Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo Wild Encounters
Whether you’re visiting Fort Wayne with your girlfriends, significant other or your kids the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is definitely worth checking out. The mission of the zoo is “Connecting kids and animals, strengthen families and inspiring people to care.” One thing I really loved about the zoo was it’s designed for children to get up close and personal with the animals with their parents having to pick them up – this was especially beneficial for me since I am 4’10” and no one is going to go around picking me up so I can see what is going on.
Something that makes the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo really unique is its Wild Encounters. The zoo offers five different fun encounters for an extra price that you’re sure to love. While I was visit the Zoo a few weeks ago I got to experience the Stingray Wild Encounter and absolutely loved it. It was a really unique experience to get up close with the stingrays and feel them take fish right out of your hands. The one encounter I would love to do on my next trip is the penguin one – as someone who loves penguins I think it would be a lot of fun to check it out.
To help you select which Wild Encounter is best for you, lets see what each one offers.
African Bird Walking Tour Wild Encounter
Cost: $59* per person
If you’ve ever wondered about the birds in the African portion of your zoo journey then this tour is for you. This walking tour provides you with access to the zoo’s bird keepers so they can show you what they feed the birds as well as how they care for them.
Days: Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Time: April 27 – May 23 & Sept 1 to Oct 7 – 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
and May 24 – August 31st 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Ages 5 & up.
Maximum group size 4 people.
Dr. Diversity Wild Encounter
Cost: $59* per person
This Wild Encounter will take you behind the scenes of the Indonesian Dr. Diversity Rain Forest Research station, where you will visit the retile room and see how zoo keepers take care of the Dr. Diversity animals.
Days: Sundays
Time: 11:00 – 11:30 AM
Ages 4 & up.
Maximum group size 4 people.
Stingray Wild Encounter
Cost $39* per person
The aquarists will provide you with fish that you will hold in your hand, and wait for the stingrays to swim over and grab the food from your hand.
Days: Saturdays, Sundays and Monday during the zoo season.
Time: 1:00 – 1:30 PM.
Ages 6 & up.
Maximum group size 4 people.
Giraffe Wild Encounter
Cost: $79* per person
Start your adventure behind the scenes in the giraffe barn, where you’ll held the zookeepers create special feeders and watch the food get eaten while you stand toe to toe with these gorgeous creatures.
Days: Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
Time: 3:00 – 3:30 PM
DO NOT visit the Indiana Family Farm before your Giraffe Wild Encounter – goats and sheet may carry a virus that can affect giraffes (it is not harmful to humans).
After your Giraffe Wild Encounter feel free to go visit the sheep and goats.
Penguin Wild Encounter
Cost: $89* per person
Step onto the beach – yes BEACH, and help the zookeepers bring the penguins lunch. You’ll be taught the best way to feed the penguins and details about their personalities.
Days: Fridays-Mondays during the zoo season.
Time: 1:15-2:00 PM.
Cost: $89 per person.
Ages 8 & up. Maximum group size 2 people.
*These prices are for 2019 and are subject to change year to year. Please visit the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo for an up to date price list.
Weekend Getaway: Fort Wayne, IN
Who’s ready for a road trip? I recently had the opportunity to explore Fort Wayne, Indiana with the Visit Fort Wayne team, and I am so excited to share my experience with you. Prior to this trip, I knew nothing about Fort Wayne or Indiana in general (other than the fact that I have to drive through it to get to Chicago). Depending on where you live in the Metro Detroit area Fort Wayne is likely three hours or less. The quick drive makes it a really attractive distance if you’re in the mood to get out of Michigan for a weekend.
From Detroit, it’s a quick drive (around 2.5 hours – it took me 3 hours since I am outside of Detroit) to Fort Wayne, which makes it a great weekend getaway with friends or family.
Things To Do:
There’s a ton of fun things to do in Fort Wayne with your girlfriends, significant other or family. Here are some top picks from my trip to Fort Wayne.
See a TinCaps Baseball Game
You know I am a huge fan of baseball, and love checking out as many ballparks as I can. If you’re going to Fort Wayne I highly recommend checking out their minor league baseball team, the TinCaps. The name of the team is a tribute to pioneer Johnny Appleseed who is believed to be buried in Fort Wayne. With an adorable logo that features an apple wearing Johnny Appleseed\’s trademark tin cap, the TinCaps have called Parkview Field home since 2009 and continue to draw in fans young and old each season. The stadium is gorgeous, the atmosphere is a lot of fun and there is so much interaction you’ll never be bored.
Visit the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
Even if you aren’t visiting with kids the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is definitely worth checking out. The mission of the zoo is “Connecting kids and animals, strengthening families and inspiring people to care.” What I really love about that is it’s actually true, as someone who is 4’10” I struggle to see animals when I go to the zoo – so think about the kids who are smaller than me. Kids can actually see the animals without having to be picked up by their parents! The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo also offers Wild Encounters like feeding the stingrays, which I would highly recommend.
