If you are here for the weekend and looking for a place to eat, Rye dining is great. I loved their Chicken Marsala and will definitely be back myself. This is a bit higher priced, but still affordable and for the quality of the meal, I think it is worth every penny.
Another restaurant to give a try if you are in town for a few days. My brother works in the kitchen here and has helped them innovate through the hard times this spring/early summer by offering Texas Style Smoked Brisket and other BBQ fare along with his own sauce for takeout. Not sure what the menu will look like closer to the wedding, but it is sure to please.
If you are looking for classic Wisconsin Fish Fry, Mark's East Side is the area favorite. Known for more than their Friday Fish Fry's you can also get some classic German food like schnitzel or Sausage and Kraut here. This is a casual bar/restaurant setting.
Another Fish Fry favorite is Dairyland Brew Pub. As the name suggests this place is about as Wisconsin as it gets, with Garlic Cheese Curds, Bloody Mary's, and Old Fashioned's (in Wisconsin they are made with Brandy not rye/bourbon). This is definitely a bar setting, tending to be louder than other spots.
If you are looking for something to entertain your kids for a bit, stop by the children's museum. With plenty of space to play and several interactive stations to learn about anything form community involvement to STEM classes. Kids of all ages welcome, but best enjoyed by those 10 or younger based on my experience.
For those not from Wisconsin or those who have never seen the heart of what helped settle early Wisconsin, the Paper Discovery Center is an interesting and unique visit. All across the state paper mills were setup around the waterways as foresters would float fresh logs down river to a mill to be processed. Learn more about Wisconsin's paper making industry here.
Whereas you will have to tape the game that may or may not be happening during the wedding, you should try to stop and see the stadium tour if you have time. About a 30-40 minute drive north to Green Bay for you football fans.
Sports fans would don't want to drive all the way to Green Bay? Catch Timber Rattlers baseball right next door. Fox Valley minor league baseball at it's finest.
Looking to learn more about the Fox Valley and it's history? Stop in this fun building for more info on the founding of Appleton as well as Harry Houdini. Houdini was actually born in the Fox Valley and they have a small exhibit on some of his more famous tricks on the upper level.
If you like aviation and planes, there are plenty of cool things for you here. They are having an event on Sept 17th for those who may be in the area at that point. This is a bit further away, about 20-30 minute drive, but where else are you going to find old war planes to see up close?
For the more cultured visitors, checkout Fox Cities PAC schedule for live entertainment that is sure to please. Whether it is stand-up, music, or an off-Broadway production, you can expect an enjoyable, relaxing evening at the PAC.
What's more Wisconsin than Cheese and Dairy, am I right? You can stop at any grocery store and get local Wisconsin cheese, or you can go right to the source at Lamer's. They have a great country store with plenty of local cheese selections, as well as other Wisconsin made products. You can also see part of the cheese making process for yourself as the dairy is on site.
Beautiful trails to go for a walk no matter what age.
If you want to stretch your legs a little closer to home, this is a great park. With paved and unpaved trails, playgrounds, and ponds there is plenty to see and enjoy right in the city.
To give a frame of reference from where you will be staying. Hotels are within 2 min from each other.