Randy Prasse, Executive Director
I lead the excellent team of destination marketing professionals on the Fox Cities CVB team and provide vision for the direction of our programs and marketing efforts. I keep the board of directors apprised of opportunities and assist them in making good decisions on behalf of the many bureau stakeholders throughout the Fox Cities. I also am the primary liaison with the communities, attractions, and businesses that are positively impacted by visitor spending—which is pretty much everyone!

The best view in the Fox Cities: Two of my favorite views are looking in any direction from High Cliff State Park and anywhere along the Fox River—the view from Fratellos Waterfront Restaurant is great! Having so much shoreline and direct access to one of the largest freshwater lakes in North America is awesome and should never be taken for granted!

Favorite place to shop: I enjoy walking down the many “main street” shopping districts and experiencing the funky, eclectic shops, owned by local business men and women. Of course, the Fox River Mall is one of the best malls I have ever been in. If you can’t find what you are looking for in the Fox Cities, you are not looking closely enough!

Favorite place to eat: I have never had a bad meal in the Fox Cities. One of my favorite spots is the Stone Cellar Brew Pub— Prost! I also love Cannova’s Pizzeria—I grew up in Freeport, Illinois, home to the original Cannova’s. I love the family recipes and creative menu.

Favorite Fox Cities attraction or event: As the current president of the International Festivals & Events Association- Wisconsin, I love all festivals and events. Nothing showcases a community and celebrates unique cultures and traditions like festivals. The smiles, experiences and joys shared at festivals make them truly special to me.

The best view in the Fox Cities: I think the  best view in the Fox Cities is the view from the Trestle Trail Bridge.  I enjoy walking the pedestrian bridge and taking in the site and sounds of nature.

Favorite place to shop: Although I'm not a real big shopper, I love our mall!  The Fox River Mall has just about anything you are looking for, and the clearance racks are great.  If I'm looking for an extra unique gift for someone, I tend to check out the gift shop at the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum in Neenah.

Favorite place to eat: There are so many great restaurants in the Fox Cities, I can't pick just one!  HuHot is my favorite if I'm craving Mongolian, Confucius for Chinese, and Holiday's if I'm in the mood to watch sports while grabbing a sandwich or salad.  In the summer, when I'm in need of some fresh air and sunshine, I enjoy Pullman's.  They have a great menu selection, and the outdoor seating is wonderful.

Favorite Fox Cities attraction or event: My favorite event has to be the Appleton Farmer's Market.  I enjoy picking out some great fruit & veggies and browsing the crafts and unique items found in the different vendor booths. 

The best view in the Fox Cities: It may sound odd, but the view heading West on the HWY 441 bridge across Little Lake Buttes des Morts at sunset. It's just beautiful.

Favorite place to shop: I like the Fox River Mall for its variety and selection. When I need something unique and special, I head to Downtown Designs in Appleton or The Wreath Factory in Menasha...I love to just browse the Wreath Factory any time of year!

Favorite place to eat: How about "places": Cy's Asian Bistro, Naut's Landing, El Azteca or Under the Dome for a fish fry.

Favorite Fox Cities attraction or event: The summer concert series in Neenah's Shattuck Park and cross country skiing at Bubolz Nature Preserve.  

The best view in the Fox Cities:   There are many wonderful views of the Fox River throughout our communities, but my favorite is that of the old paper mills and the dams visible from the trails along the river in downtown Appleton.

Favorite place to shop:   I love to shop any of our downtowns.  There is so much variety, from gift shops, clothing boutiques, and art galleries… you can always find something unique for yourself, or someone special, and support our local businesses at the same time. 

Favorite place to eat:   We have many great cafes, but my favorite is Brewed Awakenings for their fair trade and organic coffee, a varied menu of healthy sandwiches, wraps, Panini and breakfast, plus desserts and gelato made from scratch.   

Favorite Fox Cities attraction or event:   We have terrific nature preserves and trail systems that offer an opportunity to relax and get back to nature without having to go too far from home.

The best view in the Fox Cities: Kimberly Point Park, Neenah, the view of Lake Winnebago is awesome. Kimberly Point Lighthouse is located there also, where the Fox River and Lake Winnebago meet.

Favorite place to shop: Fox River Mall, more than 200 retailers and restaurants to choose from.

Favorite place to eat: Mark’s East Side for their Friday night fish fry, Cheyenne’s a local sports bar great pizza’s and burgers.

Favorite Fox Cities attraction or event: Octoberfest, A mile of fun, if you enjoy people, food & music this is the event not to miss!

The best view in the Fox Cities: As you drive north over the Skyline Bridge in Appleton and see the view of downtown Appleton, Lawrence University and the industrial flats, you get a fabulous view of old and new. It’s really the “defining” picture of what made Appleton the hub of the Fox Cities, and it’s always striking to see this eclectic mix of architecture and scenery.

