Fort Wayne yoginis relax and reflect.

Fort Wayne is not only an easy drive to several major Midwestern metropolitan areas, it’s also a gateway to Nirvana. The practice of yoga is thriving in our community. Yoginis can hit the mat in a variety of locales, from the central YMCA to several private studios set in historic buildings, strip malls and even in a downtown park.  PranaYoga and Lotus both offer central locations steeped in Zen ambience, and you can even drop in on a group session at an outdoor gathering.

A quick glimpse around any local yoga class finds a diverse gathering, though most are female. Some are turned out in coordinated sports bras and tank tops; others prefer the comfort of an over-sized t-shirt, but nearly everyone models the ubiquitous black yoga pants. Once the province of west coast hippies or Gotham hipsters, yoga has come mainstream in the Midwest. Housewives, teachers, marketing professionals—-everyone is finding something beneficial in the pursuit of a moment of zen.

Classes at PranaYoga help both visitors and regular members find harmony and balance.

This is not your mother’s yoga: this is Vinyasa (or “Flow”) yoga, where the teacher cues the class through a series of poses that flow one to another with little break. The poses pause just long enough for practitioners to “go deeper” and hold muscles still until they quiver. With little equipment required and most classes able to accommodate beginners to those who’ve been on the path for several years, yoga is easily accessible to anyone who is curious about strength, balance and flexibility.

And while you will feel stretched and strengthened and perhaps a little discombobulated, remember: at the end of every class is the period of total surrender and relaxation: savasana. Find your Namaste in Fort Wayne.

Fort Wayne is home to many historic neighborhoods, abounding with landmarks and lore. Take a leisurely stroll down these streets and you’ll find beauty in architecture and friendly neighbors.

Here are a two of Fort Wayne’s most notable:

West Central – It’s no coincidence that this neighborhood was once home to an art college. The artistic flair still remains at the core of this corridor and the Castle Gallery is proof.  Located in the heart of the neighborhood, at 1202 W. Wayne St., this gallery boasts three floors of art and beautiful architecture. The building itself is a marvel, designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style.

The Castle Gallery is a hidden gem in the West Central Neighborhood.

Speaking of architecture, you can spend half of a day taking in the splendor of the variety of homes in this Local Historic District. No two homes are alike. Many have been restored and renovated, while still maintaining their historical integrity.

No doubt front porches are the epicenter of the neighborhood’s social scene. In the summertime it is not usual to see people gathering on their porches, with beer or wine in hand. Residents are quick to offer a smile and wave, and maybe even a cold one!

Lakeside – Lakeside, also just a few minutes from downtown, has its charm with a lush rose park and suburban feel. Make a point to stop by Lakeside Park & Rose Garden. Here you can walk/run, play, practice yoga or just take in the scenery. Pavilions provide shade and are a great gathering place for groups.

With its abundant rose bushes, Lakeside Park is a popular destination for wedding photos.

A day in the park can sure whet your appetite. Head down to the Acme Bar & Grille, a neighborhood favorite since 1941. Their slogan is “Where Neighbors Meet” and you’re sure to meet a few locals here. I recommend their signature pizza, pork tenderloin, hardwood-smoked Acme razor back ribs or chicken wings. Wash it down with one of their many craft beers available on tap.

These are just a two of Fort Wayne’s historic neighborhoods – you can find more online!

There are plenty more to check out – which ones should we highlight in future blog posts?

Attention all automobile fanatics—have we got a great weekend planned for you! Friday is the kick off the 37^th Annual Muddy River Run, and you are not going to want to miss out.

Join us July 30 for the Muddy River Run!

The show’s events start off with a Kick-Off Cruise-In at the American legion Post 47 on St. Joe Rd. Then, Saturday starts the main events. IPFW’s Campus will host the Muddy River Run Show with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The show and judging will take place during the morning and early afternoon. Then make sure to get lined up for the “Cruise thru Fort Wayne” followed by the “Blow an Engine”  and an awards program at 4 p.m. to close out the event.

