Looking for a unique shopping (or browsing) experience? A few local spots offer great shopping, with a touch of history on the side!

Pio Market on State St – 1225 East State Boulevard  Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Phone: (260) 484-5414

When you walk into the Pio Market II, it’s as if you are stepping back in time into a neighborhood grocery store. It’s something I’ve only seen in movies; a local grocery where the grocer knows his customers by name, the ground beef and sausage is homemade everyday and kids stop in after school for candy. When the market first opened as a Kroger store in the 1920s, there were 20 neighborhood grocers in the area. Then, one by one, they all closed their doors, including the Pio Market I, which used to be located on Calhoun Street. Since then, the store has had six owners, including the Pio family who owned it for 30 years. Lining the walls of the market are antique memorabilia including signage, a Coca-Cola cooler and a bottle opener on the wall near the exit. Most items date back to when the store first opened and current owner Neal Butler wants to keep it that way.

Hyde Brothers Bookstore – 1428 Wells St. Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Phone: (260)-424-0197

This bookstore was started by the two brother Sam and Joel. Sam and Joel Hyde were more than brothers. They were business partners, co-owners of Hyde Brothers Booksellers, the dusty, crowded and cozy used bookstore on Wells Street. The partnership lasted 10 years and both Sam and Joel describe the parting as amicable. But it was also fraught with long discussions about what Sam owed Joel and vice versa. The process of divvying up the store’s inventory alone was a slow process, Sam says. Now Sam fully owns Hyde Brothers and Joel owns “Every Other Book”. Visit the website at http://www.hydebros.com/

Stoner’s – 712 S Harrison St Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Phone: (260)-426-1100

Stoner’s FunStore is a Fort Wayne staple and has been around longer than many people realize. The store has been passed on through generations, starting with Albert Stoner in 1949. His legacy lives on today through his son Dick and his grandson, Kevin, who both help run the store. Stoner’s is located right off of South Harrison just around the corner from Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island. Check out their website at http://stoners.com/

Riegels Pipe and Tobacco- 6410 West Jefferson Boulevard #12 Fort Wayne
Phone: (260) 432-0002

It all started in a modest little cigar store in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Since 1874, Riegel’s Pipe and Tobacco has been selling premium cigars at affordable prices, and today they’re one of Mid-west largest retailers of premium cigars! Visit the website at http://www.riegelscigars.com/site/

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Looking for a restaurant that offers a delicious meal with a side of history? Check out these long-running Fort Wayne favorites . . .

The Oyster Bar – 1830 South Calhoun Street Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: (260) 744-9490

Today it is one of Fort Wayne’s favorite restaurants, but it came from humble beginnings. In 1894 Joseph, a bartender purchased the saloon, thus beginning the longest family ownership of the establishment. Rosina and Joseph lived above the saloon until approximately 1910. Shortly after Joseph purchased the saloon, prohibition was ushered in from 1918 and 1931. In 1932, the country began to rebound from the depression, prohibition was abolished, and F.D.R. came into power. Leo Schnee (Joseph’s son) opened the saloon under the name of Hoosier Products CO., Malt. Leo was said to be a rather cantankerous proprietor. If he liked you, he served you; if he didn’t, he didn’t. Leo operated the saloon under a variety of names. From 1935 to 1939, it was called Schnee’s Restaurant. From 1940 to 1944, it was known as Schnee’s Liquors. From 1945 to 1953, the saloon had several different owners and names, the most notable being “The Wiffenpoof”, under the management of M. McNamara and R. Venderley. In 1954, the real Oyster Bar era began. Hughie Johnston, a local superstar athlete, purchased the saloon and property from Leo Schnee. Hughie played first base for the world champion Zollner Pistons Softball team. In 1954, Hughie brought the team’s star second baseman, Neal Barille, into the business and operated it as Hughie’s Tap from 1954 to 1962. Hughie also introduced oysters in 1954. During the Johnston and Barille years the saloon became a favorite haunt of prosecutors, lawyers, and other professional people. In 1963, Neal Barille purchased Hughie’s Tap and changed the name to “Neal’s Oyster Bar.” Neal operated the restaurant/saloon very successfully until 1975. Alan Huffman and Alex Laguna purchased the business and shortened the name to “The Oyster Bar.” Alan remodeled the kitchen, bathrooms, and bar to their present states. In 1987, a new era began when Steven M. Gard and Brenda K. Gard purchased The Oyster Bar. Today the Oyster Bar is a popular restaurant in Fort Wayne. They offer some really great food. I highly recommend checking it out!

