Travel + Leisure recently highlighted Fort Wayne as a rising destination in the Midwest after a visit from writer, Iona Brannon. From our growing culinary scene to the cultural energy found in public art and outdoor exploration, read on for Travel + Leisure's recommendations and your guide to Fort Wayne's distinct Midwestern experience.

Read the original article on Travel + Leisure

What Travel + Leisure Loved About Fort Wayne

"With easy access to the outdoors, a bustling culinary scene, and eight miles of riverfront trails that link downtown parks, museums, and public art, this may be one of the most underrated cities in the entire Midwest." We couldn't have said it better ourselves, Iona!

Kayakers at Promenade Park in downtown Fort Wayne

Riverfront & Outdoor Experiences

"Walk or kayak along the city's gorgeous riverfront parks and trails."

Promenade Park on the riverfront is the heartbeat of riverfront trails and exploration. With kayaking, walking paths, and public spaces that feature permanent lawn games, porch swings, and urban views, visitors can be immersed in nature while enjoying a skyline view of Fort Wayne's revitalized downtown.

Father, mother, and daughter walking past a mural and the Porch off Calhoun in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Arts, Culture, and Creativity

"More than 150 murals, sculptures, and installations have been erected throughout Fort Wayne, with the majority of them concentrated downtown."

The welcome mat of public art is impossible to overlook and it's just the tip of Fort Wayne's artistic expression. New and exciting developments like the revitalization of Arts United Center, featuring a new modern look and improved accessibility features, reflect the city's commitment to arts and culture.

Museums and galleries are sprinkled throughout the city with the Fort Wayne Museum of Art's acclaimed glass exhibit gleaming among them with its American modern and contemporary works.

For an even more unique experience, walk the Broadway Arts District for quirky, local art and vintage finds.

Food at Tolon

Culinary Highlights

"Perhaps one of the most exciting things about Fort Wayne...is its culinary scene, which is bustling with James Beard nominations and other national awards."

Iona mentions the elevated Midwestern dishes and standout cocktails throughout Fort Wayne's restaurants. Here's what you need to know about her top recommendations:

  • Penny Drip - coffee shop by day, cocktail bar by night evening
  • Copper Spoon & Sidecar - holiday themes and delicious mocktail concoctions
  • Club Soda - jazz lounge, cocktail bar, restaurant combination with live music and creative cocktails
  • Tolon - first farm-to-table restaurant in Fort Wayne
  • Rune - James Beard semifinalist chef with distinct Midwestern dishes based on his grandmother's cooking
  • Nawa - aesthetic dishes with traditional Thai flavors (try the curry flight!)
  • Proximo - Latin-inspired dishes made with local ingridients
  • Cindy's Diner - classic Midwestern breakfast in an intimate diner experience seating just 15 at a time
  • Arbor & Birdie's - boutique hotel dining at The Bradley hotel, designed in partnership with Barbara Bradley Baekgaard of Vera Bradley

Little girls picking out chocolate at DeBrand Fine Chocolates

Local Makers & Signature Spots

Among her "Best things to do" that you can't find anywhere else in the world, Iona suggests:

  • A tour at DeBrand Fine Chocolates for a behind-the-scenes look at their gourmet chocolate-making process.
  • Country Heritage Winery just 20-minutes from downtown Fort Wayne offers unique-to-the-Midwest wines offering tastings that give insight to the distinct regional flavor profiles.
  • The Landing—"where hotels, restaurants, and cultural institutions cluster near the riverfront."

Food tents at the Johnny Appleseed Festival. People walking around looking at the food. Food vendors wearing pioneer-style clothing for the festival.

Best Time to Visit

Iona suggests May through October to make the most out of Fort Wayne's outdoor offerings like Fort Wayne Parks and Trails, and especially festival season! Festival season offers its own range of dining from cultural festivals like Greekfest, Arab Fest, and GermanFest to the hyperlocal lore of the Johnny Appleseed Festival.

Explore More of Fort Wayne

Iona has gotten you started, but Fort Wayne has even more! Follow the links below for nearly endless dining (like authentic international dining), shopping for unique finds at fairs, boutiques, and farmers markets, and exploring other natural wonders like LC Nature Park and the nationally acclaimed Fort Wayne Zoo, known for its conservation efforts and visitor experience.

See why national media is taking notice of our destination, and start planning your Fort Wayne getaway today!

Additional Resources