Your Fort Wayne experience doesn’t have to end when you leave town. Several local businesses have online ordering, so you can take a little bit of the flavor with you! Here are a few to start:

DeBrands Fine Chocolates:  Their safe and secure website offers an easy and efficient online shopping experience.  Whether you’re sending gifts, or treating yourself to some of the world’s best chocolates, it’s like having your own chocolate shop right inside your home. The best part is you can take advantage of their flat rate shipping – only $9.95 per recipient on all retail orders under $1,000 in the continental USA. Delivery is within 1-2 business days from ship date.

Phil’s Hobby Shop:  From arts & crafts, to trains, there is something for everyone hobbyist. In addition to their two Fort Wayne locations, Phil’s offers e-commerce. Customers can take advantage of free shipping for all order over $100.

Vera Bradley: Vera Bradley is known for its bags with charming patterns to suit all tastes.   These popular and colorful products seem to pop up everywhere you look — on college campuses, in airports, walking down the street.

OFabz: OFabz has made a name for itself with gorgeous swimsuit designed for the functional needs of active guys and gals. The styles vary, but are totally retro. Fine one that speaks to you via their online store!

TinCaps: Show your support for Fort Wayne’s home team through purchasing some apparel from the TinCaps team store. From T-shirts, to caps, to jerseys, they have it all!

Visit Fort Wayne – The ultimate place for Fort Wayne souvenirs – you can find t-shirts, mugs, books and more!

What are some other Fort Wayne favorites that you love?

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Every once in a while, ladies need a Girl’s Night Out. We get it! Here are a few great Fort Wayne Girls Night (or Day) Out ideas for you to try.

Outdoor Adventure!

Wanting to ditch the typical spa and shopping day for something a little healthier?  Hit the Fort Wayne Trails and take in the scenery while catching up on the latest girlfriend gossip.  As the weather gets warmer, rent a canoe and enjoy the rivers Fort Wayne is famous for.  Finish up the day with a bite to eat and a cool beverage on the Deck at Don Hall’s Gashouse on the river.

50 Shades of Theatre?

Were you one of the 70 million readers who read 50 Shades of Grey?  If so, you’ll want to check out Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody on June 11 at The Embassy Theatre in downtown Fort Wayne. (You can even win tickets!) The producers promise a “naughty and hilarious” night out and they guarantee you’ll be laughing out loud.  Stop by the Oyster Bar on Calhoun Street for dinner and martinis at Club Soda on Superior after the show.

Spa time!

There’s nothing like relaxing and enjoying a little pampering with your BFFs.  Set appointments at Woodhouse Day Spa to experience a day of pampering.  Enjoy hot stone massages, facials, pedicures, and much more.  Call their Spa Concierge to schedule your visit today.

Wine!

“The Chop’s Pour” in what locals know to be one of the best glasses of wine you’ll find in Fort Wayne. Known for its large glass of wine and their exceptional selection, Chops Wine Bar will give you that big city feel without having to leave town.  Enjoy their smaller portion menu in the bar or make reservations for dinner at Chop’s Restaurant next door.  You’re assured to have a good time.

Shopping!

With two large malls and lots of independent local stores in Fort Wayne, you’re sure to enjoy a great day of shopping with your girlfriends.  Whether you’re enjoying the outdoor shopping experience at Jefferson Pointe Mall or the comfortable indoors of the stores at Glenbrook Mall you’re sure come across those must have items.  Want  to shop local?  Spend a day exploring local stores including Creative Women of the World on Wayne St, Hyde Brothers Bookstore on Wells, or Jophiel, and the Olive Twist both located in Covington Plaza on Jefferson Blvd.

Desserts!

We love our sweets in Fort Wayne.  Why not plan a girls night out sampling some of the best sweets in town? After all, nothing goes with girl talk like a little chocolate.  Consider indulging in DeBrand’s chocolate at one of their beautiful stores.  Locals love the sundaes in chocolate cups made right there at DeBrands.  Stop by Richards Bakery or Yummee’s for some delicious cupcakes too.   Looking for something a little less sinful?  Check out the gluten free baked goodies at Pembroke Bakery.

Have a great time – and let us know of any other treats that you and your girlfriends enjoy!

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In the mood for a bargain? Check out these options for Fort Wayne garage sales:

• May 10-11: Cherry Hill Neighborhood Sales
• May 17-18: Neighborhood Sales at Arlington Park & Seven Oaks
• April 11: Trinity Lutheran Church Spring Rummage And Bake Sale
• April 13: FPC Giant Garage Sale

Be sure to follow these tips for garage success.  First, make a map. Finding the garage sales ahead of time is the easiest way to maximize your early morning shopping hours. You can find listings in the newspaper and online for the weekend’s sales. Another insider’s tip is to seek out neighborhood sales. This is like striking gold. Since the neighborhood handles the advertising and organizing, sellers are more likely to participate, and you can find either one big sale or tons of smaller sales in one compact area. Last, be sure to have small bills and change ready. While most sellers are prepared with ones and fives to make change, some forget. And if you’re one of their first customers, they may not have enough change to sell you, say, a 25-cent book and make change for a $20.

Know of any other sales we should add? Let us know. And, happy hunting!

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The “farm to table” trend is in full swing in Fort Wayne thanks to Fort Wayne Farmers Market.  What began as a monthly farmer’s market at Parkview Field is growing quickly. The first Saturday of each month, the market is held in the Lincoln Financial Event Center at Parkview Field in downtown Fort Wayne.  Starting in October 2013, the Indoor Winter Market will take place twice each month.