Explore the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
If you love flowers you’re going to love the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. Filled with tropical plants, a relaxing waterfall, and desert-themed room there is sure to be something for everyone. The conservatory hosts a variety of events and exhibits throughout the year, and beginning April 27 they will have a live butterfly exhibit that runs until July 7, which I cannot wait to go back and checkout.
Learn About Your Ancestors at the Genealogy Center
One of the coolest experiences was visiting the Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library and learning about my family history. With nearly a million physical research items plus additional online databases, the Genealogy Center is a completely free resource that draws people in from all over. Prior to the trip, I provided the librarians some information about my family, and they pulled some amazing information about my ancestors. I learned that I am French Canadian, Scottish, German and Irish – plus my family has colonial roots in the United States which is amazing. Learning about my family history was truly an amazing experience.
See what’s new at The Fort Wayne Museum of Art
If you love art, you’re not going to want to miss out on the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. This museum provides an array of unique pieces of art from permanent pieces to rotating exhibits.
Check Out Science Central
Do you love science? If you do, then you definitely don’t want to miss checking out Science Central. The hands-on exhibits are educational, and you’ll learn so much in a short time. One of my favorite parts of Science Central is “Science On A Sphere,” this three-dimensional globe can showcase anything from the plants to storm systems.
Where to Eat:
Looking for ideas of where to eat while you’re in Fort Wayne? Here are a few places I highly recommend.
Breakfast – Proximo
Looking for a unique and delicious breakfast? Look no further than Proximo. This is a great space to go with friends or family. I ordered the Carnitas Benedict which featured braised pork served over house-made cornbread and is finished with arugula, poached eggs and hollandaise – oh my goodness was it delicious.
Lunch – Dash-In
If grilled cheese is your thing, you’re definitely going to want to head to Dash-In. They have a great selection of food, but are known for their grilled cheese sandwiches and have a unique variety of them. I tried the Green Goddess, and it was absolutely amazing. With muenster, provolone, havarti, pesto sauce, guacamole, and fresh spinach this sandwich is pure perfection. I paired it with their tomato bisque which is a rich and creamy tomato soup with hints of white wine, white onion and is topped with parmesan cheese and scallion – oh my gosh yum!
Snack – DeBrand Fine Chocolates
You can’t go to Fort Wayne and not try DeBrand Fine Chocolates. I loved the raspberry cream from the classic collection.
Appetizers – Copper Spoon
Looking for a great selection of wines, a huge cocktail list filled with unique options and delicious appetizers, then Copper Spoon is the place for you. This restaurant has a fun atmosphere that is perfect for gathering with friends or a significant other. Copper Spoon also shares views of Parkview Field where the TinCaps play. I tried the Charcuterie Platter (cured meat, cheese, pickles, spicy mustard, and baguette pieces) and Smutty Fries (patatas, sloppy joe, quest, pickled hot peppers, pickled onion, and scallions ).
Dinner – The Hoppy Gnome
The Hoppy Gnome is a fun and unique experience, this brewery rocks and amazing sophisticated food menu you’re sure to love. They focus on fresh ingredients and make an effort to change up their menu a few times a year. I enjoyed the Pan-Seared Scallops (jumbo scallops, hoppy hash, bacon and sweet corn relish with jalapeño tartar) and Asian Tuna Tartare (Sashimi grade tuna, Serrano pepper guacamole, soy glaze, and crispy wontons).
Dessert – Ruth’s Chris
I know that there are Ruth’s Chris chains all over the continental United States, but trust me you want to check out the one in Fort Wayne for dessert. Forget all other desserts on the menu, you want to get the carrot cake, it’s the best that I have ever had – and it’s only at a couple locations.
More Things To See and Do:
Promenade Park is opening this June, and you won’t want to miss the dining, Tree Canopy Trail, playground, kayak rentals and more.
If you like seeing the art around Detroit, you’ll definitely want to explore the many unique art murals and public art around town.
See the Embassy Theatre, with a history dating back to 1928 this place has been dazzling audiences with live shows, movies and more for years. Dress in your most elegant attire and head to the Embassy Theatre to see a show one weekend instead of the Fisher Theatre or Fox Theatre.
Fort Wayne, you were amazing! I had so much fun, and cannot wait to visit again.
5 Tips to Help Achieve Your Fitness Goals
Summer is right around the corner… I think, and with summer quickly approaching if you’re anything like me you’re determined to try and get into shape. To help myself, and you achieve the goals you have I am sharing some of my fitness tips.
5 Tips for Achieving Your Fitness Goals
1. Set goals that are attainable. I have a very busy schedule, therefore I am making sure that I am setting realistic goals for myself. My goal is to get to the gym five days a week for at least 30 minutes each day.
2. Work with a trainer. Experienced trainers are there to help you achieve your fitness goals. This is a great way to get a workout tailored to what you’re trying to accomplish.
3. Try new classes. This has been a game changer for me, lately, I have gone to barre and burlesque classes. I have taken barre plenty of times before, but burlesque never before and I absolutely love it.
4. Find an accountability partner. It’s easier to make sure you get to the gym if you know you are meeting someone there.