Coney Island – 131 West Main Street  Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: (260) 424-2997

Coney Island Wiener Stand has been serving Fort Wayne since 1914 and offers you the same coney recipe, famous chili, and the steamed buns to top it all off. It is a local favorite! It is a coney shop true to its roots. The long counter is supplemented by a row of tables with classic ice cream parlor chairs. The storefront is dominated by a large window through which you can watch the dogs being constructed; on cold days, the steamy warmth beckons one to step inside, order a couple hotdogs with everything, a coke (in the bottle with a straw) a bag of chips and a piece of homemade pie. A lunch doesn’t get better than this, owned by the same family for nearly a hundred years. I would definitely suggest stopping in for lunch sometime !Also,LIKE Coney Island on Facebook for great promotions and information online.

Cindy’s Diner – 830 South Harrison Street Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: (260) 422-1957

Purchased for $6,000 in 1952 by Noah Clauss, one of Fort Wayne’s first fast food restaurants was located at the northwest corner of Clinton and Jefferson Streets, sold and renamed Paul’s Diner in 1960, it remained a local hangout. In 1966 the building was relocated to the southwest corner of Clay and Berry streets, where it became a hangout for the local police, and famous for its breakfast entree “garbage”, as Marge’s Diner. In 1990, restored to its original luster, it was dubbed “Cindy’s Diner” and moved to its present location to the delight of nostalgia buffs and others who enjoy the excellent food and cheery atmosphere. In 1997, the addition of the Murphy’s Dime Store donut machine adds to the nostalgia and memories of the “good old days” in downtown Fort Wayne. Some favorites from the locals include American Fries, Applesauce, Chef Salad, Chicken Strips, Cole Slaw, Cottage Cheese, French Fries, Onion Rings, Toss Salad, and Chili.  LIKE Cindy’s Diner on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cindys-Diner/273842097420. Check it out!

Paula’s On Main- 1732 West Main Street Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Phone: (260) 424-2300This two-story restaurant is housed in an old factory building, which makes for a great setting for a beautiful, upscale yet casual dining experience. In addition to the renowned fare, the service and the atmosphere can’t be beat. Attentive servers go out of their way to ensure a one-of-a-kind experience. Nautical themed decor adorns the walls, making guests feel like they’re at the lake. If you love seafood Paula’s is the place to go! Many locals say this is the freshest seafood in all of Indiana. I personally think that Paula’s has the best seafood in Fort Wayne. Many people go to buy fresh fish and return home to cook it. The chefs will always give great advice on how to prepare the fish and even tell you how to make some of their recipes! When dining out the relaxed atmosphere is wonderful & the specials are often a treat. I strongly recommend Paula’s, it’s great!

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Fort Wayne’s African/African American Historical Museum

Have you visited the African/African-American Historical Museum lately? It might be time to give it a second visit!

This museum is full of knowledgeable and friendly staff members who take you on a tour of the museum and explain African history from the very beginning of time through African American history in today’s society.

The African/African American Historical Museum’s mission, as directed by the Society, is to educate and promote understanding and appreciation of the African Diaspora through collection, exhibitions, and programming. It is very interesting to learn about what Africans went through and how they overcame hardship.

