When visiting Fort Wayne, Indiana this holiday season be sure to take advantage of the 25th annual Holiday Cab program, which gives residents and visitors a free and safe ride home after a night on the town.

The 2012 program runs from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. daily until January 1, 2013. Simply call 260.426.1301 to schedule your ride. In fact, go ahead and save this number in your cellular phone right now just in case!

Rides are provided to anyone with a destination within a 10-mile radius of downtown Fort Wayne. If your destination is more than 10 miles away you can still call for a ride, however, any mileage traveled beyond 10 miles will need to be paid.

Keep in mind that rides are only given to take someone home. They will not be given to anyone wanting to be taken to another bar, restaurant or party.

The Holiday Cab program began in Fort Wayne in 1987 and last year provided close to 400 rides. The program was started to prevent tragedies and deter impaired driving during the holiday season. Holiday Cab receives support and sponsorship from local organizations, taxi companies and law enforcement.

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I live in Fort Wayne, Indiana – have all my life. Heck, I’m writing this post not five minutes from the house I grew up in. As a blogger for Visit Fort Wayne, it’s my job to share my passion for this city and the people, places, and things that make it great. But once my posts are published, what then? Sure, I get the occasional comment, but I don’t really know who’s reading them, whether they follow my advice, or what experiences they take home with them. Recently, though, I had the opportunity to work a Saturday in the Visitors Center and interact with some of the very people for whom I write. Here are a few stories from my day:

• A sweet elderly woman was visiting from Florida. She’d been all around the U.S. doing genealogy research and finally made it here to use the Allen County Public Library, home of the largest public genealogy archive in the country. She had had a lovely time here and, before she left, really wanted to take some pictures of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception but thought she couldn’t because her iPad didn’t have a wireless connection. Part of my day job, coincidentally, is iPad support, so I was able to show her how to use her iPad’s camera (no internet connection required).

• A couple from Michigan was vacationing here for the weekend. When asked why they decided to come to Fort Wayne, they told us they put several potential destinations in a hat (Cleveland, Chicago, and Indianapolis among them) and drew Fort Wayne. They seemed to really be enjoying their stay.

• A family in town for the convention of the Macedonian Patriotic Organization of the United States and Canada asked where to find the best seafood in town. Easy: Paula’s on Main and the Oyster Bar.

• A gentleman from Illinois in town for a sporting event visited twice that day: the first time to get directions to the University of Saint Francis; the second, to thank us for our earlier help. We also found him a hotel to spend the night and a great place to see a movie, too.

• There were also inquiries about relocating to Fort Wayne, good places to play tennis, and what to do when in town for a wedding.

The Visitors Center offers all of this information and assistance, souvenirs and more!

There are so many reasons why people come here: sometimes the city is a means to an end (a wedding, a reunion, or a convention), and sometimes the city is an end unto itself (a vacation destination). I met both kinds of traveler during my day at the Visitors Center, and I’m looking forward to getting another chance to be on the front line with conventioneers, tourists, and families as they learn how much Fort Wayne has to offer. Until then, they’ll just have to read about it!

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Turkey stuffing and pumpkin pie-making aside, Thanksgiving is a great time to lend a hand and give back to the community. There are several opportunities throughout Fort Wayne for individuals and families to get into the charitable spirit Thanksgiving Day and in the days leading up to it, and all November long – from preparing and serving food, to collecting and sorting goods – there’s something for everyone.

Thanksgiving Day

St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen

1101 S. Lafayette Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

If you’re looking for a way to volunteer on Thanksgiving, stop by the St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen. What started in 1975 with just a few bowls of soup has grown into serving over 300,000 meals a year, and on Thanksgiving, the St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen will be serving a traditional sit-down Thanksgiving meal for 700-800 people, plus preparing another 700-800 meals for carryout. Volunteers will help seat guests and serve food, drink and dessert; prepare carryout meals; set up and clean up. You’re welcome to sit and share a meal with guests as well. Prepared desserts are also welcome. No need to sign up, simply show up! Volunteers are welcome to stop by on Thanksgiving Day and help out or drop off sweets anytime between 10 am and 1 pm. (Note: Small children might want to stay home.)