5. Have fun. Keep things fun and exciting, do what you love. I love boot camp and booty classes so I make sure to fill my schedule with them.
Detroitish Spring Bucket List
If you’re dreaming of spring weather right know, you’re not alone. While the calendar may say spring, the gloomy, rainy, chilly days feel more like fall. However, with all these April showers, May flowers will be showing up quickly. So let us spring forward and start a bucket list of things to do once the weather breaks. Here are some of my top picks to make the most out of spring in Detroitish (Southeast, Michigan). Feel free to leave a comment to add some of your own ideas to the list.
Explore Detroit Zoo
You’re never too old to explore the zoo.
Catch a baseball game
There’s nothing better than enjoying a baseball game with friends. Visit downtown Detroit to catch a Tigers game or visit downtown Utica for a USPBL game and see the Utica Unicorns, Eastside Diamond Hoppers, Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers or Westside Wolly Mammoths.
Visit the Anna Scripps Conservatory on Belle Isle
This beautiful space that makes up the Anna Scripps Conservatory is filled with five different flower rooms that are sure to leave you amazed.
Bike or walk along the Dequindre Cut Greenway
The Dequindre Cut is a two-mile recreational path is known for its graffiti and artwork. Along the way be sure to stop at Eastern Market and end your trip near the Detroit Riverfront.
Entrances to the greenway are located at Atwater Street, Franklin Street, Woodbridge Street, Lafayette Street, Gratiot Avenue, Wilkins Street, and Mack Avenue.
Spend Saturdays at Eastern Market
Eastern Market allows you to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and so much more.
Enjoy the Detroit Riverwalk
The Detroit Riverfront offers beautiful views of the city and Canada, not to mention is surrounded by delicious food and attractions.
Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts
The Detroit Institude of Arts (DIA) is home to amazing works of art and is the perfect place to hang out on a rainy spring day.
Bring out your competitive side
Head to C.J. Barrymore’s for a round of mini golf, go-karts, batting cages and more.
Get out an hike
Visit one of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.
Take a step back in time
Visit Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum for a unique experience.
Girl’s Getaway Weekend: Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale
My likeness for Vera Bradley kind of snuck up on me. Mostly, I thought of Vera Bradley products as those “quilty-looking purses” with crazy patterns that just didn’t have a classy touch to them. In college girls toted their laptops around in Vera Bradley cases and carried her totes, while I had a polka dot Target laptop case. Recently, I was invited to attend Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale in Fort Wayne, Indiana (about three hours from Detroit). When you hear “outlet sale” you tend to think it is items that didn’t sell or have an imperfection. However, that is not the case for this sale – at all. Women travel from near and far to head to the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum to get their shop on. This sale is a bigger deal then you can even begin to imagine.
When You Get There
When you arrive at the Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale, you get to walk through doors during your allotted spot to a sea of prints and patterns. Upon walking through the doors you will be given a map that will help you navigate through the space, as well as a huge bag to carry any items you plan on purchasing (for security purposes, your items will be transferred to a different color bag upon checkout if you chose to buy one). If you signed up for a ticketed session, you’ll have a set amount of time to shop and when that time is up you’re out of there. There are countdowns and announcements to let you know when the session is over, so you’ll want to be sure to locate what you’re looking for quickly and efficiently. Even though you’ll only get a set amount of time during a paid time slot, you will shop with a lighter crowd, which makes the paid session totally worth it.
What You Will Find
Ladies, if you have been living under a rock like me, you’ll be surprised when you walk into the sale and realize that it is so much more than paisley printed totes – although they still have those if that is your thing. You will find florals, modern patterns, saturated hues, leather, solids (obsessed with the black) and more. In case you didn’t know Vera Bradley isn’t just totes, bags, purses and luggage it\’s so much more. At this sale, I found blankets, umbrellas, stationery, robes, flip flops, shoes, towels, lunch boxes, bathing suits, apparel and so much more. There’s something to fit every aspect of your life, and with deals, a deal between 40 to 60 percent off you’re sure to find things you need and want. Even I found items that matched my beach babe and classy professional lifestyle.
My Haul
I went with the intention of buying things for Christmas gifts, but in the end, I only bought things for myself. I actually walked around the entire place once, before I started making my picks. So what did I go home with? I picked up the Weekender in classic black to take on road trips with me. The Work Tote in classic black that has a slot for my laptop case, the beach scarf in Indio and two Seashore Beach Wristlets one in sunburst floral and one in lotus flower swirl. As you can tell I am a classy meets beachy kind of girl.
Overall Thoughts
Before attending the show I had absolutely no idea what to expect. Upon walking in I was very overwhelmed, but once I looked around followed the map I actually loved attending the show and looking at everything. I was so surprised by all the amazing products Vera Bradley carries, and cannot wait to go back to the sale again next year. I am definitely interested in getting a rolling carry-on suitcase. Prior to attending this sale, I had no idea that Fort Wayne was just three hours away and was a city packed with so much fun.
I highly recommend heading to Fort Wayne, Indiana to attend the Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale next year.
April 15 – 19, 2020
Fashion meets Food 