And Muddy River Run isn’t just for car lovers. Bring the whole family to enjoy a day full of adults and kids games, a swap meet, driving events, food, drinks and music from the DJ’s of WLDE 101.7!

For more information, check it out online!

Visit Country Kitchen, located near Glenbrook Square.

Do you love the popular television shows Ace of Cakes, Wedding Cake Wars, Amazing Wedding Cakes, Cake Boss, or Ultimate Cake Off? Have you ever thought about baking and decorating your own cakes, candies, and other baked goods? If so, Fort Wayne is home to the perfect place to stop in for a visit and learn some new skills.

Country Kitchen SweetArt has been teaching cake decorating, candy making, cookie decorating, and other confectionery classes since the early 1970s. Classes were originally taught in a small classroom, seating a maximum of only fifteen students, in a brick Victorian house located on Wells Street.

Today the growing business is located at 4621 Speedway Drive, where the classroom seats up to 65 people for a variety of adult and children’s classes, group classes and other special events.

Learning is fun and easy with classes that range from basic cake decorating to rolled fondant to cakes a la mode to creating roses – there’s a class for everyone at Country Kitchen SweetArt.

You can design delicious and beautiful creations with the right tools!

A popular annual holiday event, A Taste of the Holidays, will take place November 11 and November 12 this year, offering visitors a sampling of sweet, decadent confections.

Divided into cake decorating, candy and cookie making supplies, wedding supplies, kitchenware and gourmet food products, Country Kitchen SweetArt has anything and everything pertaining to baking for the novice and for the most advanced.

This three-generation locally-owned business has grown from a small business in the country to over 14,000 square feet of sales area. The founders are Wilbur and Mildred Brand. Today, daughter, Vi and granddaughters Autumn and Leslie continue the goal of providing a large selection of confectionery products with competitive pricing and excellent customer service.

For more information, contact the shop at 260-482-4835 or visit the Website at www.shopcountrykitchen.com.

Store hours are Monday-Friday- 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Saturday- 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and closed Sunday.

Photo courtesy of harlandays.com

Take a stroll back in time at the cruise-in classic car show at this year’s annual Harlan Days Community Festival. Or hear bike engines rip and roar at the arena motocross show. The festival runs from August 4 through 6, and features events for the entire family.

Enjoy a small-town atmosphere in Harlan, Indiana, a community on the northeast side of Allen County. Harlan is just a short drive from Interstate 469. Festival events are held at Harlan Community Park.

If you are feeling up to the challenge — participate in the annual 10K run, bright and early Saturday morning. Or stroll down to the grand parade to catch a glimpse of this year’s grand marshals — Tony and Terra Brantley. Terra is a news anchor at WANE-TV in Fort Wayne. Later, enjoy bratwurst, BBQ chicken, homemade pies and more at the food tent.

This annual festival, a community favorite since 1947, has grown to be the biggest Harlan event of the year! Profits from the festival go toward maintenance and improvement of the community park. The festival runs through Saturday night.

Photo courtesy of harlandays.com

Events include:

Thursday, August 4 (Kid’s Night)
5 p.m. – Opening Ceremony (Followed by opening of carnival rides, midway and food tent)
6 p.m. – Children’s Parade
7 p.m. – Motocross in the Arena

Friday, August 5
6 p.m. – Drawing for Free T-Shirts Begins
7 p.m. – Corn Hole Tournament, Vocal Contest and Bingo
7 p.m. – Vocal Contest on the Midway Stage

Saturday, August 6
9 a.m. – Antique Tractor Pull
10 a.m. – Grand Parade
4 p.m. – Cruise-In Car Show
7 p.m. – Lincoln Highway Band Performs

Click here for the full festival schedule and directions. And follow Harlan Days on Twitter for the latest updates.