Grabill
Grabill offers a glimpse of an authentic, living Amish community filled with fascinating shops, rural scenes, picturesque farms, and horse-drawn vehicles. Download a Grabill shopping and driving guide to discover the tastes and experiences of this charming community.
New Haven
Hop on over to New Haven, by taking the Rivergreenway trail east just past Kreager Park! Grab a bite to eat and then enjoy the classic New Haven Canal Days (pictured above) in early June. And, if you’re looking to beat the summer heat, make a stop at Jury Pool for a dip, splash, or a slide into their impressive pool.
Leo-Cedarville
Leo-Cedarville offers outstanding outdoor recreation at the Hurshtown Reservoir (where you can rent a canoe or try your hand at fishing), Riverside Park (which features biking and walking trails and a new splashpad), and the Leo-Cedarville Imagination Station (a wooden playground that is every child’s delight)! Metea Park, one of the gems of Allen County, offers five miles of trails, woodlands, wetlands, swimming, fishing, a nature preserve and more.
While in the area, be sure to stop by The Olde Church Shoppes for antiques, Perk’s Peak for a caffeinated pick-me-up, the Leo Café and Old Towne Diner (try the Friday fish special). If you want to combine a kayak rental with a great lunch, look no further than Steady Eddy’s, offering boat rentals and a put-in, alongside delicious lunch options.
And don’t miss the Farmer’s Market on the Leo Downtown Plaza on Thursdays from 4-7, May through September.
Huntertown
Let the road take you on an adventure in Northern Allen County and make a stop in Huntertown.
Stop in the Lima Plank Shoppes and order great food from NineHouse and Well Grounded Cafe. While there, enjoy From This Day Forward and Josh's Jungle/The Process (Huntertown's own indoor grocery/farmers market), who both have some sweet shopping available. You can also play 163 pinball machines at Fort Wayne Pinball. And don't miss Well Made & More, a vendor shop featuring over 70 market vendors. Located at 14505 Lima Rd., it is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Next, visit the Huntertown Family Park Community Market on the 2nd Saturday of the month, May-September, from 10-1. So many vendors to shop with music, family activities and food trucks. Or, you can walk the trails, play pickleball, and enjoy outdoor concerts.
A short trip away, visit Huntertown Gardens for more produce and food items. Stop at Sweet Sanity for ice cream or The Chocolate Thimble for a sweet treat. Don't miss the Huntertown Heritage Days Festival (2nd weekend in August) where you can catch a parade, enjoy kids day events, a car show at the Fire Department, cornhole tournament, disc dog demonstration, lots of entertainment, foam parties, a pie contest, petting zoo/pony rides, face painting, bounce house and Kid's Day on Sunday with woodworking projects. Be sure to enjoy some time at the beer tent with concerts on Friday, August 9th (Whoa Man) and Saturday, August 10th (Fort Wayne Funk).
Harlan
Enjoy the Harlan Days Community Festival, which takes place the first weekend in August and features a parade, food tent, and other Indiana festival favorites. The Harlan Cafe is a highlight with comfort food any time of the year. The creative arrangements at A Lily's Dewdrop florist make great gifts. And, be sure to stop by Harlan Donuts to grab a hot donut, right off the rack!
Other Nearby Communities Include:
Monroeville
Enjoy a cone at the Whippy Dip, and check out the other local restaurants including Patriot Pizza, Moon Tower Tavern and Blueberry Pancake House. And be sure to check out the recently renovated Monroeville Community Park. Featuring a fishing pier, playgrounds, a splash pad, and more.
Hoagland
From their annual Christmas Parade, to the summer-favorite Hoagland Days, visit Hoagland for a delightful community celebration! While there, be sure to check out the Hoagland Pizza Pub.
In 2024, Hoagland Days will be celebrated June 13, 14, 15 this year with the parade on Saturday morning at 11:00 am and a demolition derby Friday and Saturday evenings.
Woodburn
The Woodburn Community Park contains 3-lighted ball diamonds, playground equipment, 2-horsehoe pits, sand volleyball court, and basketball court, along with a shelter, picnic area and public restrooms. The Clock Tower Plaza offers a central gathering space in the city, with historical markers detailing the history of the Indiana's smallest city. Nearby check out 101 Bowl and The Chop Shop deli and market. And Char's Grill & Smokehouse will open soon.
Arcola
The annual Arcola National Truck and Tractor Pull is Arcola, IN’s claim to fame and a can’t-miss event for anyone interested in agriculture, powerful engines, or just having a good time! This massive event takes 300 volunteers to pull off and is the main source of support for the Arcola Volunteer Fire Department. Winning two titles of the National Tractor Pullers Association’s Regional Pull of the Year award, the event is held every year in early summer at Branning Park.
Spectators enjoy fair food and raffles, but you may want to bring hearing protection as you watch the spectacle of massive truck and tractor engines pulling weight down a prepared clay track. Be ready to cheer “full pull!” with the rest of the crowd as only the strongest engines make it to the end of the track.
Zanesville
Zanesville is a small town 20 minutes south of Fort Wayne with a population of just over 600 people. Half of the town lives in Southwest Allen County and the other half is in Wells County.
While in town, try Sis and Bub’s Kitchen, offering a full menu of favorites alongside a side fountain! Learn more about upcoming events and community happenings on their Facebook page.