One of my personal favorite things about the museum is the African Village exhibit. This exhibit of an African village is set in West Africa, along with African artifacts. It shows what true Africans from villages made in their spare time. Many of the pieces show just how talented they were. They taught themselves how to make a banjo out of a gourd. They also made drums from animal skins and wood. Another very interesting exhibit that is the last stop of the tour is the William E. Warfield Room and Store. Mr. Warfield, a leading citizen of the community, published the first Black Newspaper in the city called Fort Wayne Weekly Vindicator.  He named the Indian Village Addition (west of Brooklyn Avenue).  He kept diaries for 27 years.  The museum has the complete set of these diaries, which contain accurate information of the day to day account of local events, from 1909 to 1936.

In the gift store there are a variety of items for sale. There are items such as Authentic West African Garb, jewelry, books, Tee shirts, sweat shirts, and mugs. I would definitely suggest bringing the whole family to check it out! All the information gained during the tour would make for a great research paper opportunity for middle school, high school or even college kids! Feel free to check out their website before you go!

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Consider it a hard rocker’s dream come true. The Embassy Theatre’s Down the Line: Hard Chord will spotlight five local hard rock bands performing the music that inspired them, Saturday, Dec. 29, at 7 p.m.

The event is a win-win for the community. Hard rock fans can enjoy a great night of hard rock music at an affordable price. What’s more, the event provides a great opportunity for local bands to play the historic stage, while raising funds for the Embassy Theatre. So, what can fans expect at this concert?

Here, you will hear TOOL as performed by Autovator. This band melds styles and twists melodic impressions into something akin to the mayhem produced by putting jumper cables on your ear lobes. Kick back and enjoy Def Leppard songs as performed by  KillNancy. KillNancy was voted the best new performer in northeast Indiana by readers of “Whatzup.” KillNancy will take the stage to pay homage to a band that pioneered the metal music video on MTV.

I, Wombat is sure to wake up your ears. They local rock chameleons, ready to take on the horror-inspired lyrics of Black Sabbath. Next, covering grunge giant Alice in Chains is Kill the Rabbit, 2010 winner of “Whatzup’s” Battle of the Bands.  Last but not least, is Downstrait who will perform the blood spitting songs of KISS. They are considered to be a powerful and entertaining Fort Wayne rock group ready to bring its dramatic element and signature sound to the songs of KISS.

Tickets for this all-ages show on Dec. 29 are $10 in advance and $12 the week of the show, on sale now at the Embassy Theatre box office, all other Ticketmaster locations and Ticketmaster.com.

Built in 1928, the historic Embassy Theatre features national productions from the Broadway stage, concerts of all musical formats, cinema, educational programming and a continued commitment to young people.

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OK, I admit it, I’m not a shopper. My poor daughters had to drag me to the mall each year for prom dresses. We went through the same procedure in winter to do an annual Christmas shopping trip.

So why am I writing a post on shopping in downtown Fort Wayne? Because I just spent an entire day shopping there and loved it!

As one who is stringent with driving because of the cost of gas, I loved it that we could get to Jefferson Pointe to go to Dick’s Sporting Goods at Apple Glen for a gift certificate for my husband (he wants hunting gear) and new walking shoes for me, then be back downtown in 10 minutes.

Tickets to a Broadway show at the Embassy Theatre for my sister—Check.

Gift certificate to J.K. O’Donnell’s Irish Pub for my daughter who spent a semester in Ireland and loved it—Check.

Purchase of post cards of Fort Wayne at the Fort Wayne Visitors Center for my other daughter who currently lives in Vienna, Austria—Check. (Hint: The Visitors Center has many gift items available for purchase from TinCaps hats and sweatshirts to cookbooks by area chefs and aerial views of Fort Wayne.)

By then, the three of us were ready for lunch. We stopped in at the Lincoln Tower Soda Fountain for malts and sandwiches. Love this cozy eatery!

While downtown, we visited The History Center’s new exhibit on Fort Wayne Innovations. Who said shopping can’t be educational? It’s the Mom in me.

Other shops awaited us downtown, but by then we were tired and ready to plan them for another day. What is your favorite downtown place to shop?

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