Yes, traveling with kids can be fun. But sometimes, parents need adults-only travel adventures in order to recharge and do the things they want to do. (Such as not choose a restaurant based on whether it has a kids’ menu!)

This is definitely the case for me, and it’s why I chose to visit Fort Wayne recently all by myself, for a much-needed solo mom’s trip. Solo, because I love to travel by myself! It’s a completely different experience to travel alone than it is with a partner or friends. You can 100% dictate what you do, see, eat and experience. Plus, you can take up all of the room in the hotel bed, and spread out all of your things on the hotel bathroom counter, and no one will complain!

Of course, all of the places I visited, restaurants I ate at and activities I experienced during my solo trip would be fun to experience with partners and friends, too. So if you’re looking for some ideas for a parents’ weekend away, or girlfriend getaway ideas, or a mom’s (or dad’s) group trip, Fort Wayne is a great place to visit!

Where I Stayed

I have been wanting to stay at The Bradley since it opened in 2021. This boutique hotel in downtown Fort Wayne was co-created with Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, one of the founders of Vera Bradley. Vera Bradley’s headquarters are in Fort Wayne, so it makes sense to have a Vera Bradley-inspired hotel in the city, too! The cute hotel has nine specially designed suites, a rotating art gallery and two restaurants, including a rooftop bar.

The Bradley doesn’t really have the things that a person traveling with kids would look for, like a pool and free breakfast. But that was OK by me, because I was staying without my kids. This hotel is a great getaway for adults-only stays! I also appreciated that the hotel is located within steps to what seems like everything in downtown Fort Wayne, including The Landing, a historic district that has multiple independent shops and restaurants.

What I Did During My Fort Wayne Getaway

Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale

It happens only once a year in the spring, for five precious days. At the Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale, Vera Bradley fans are sure to save big! I have heard tales of the grand scale and frenzy around this annual sale, so I was excited to experience it myself. The sale is held at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, and everyone is right: this sale is huge! Not just in size — it’s more than 100,000 square feet of items — but also in discounts. Many of the items were on sale for anywhere from 50% to 90% off retail.

Wine Tasting at Country Heritage Winery and Vineyard

One thing about me: I will travel for great wine! Luckily, I didn’t have to drive far to find a local winery growing their own grapes and creating their own award-winning wine right here in Indiana. Just a short drive north of Fort Wayne in LaOtto, you’ll find Country Heritage Winery and Vineyard, which offers daily wine tastings and tours. The winery also offers brunch, community events with live music, and for those who prefer spirits more than wine, a variety of gin, vodka and rum from their onsite distillery, Backroads Distilling Company.

Yoga at Fusion Yoga

I practice yoga every day, even when I’m away from home. So I popped into Fusion Yoga, a yoga and fitness studio in Fort Wayne, for a hot dynamic flow class. The room was heated to a toasty 110 degrees, but the studio also offers unheated classes. I left feeling sweaty but motivated for the rest of the day! One of the great things about Fusion Yoga is that they offer childcare at the studio. I saw many mamas with children in tow, which was a great sight to see. I’m all for moms getting their self-care by any means necessary!

Massage at Woodhouse Day Spa

Speaking of self-care: No mom’s trip would be complete without a trip to the spa! Woodhouse Day Spa in Fort Wayne was a great place to indulge in a Swedish massage, as well as take advantage of the amazing facilities, like the steam room, rainfall showers and lounge with complimentary beverages.

Fort Wayne Museum of Art

I’ve been to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art with my family a few times. But it’s different (and almost indulgent) to experience an art museum by yourself without having to manage kids. You actually get to see and experience the art! FWMOA has permanent and rotating exhibits, including a temporary exhibit all about handbags and purses called “My PURSEonal Favorites: 300 Bags from the World’s Largest Handbag Collection.” It was the perfect exhibit to be on display during the annual Vera Bradley sale.

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory

One of my favorite places in Fort Wayne is the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, a literal oasis in the city. The spring and early summer is a great time to visit, because that’s when the botanical garden’s butterfly exhibit is open. Step inside the butterfly pavilion, and you’ll be greeted by dozens of butterflies flitting by … some will even land on you! My favorite thing to do, though, is just wander through the multiple garden environments, from tropical to desert.

Exploring Downtown Fort Wayne + Its Public Art Scene

When I tell others about my love for Fort Wayne, the city’s vibrant public art scene is usually a part of that conversation. Fort Wayne embraces public art and murals like almost no other city I’ve seen in Indiana, and walking around the downtown area is a feast for the senses. A great gamified way to experience all of this art is with the Fort Wayne Public Art Trail digital pass. It’s free to sign up, and it gives you a map and guide to all of the public art in the area. You can even “check in” at each piece to win free prizes.

What I Ate in Fort Wayne

No mac & cheese and chicken tenders on this trip! My solo visit to Fort Wayne was my chance to eat at some of the fine dining, adult-oriented restaurants in the area that I don’t typically get to visit when traveling with my kids.

Mercado

Cali-Mexican: Those are my two favorite words when it comes to cuisine! Mercado offers lots of west-coast energy and Chicano-inspired flavors on their menu. The Chicano Chicken and enchiladas are two of their most popular plates, as are their tacos (get the Cali-AF or chorizo taco!).

Rune

Rune is fine dining meets neighborhood haunt, and it’s a great place for a kid-free meal in Fort Wayne. The menu is minimal and seasonal, the wine and cocktails are thoughtfully chosen and prepared, and the atmosphere is inviting. Fort Wayne is always surprising and delighting me: My spring ramp spaghetti and a pho-flavored pot de creme was some of the best food I’ve eaten in a long time.

Spoke + Ivy

A new restaurant to Fort Wayne’s fine dining scene is Spoke + Ivy, a swanky spot offering brunch, lunch and dinner. Downstairs is Black Rabbit Bar, where you can grab a cocktail or draft beer while enjoying small bites like charcuterie and filet skewers.

Umi

Sushi, seafood, steaks, noodles: Umi is the answer to your question about where to go to find upscale Japanese cuisine. During lunchtime, they offer bento boxes (pictured below), that come with tempura, a sushi roll, and your choice of protein over rice.

Proximo

Proximo focuses on Latin flavors, and it’s where I found a great breakfast made from their scratch kitchen. They offer unique takes on old favorites, like their carnitas Benedict (made with braised pork over cornbread), but they also have classics like omelets and biscuits & gravy.

Kanela

I love a hearty breakfast sometimes, but most of the time, I just want a coffee and something light and healthy in the morning. Kanela, located in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne and around the corner from The Bradley hotel, fit my needs. They have a juice bar (the Green Boost was amazing), and offer light bites like avocado toast and acai bowls in the morning, and wraps in the afternoon.