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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Chicago has the deep-dish pizza and the Chicago style hot dog (no ketchup!). Indianapolis is known for the shrimp cocktail at St. Elmo’s.  Philly is known for the cheesesteak. What is Fort Wayne known for? We’ve asked the locals and have a list of must try foods you shouldn’t leave town without sampling.

DeBrand’s

DeBrand Fine Chocolates are not only smooth and delightfully decadent, they’re made right here in Fort Wayne.  Whether you’re looking for a truffle that melts in your mouth or an ice cream sundae in its own chocolate cup, you won’t regret stopping by DeBrands.   Stop by their Auburn Rd location for a factory tour complete with samples.  Check their website for a listing of tour dates.  www.debrand.com

Coney Island

Locals love Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island hot dog joint.  The Coney dog comes complete with a steamed bun and covered in chili.  Their location in downtown Fort Wayne is a true “joint”.  Nothing fancy but filled with flavor.  Not interested in the hotdogs, their cheeseburgers and Coca Colas in glass bottles are pretty amazing too.

The Chop Salad from Chop’s Steak and Seafood

Chop’s Steak and Seafood will grill you up a great steak, but don’t miss the Chop’s Salad.  It’s filled with iceberg lettuce, crumbled bleu cheese, carrots, bacon and egg, tossed with a peppercorn ranch dressing, and topped with cucumbers and red onion.  Since you’re having the salad, leave room for the Flirtini or a glass of wine from the Chop’s Wine Bar next door.  “The Chop’s pour” will give you a very full glass of your favorite vino.

Sausage Rolls from the Redwood Inn

Sausage rolls are a classic Fort Wayne dish and locals know the best ones are served at the Redwood Inn.  Located on West Main, this simple local bar does this classic dish just right.  This creation of sausage and cheese wrapped in dough and baked to perfection should be washed down with an ice-cold beverage.  Bring a friend or a very healthy appetite.  There’s plenty to share!

 Club Soda’s Gouda dip

Describing Gouda dip is a little like trying to describe heaven on a plate.  Their menu says, “We could actually start a restaurant that didn’t serve anything but this and make money.  If you’ve had it you know what we mean. If you haven’t, order it and find out.” Locals agree.  Order it and don’t let yourself think about the calories, simply focus on the gooey goodness.  And don’t forget to order a martini.  The rumors are true: Harrison Ford loves this place so much one of the martinis are named after him!

The Henry’s Burger

Considered one of the best burgers in Fort Wayne, the Henry Burger will remind you of the best burger you could ever make at home.  They’re big, juicy, slightly imperfect in shape, and perfectly prepared.  I highly recommend adding bacon mushrooms and blue cheese.  Locals will also suggest the raw oyster bar on Friday nights, the Meatloaf Monday special, and the fried chicken livers.

The Hot Burned Pork at Wu’s

Who needs a national Chinese chain restaurant when there’s Wu’s?  Locals love the Hot Burned Pork.  It’s known to make your mouth water with its crispy texture and  spicy peanut flavor.  If you’re looking for something a little less spicy, try the lettuce wraps.  They’re the perfect bite of cool crisp wrap filled with delicious meat.

Cork and Cleaver Salad Bar

For a salad bar to make the list, you know it’s got to be good.  Cork and Cleaver is known for their steaks and we love those too.  But the salad bar has a little bit of everything and can easily be enjoyed as an addition to your meal or as a meal on it’s own.  Don’t forget the jelly bells at the end of the bar!

Ziffle’s Ribs

You don’t think of Fort Wayne when you think ribs? This will change your mind.  Ziffle’s number one goal is to make your mouth water and satisfy your need for those ribs.  With options of mild, medium, and hot BBQ sauce there’s a little something for everyone.  Not a fan of BBQ?  Check out the ribs without the sauce.  They’re great that way too!

Zesto’s Ice Cream

Spring in Fort Wayne unofficially begins with the opening of Zesto’s each year.  Locals consider it some of the best ice cream they’ve ever had.  Serving both ice cream and frozen yogurt there’s a little something for everyone.  Check out the original location at the corner of Broadway and Creighton Ave.  Walk up to the window, order your favorite treat, and take a seat on the curb with the rest of the neighbors.  Yes, eating ice cream on the curb on a warm summer evening is a Fort Wayne tradition.  Trust us, no one will laugh when your cone drips down your chin!

What hometown favorite would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments below, or search all of our local restaurants here!

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Cinco de Mayo is a great time to celebrate the arrival of spring, and get in a festive mood.  Think El Azteca for your Cinco de Mayo destination.

El Azteca will welcome guests for two days of Cinco de Mayo fun, May 4-5th.

El Azteca, located in the East State neighborhood, has been a staple of Fort Wayne dining since 1973, and it’s easy to see why! Maybe it’s the quality food – this certainly isn’t your average Mexican joint. They serve up quality and consistent dishes, fresh from their kitchen. All of their sauces are home-made, which sets them a part from a lot of restaurants. Not sure what to order? They have a few popular menu items.  You can’t go wrong with an order of their nachos, Benji Burritos, Black Bean soup, and Fideo soup. I love their dinner combinations, which allow you to pick from your favorite Mexican staples, like enchiladas and burritos. Many loyal customers  swear by their Mariscos, which is a seafood option for most of the items offered on the menu. Their friendly and fast service is worth mentioning, too.

Their tequila selection is another point of difference. They offer more than 100 types of tequilas. That’s right…you read that right–100 varities!! Their tequilas are 100 percent  Blue Agave and are available as a Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo.

As far as Cinco de Mayo celebration, join them 7-10 pm May 4th, with live music from local band Island Vibe in their outside tent.  Also, on May 5th guests can enjoy face painting, corn hole, live music from Island Vibe from 4-7 p.m. and D.J. Ric Ramos from 7-11 p.m. Drink specials and give-a-ways are also a part of the fun.

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Ah, there’s nothing like a lazy summer day at the ballpark. Fort Wayne has been blessed with a new stadium–Parkview Field–that is an attraction in and of itself.

And what would a baseball game be without snacks and treats? Come for the baseball, stay for the treats! You’ll find plenty of all-American goodness at Parkview Field. Here is a guide to some of my favorite ballpark goodness:

Black bean burger: This burger is a tasty alternative to a traditional hamburger. Add cheese, and pile on the toppings, and you’re set!

French fries:  These aren’t your ordinary, frozen fries. They have flavor! I like to ask for a side of ranch to dip them in. De-lish!

Soft Pretzel with cheese: This is a great snack if you’re looking for something light. The pretzel is the perfect consistency: never too hard or too soft!

Soft serve ice cream: What is more American than baseball and ice cream? Treat the kids to a scoop or two!

Pizza: As a vegetarian, often times boring cheese pizza is the only option. But, loaded with flavor, this DiGiorno brand will treat you right!

Veggies & hummus:  Yes, you can eat your veggies here! The pair makes for a great snack on a hot summer night.

Taco salad: Load up the veggies and you’re in for a healthy and satisfying option.

Wraps:  Again, this is another way to get your serving of veggies. Of course meat is an option, too.

And don’t forget about libations! I’m not a beer drinker myself, but I hear their selection is out of this world. Choose from draft beer options: Miller Lite, Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy and Oberon.

Yes, it is possible to eat well at the ball game. Did I mention prices are reasonable? You can feed your family for less than it would cost to go out to eat! So, treat your family to a night of baseball and concessions they are sure to remember for a long time! Go TinCaps!

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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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