Fort Wayne no longer Fort ‘Lame’
10 more things to do in Fort Wayne
February 11, 2022
It happens to all of us. We go home from school on a Friday and start to think about our plans for the weekend. More often than not we land on the idea that there’s nothing to do in Fort Wayne.
Like previous reporter Noah Johnson, I would challenge that idea. Noah gave nine things to do in Downtown Fort Wayne. To further challenge this, I provide you with 10 more.
1. The Farmers Market
Downtown Fort Wayne is home to not one, but two Farmer’s markets. The YLNI Farmer’s Market, in Aunt Millie’s Bread Factory in the cooler months and on Barr street in the summer months, doesn’t just feature fruits and vegetables. Food trucks, pastry vendors, coffee, flowers, jewelry, clothing, the list is endless. Local artisans bring out their best and present it for you to purchase. Not to mention its accompanied by local musicians. The same goes for the Ft. Wayne Farmer’s Market. Different vendors and unique goods at Parkview Field in the winter and at McCulloch Park in the summer.
2. Conjure Coffee
Conjure is not your usual coffee shop. Located on Columbia Avenue, they not only serve high quality coffee and delicious and upscale food-stuffs, but they roast their beans in house. They don’t stop there. The shop is covered in artwork from local artists that they switch out periodically, as well as covering the shop in plants and perfectly spaced tables for your individual conversations and study time. This calming environment is perfect for meeting up with a friend, or a good weekend study session for whatever test you may have the next week.
3. The Honey Plant
Many over quarantine and continuing to current times developed quite the green thumb. No one can have too many plants, and The Honey Plant is ready to fuel your addiction. With a wide variety of reasonably priced plants, and a staff that is more than willing to help guide your next leafy adventure, this place is heaven on Wells Street.
4. Hyde Bros. Booksellers
Sticking on Wells Street, take a nice walk down the sidewalk to Hyde Brothers Booksellers. Hyde has an incredible array of any book you could dream of, all second hand for great prices and in pristine condition. From classics and poetry to history and travel, to children’s books and science fiction, romance, etc. It is guaranteed that any book lover will find something to walk out with. They also provide chairs to relax and read in as well as community cats Scout and Sherlock to accompany you on your book buying journey.
5. Artlink Gallery
Need a date idea or casual stroll? Artlink is a free contemporary art gallery located on Fort Wayne’s Main Street. Featuring different exhibitions throughout the year, the viewer experiences something new each visit.
6. The Landing
Located on Columbia Street is the Landing. A historical street of downtown covered in delectable dining spots. Enjoy coffee and a pastry at Utopian Coffee + Kitchen, eat at Mercado, Nawa (Asian fusion cuisine) or Alto Grado pizza as well as the Landing Beer Company, which is open to the whole family. Just up the street is also Tolon, Fort Wayne’s farm-to-table restaurant. If you are looking for an upscale date spot, The Landing has you covered. (Men, take notes here, Valentine’s day is in 3 days.)
7. Foellinger-Freiman Botanical Conservatory
Another one for plant lovers! With just the price of admission, you are able to walk through the entirety of the conservatory and see the multitude of foliage. They also offer varying exhibitions that are themed around certain kinds of plants or a holiday or event. For February, they begin the “Sweetheart Orchid Display” in honor of Valentine’s day. Educate yourself on various plants and get a taste of the many climates that they thrive in.
8. Photoshoot
Lets face it, everyone wants a good photo for their Instagram. Downtown Fort Wayne has some of the best photo spots in the Summit City, from the murals, to parks and even the sidewalk. Take a walk around, be spontaneous with your camera clicking, and get a great taste of the city while still improving the aesthetic of your feed.
9. Promenade Park
A fairly recent addition to Fort Wayne is Promenade Park. Especially during the summer, but still throughout other seasons, Promenade has a lot to offer. A beautiful view of the river, a perfect walking path, and a calm and aesthetic place to meet up. Walk the path to the other side of the river, and you’ll see Fort Wayne Outfitters. There, you can purchase or rent kayaks, or other outdoor gear. Rent a kayak an take a nice row up the river in the warmth of the summer sun.
10.Kilwin’s Chocolate, Fudge and Ice Cream
In need of a sweet treat or a gift for your favorite teacher or mom on Mother’s Day? Kilwin’s is the perfect place. Fudge, chocolate, and many different kinds of caramel corn that are equally delicious. And, conveniently, The Landing is just up the road as well as another local coffee shop, Kanela, is just across the street. (I think that would make it 11… I guess you get a bonus one, my treat).
I close this story with a tip: BE SPONTANEOUS. If you’re downtown, walking around, or even driving and you see something that looks interesting to you, find a place to park and check it out. Some of my favorite spots I found by accident, like a vintage market over the summer that my brother and I saw a sign for. I met some great people and snatched some pretty sick vintage tees for a great price. Again, you never know what you could find.
