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For weeks, I kept seeing all these “likes” on Facebook for a place called Blue Stack Smokehouse.  I had no idea what it was until my husband came home and preceded to tell me this story about a guy he knows and how he’s going to open this restaurant where he smokes all of his own meats. I knew right then that I would be going to this Blue Stack Smokehouse, but I didn’t know how much my entire family would love it.  I’m pretty sure my husband has been there six times since they’ve opened…it’s that good.

Blue Stack Smokehouse, located at 3620 North Clinton Street, is locally owned and operated by David and Tara McLaughlin.  Dave grew up grilling old favorites with his Grandpa in his backyard.  As he got older, his backyard hobby became a passion and in 2005 he got his first smoker.  The many food items Dave threw out over the years have paved the way in perfecting his recipes and ultimately, the opening of Blue Stack.  He never dreamed grilling with his Grandpa would turn into a full-time profession.

Lunch crowd. They get busy, so come early!

Blue Stack opened for business on December 27, 2012, and the first thing I heard about it was that they sold out of food during their first lunch rush, so there had to be something said for the food. My husband, his son and I went on their second day of business…I had to try it for myself.  There were no complaints.  I had a pulled pork sandwich and macaroni and cheese, my husband had ribs and potato salad and his son had the brisket.  The flavor had just enough smoke and the added choice of homemade barbecue or spicy barbecue sauce upped the ante. Absolutely wonderful! Even the sides are all homemade, the macaroni and cheese was creamy and flavorful, my husband raved over the bacon wrapped poppers and potato salad.

All of their entrees are freshly smoked, daily!

One word: affordable. For as much time and dedication that is put into the preparation of the entrees and sides, the prices are great. My family of three was able to eat for less than $25.  If we go out to eat anywhere else, we would spend upwards of $50 and the quality of food isn’t even close to what you get at Blue Stack Smokehouse.

Blue Stack is a must-try. If you haven’t been here, yet, you’re definitely missing out. And, they also offer catering, so if you have an upcoming party (think Super Bowl), this is the place to get ribs, chicken, brisket and pulled pork.  Check out the full menu online at www.bluestacksmokehouse.com or check them out on Facebook at Blue Stack Smokehouse.

Hours of Operation are Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  They are closed on Sundays. For more information on catering, contact Dave or Tara at 260-755-6328 or via email on their contact page.

Brides to Be: Mark your calendar! The Bridal Spectacular is coming to the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 30th, from noon to 4 p.m.

The Bridal Spectacular is known as a one-stop shop to plan your wedding in one day. I began my wedding planning process with a trip to the show just so that I could get an idea of what different vendors had to offer. I walked around collecting business cards and brochures for caterers, florists, limo rentals and photographers. I didn’t plan my wedding in one day, but it gave me a pretty good starting point as to what I was actually looking for as a bride.

I was able to look at sample bridesmaid dresses and bridal gowns during the fashion show that is put on by some of the local dress shops in town. Make up and jewelry were also featured during the fashion show. There were food samples from various caterers and cake samples from bakeries.

Photographers bring their portfolios and albums with samples of wedding photography. I loved this because I was able to compare the different styles of photography in order to narrow down what I wanted in a photographer.

DJ’s are on sight with sample set ups and playlists. One DJ had a pre-printed list of a typical reception and examples of songs that might be used for specific events during the reception. For me, anything that could simplify the planning was exactly what I was looking for.

Travel agents are available with brochures on destination weddings to traditional honeymoons. One thing that I never realized was that you can actually register for your honeymoon. The basic premise is the same as registering for gifts, but rather than asking for typical gifts, your guests purchase pieces of your honeymoon, whether it is an excursion or a spa day or just putting money toward the total amount. I had never heard of this until I was planning my wedding and honeymoon, but it made really great sense for my future husband to be and myself, because we had accumulated most everything that we already needed. Why hadn’t I discovered this sooner?!?!

All these vendors (and more) under one roof:

Affordable Photography Group
Island Photo Booths
Mirage Banquet Hall
The Landmark Centre
Club Car Limousine
Nelson’s Catering
Dr. Feelgoods Inc.
Goegleins Catering
A Party Apart
K & S Travel
MegaSound
Quattro Systems
4Ever Photography & Design
The Bride to Be
Totally Inclusive Travel
The Red Stiletto
Mutton Rental Center

The Bridal Spectacular is definitely a must for planning the perfect wedding day.

I’m obviously not a wedding planner or an expert by any means, but I know from experience that wedding planning can be overwhelming. So, over the coming weeks, I will be sharing some of my favorites from caterers and DJ’s to photographers and florists. And, for brides on a budget, I’ll share some of my tips for helping to keep your expenses low!

Happy Wedding Planning!

