I’m so excited about a unique opportunity for people who like to write for children in Fort Wayne in May!

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is conducting its regional conference at Hotel Fort Wayne, 305 E Washington Center Road on May 3-5. Organizers are calling it the Wild, Wild Midwest Conference which is a little different for the theme in a Midwest location, but it is sure to be informative and fun!

I say it is a prestigious group because this is a well-known international group of people who care about producing quality children’s literature. I joined the group in 2012 and have learned much from them through their magazine and on-line chat forums, postings for work, etc.

Even though I’ve published nine non-fiction books for middle schoolers (several are available in Allen County Public Library) and two additional books by another publisher to be released in 2013, I still have lots to learn about writing for kids. That’s why I registered for the conference.

For possibly the first time in the group’s existence it is conducting its regional conference in Fort Wayne.

I’m thrilled with the line-up of authors scheduled to be at the conference: Jane Yolen, Franny Billingsley, Kathi Appelt, Peter Brown, and SCBWI founder Lin Oliver to name a few. These names are familiar to me after working in a middle school library for several years. Most have won awards and have a well-established place in children’s literature. I’ve volunteered to help with Jane Yolen’s book signing and hope to meet her! She has written 300+ books for children and even has an award named after her!

The conference encompasses five regions for children’s writers and illustrators so it promises to attract many attendees. The conference features editors, agents, illustrators, an art director, and marketing pros.

The summer national conference takes place in Los Angeles later this summer. I won’t be attending that one, but with 25 faculty members right in Fort Wayne, this event is available at a fraction of the cost.

Here is the link to the on-line brochure: http://www.scbwi.org/Resources/Documents/WildWildMidwest2013Brochure.pdf.

Registration for the conference closed on April 24, but keep the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators in mind for your own writing needs and consider becoming a member!

• 

When you think of exciting RV camping locations, does Fort Wayne, Indiana come to mind? It should win a spot near the top of your list, because the things you’ll find to do with your family in Fort Wayne are the stuff of great vacation memories. To help you plan your trip, here are five ideas for creating a Fort Wayne adventure for the whole family:

Chain O’Lakes State Park, located just thirty miles north of Fort Wayne, features eight small fishing lakes and lots of outdoor adventure. You and the kids can hike the trails, canoe the waterways and fish the lakes for bass and bluegill. There’s also a nice campground that makes it easy for RV camping families to settle in for a comfortable stay.

Another delightful spot formed by rolling hills surrounding a tree-lined lake is Ouabache State Park, found about thirty miles south of Fort Wayne. Large and smallmouth bass, crappie and walleye are favorites with fishing fans on the park’s Kunkel Lake. Ride or hike the trails through the pines; this state park is scenic year-round. A large campground gives Fort Wayne area campers a reason to stretch out the vacation.

Like to combine family vacations with a little learning? The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, a lush spot in the heart of Fort Wayne, features both indoor and outdoor gardens for your RV camping crew to explore. The little ones will love the Discovery Gallery, where stories are read by volunteers and the trees can talk! Definitely a fun place to stop for nature-loving families.

And while you’re in Fort Wayne, look to the rivers for hiking and biking opportunities. The three rivers that flow through the city are lined by the Fort Wayne Rivergreenway. Twenty miles of joined trails run near historic sites like Johnny Appleseed’s gravesite and the historic Wells Street Bridge. Learn more and discover the trail right for you here.

One more place to take the kids for a day of history and fun is Historic Fort Wayne, located at the junction of the St. Marys, St. Joseph and Maumee Rivers. The original fort defended early settlers against tribes of Native Americans friendly to the British military. The replica fort now entertains and educates with re-enactments, special events and permanent exhibits on both early settlers and Native American tribes.

Doesn’t all this sound like the beginning of a memorable vacation? Plan to spend some time RV camping in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It’s an adventure the entire family will enjoy.

About the Author:

Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals. You can see more great RV vacation ideas in their Monty’s Musings RV Travel Blog and be sure to check out their RV Camping Pictures.

• 

Traditionally, February is the perfect month to do something thoughtful for the special someone in your life, but we know trying to plan something romantic for Valentine’s Day can take the fun out of the occasion.

Its not too late to plan an affordable weekend getaway to Fort Wayne will provide you with the romance you are looking for, without the hefty price tag.

Plan a Picture-Perfect Getaway to Fort Wayne!

Eleven different Valentine’s Day and Romance packages are being offered by hotels in the area. Some of the specials included in the packages are:

• Rose Petals
• Champagne
• DeBrand Chocolates
• Massages
• Organic Facials
• Mini-spa body treatments
• Hot breakfast buffet
• Gift cards and discounts to local restaurants
• VIP movie tickets

With packages starting at $89.95, there is a romantic getaway to fit every budget.

Book the getaway perfect for you and your loved one today!

Have questions? call us at 260-424-3700 or email us at visitorinfo@visitfortwayne.com

• 

Cozy up camping and make memories this fall!

My family and I absolutely love camping and there are several great places to do it in and around Allen County. In Fort Wayne, right next to the Allen County Memorial Coliseum is Johnny Appleseed Campground. They accommodate both tent and RV camping and are located right on the Rivergreenway for easy walking access to the city. Click here for amenities and rate information.

Blue Lake is located just 20 minutes from Fort Wayne and has some of the best fishing in Indiana. You can camp in a tent, RV or rent one of their cabins. Blue Lake is an extremely family-friendly campground with special events every weekend from April-October. Click here for rates. Still undecided? View their photo gallery here.

If these two don’t satisfy your nature hunger, check out other Indiana campgrounds. Our family favorites are Chain O Lakes, Salamonie and Ouabache.

Still have questions? Check out Visit Fort Wayne or give us a call at (800)869-3557 for more information.

• 

Traveling with pets ads a new dimension of planning.

When you own a dog or a cat, and think of your furry friend as a part of the family, leaving your pet at home when you travel is the worst part of traveling. For me it’s sometimes even a deal breaker, especially when I look into those cute little brown eyes. I’m sure I am not the only person who refrains from traveling because I can’t stand the thought of leaving my dogs behind.

For those of you who feel the same way, I have some good news for you. There are several hotels in the area that make traveling to Fort Wayne with your furry loved ones easier than ever. Some hotels prefer cats, while some accept dogs and cats. Some require an extra deposit, but when it comes to bringing the furry family members along, most pet owners don’t mind paying a little extra. Many of Fort Wayne’s hotels are pet-friendly. For a full listing, click here.

So…you’ve found a hotel that allows you to bring your dog along. That’s great! Why not make your getaway a vacation for your pet too? There are several pet-friendly activities to keep Fido entertained while in Fort Wayne.

Pawster Park offers a vacation for your dog too!

A must-see for your pooch is Pawster Park Playground located in Foster Park West on Winchester Road. All dogs except female dogs in heat are welcome. The park contains a brand new dog agility course for canines of all sizes and abilities. Two separate fenced courses are designed to help dog owners teach obedience skills, build confidence, and give exercise to Fido. The first offers a set of six weaving poles, a wait table, and a doggy teeter totter, while another contains a tire jump, a set of five hound hoops, and a dog walk ramp.

The Rivergreenway offers owners and dogs the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll or brisk jog on several connecting trails located throughout the city. Afterward, treat Fido to a dog treat at Green DogGoods, located on North Anthony Blvd. This holistic pet destination offers eco-friendly shopping for you and your dog.

Planning a visit to Fort Wayne? Don’t leave Fido at home. Traveling with your pet can be fun and hassle free!

•