Travel: Eating your way through Fort Wayne: 5 places you’ll want to visit | Lifestyles – Travel
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One of my very favorite cities in the state of Indiana is Fort Wayne. I’ve been there many times over the last two decades and have been impressed on so many levels – from their amazing zoo, science-themed children’s museum, botanical conservatory, minor league baseball stadium, historical attractions, riverfront park, boutique hotel, Sweetwater campus, stunning courthouse, convention center and arts scene to the varied dining selections.
Here are five places to eat to consider adding to your itinerary if you’re planning a trip to the Hoosier state’s second largest city. I made a list of 15, but my descriptions were too lengthy to go into detail on all of them. I’ll have to work more into a future column because I’ve discovered Fort Wayne to be such a wonderful food city.
I adore this tiny diner that dates back to 1952 where all the seats are counter seats and the quarters are so small you can get a close up view of your omelet being made on a big flat top griddle. There are 15 counter seats and they’re open for breakfast and dinner only. You might find you have to wait if it’s peak lunch time, but it’s worth the wait and the food comes up really fast. It’s just a fun overall experience and good, hearty comfort food.
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This place blew me away. It’s been several years now since I was there and I can still picture that meal and still taste it when I look at photos. I honestly had one of the best meals of my life here. I’ll never forget the amazing fisherman’s stew that was full of mussels, shrimp and halibut or the chuck roast gnocchi. And I was very pleasantly surprised to find crab okonomiyaki on the menu – it was fun trying this trendy dish with warm flakes of bonito that sway from the heat and appear to be dancing. Oh, and they have beer, too, and it’s really good, but the food is so amazing you almost forget you’re at a brewery and not a swanky top-tier restaurant.
From the lump crab hushpuppies to the smoked chicken wings to the BLT deviled eggs, there are so many delicious elevated bites in this chic, corner spot in downtown Fort Wayne. I always order buratta when it’s on the menu and I loved theirs. Entrees are amazing and creative – Baja fish tacos, a smoked pork Cubano, a gorgeous way bacon cheeseburger and more. Don’t pass on dessert – gooey butter cake is a definite recommendation.
Birdie’s is one of my very favorite spots in the city – and not just for the food. The menu is an abbreviated one, but with some great options, like steak frites, mushroom risotto, a chopped salad, crispy artichokes, marinated olives and melon salad. The best part of Birdie’s is that it is a rooftop eatery with a spectacular view. Even if you aren’t hungry, be sure to stop there for a cocktail where you can sit back and sip on the rooftop patio overlooking downtown Fort Wayne.
I’m also going to mention Arbor here. It’s a separate restaurant, but both are in the same building – The Bradley Hotel. The luxury boutique hotel is a gem in this historic area that opened last year. While Birdies is a rooftop lounge, Arbor is a full-service dining room on the lower level just off the lobby with large windows across two walls. It’s got a fun, eclectic menu of Italian-inspired starters, entrees, desserts and specials with stunning presentations. Pasta is house made, the charcuterie board is beautiful, the sides are works of art and the desserts (caramel budino, anyone?) are not to be skipped.
I love nostalgic eateries and this one takes the cake. The menu is simple (although not healthy), but they’ve been doing dogs for over 100 years and they know what they’re doing. It’s a place you just must try when in Fort Wayne. It bills itself as the oldest coney stand in the country. It opened in 1914 and is a classic diner that’s been run by the same family since 1916. As you walk by you can see the hot dogs being grilled right in front of the window, which is fun. Prices are ridiculously reasonable at $1.80 for a hot dog with coney sauce, mustard and hand-chopped onions.
For more on Fort Wayne and it’s eateries and attractions, go to visitfortwayne.com.
Family travel 5: Safety tips for outdoor adventures
Don’t let lightning strike
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, more than 400 people are struck by lightning each year in the U.S. Teach the kids that “when thunder roars, go indoors.” When planning an activity, have a safety plan and know where you will meet should a storm develop. Watch for darkening skies, flashes of lightning and shifting and strengthening wind patterns. If you hear thunder, even at a distance, it is time to move to a sturdy building or hard-topped metal vehicle with windows closed, advises NOAA. Stay away from tall, isolated trees, utility poles or open areas. Avoid wires and metal fencing. Wait for 30 minutes after the last thunderclap to move outside. If someone is struck by lightning, call 911 and get immediate medical attention.
For more: weather.gov/nwr
Learn about mountain lions
Mountain lion attacks on people are rare. Yet, recently, interactions have increased. Experts believe the shift is due, in part, to humans moving closer to lion habitat, an increase in deer populations (their prey), and more hikers, bikers and runners sharing trails with lions.
If you venture into lion country, experts recommend exploring in groups and making plenty of noise to avoid a surprise. Carry a walking stick and keep children close at all times. Should an encounter occur, do not run. Stay calm. Pick up any children and talk firmly as you slowly back away. Do everything you can to loom large, raising your arms, opening a coat while not blocking a lion’s escape route. If the lion acts aggressively, fight back with rocks, sticks or whatever you can find without getting low or turning your back.
For more: http://www.mountainlion.org/
Snake smarts
Hiking, climbing and camping in many parts of the country means a snake encounter is possible. Make sure kids know to steer clear of anything that resembles a snake. According to the University of Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, more than half of those bitten intentionally provoked the snake in some way. Stay on hiking trails and keep hands and feet away from wood and rock piles, deep grass or crevices. Carry a flashlight and wear shoes after dark. “Time is tissue,” experts say. So if a bite does occur, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
For more: azpoison.com.
Be bear aware
Your goal during a hiking, fishing or camping experience is to avoid getting up close and personal with a bear. So while making plans, inquire about recent bear activity at your intended destination. Research shows that bear spray is effective, so have yours at the ready and know how to use it. Travel in groups of three or more and sing, tell stories or take turns shouting “Hey, bear!” to let wild creatures know you are in the area. Hike during daylight hours, stay on trails and avoid berry patches and animal carcasses. Look for signs of bear activity including scat, tracks or overturned rocks. When camping, keep your tent and spaces clean and free of odors. (Remind the kids that stashing candy bars in sleeping bags could result in unintended consequences.) Don’t sleep in clothes worn to cook. Be sure to hang food and trash away from sleeping areas or in bear-proof containers. When visiting National Parks, take note of the ranger’s reminders about maintaining a proper distance from wild animals.
For more: NPS.gov/Yell; https://grizzlyctr.givecloud.co
Stay warm and dry
Whether you get caught in a downpour, lost on the trail or stay in the boat too long, getting too cold and too wet is something to avoid. It is helpful to remember the acronym COLD to avoid hypothermia: Cover, Overexertion, Layers and Dry. It’s especially important to keep heads, hands and feet covered. Avoid overexertion that will cause sweating. The combination of wet clothes and cold temperatures will cause the loss of body heat. Dressing in loose-fitting layers, with silk, wool or polypropylene closest to the body, is best for retaining body heat. And, of course, stay dry whenever possible and remove wet clothing at the earliest opportunity. Know that children (and older adults) chill more quickly and need one more layer in the same conditions. Shivering, the body’s natural attempt to warm itself, is a first sign of hypothermia. Bright red, cold skin and a weak cry are the first signs of hypothermia in an infant.
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