The time is drawing near. Soon women (and a few men) from all over the country will be gathering in Fort Wayne, Indiana for one grand event. It’s an event like no other. An event that brings over 60,000 people to the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. What is it that draws everyone in? The Vera Bradley Outlet Sale.

That’s right, Fort Wayne is expecting over 60,000 people to attend the Vera Bradley Sale April 9-14 at the Coliseum. Tickets for the event went on sale February 1.  f you want to attend the during the first three days of the event, you’ll need to purchase a $5 ticket. Or, you can save the $5 admission fee by attending the event between April 12-14 when it’s open to the public for free.

We’ve asked some veteran attendees for some tips on getting the most out of the sale.  Here are their tips:

There’s plenty of product, don’t worry.
“There’s plenty of product to go around, so try to be patient,” says Stephanie Jones of Valparaiso, IN.  Stephanie’s a veteran sale-goer who typically brings her mom with her to the sale each year, making it a fun mother daughter outing. Stephanie assures us there’s more than enough product for everyone so a little patience and a friendly smile can go along way when navigating 60,000 people.

Come with an open mind
The products available at the sale are not part of Vera Bradley’s current line.  They’re former favorites that will be available for a substantial discount (up to 65% in some cases).  This is your chance to find a pattern you love at a great price or discover one you had forgotten about.

Jennifer Daniels, a veteran sale shopper from Detroit, tells me that she makes a list and has an idea of what she wants. “While they don’t list the patterns that will be available or the types of bags, have a list of what bags you want and/or want to look for,” she says. “If you are going the second day or later, definitely check blogs and online forums. People will post what is available, prices, and often photos.”

Leave the strollers and little ones at home
The sale is very busy and very crowded. While Vera Bradley does not prohibit either one, strollers and little ones will make it hard to navigate the crowd. Leaving your favorite little people in the care of a loved one will provide you ample time to shop and enjoy yourself.

Bring a friend and plan to have fun
There’s nothing better than bragging about your bargains to your friends. Bring friends with you and plan to have fun!  ou’ll see fun groups of friends in matching t-shirts, decorated cars, and lots of creativity. A company as fun and beautiful as Vera Bradley is sure to inspire a little creativity among shoppers.  This is your chance to let loose and have a little shopping fun.

Dress comfortably, be hands free, and stay nourished
You’re going to be on your feet a lot at the sale. Whether you’re in line to get in (the wait could be up to 45 minutes) or you’re inside shopping you’re going to be on your feet. While Vera Bradley is all about fashion, fashionable comfort will give you the patience to go the distance at this event.

Don’t forget some high protein snacks too. Some nuts or a protein bar along with some water will help you stay focused on finding that deal you’ve been waiting all year for.

Consider your favorite Vera Bradley cross body bag instead of your standard large tote. This will leave you hands free and provide you with plenty of room for a cell, credit cards, and snacks.

Stay nearby and turn it in to a fun trip
While the sale is a main event in Fort Wayne that week, there’s lots of other things to do while you’re here. Consider staying at one of Fort Wayne’s great hotels, such as the Holiday Inn at the Coliseum just across the street from the sale. Many hotels will provide shuttle service to and from the sale making it easier than ever to relax. Opening day for the TinCaps is April 11, so you can also take in a ball game while you’re in town, or make reservations at Baker Street or Cork ‘n Cleaver for a great steak to refuel your energy after the sale.

Fort Wayne resident Katy Stafford-Cunningham hosts her family and friends who visit during the sale. “We go out to dinner and if the weather is nice we go and walk around Jefferson Pointe Mall.  Last year we saw a movie too.”

Attend the preview night
Know a company that supports the Vera Bradley Foundation?  If so, they might have tickets to the preview night. Preview night is open to partners and supporters of Vera Bradley and allows guests the best shopping.

For more tips and ideas, or to register for the sale, click here!

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Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and finding the perfect gift can be a daunting task.

