can’t-miss spring activities and we get inspiration for spring fashion, music, books, movies, and local events. Plus, it’s garden season, so Holly shares expert tips for getting those vegetables started.

Find our REFRESHING April issue at over 250 vendor locations in the Fox Valley and surrounding communities or check it out online at www.appletonmonthly.com.

03/30/2026

Jack Knaack has been the principal at Richmond Elementary School in Appleton for the past 14 years. He does everything in his power to create and cultivate a culture that puts a high priority on education but makes learning fun for the students and teaching enjoyable for the instructors.

Richmond Elementary, Appleton Appleton Area School District

Knaack Has a Knack For Connecting With Students by Tim Froberg Learning and laughing are a wonderful combination. Just ask Jack Knaack. Knaack has been the principal at Richmond Elementary School in Appleton for the past 14 years and has a leadership style that promotes both. He does everything in h...

03/26/2026

We wear our cheeseheads not only because we are proud Packers fans, but also because we know that our state produces some of the best artisanal cheese in the world. We have been doing this cheese thing for quite a while here, but recently, the Frozen Tundra has also become home to wines that are also grown and produced here, in this unexpected corner of the wine world.

by Steve Johnson We wear our cheeseheads not only because we are proud Packers fans, but also because we know that our state produces some of the best artisanal cheese in the world. We have been doing this cheese thing for quite a while here, but recently, the Frozen Tundra has also become home to [...

03/24/2026

We’re taking a look at the best reads from 2025. Get these on your must-read list today!

by Casey Marion We’re taking a look at the best reads from 2025. Be sure to get these on your must-read list today! The Intruder by Freida McFadden Freida McFadden’s The Intruder was one of the most highly anticipated thrillers published in 2025.  The novel follows Casey, a former teacher who h...

03/22/2026

Cheese and beverage pairings offer an inviting way to explore flavor, texture, and tradition. While wine remains the classic partner, cheese also shines alongside craft beer and crisp cider, each bringing its own character to the table. A helpful rule of thumb is to pair cheese and wine by matching intensity, such as bold reds with aged cheeses and light whites with fresh, soft cheeses.

03/20/2026

Believe it or not, today is the first day of spring! What better time to be looking ahead to days without snow and thinking about summer gardening! Master Gardener Holly Boettcher helps us with everything we need to start growing our vegetable plants from seed.

by Holly Boetcher Starting vegetables from seed is a great way to save money. The best part is you can grow vibrant, flavorful varieties that you won’t find at garden centers. In east-central Wisconsin’s climate, March is the ideal time to kick off this rewarding project. If you’re new to star...

03/17/2026

St. Patrick’s Day is a feast for the senses, and while many clamor for the food and drink, others are drawn by its signature sound.

New London — or shall we say New Dublin — has one of the region’s biggest St. Paddy’s Day parties, and this year, it will feature one of the top Celtic-infused rock bands in the Midwest.

New London Tourism

by Jim Collar St. Patrick’s Day is a feast for the senses, and while many clamor for the food and drink, others are drawn by its signature sound.  New London — or shall we say New Dublin — has one of the region’s biggest St. Paddy’s Day parties, and this year, it will feature one […]

03/13/2026

Get your green on, Appleton, because another St. Patrick’s Day drops March 17. We've got the details on this holiday and the places who celebrate it big!

Marks East Side Michiels Bar and Grill New London Tourism

by Tim Froberg St. Patrick’s Day is Always Big in Fox Cities St. Patrick’s Day is an eagerly awaited global event that is part shout-out to an important man and part shenanigans. It’s a not-so-wee day when religion and revelry intersect, honoring the patron saint of Ireland and celebrating Iri...

03/10/2026

Ever heard of coffee and cheese? This month, let us introduce you to Kaffeost – a drink more popular in countries like Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Finland where cheese is added to coffee. For those of you who'd like to give it a try, Jason Patzer of Patzer Coffee lets us know which kind of cheese and roast of coffee works best.

by Jason Patzer I like to connect my columns to the central theme of each issue, and one might think that would be a problem this month. Well, I’ve got news for you: Not only is it not a problem, but I was actually looking forward to the opportunity.  Kaffeost is popular across the broader […]

03/08/2026

On this International Women's Day, we want to give a special shout out to all the women who are making a difference in our workplaces and communities. We celebrate YOU!

Do you know a woman whose impact and influence goes above and beyond? Nominate her for an Inspire Award today! All nominations are due June 1, 2026.

https://appletonmonthly.com/wia/

03/06/2026

Let’s be honest: If you live in Wisconsin, cheese isn’t just a food group, it’s a personality trait. We wear foam triangles on our heads, we judge out-of-state curds by their lack of “squeak,” and we’ve all had at least one heated debate about which local creamery has the best sharp cheddar. But have you ever wondered how a random patch of the Midwest became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the dairy world?

The Center for Dairy Research Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association

https://appletonmonthly.com/2026/02/27/how-wisconsin-built-and-defends-its-global-cheese-reputation

By Natasha Winkler Let’s be honest: If you live in Wisconsin, cheese isn’t just a food group, it’s a personality trait. We wear foam triangles on our heads, we judge out-of-state curds by their lack of “squeak,” and we’ve all had at least one heated debate about which local creamery has ...