The Week of Thanksgiving

Rescue Mission

301 W. Superior Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Have time to give the week of Thanksgiving? At the Rescue Mission, the volunteer corps will be preparing nearly 3,000 meals and anticipates serving about 2,500 meals on Thanksgiving Day – the kitchen staff will be cooking up 200 plus turkeys! They’ll be preparing for the big day in the days leading up to it with their “10 Days of Turkeypalooza” where volunteers are needed for prepping turkeys, side dishes and all the yummy trimmings that make up a traditional Thanksgiving Day meal. You can also drop off any nonperishable foods, or any clothing or home goods items on their needs list online, anytime. Call Lynne at (260) 426-7357, ext. 118.

Anytime

Community Harvest Food Bank

999 E. Tillman Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46816

You can help throughout the holidays (and all year-long) at the Community Harvest Food Bank., which distributes about 10 millions pounds of food to hungry people in the nine counties the food bank serves. Volunteers can help sort food, distribute food on Saturdays, prepare food packs for seniors, assist with the Community Cupboard food pantry, or donate foods and goods. Contact volunteer coordinator Tammy at tklimek@communityharvest.org or (260) 447-3696.

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From a morning race with turkeys, to local eateries serving up a turkey dinner, to a Komets hockey game and, of course, shopping, Fort Wayne offers lots to do for family fun for everyone.

Here is just one sample itinerary to help you make the most of your Thanksgiving weekend in Fort Wayne.

Wednesday, November 21
Evening
Festival of Gingerbread
Start off your holiday weekend with a trip to The History Center downtown for the lighting ceremony at the Festival of Gingerbread. The annual festival held at The History Center features hundreds of gingerbread creations, from area students to master bakers. Santa will be present, too! $2 per person; 302 East Berry Street.

Thanksgiving Day, November 22
Morning
Galloping Gobbler 4 Mile Run/Walk
Make room for the turkey and trimmings by running the 4-mile Galloping Gobbler. More than 2,500 runners will lace up for the 4-mile course, which starts off at the Hutzell Athletic Center on the campus of the University of Saint Francis and then winds through Fort Wayne’s historic Lindenwood Cemetery before looping back to finish at campus. Race start: 8:30 am; 1200 Leesburg Road.

Sara’s Family Restaurant
Fuel up post-race at locally-owned Sara’s Family Restaurant on one of their many hearty breakfast options – eggs and hashbrowns with a “presidential” twist, omelets, pancakes (try the apple or pecan), waffles and French toast – lighter fare and a kid’s menu are available, too. Portions are generous enough to split as well. 5792 Coventry Lane.

Late Morning
St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen
Give a helping hand at St. Mary’s annual sit-down traditional Thanksgiving luncheon. Help set up tables, serve food and drinks, or sit and chat with diners. Or, you can simply drop off desserts (order a few extra sweets at Sara’s Family Restaurant). 1101 South Lafayette Street.

Afternoon
Rave Cinemas
Warm up and settle in for one of the many big movies – The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2, Life of Pi, Rise of the Guardians, and more – hitting theatres week. 4550 West Jefferson Boulevard.

Thanksgiving Dinner
Dig into a traditional (or non-traditional) holiday meal – whatever you’re craving, there are plenty of options to choose from. Area favorites Don Hall’s Triangle Park (3010 Trier Road) and the Guesthouse Grill (1313 West Washington Center Road) will be serving traditional Thanksgiving fare until 3 pm (reservations needed). For more laid-back, casual dining, head to Cracker Barrel (1609 W. Washington Center Road and 10427 Maysville Road) or Golden Corral (4747 Lima Road and 10510 Maysville Road). Or, if you prefer something totally different, check out Yen Ching (6410 W. Jefferson Boulevard) or Great Wall (3824 W. Jefferson Boulevard and 10264 Coldwater Road).

