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!

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Second-hand items can have a lot of charm, and are easy on your pocketbook. The Summit City boasts several option for “previously loved” furniture, clothing, etc.

Here are a few local options:

• reNew Upscale Resale: This store, located at 6606 E. State Blvd. in Georgetown Square,  carries furniture, home décor & seasonal items,hardware/tools, books, jewelry, sporting goods, toys, and more! The best part: proceeds support Christian education at Blackhawk Christian School.

• Peaches Home Furnishings & Antiques: This place, located just east of downtown, is never the same store twice.  From knick knacks , to furniture, to dishware, you are sure to find something that strikes your fancy. They buy, sell and trade.

• Habitat for Humanity Restore:  Here, consumers can find new and used items, including construction materials, doors, paint, windows, household items, carpet, lighting, and more at discounted prices. An added perk: shopping the ReStore directly supports the Habitat for Humanity mission.

• Cherished Again: Cherished Again is one of Indiana’s largest consignment furniture stores. They feature a wide variety of pre-owned home and office furnishings to meet your decorating needs

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It had been a while since I had driven through Covington Plaza on West Jefferson Blvd. to peruse its shops. I was pleasantly surprised to notice the numerous high-quality shops and cafes and stores located within it.

While space does not permit me to mention each place in detail, I wanted to mention several by name, starting with the restaurants. Covington Plaza has some of the city’s best dining!

Chappell’s Coral Grille (260-456-9652) is known for its fine seafood dishes. After being located in downtown Fort Wayne for several decades, it secured a convenient location in this spot in which thousands of people drive by daily. Plan to stop in soon.

Catablu Grille now serves lunch from 11 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Evening meals are served from 4:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. 260.456.6563.

The Olive Twist sells olive oil and balsamic vinegar condiments to enhance your home cooked culinary experiences. (260.436.3866). Visit their second location in Auburn or order online at www.theolivetwist.com.

Taj Mahal and Yen Ching both offer delicious Asian influences with moderately priced menus.

As for fashion, Covington Plaza has it covered. Ha! Jophiel Style is well-known for offering fine women’s clothing in Fort Wayne for many years.

Susan’s was voted by participants of the Fort Wayne Newspapers Reader’s Choice Awards as the #1 Best Women’s Clothing Store and Boutique in Fort Wayne!

B. Mitchel Fine Jewelry and Merle Norman and Sizzorworks Style Studios add accents to a great appearance.

After an afternoon of shopping, skip just a few steps away to Woodhouse Day Spa. Just looking at the website for this place helps me relax! Indulge in a detoxifying seaweed wrap, organic sugar scrub pedicure and a rejuvenating Shirodhara scalp massage. Ah!

From high fashion stores to international cuisine restaurants and a day spa, the stores at Covington Plaza offer a plethora of services and pleasures,

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The Fort Wayne Museum of Art extends its hospitality to visitors by opening wide the doors of Paradigm Gallery, its museum store, for extended hours on the Second Thursdays of each month.

Hours for Second Thursdays are from 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Each month in 2012 Second Thursdays have offered different shopping options: items for gardens and lawns; new artist debuts; area jewelry artistry; sales of items under $100; demonstrations of wood turning by area artisans.

The lovely gift shop is a highlight of the Museum of Art.

June’s Second Thursday will offer views of the Paradigm Gallery with its doors literally wide open under the sky’s magnificence at sunset.

There is free admission during Second Thursdays.

Fort Wayne Museum of Art
311 East Main Street

Regular hours for the museum are Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Sun 12-5. Closed holidays.

For additional information, call 260.424.6467 or go to www.fwmoa.org.

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Budget-conscious visitors can find plenty to do in the Summit City at no cost. Here are a few wallet-friendly options:

• Summer is a great time to get active. Ride or walk on Fort Wayne’s trail system. Fort Wayne is a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts. Its 60-mile trail system and rivers welcome guests for a weekend of fun and adventure.

The trails are a great (and free) way to see Fort Wayne in a new way, and get some exercise.

• Are you a history buff and have a few hours to spare? The Allen County is a draw for those who want to research their roots. The Genealogy Center at the main branch of Allen County Public Library (ACPL) in Fort Wayne contains more than 332,000 printed volumes and 362,000 records of archival nature on microfilm and microfiche.These stats make the Genealogy Center at ACPL the largest collection of genealogy and local history materials in a public library in the US. It is the second largest collection of its kind in North America.

• Jefferson Pointe is more than just about shopping. The lifestyle center offers toddler programs and live music on Fridays in the summer.  Of course window shopping is always free!

• Discover a Fort Wayne icon, Hyde Bros Booksellers. Located just north of downtown Fort Wayne on the east side of the street at 1428 Wells, it is one of the largest bookstores in Indiana. Specialties include history, literature, nature, Indiana, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, horror, sports, humor, travel, religion, and the social sciences.

• Fort Wayne is fortunate to have a quality art museum downtown–the Fort Wayne Art Museum.  This contemporary art museum offers works from permanent collections and national traveling exhibitions. Visitors can also enjoy activities including workshops, lectures, guided tours. Additionally, the museum store has unique selections of original art, jewelry and gifts. Visitors can enjoy free admission Thursdays and Sundays.

With the reasonable cost of living, Fort Wayne is an choice easy for someone watching expenses. Who doesn’t love saving a little green?

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