Oh Claire Improv has played a big role during our time in Eau Claire - it is where we have met most of our friends, and where Kelley has had the privilege to perform many times. Definitely worth checking out their schedule to see if any shows are running while you're in town! It is also, conveniently, right by the Oxbow.
The Eau Claire Downtown Farmer's Market runs every Saturday during the summer. It's a great place to walk around, enjoy the river, and eat some good food. Highly recommend as a pre-wedding activity.
A beautiful riverside park with some nice bridges and running/walking trails, adjacent to downtown Eau Claire.
The Pablo Center hosts touring musicians and theater performances. Check out their schedule to see what is running while you're in town.
Small local movie theater downtown that plays mostly indie movies and does showings of older films.
I am getting lazy so here is a description of Carson Park from the Visit Eau Claire Website. I take no responsibility for this incredible copy: "There's no denying it; Carson Park is the place to be in Eau Claire. From paying a visit to Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox to fishing at Half Moon Lake or catching an Eau Claire Express game during the summer, Carson Park has a long list of things for you to do. Did we mention it's also just a great place to simply be? The sights found here will unleash your inner peace, happiness and make you feel like you are at one with the universe."
Banbury Place is an old tire factory that now serves as a commercial space with a variety of retail and office spaces. It is a very cool place, even to just see from the outside! An added bonus: it is adjacent to the Old Abe Trail, which is great for running/walking/biking.
The Local Store has a bunch of cute lil tchotchkes and local fare. It's right across the street from the Oxbow and is a great place to grab a souvenir before you leave town!
This is our friend Matt's shop. It's got a lot of fun knick-knacks and home goods.
What can I say??? It's a record store.
A vintage spot where you can find Randy Travis tour t-shirts and cut off jean shorts, among other things.
This is our favorite coffeeshop. They have the best coffee in town and the best scones.
Have you ever heard of coffee? They have it here.
Gimme pizza
Eau Claire's "fancy" restaurant
Food, drinks, arcade games, and bowling.
The Joynt is the most famous bar in Eau Claire, with many jazz/blues/folk musicians having played there over the decades. It no longer hosts live music, but Macauley Culkin did drink here once.
Classic Wisconsin dive bar vibes. It's where Nate goes to watch Packer games - that should tell you everything you need to know.
This is a bar and the staff is nice. A good option for a pre- or post-wedding beverage.
The Brewing Projekt is a brewery right along the river and also adjacent to (yet another!) walking/running/biking trail. Cool vibes fun times
This is a fun spot right on the river with a big patio and self-serve beer. How novel!
What can I say??? It's a brewery.