Evening
Festival of Trees
Swing by the Festival of Trees and enjoy the more than 50 twinkling Christmas trees beautifully decorated by local designers. The lobbies of the historic Embassy Theatre and Indiana Hotel will be transformed into a winter wonderland during the 8-day showcase. Tonight will feature Grande Page Organ Music. Open 4 pm – 8 pm; tickets are $7 for adults, $3 for children 12 and under; 125 West Jefferson Boulevard.

Fort Wayne Komets vs. Kalamzoo Wings
Cheer on the national champs as they rock “The Jungle” and take on the Kalamazoo Wings. Game starts at 7:30 pm; tickets are $11.50 and up; 4000 Parnell Avenue.

Midnight
Glenbrook Square Mall
Head to the mall for Black Friday shopping. The mall itself opens at 6 am, but some stores (like Sears) will be opening earlier. Other nearby big box shopping spots include Wal-Mart and Target. Visit the mall’s website for an updated schedule closer to the day. 4201 Coldwater Road.

Friday, November 23
Afternoon
DeBrand Fine Chocolates
Delight in the chocolatier’s delicious confections – giant caramel apples, ice-cream and chocolate desserts, frozen hot chocolate. After an early morning of shopping, you could use a sweet pick-me-up. The Auburn Road location (10105 Auburn Park Drive) will be open 10 am – 6 pm for public tours; tickets are $5 per person, with a $5 rebate off a purchase of $10 or more.

Evening
Fantasy of Lights
Drive through the Franke Park 1.5-mile route with 70 spectacular animated light displays with colorful holidays scenes staring loveable animals, Santa and his elves, toys, snowmen, nativity scenes and more. Make it extra sweet with a DeBrand’s hot cocoa in hand. Open 6 pm – 10 pm; tickets are $ per car; 8515 Bluffton Road.

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Don’t underestimate the power of social media. It can hook you into the 411 of Fort Wayne, Indiana with the click of a mouse or a touch of a screen on a smart phone. Locals already follow many of these Twitter handles for the latest events and news. Join them and stay up to date with Fort Wayne — via Twitter. Here are my picks personal picks for the 10 Fort Wayne Twitter accounts to follow. In no particular order…

1) @VisitFortWayne provides your go-to source for family friendly and visitor-centered events, along with information for meeting planners and locals.

2) @FortWayne_com is a website that combines Fort Wayne’s two local newspapers, The Journal Gazette and The News-Sentinel. News from both papers are loaded to the site along with local events listings, blogs and community calendars.

3) @FortWayneTrails is your go to source for walking, biking and canoeing the Fort. Outdoors recreation in Fort Wayne at its best!

4) @fwdid is the handle for Downtown Fort Wayne. Stay in touch with all the happenings and events downtown by following the Downtown Improvement District.

5) @allencountyinfo is the Twitter account for Allen County, Indiana government, the county seat for Fort Wayne. Have a question prior to your visit? Ask here to get the inside scoop direct from county staff

6) @acwmcoliseum showcases any and all happenings at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, an entertainment complex and home to local sports teams. Upcoming concerts, performances and events — on a national level — all take place here and are Tweeted frequently.

7) @FortWayneParks is similar to the trails handle but will provide specific information on the dozens of parks in Fort Wayne, along with activities held on-site from ice skating, to golf and tennis. Stay up to date with events at the parks here too!

8) @ftwaynechamber is an integral Twitter account. As in many cities The Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce is the hub of activities, events, new businesses and the promotion of current businesses.

9) @TinCaps is your g0-to resource for all information on Fort Wayne’s own minor league baseball team the Tin Caps.

10) @FWKomets should not be forgotten either as the go to resource for Fort Wayne’s popular hockey team — the Komets.

These are a few of my “must-follows.” Any others that you would recommend?

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