Creating the perfect date night can be even more challenging, as the perfect gift or perfect date will leave you in your sweetheart’s good graces for a long time to come. Of course, a Valentine’s Day misstep can leave a worse taste in his or her than last year’s stale heart candies. So, we’re sharing a few ideas to make finding something special this Valentine’s Day a little easier.

Something personal
You know your loved one best. Consider a gift that speaks to their passions. Is he/she a lover of vintage books? Drop by Hyde Brother’s on Wells Street for a great selection of over 150,000 titles. Is your valentine a techie? Stop out to Signature Mac for the best that Apple has to offer. Does your valentine have a green thumb? Check out Broadview Florist and Greenhouse for the perfect gift.

Something to look forward to
We all love having something to look forward to, so give your date just that. For your valentine who loves sports, pick up tickets to a TinCaps game or for the entire season at Parkview Field. Stop by the Team Store to pick up a T-shirt or cap you can wrap the tickets up with and you have a great themed gift. For the music lover, consider tickets to an upcoming performance of their favorite artist at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum or the Embassy Theatre. Have a movie lover you need to please? Season tickets to Cinema Center for some of this year’s best flicks is a great choice.

Something decadent
The wonderful thing about Valentine’s Day is that it’s an excuse to be decadent. Consider surprising your loved one with a trip to Country Heritage Winery or to sample craft beers at Mad Anthony’s Brewery. If you’d rather try something a little sweeter, consider a deliciously decadent ice cream sundae from DeBrand. It’s beautiful and extra romantic when shared.

Something educational
Has your special someone always talked about taking a class or learning something new? Check out IPFW’s continuing studies calendar for some great classes that will get your valentine’s creative juices flowing. Whether you’re looking for a class on voice acting, knitting, or anything in between, you’re sure to find it at IPFW.

Roses from Cottage Flowers

Something classic
Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to go for the classic romantic date night. Start with your sweetheart’s favorite flowers. Roses are classics but what’s more impressive is sending his or her favorite flowers. Cottage Flowers on Wayne Street will be able to help you find a creative solution that fits your sweetheart’s personality and style. If sending flowers to the office isn’t the right move, consider arriving with flowers in hand to start your date. Fresh Market in Covington Plaza has many affordable options but you’ll need to get there early in the day to get the best selection.

Follow up the flowers with a classic and romantic dinner for two. Nothing’s more romantic than hiding away at the Bourbon Street Hideaway on Columbia Street. It’s hidden away location, passionate Cajun cuisine, and romantic atmosphere will set the mood for a great date night.

Of course a romantic dinner out doesn’t have to be expensive. Consider a “Lady and the Tramp” inspired dinner for two at Ziano’s Italian restaurant. Whether your sharing spaghetti and meatballs or a pizza pie it’s sure to be romantic on a budget.

And even something practical
Is your valentine someone who appreciates the more practical side of things? If so, consider having their car detailed by the team at Fox and Fox. Don’t forget to fill up the tank. Of course, a little box of chocolates on the driver’s seat is a nice touch too.

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It’s easy to avoid “big box” stores, and put your money in local shop owners’ hands when you have great options.

Covington Plaza boasts several options for local shopping. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Olive Twist: Locally owned and operated by Lori and Terry Berndt, the boutique specializes in olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar.  Olive Twist will help you create the perfect concoction to please your palate. Be sure to try a sample at their tasting bar. Create your own “twist” to discover a new world of flavor! After sampling you’ll likely want to grab a bottle for yourself. The bottles come in a variety of sizes,  200 ml, 375 ml, and 750 ml, sure to please any cook.

• Belyst: This boutique specializes in designer apparel and accessories for creative and free-spirited women. Check out their selection of vintage and handmade jewelry and works by local artists.

