Looking to stay active and utilize our extensive trail system this summer? This may be the perfect opportunity! Fort Wayne Trails is proud to host weekly Trek the Trails events, a series of free, guided community bike rides. Participants will enjoy scenic, winding routes along the Rivergreenway, The Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the Aboite Trails, the Pufferbelly Rail-to-Trail, and the Solomon Farm Trail.

Now in its 3^rd year, the event runs May through October, featuring 22 Tuesday evening rides, 4 Saturday morning rides, and a stargazing ride in October.  Each Tuesday evening ride is about 6 to 10 miles long. Saturday rides are longer, averaging 16 to 24 miles.

The best part? This is an all-ages event, so it’s perfect for families, couples, or individuals looking to find community among bike enthusiasts and trail lovers. There are a few ground rules: Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and all riders must wear a helmet.

Bring a bike and trek the trails!

“We never know what the catalyst will be for someone to get on a bike, but once they are riding, data shows people are healthier, happier and more engaged in the community,” says Lori Keys, Executive Director of Fort Wayne Trails. “The Trek the Trails rides provide encouragement in the form of tour leaders and support from other riders for people of all ages to get out and experience our trail network. We’re glad that the growing, popular Trek the Trails rides are playing some role in our residents discovering the joys of bicycling again!”

Fort Wayne is blessed with one of the finest trail systems in the region. Let’s get out and enjoy it.

For a full schedule, visit Fort Wayne Trails’ website.

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When you think food and baseball, what comes to mind? Hotdogs? Hamburgers? The famous peanuts and cracker jacks from the song Take Me Out to the Ballgame? Did you ever think that you could get an elephant ear, funnel cake, or BBQ brisket at a ballgame? You can, at Parkview Field, home of the Fort Wayne TinCaps.

As an employee in concessions for the TinCaps, I can tell you that the food is delicious, especially the funnel cakes. Don’t get me wrong, all of the food is equally delicious, but I am a little biased because I cook the funnel cakes!

Each stand has one or two items that are unique to their stand. Funnel cakes and elephant ears can be found in Concession Stand Three. Concession Stand One has soft serve ice cream. It is served in a cone, waffle cone, or mini TinCaps helmet. Concession stand Two has DiGiorno Pizza, TinCaps Salad, and Veggies and Hummus.  Concession stand Four has homemade chips, TinCaps Salad, and Veggies and Hummus.

Apple dumplings a la mode is just one dessert you can purchase from the Apple Cart located across from Concession Stand 3

Along with the four main concessions stands, there are the four special areas such as Centerfield Grill, Leinie Lodge, Centerfield Bar, and Third Base Bar. If you are looking for something other than beer or the other traditional baseball food, visit one of the many food and beverage carts when you can get Dippin’ Dots, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, Beef Brisket Sandwich, Philly Cheese Steak, Shaved Ice, or an array of apple desserts. Each cart offers something different.

Come out during the next home game and try any of the food mentioned here and much, much more. I am sure that you will find something you love.

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Lunch on the Square is located at One Summit Square Courtyard in Downtown Fort Wayne. Join us for lunch on Thursday between June 7 and August 30.

Summer is almost upon us. This means that Downtown Fort Wayne will come alive with music during lunch on Thursdays.  That’s right! The summer concert series Lunch on the Square is returning Thursday, June 7 through August 30.  Concerts run from 11:30 am – 1 pm at One Summit Square Courtyard, located at the corner of Calhoun and Wayne Streets.

If you need a break from the office for lunch, or just want to enjoy some great music, Lunch on the Square is just the summer fun you might need.

Every week, you’ll find great artists with genres of music ranging from folk to rock, blues to country, and other types in between, there is sure to be something for everyone.  Just take a look at the line up and see for yourself.

June 7, 2012 - Groove Caravan -Funk/Jazz/Blues
June 14, 2012 - Mathis Grey – Folk-Rock/ Soul
June 21, 2012 - Elle/ The Remnant – Indie Folk
June 28, 2012 - Freddy and the Hot Rods – 50′s Swing
July 5, 2012 - Ty Causey – Rhythm & Blues
July 12, 2012 - Sugar Shot – Country Rock
July 19, 2012 - Pop N’ Fresh – Vintage blue/ Funk
July 26, 2012 - Joe Justice – Soft Rock
August 2, 2012 - The Beef Manhattans – Sinatra Style Jazz
August 9, 2012 - Black Swamp String Band – Bluegrass
August 16, 2012 - Cougar Hunter – 80′s Glam Rock
August 23, 2012 - Scratch N Sniff – Classic Rock
August 30, 2012 - The J Taylors – Country Variety

So pack a lunch or stop at one of the many restaurants located downtown to get a to-go box and join us for some good music and fun times!

