Posted Under "Winter in Fort Wayne"

Find Romantic and Affordable Getaways in Fort Wayne

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.

KissingCouple 300x144 Find Romantic and Affordable Getaways in Fort Wayne

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!

Megan

About

Megan Adams is a senior at Huntington University and will be graduating with a degree in Public Relations in May. She is currently working as the Marketing Intern at Visit Fort Wayne and is enjoying getting to explore and learn more about the city. In her spare time, Megan loves working out, playing tennis, reading, shopping, and traveling.

Ice Skating Options in the Fort

Embrace the chill of the winter season and venture out ice skating at one of several area locales. Perhaps most well-known is Fort Wayne’s own outdoors Headwaters Park Ice Skating Rink.

Headwaters2 300x227 Ice Skating Options in the Fort

This cozy arena is located just north of downtown and provides a quiet spot for families, couples and friends to freshen up their skating skills. The rink is located at the corner of Clinton and Superior streets and the rink office can be reached at 260.422.7625. Hours are from 1 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 12 to 10 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and from noon to 8 p.m. Sundays.

Children ages 13 and under skate free every Wednesday. Skate rental is $2 per person. The rink offers concessions, skate sharpening services and private ice rentals during non-public hours. Children 13 and under are admitted for $3 each, children ages 14 and older for $5 each (which includes adults).

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The newest addition to the Fort Wayne ices skating scene is the indoor arena — Canlan Ice Sports, located just north of downtown at 3869 Ice Way. This facility, which opened in 2010,  is a state-of-the art multi-purpose entertainment center. Here you will find concessions, a full service restaurant and bar, restrooms, showers and locker rooms and more!

Canlan Ice 300x225 Ice Skating Options in the Fort

Public skating hours here may vary, so don’t be afraid to call ahead to 260.387.6614 to confirm. Open skate hours are typically from 11 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Monday through Fridays with a $5 per person admission. Children under age 4 are always free. Skate rental is $3 per person. Friday night skating is offered from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday skating is from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission during those times are $7 per person and a $3 skate rental.

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And don’t forget about the options at McMillen Arena, located at 3901 Abbott Street, on the city’s south side. This facility is also being operated by Canlan Ice Sports. Hours of operation vary so call ahead to 260.427.6769 for details.

McMillen Ice1 300x200 Ice Skating Options in the Fort

Among these options you are sure to find a great way to enjoy time with the family this winter!

 

About

Previously a news reporter at daily newspapers in Indiana and Ohio, Holly Hammersmith now enjoys the lighter side of writing through freelance work. In her spare time, Holly can be found running or practicing yoga. She also enjoys visiting local coffee shops and day-tripping. Holly lives with her husband and half a dozen houseplants. Find Holly on Twitter @HFHammers and at http://hollyhammersmith.com.

Two Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day, which occurs on February 14 for those of you who need a reminder, is an opportunity to show someone how much they mean to you. An effective way of getting that message across is to dine in a special restaurant. Two of my favorite spots to celebrate with my husband of 31 years include:

Grma Elvis 2 11 300x225 Two Ways to Celebrate Valentines Day

Brent Cooper croons to Cebolla's customer Joan Brewer in Feb 2011.

Cebolla’s

While this may not seem like the obvious romantic restaurant, the owners provide something special at the Cebolla’s on W. Jefferson that I think is unique among Fort Wayne restaurants. Brent Cooper will appear as an Elvis Tribute Artist on February 14 from 5:30 pm-9:00 pm. During that time, he will wander among the customers dressed as King, crooning famous ballads such as ‘Love Me Tender’ and ‘Always on My Mind’.

I heard him at Cebolla’s in 2011 and I admit, he was good at imitating Elvis’ individual sound. Cooper also posed for photos with those who requested it. The one I shot of him cheek to cheek with my mom was precious. While the food at Cebolla’s is always great, this is a fun way to enjoy this special holiday.