The guys of Rascal Flatts: Joe Don Rooney, Gary Levox and Jay DeMarcus

I’ve been a Rascal Flatts fan for years, have seen them in concert countless times and even had the opportunity to meet them in person, twice.  And, if this tells you anything, the first dance at our wedding, was their song, “Here.”  I’m pretty sure if I had the money, I would have tried to get them to actually play at my wedding!  So, when I heard that they were once again making a tour stop in the Fort, I was immediately on board.

Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney have only been in the country spotlight for a little over a decade, but their powerful ballads and summer party anthems have sky-rocketed them to success in the country music genre and beyond.  They have received more than forty major awards, including the Academy of Country Music’s “Vocal Group of the Year,” which they have won seven times and with more than 21 million albums sold, they have seen thirteen of their singles go number one on the charts.  They released their eighth studio album, “Changed,” in April, which features their current single, “Come Wake Me Up.”

Me with Rascal Flatts

I can honestly say that I can’t pick one of their songs as my favorite; there are just too many that I love, but I can always find that one song that exactly matches how I’m feeling. The energy and excitement of the Flatts crowd from the first piano chord to the very last guitar riff is amazing. If you aren’t a Rascal Flatts fan or have never experienced their music at a live show, this is one that I guarantee you will not regret.

Rascal Flatts stops at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum with the “Changed” Tour on Friday, October 5^th at 7 p.m. They bring with them special guests, Little Big Town, The Eli Young Band and Eden’s Edge.  Tickets are still available at $23, $47.75 and $61.75 (these prices do not include the normal Ticketmaster fees). Visit the Coliseum box office, any Ticketmaster location, or www.ticketmaster.com to purchase tickets.

And, you can CLICK HERE for a chance to win a Fort Wayne getaway with tickets to see the show!

My favorite season is coming…the changing from almost unbearable heat to warm days that turn into crisp cool, evenings…fall! And with fall come more fairs and festivals. I love the Grabill Country Fair! I love that it starts with the short, scenic drive from Fort Wayne and ends in a small town full of history, home-cooking and country charm.

The homemade ice cream is a great treat that you’re sure to come back for.

The fair begins on Thursday, September 6th and continues through Saturday, September 8th. Activities at the fair appeal to kids and adults of all ages, from magic shows to musical performances and contests from pie and watermelon eating to cherry pit spitting! All of the contests and events are relevant to the bygone era. The parade through the streets of Grabill begins on the 8th at 10 a.m. and is surely not to be missed! Musical entertainment ends each evening with gospel, country and bluegrass performers.

Over one hundred merchant and craft tents are set up and feature children’s items, blown glass, dolls, quilts and crocheted items. There are also local Amish vendors showcasing their handmade wood pieces. Artisans bring their own twist to creating homemade items including chain saw carvings, T-shirt art and hand-drawn portraits.

Handmade foods, crafts and music are staples of the Grabill Country Fair.

And let’s not forget about the food at the Fudergong! Each morning, the day begins with “Breakfast at the Fudergong” a Pancake and Sausage Gravy breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. The Fudergong offers homemade beef and noodles and freshly made pies from the Grabill Inn on the 6th and 7th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. On the 8th, High’s BBQ chicken and more pies from the Grabill Inn, from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. I cannot wait to get some of that chicken! Don’t forget the many food vendors that offer homemade rolled pretzels, ribs and lemon shake-ups!

To make things easy, you can park at Leo High School and catch a shuttle into Grabill. For more on shuttle information, a list of daily activities and a map of the area, visit the Grabill Country Fair website here.

The fair’s slogan is, “Grab your family, meet up with old friends and enjoy a look back at a slower pace and a simpler time!” See you in the country!

It’s almost that time of year again…Three Rivers Festival time! I think it might possibly be my favorite week in Fort Wayne, as there is always something to do. It’s hard to narrow all of the festivities down to my absolute favorite, but if I had to choose, one of my favorites would definitely be the Antique and Collectible Flea Market at Lawton Park.

It is always the first weekend of the festival, so my mom, my aunt and I always get up early and browse through the many items for sale and then, of course, hit Junk Food Alley, before calling it a day. This year the Flea Market is Saturday, July 14th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, July 15th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

You can just about find anything you are looking for. There are booths with collectible cars, antique toys, and homemade crafts. In past years, I have been able to find Avon products, health and beauty products, previously viewed DVD’s and even brand new Vera Bradley items!!!! The majority of items are reasonably priced, but of course, you may find some higher priced items in the antiques and collectibles. I confirmed that Delmar Video will be at the Flea Market with great prices on previously viewed movies!

If you take the time to really look through all of the booths, though, you may just find a hidden treasure! I always come home with something that I just had to have, and I’m sure you will, too! Happy hunting!

For more information on this and all other Three Rivers Festival events visit www.threeriversfestival.org. Also, be on the lookout for more TRF insider information from the rest of the Visit Fort Wayne bloggers!