Suburban Fond du Lac Fond Du Lac, WI

French for "foot of the lake," Fond du Lac was originally inhabited by the Winnebgo Nation before the first settlers from the East arrived around 1830. Further settled on speculation that the lake could be used for shipping, Fond du Lac became a major player in the logging and milling industries by the end of the 19th century and also a major railroad hub.

For an interesting living look at the past, visit the Historic Galloway House and Village on Old Pioneer Road. Open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the museum provides visitors with a unique glimpse into Fond du Lac's past as a logging and railroad leader. The village includes the mid-Victorian mansion built by the Galloway family and a small village with a railroad station, chapel, general store and other period buildings. Several events take place on the grounds each summer, including an ice cream social.

Most of the restaurants lie just outside suburban Fond du Lac, either along U.S. Route 41, Pioneer Road and along the shore of Lake Winnebago. The area provides something for just about every taste.

A hometown favorite for decades, Schreiner's Restaurant serves up diner-style meals alongside frequent refills of your coffee cup alongside a gift shop and bakery. A trip back into time, the restaurant's waitresses wear 50s-style uniforms, and the raved-about pies come with a real whipped cream topping. Try the fried haddock dinner on Friday, and finish with an out-of-this-world coconut meringue pie. Be prepared to wait a bit because this place proves popular with both locals and travelers.

For delicious homemade food served in a unique and welcoming atmosphere, head to the Red Cabin at Green Acres on 4th Street. This family-owned restaurant welcomes diners Wednesday through Sunday and dishes up an amazing menu, including freshly butchered pork chops with an apple glaze and queso mac and cheese. After dinner, enjoy a stroll along the quarter-mile walking path and pond.

Fond du Lac doesn't feature a lot in the way of night clubs, but plenty of local taverns and pubs give you ample opportunities to visit with neighbors. Visit Casa Del Tequila, and dine on some of the best Mexican cuisine in Wisconsin while enjoying live music and sampling various brands of tequila. The strawberry daiquiris here come highly recommended.

The majority of residents use vehicles for getting around town, with U.S. Highway 41/45 providing easy access both north and south out of suburban Fond du Lac. Parking spots can be easily found on residential streets, and most businesses offer lots. If parking on the street, be aware of restrictions that go into effect for snow removal in winter. The neighborhoods remain easy to walk or bike, but the rural roads and freeways make traveling on foot or two wheels a little bit dangerous, so use care.

While Fond du Lac does offer public transportation, the closest stop to suburban Fond du Lac — Route 20 — requires a bit of a walk, making it not a great option for getting around. Uber and cabs do serve the area, but the cost of a ride can be expensive.

Suburban Fond du Lac is served by several parks maintained by the city, with many of them combining natural beauty with modern amenities.

Visit Adelaide Park on Hickory Street to take in a youth baseball game, or bird watch with the kids along the small marsh here. The 24-acre park even provides a BMX track and skate park. Grab some flying discs, and hit the 18-hole disc-golf course.

Two of Fond du Lac's major parks border Lake Winnegago: Lakeside Park and Lakeside Park West. Lakeside Park contains a full-service marina for boaters, a lighthouse, concessions, public restrooms and a multitude of activities from canoe rentals to volleyball pits. Stroll among the flower gardens, jog the trails or take the kids to the playground and color-changing water fountain for an afternoon and early evening of fun. To get your furriest friends in on the action, head to Lakeside Park West with its off-leash dog area that's made for meeting new friends and getting exercise. You can also launch a boat here, and the park features 185 acres of undisturbed wetlands for taking in nature.

Take part in Fond Du Lac's Agricultural Showcase that takes place each March on the first Saturday, or lace up your skates for the Foot of the Lake Synchronized Skating Competition each January. When the weather warms, take part in Art on the Island, held in June on the shores of Lake Winnebago and featuring an amazing array of arts and crafts.

You'll find the cost of living in Fond du Lac relatively affordable at 9 percent less than the nation and 6 percent lower than the rest of Wisconsin. A one-bedroom apartment can be rented for approximately $643 per month. Gas costs a bit more in Fond du Lac, with a gallon costing 2 percent above the national average. If you choose to use public transportation, a one-way ticket costs $1.50 per adult, with discounted fares for students, seniors and the disabled.

Hoist a pint at the local pub at $3 for draft and an average of $5 for imported and craft brews.

With the lack of shopping centers in the immediate neighborhood of suburban Fond du Lac, residents head to downtown, Pioneer Road and Johnson Street to get their shopping done. For major shopping trips, head to Forest Mall on Johnson Street. Major department stores here include Kohl's and Staples with several smaller national stores also residing in the mall.

Outdoorsmen swear by the selection at Tuffy's Outpost on Main Street downtown for all of their hunting and fishing needs. Pick up a new crossbow or tackle box, and bring in anything you've got to trade.

Kreative Kraftwerks on North Peebles Lane stocks a wide selection of homemade soy candles, soap and lotions. Pick up the perfect gift a hard-to-shop-for-friend, and be assured it will be one of a kind.

Residents get their groceries from Pick 'n Save and Festival Foods, both offering a wide selection of everyday needs for your pantry. For something fresh from the farm, stop in at the Fond du Lac Farmers Market in downtown. Times and vendors vary throughout the year, and the market moves indoors in November. Pick up farm-to-market vegetables and fruits, and stock up on famous Wisconsin cheese at this fun market.