Things To Do
The Hoppy Gnome
This is a regular stop for us, and was a perfect date location for us to meet between our apartments. They serve unique taco recipes, delicious burgers, and local beer.
J K O'Donnell's
This was the first place we ever went out to together. We love their fried pickles appetizer and their fried chicken sandwich. J.K.'s has a cozy Irish pub vibe, and it's a favorite for us!
Hop River Brewing Company
Hop River Brewing has a very neat lit outdoor patio with string lighting, picnic table seating, and a huge rack of various board games. Inside, they often host trivia and have a selection of arcade games.
Tequila Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
This is our very favorite Mexican restaurant. It is on the southwest side of Fort Wayne, nearer to the airport. Hannah loves the birria tacos and Jack loves the fajitas. We both agree that the guacamole is a must.
The Landing
This is not a single restaurant, but a collection of shops and restaurants on a blocked-off walking street. It is right in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne and offers a variety of options, all with outdoor seating.
The Lucky Turtle Grill
This restaurant is fun and whimsical with a huge menu. It is definitely a crowd pleaser, and is not situated far from the reception venue.
The Deck
This is an absolute favorite for the both of us. We LOVE the fried chicken cobb salad and the purple haze cocktail. The Deck is quite literally a deck, overlooking the St. Mary's river. It is a great spot to visit any time, whether you're looking for a lunch spot, or a place to experience Fort Wayne night life.
Country Heritage Winery
Country Heritage is a beautiful winery, up north nearer to the reception venue. Should you be looking for a way to fill your Friday night, Country Heritage host outdoor live music every Friday night during the summer! See their website for details on who is playing.
The Club Room at The Clyde
With food, drinks, and live music every night of the week, the Clyde is a great evening location. We love listening to live music, and the Clyde has a great line up of musicians with a variety of artists every night of the week. There are no cover charges, so we love to sit a little while with food or drinks and just soak in the music!
Promenade Park
Rather than a food or drink recommendation, Promenade is a great place to kill some time, and is within walking distance of the ceremony location. It has a beautiful outdoor river walk and outdoor swinging benches. If you or children need to burn off some energy, Promenade also features permanent outdoor cornhole boards, foosball tables, table tennis tables, and even a small wading river and splash pad. We actually met Dragon Boat racing on the river in the park and a year later, Jackson proposed right in the Promenade Park area!
Barr Street Farmer's Market
On Saturday mornings (9am-1pm) during the summer, the Fort Wayne Farmer's Market blocks off an entire street (Barr Street) in Downtown Fort Wayne. Both of us are frequent visitors, since we each live within walking distance. The market features all types of vendors with crafts, fresh produce, clothing, coffee, food trucks, and more. The market also wraps around the Fort Wayne History Museum, which is a free to pop into while the market is in session. The market would be a great place to stop the morning of the wedding ceremony AND is within walking distance of St. Paul's Church!