Cebollas Mexican Grill
5930 W. Jefferson
260.436.1650

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Biaggi’s

Biaggi’s has been my favorite restaurant since they opened a decade ago. Great food and wait staff, reasonable prices, and an atmosphere that looks elegant but always makes me feel comfortable, no matter what I’m wearing, influences my decision to return time after time. I especially love their Fried Ravioli appetizer and Spinach Salad. Husband John and I have gone here with our grown kids but prefer eating here alone as our special place. Whatever you choose to do on Valentine’s Day, be sure to express your love for your special someone on that day. They deserve it.

4010 W. Jefferson Blvd
260.459.6700

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Add to these one of the great Valentine’s Day packages from Visit Fort Wayne, and you are on your way to a memorable occasion!

But what are your favorite romantic spots in Fort Wayne? Where will you be headed with your sweetheart this year?

About

Kayleen Reusser has written children’s books and had stories in Chicken Soup books. She writes features for the News-Sentinel newspaper and profiles for the Ossian Sun Riser. She loves to travel and write about her experiences at her website: www.KayleenR.com

Enjoy a Valentine’s Day Carriage Ride

Draw your Cupid’s bow during this season of hearts and flowers, and surprise your special someone with a romantic Percheron-drawn carriage tour in scenic downtown Fort Wayne.

Downtown photos of Paige 003 300x222 Enjoy a Valentines Day Carriage Ride

Enjoy a carriage ride through downtown Fort Wayne.

Rosewood Carriage Rides is offering a trip to yesteryear via its Valentine’s Day rides, offered for $35 for a half-hour ride and $65 for an hour ride and – a bonus: they are also giving ladies a free gift that night.

Kolette Frazier, owner of the popular company which offers nightly rides year round, cautions that her staff is extremely busy the weekend before and the weekend after Valentine’s Day, because they do have a lot of holiday rides each year. And of course, there are the expected proposals resulting from these nostalgic coach rides.

“One year we had a gentleman bring 12 dozen roses and 100 balloons,” said Frazier. “Then he had wine on the carriage waiting for her after he proposed to her. That was very SWEET and AWESOME!!”

Another time a gentleman wanted to schedule a ride for a couple days post-Valentine’s Day because his wife was planning a “special” surprise for him on Valentine’s Day and had told him not to plan anything for that evening.

“Well, he wanted to surprise her with something special, too, so he booked a ride for the Friday after Valentine’s Day,” recalled Frazier. “What he didn’t realize was that she had already called and reserved a ride for Valentine’s Day. Of course I couldn’t tell either one that they had each booked a ride on different days because it was supposed to be a surprise! It all turned out great – they had a blast on each ride and still call me every year for a downtown ride.”

Contact Frazier at 260-637-5261 and give your Valentine a never-to-be-forgotten gift of a sentimental journey down memory lane.

Barb

About

Barb Sieminski is a freelance writer and photographer for several magazines and newspapers. She received her B.A. and M.S. in art and English, from the University of St. Francis. [Actually, it was from St. Francis College before it became a university]. When not working, she follows her passion of fishing, feeling that all good things come to she who baits . . .

Freezin’ For A Reason – Take a Dip at the Polar Plunge!

Polar Plunge 150x150 Freezin For A Reason   Take a Dip at the Polar Plunge!

Polar Plunge 2012

Special Olympics of Allen County, Indiana is putting a new twist on their annual fundraiser, Polar Plunge.

The Polar Plunge at Parkview Field (which use to be held at Mirror Lake at the University of Saint Francis) will take place on February 11th, 2012. This year, the plunge will take place in new dumpsters, but even better, there will be hot tubs will be on site!

The event will be chalked full of fun! K105FM will be there getting the crowd warmed up with dance music and a Live Remote, and games on the concourse will be provided by the Tincaps, the Mad Ants, the Fort Wayne Derby Girls and Bobick’s Golf Headquarters.

An After Splash Bash will take place in the Lincoln Financial Event Center with live music by Sugar Shot. All plungers receive a free lunch ticket and drink coupon and a cash bar and food will also be available for purchase.

Interested? Click here to register or just show up and be a spectator for the day! Want more? Check out their facebook page.

Renee

About

Renee is a Fort Wayne native and mother of 4 children ages 7-13. She works part-time as the Visit Fort Wayne Information Services Assistant. Meet her as the face of Fort Wayne online at Facebook.com/FortWayneIN