Favorite place to shop: It’s not easy to pick one favorite place to shop, but if I had to name just one place that stands out, it would be the gift shop at the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum. They have the most unusual gift ideas, from inexpensive glass critters that kids would love to lovely jewelry and absolutely gorgeous glass paperweights. I have never left their shop without finding something delightful (that I didn’t even know I wanted!!!!).

Favorite place to eat: Aspen Coffee has several locations in the Fox Cities, and each one has a little different atmosphere from shabby chic to upscale café. Here’s what they all have in common, though—wonderful menu choices with great soups and hearty sandwiches. And they’re all relaxing and inviting. You’ll see groups here and there settling in for some long conversations over coffee or lingering over a meal while they discuss the issues of the day. If you like to slow your pace down a bit and enjoy kibitzing with family and friends, find the nearest Aspen Coffee and settle in.

Favorite Fox Cities attraction or event: I love Appleton downtown’s Farmers’ Market. Besides locally-grown produce and family farm-raised beef and chicken, there are some wonderful food booths for a little nourishment while you stroll. With more than 150 vendors, you’ll find all kinds of crafts in addition to a huge array of fruits and vegetables. Best of all, this is really a family-friendly event every Saturday morning. No cars allowed in the heart of downtown Appleton—just strollers, wagons, and shopping carts--and as you go from stall to stall, you have the chance to see old friends and make some new ones. There’s live music throughout, and sometimes it’s really hard to tear yourself away because you just don’t want it to end.

What is the best view in the Fox Cities: I think the best view in the Fox Cities is looking over the Trestle Trail Bridge. Something about walking that trail over the water on a warm, sunny day is just so relaxing!

Favorite place to shop: My favorite place to shop has always been the Fox River Mall for its wide variety, but since I've started working here I have discovered how fun some of our boutique shops are to peruse through; you never know what you are going to find!

Favorite place to eat:The Fox Cities simply have too much to choose from for me to pick a favorite, so I'll just name a few. For ethnic, nothing beats Huhot for me. With an endless buffet of create-your-own dishes, you'll never get bored, and their molten muffin dessert is to die for. For pizza, Cranky Pat's has been serving up the tastiest pizzas for decades! And in the event that you don't know what you're hungry for, Good Company has an extensive menu and everything is always great!

Favorite Fox Cities attraction or event:My favorite attraction in the Fox Cities is Timber Rattlers baseball. Being a life–long fan of the sport and the Brewers, spending a summer night at the park with friends and family always makes for a good time in my book!

What is the best view in the Fox Cities: The Lower Softball Diamond at Sunset Park in Kimberly. When you come down the hill on the first base side and can see the whole field, the surrounding trees, and the Fox River just beyond the outfield fence. There is a reason why many call it the best softball field in the country.

Favorite place to shop: I have to say Scheels. It's perfect for a sports nut like me. I could spend hours there just looking. That place is huge!

Favorite place to eat: I still have so many restaurants in the Fox Cites that I need to get to! But so far, I have been very impressed with both the Fratello's along the river in downtown Appleton and the Fratello's connected to Fox River Mall.

Favorite Fox Cities attraction or event: Enjoying a warm summer evening with friends at a Timber Rattler game at Fox Cities Stadium. The combination of family-friendly entertainment, a variety of affordable ballpark fare, and a chance to see future Brewers up close and personal makes for a great night right in my backyard.

What is the best view in the Fox Cities: Being a nature person, I really appreciate the views of High Cliff State Park in Sherwood. The best views of Lake Winnebago can be seen from the high limestone ledges and observation tower or just looking out past the marina. There are also great views of nature including ledge ruins and wildlife. These sights can be appreciated all year round; it's hard to decide which season is the most beautiful!

Favorite place to shop: The Fox Cities have everything for any type of shopper! Being a "deals" girl, I love browsing through the huge selection at Home Goods and TJ Maxx. Near the mall, there is also a huge variety of resale stores featuring everything from children's toys, name brand purses, professional wear, and even home items like furniture and accessories. All of those stores have a huge variety that is changing every day!

Favorite place to eat: So many to choose from! Glass Nickel Pizza Co. has great deep dish pizza and a huge variety of drinks. The Melting Pot turns a meal into an experience. If I had to choose a favorite, I would say the farmers market has the best variety. They have everything including fresh fruit smoothies, homebrewed beers,freshly popped kettle corn, and eggrolls that are fried right before your eyes! They even have homemade dog treats for my four-legged friends!

Favorite Fox Cities attraction or event: I try to catch most of the shows that comes to the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. They offer amazing shows like Wicked, Beauty and the Beast, and Mary Poppins. If you're not into musicals, they also have comedy shows, bands, and dance performances. When you're inside the PAC, you'd never know that you weren't on Broadway!