The market is a “producers-only” market.  This means that vendors are only selling what they or their employees make.  The goal of the market is to bring local, fresh goods to the Fort Wayne community.  In addition to food, the market also hosts art and crafts vendors although fewer in number than local food vendors.  Vendors include local produce farmers, local fry farms, bakeries, jewelry vendors, craft vendors, and soap vendors.

The market is expanding rapidly with plans to offer farmers markets in various parts of the city almost daily during the summer.  Locations will include Parkview Region Medical Center on Tuesdays, New haven & One Summit Square on Wednesdays, Georgetown Square on Thursdays, Jefferson Pointe Mall of Fridays, and Downtown on Saturdays.  Also expanding is the Arts and Crafts Markets with similar locations but a slightly different schedule.  Upcoming events include April 6, May 4 and May 18. Be sure to check their website for the full event schedule.

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Whether you’re considering relocating to Fort Wayne, or you’re visiting and want to get to know the city a little better, a driving tour can be a great way to see all of our great city. We’ve put together a Fort Wayne drive-about guide to seeing the sites through your windshield.

Welcome to Fort Wayne!

FWA

Your flight has landed and you’re ready to be on your way, but before you leave, check out the Greater Fort Wayne Aviation Museum located in the terminal, at the top of the escalators. Aviation history buffs will find historic details of the hold Baer Field and local aviation heroes. Admission is free. Be sure to take the cookie they’ll offer you as you leave the terminal – it’s a deliciously sweet way to be welcomed to our city and it’s made right across the street. Military history buffs will also enjoy the retired military aircraft showcased at the entrance of to the National Air Guard Base located just east of the airport.

Come on by!

Stop by our Visitors Center, located in downtown Fort Wayne at 927 Harrison St. (on the corner of Harrison and Washington directly across from the Grand Wayne Center) for maps, guides, and information about what to see and do.

Explore Downtown

Downtown Fort Wayne is easily accessible on foot and parking is reasonably priced near by. From here you can venture through downtown to enjoy the architecture and history of our great city. Grab a bite at one of our many restaurants, take a walk around Parkview Field (it’s open during non game days and admission is free), shop in our unique shops, and check out our historic Allen County Courthouse.  If you’re looking to know about the history of Fort Wayne, pop in to the Fort Wayne History Center located at 302 E Berry St (on the corner of Barr and Berry).  If you’d like to know more about the architecture and preservation of area buildings visit ARCH, Architecture and Community Heritage, at 818 Lafayette Street.  Downtown Fort Wayne has beautiful parks to enjoy as well.  Relax by the fountains in Freimann Square or go ice-skating in Headwaters Park.

Check out our great neighborhoods

Consider a walking tour of West Central’s historic homes. This historic neighborhood, located just west of downtown Fort Wayne boasts many restored homes and tree lined streets just waiting for you to stroll down. Looking for a sweet treat and some great shops? Check out the East State Neighborhood with great shops to pop in and out of. Don’t forget to pick up a cupcake at Yum.Mee’s Bakery (I recommend the vanilla). Want a great place to watch the game? Check out Wrigley Bar and Grill in the Georgetown Neighborhood.

Get a little shopping in while you’re in town

Fort Wayne has two great malls. Glenbrook Mall and the surrounding shopping centers have all of the stores you’re looking for. From Macy’s to Bobick’s Golf there’s a little bit for every shopper. Or, head to Jefferson Pointe for a beautiful shopping experience in their outdoor mall. With high end department stores such as Von Maur and boutiques such as Vera Bradley and Acorn you’ll find the best Fort Wayne has to offer.  Make sure to stop by DeBrands for a truffle or share the decadent ice cream sundae with a friend.

Take in a game

We love minor league sports in Fort Wayne. No matter the time of year, you can find an event to watch. Check out Mad Ants Basketball, Komets Hockey, The Derby Girls, or a TinCaps Baseball game. Tickets are reasonably priced and there isn’t a bad seat in the house.

Be a kid again

Explore the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. It appeals to kids from 3-93 and will make you want to return. Be sure to feed the giraffes and take in the sea lion show.  If animals aren’t your thing, head on over to Science Central where kids can learn about science hands on.  You can’t miss their brightly painted smoke stacks just north of downtown.

Take in a festival

From late spring to early fall there’s a festival almost every weekend. You’re sure to be entertained by GermanFest, the Three Rivers Festival, or Johnny Appleseed Festival. Even if you’re not here during the Johnny Appleseed Festival, stop by Johnny Appleseed Park at 1500 Coliseum Blvd. There you’ll find the final resting place of John Chapman, aka Johnny Appleseed.

Experience the Arts

Explore the Art scene in Fort Wayne. The Art Campus is located on the east side of downtown and is walkable. There you’ll explore museums, galleries, studios, theatres, and a cinema.

Eat!

Fort Wayne is know for its unique treats.  Whether you’re in the mood for Coney Dogs at Coney Island on Main Street or a tour of DeBrand’s Chocolate Factory (complete with samples) on Auburn Rd there’s something for you. You’ll lovesimple Greek meals from Friends Too, a great steak and a merlot from Chops, and Italian goodness from Casa’s.  You’re sure to find something that fits your taste buds.

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