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Now that the warm weather appears to be here for good, our community is gearing up to head outdoors and stay there for the next few months. For my husband and I, warm weather means riding bikes on the trails, hosting cookouts in the backyard, taking day trips to the lake, and spending time in the garden, but visiting local farmer’s markets tops our list.

Enjoy the tastes of summer!

I don’t think there’s anything better than fresh, locally grown produce, and not only are the products tasty and healthful, but the market gives you the unique opportunity to understand where your food is coming from, as well. Farmer’s markets offer more than just fresh produce. Many feature baked good, garden supplies, personal care items, art, and other handmade wares, as well.

Our region is home to a multitude of markets, so make it a mission to shop local this summer and visit one.

Barr Street Market

302 East Berry Street

Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Season: June-September

Hours: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Organized by Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana, featuring fresh produce, plants, meats, baked goods and homemade crafts.

http://www.ylni.org/events/barr-street-market/

East State Village Market

Tecumseh Library on East State

Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Season: June-October

Hours: Sundays, 12 p.m.  to 4 p.m.

Featuring fresh produce, plants, herbs, flowers, arts and crafts, pottery, jewelry, and live entertainment throughout the afternoon.

Main Street Market

1936 West Main Street

Fort Wayne, IN 46808

Season: May-October

Hours: Fridays, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Featuring over 50 vendors, offering certified organic produce, locally grown produce, beef, poultry, eggs, breads, and flowers. Also includes artists and fine antique dealers.

Solomon Farmer’s Market

817 Dupont Road

Fort Wayne, IN 46825

Season: June-September

Hours: Wednesdays, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Featuring fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables, homemade breads and pastries, Indiana honey and maple syrup, and homemade personal care products.

Southside Farmer’s Market

3300 Warsaw Street

Fort Wayne, IN 46807

Season: Easter-December

Hours: Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Fort Wayne’s oldest farmers market, featuring 100 stands with locally grown fruits and vegetables, hand-crafted items, antiques, fresh baked goods, eggs, and hormone-free pork and chicken.

http://southsidefarmersmarket.com/

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Who doesn’t love a picnic? Grab the family, get a sandwich or pizza to go and head over to the park for some quality time.

No matter what side of town you are on (or want to go to) I’ve got you covered – below are my picks for great parks (and great places to grab a bite!)

Downtown has great restaurants and delis where you can pick up a quick bite.

Downtown
Dash-In (I recommend any of the grilled cheese sandwiches or the Tuna Po-Boy)
816 Pint and Slice (the Margherita is my favorite, and make sure you try the breadsticks too)
Toscani Pizzeria (the sausage pizza is the best)
Jimmy John’s (The Big John is always a hit)

Head over to Lawton Park (take some sand box toys)
Headwaters Park (bring the swimsuits and run through the fountains)
Freimann Square (bring some bread or crackers to feed the ducks)
One Summit Square (head over on Thursdays at 11:30am for live entertainment).

North
Don Hall’s Drive-In (the Big Buster is a must)
Five Guys Burgers and Fries (you can’t go wrong with the bacon cheeseburger)
Penn Station (the Dagwood is a family favorite)
Dogs N Suds (it’s ok, treat everyone to a root beer float)

Enjoy the afternoon at Shoaff Park (splash pad, baseball, golf or just walk the trails)
Northside Park (bring your tennis racquet or cool off at the pool)
Kreager Park (home of Taylor’s Dream Playground, complete with a new playground and splash pad)

Kreager Park is home to Taylor's Dream Playground, a great place to enjoy a picnic and for the kids to have a blast!

South
Casa! Ristorante (the Casa salad is amazing)
Shigs in Pit Barbeque (the Pulled Pork is their specialty)
Azar’s Big Boy (the Big Boy burger is amazing)
Culver’s Frozen Custard (and the best Butter burger)

Foster Park (playgrounds and great flower displays for a few pictures)
Lindenwood Nature Preserve (offering some peace and quiet as you enjoy the nature)
Tillman Park (take your baseball glove)
Indian Trails Park located at 10313 Aboite Center Road is sure to be a family hit

Do you have any other favorites I should add to the list?

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