• Riegel’s Pipe & Tobacco: According to their website, Riegel’s Pipe and Tobacco is one of the Midwest’s largest pipe and cigar stores.  They sell premium cigars such as Alcazar Maduro, Cohiba, Kristoff, Arturo Fuente, Montecristo, Sancho Panza and many, many more.  Along with cigars they also have a wide selection of pipes from makers like Ardor, Maestro De Paja, Nording, Savinelli, and many others.

So, there you have it…a few options to support local retailers. After a day of shopping, I recommend a meal at locally owned and operated Indian restaurant Taj Mahal.

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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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Calling all sweet tooths! If you’re anything like me, sugar-coated confections are hard to resist. I love all things chocolate, candy, and treats glazed, covered or dripping with delicious goodness. So we’ve rounded up a few Fort Wayne favorites for you to delight in. And after you satisfy your tastebuds, of course, you can pick up a few treats for gifts and to take home as an edible souvenir.

Abby Brown’s Chocolate Christmas Trees

Abby Brown’s Candy Shoppe

www.abbybrown.com

Chocolate lovers will fall in love with this quaint candy shop. A Fort Wayne staple since 1976 with a goal of making candy fun, Abby Brown’s offers an array of bonbons and chocolates of a variety of flavors, shapes and designs: milk, dark, white, truffles, cordials, nuts, even edible greeting cards. Whimsical sweets made especially for the holidays include chocolate Santa and Christmas tree lollypops; peanut butter, caramel and chocolate Santas; Christmas tree-shaped chocolates; and snowflake Oreos.

1415 E. State Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Nut House

http://www.nuthousefw.com/

Every tastebud will be satisfied with the Nut House’s selection of delicious gourmet popcorns and fresh roasted nuts, and your sweet tooth with delectable cheesecake. Their popular popcorn tins come cove seasonal-themed scenes, great for gifting. The peanut brittle, glazed nuts, salty-sweet mixes, toffee and almond barks, are also perfect for sharing. They offer sugar-free versions of their treats, and other most-wanteds like chocolate-covered pretzels, cookies and caramels.

Jefferson Pointe, 4510 W. Jefferson Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46804

DeBrand’s Holiday Wreath

DeBrand Fine Chocolates

www.debrand.com

DeBrand’s is a heavenly must-stop for all visitors. Known for their fine and beautiful chocolates, this time of year you can fill your tummy with their famous holiday collections such as Holiday Medley, Milk Chocolate Santa Coins, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Chocolate Thoughts Bars and an elegant Truffle Wreath Box filled with an assortment of truffles. Their sets of mini chocolate bars, caramel and chocolate pretzel rods, tasting bars, and hot chocolate on a spoon make great stocking stuffers, too. You can also take a behind-the-scenes tour of how they make their chocolates on Tuesdays and Thursdays at their Auburn Road location ($5 per person).

10105 Auburn Park Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46825

5608 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825

Jefferson Pointe, 4110 W. Jefferson Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Inside Scoop

You’ll go back to your kid days in this colorful candy store. Make it one of your first stops when you get to the mall so you can enjoy a quick sugar rush before you shop. You can fill up your treat bags with giant scoops of all of your sweet favorites like jelly beans, Swedish fish, licorice, gummy bears, sour patches, and every other candy your palate desires, and also make custom mixes as token gifts for other kids at heart.

Glenbrook Mall, 4201 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Chocolate Thimble

Chocolate Thimble

www.chocolatethimble.com

Tucked away in a corner just a short drive outside of Fort Wayne, this hidden gem is a small family-owned shop brimming with a variety of big flavors. Run by sisters and their daughters they sell their homemade confections, and, as their clever name suggests also offer sewing andlting classes. The ladies handcraft their brittles and barks, sophies and caramels the old-fashioned way. Pick up their chocolate Christmas trees, charms snowman and Santa for family and friends back home. For parties, their chocolate assortment trays are always crowd pleasers. And while you visit, enjoy their nut clusters, buckeyes, peppermint bark, toffee, and my favorite – chocolate-covered cherries.

2384 Shoaff Road, Huntertown, IN 46748

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