Weekend Getaway: Fort Wayne, IN

Are you ready for a weekend getaway? Well this post is for you! I recently had the opportunity to explore Fort Wayne, IN with the Visit Fort Wayne team, and I’m really excited to share what makes this city so incredible. Scroll down to read more about my suggestions for things to do and see in Fort Wayne!

From Grand Rapids it’s a quick drive (around 2.5 hours) to Fort Wayne, which makes this a great weekend getaway with friends or family. The city itself is the second largest in Indiana (Indianapolis is the largest), and it offers some amazing attractions for everyone to enjoy.

Things To Do:

There are many fun things to do in Fort Wayne with your girlfriends, family of significant other. Here are some top picks from my trip to Fort Wayne that I would recommend checking out.

Shop Vera Bradley

Raise your hand if you love Vera Bradley! In case you didn’t know, Fort Wayne is home to Vera Bradley. I was lucky to visit during the very popular Annual Outlet Sale at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. This is the best time to visit with your girlfriends and stock up on your favorite items at a great price. The sale started back in 1983 and draws thousands of fans to the city. Even if you can’t visit during the sale, you can still shop Vera Bradley items in Fort Wayne.

Visit the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo

Visiting the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a must while you’re in Fort Wayne. Even if you aren’t visiting with kids I would still say this is totally worth checking out. The mission of the zoo is “Connecting kids and animals, strengthening families and inspiring people to care.” How great is that? I really loved seeing the orangutans, seals and the stingrays. They also offer Wild Encounters like feeding the stingrays which I would highly recommend.

Check Out Science Central

If you love science you can’t miss Science Central in Fort Wayne. This is a great place to take the kids, but I would say even adults would have a good time at Science Central. The hands-on exhibits are very educational, and I honestly learned so much in my short visit.

Learn About Your Ancestors at the Genealogy Center

One of my favorite things about visiting Fort Wayne was the Genealogy Center. The unique and extensive resources available at the Genealogy Center is absolutely incredible. I was able to provide some insight about my family tree before I arrived, and the knowledgable librarians found some amazing information. Learning more about my family history was truly incredible.

See a TinCaps Baseball Game

If you enjoy watching the Whitecaps play here in Grand Rapids you can’t miss a TinCaps baseball game while you’re in Fort Wayne. The Parkview Field ballpark is stunning, and offers something for everyone to enjoy while watching the game.

Explore the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory

If you love visiting the Meijer Gardens here in Grand Rapids you’ll love the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory in Fort Wayne. If you’re traveling with kids the “Hundred Acre Wood” exhibit featuring Winnie-the-Pooh is a highlight. They also have a live butterfly exhibit that runs from April 27 – July 7.

Stop by The Fort Wayne Museum of Art

If you love art, you can’t miss out on the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. This museum offers an array of different types of art. I really enjoyed the incredible details in the charcoal drawings from Joel Daniel Phillips.

Where to Eat:

Need some ideas for where to eat in Fort Wayne? Here are some of the places we visited that I would highly recommend.

Breakfast – Proximo

For a delicious breakfast look no further than Proximo in Fort Wayne. The atmosphere is great for friends or family to enjoy a meal together. I love eggs in the morning so I ordered the build an omelette option with white cheddar, onions and peppers. The omelette was cooked perfectly, and was a great way to start the day paired with coffee.

Lunch – Dash-In

If a grilled cheese is your thing you can’t miss Dash-In. You’ll find a great selection of different grilled cheese sandwiches including my favorite the Euro. With smoked gouda, havarti, and munster cheese along with red peppers this sandwich is perfection. Pair it with their tomato bisque for wonderful lunch!

Snack – DeBrand Fine Chocolates

Do you love chocolate? You can’t go to Fort Wayne and not experience DeBrand Chocolates. By using high quality ingredients and inventive flavors this chocolate is out of this world. I would highly recommend the truffles and the mocha cream chocolate from the classic chocolate collection.

Appetizers – Copper Spoon

For a great selection of wines and delicious appetizers check out Copper Spoon. This restaurant has a fun atmosphere for gathering with friends, and is very close to Parkview Field where the TinCaps play. I loved the charcuterie platter with cheese and spicy mustard to start the night. PS they also have an awesome cocktail list with unique options!

Dinner – The Hoppy Gnome

The Hoppy Gnome is a fabulous spot to enjoy dinner in Fort Wayne. They really focus on fresh ingredients and rotate their menu two to four times a year (something I really appreciate about a restaurant). I enjoyed the asian tuna tartare with guacamole and crispy wontons.

Dessert – Ruth’s Chris

I know we have a Ruth’s Chris in Grand Rapids, but trust me you want to come to the one in Fort Wayne for dessert. The carrot cake here is probably the best I’ve ever had.

More Things To See & Do:

Promenade Park – Promenade Park is opening this June in Fort Wayne! The park will include a playground, Tree Canopy Trail, dining and more.

Explore the many art murals and public art around town in Fort Wayne.

The Landing – The Landing was home to the first post office, hotel and theatre in Fort Wayne. The area is currently under construction but will include apartments, and retail shops like a brewpub and coffee shop.

See the Embassy Theatre – This theatre dates back to 1928 and it’s absolutely stunning. Check out a show here if you’re visiting!

Disclaimer: The lodging, activities, and food were provided by Visit Fort Wayne. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own. A huge thank you to the Visit Fort Wayne team!