You bought the books, you did some sightseeing. But where to go when it's time to get your shop on while in the Fort? Here's our top ten picks (adult and kid - well, teen -approved)
Our Top 5
Jefferson Pointe Mall - this open-air mall is located on the south side of Fort Wayne between Illinois and Jefferson Roads (either exit of I-69 will get you there). Though it's not huge, they have a nice selection of stores to cover clothes, gaming, food, bath, furniture, and more. You can also catch a movie at AMC Theaters or let younger kids jump around in Kids Empire. Also nearby: Target, Walmart, Best Buy, furniture stores, car dealerships, and a hobby shop for train and car model enthusiasts.
Glenbrook Square Mall - This mall is located off Coliseum Blvd., a busy shopping area in Fort Wayne. This enclosed mall is the largest in the area and offers many popular stores like JC Penney to smaller stores like Box Lunch to cute boutique stores you can only find at Glenbrook Square. I prefer the atmosphere at Jefferson Pointe over Glenbrook (Glenbrook can get crowded, especially on the weekends), but there is a much larger selection of stores here. They often hold special events like fashion shows and storytimes, so check the calendar if that's your thing.
Vera Bradley / Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale - People come from all over the world for the Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale, so if you love Vera Bradley bags, blankets, and other products, this is a must.
Union Street Market - Looking for regional food and drinks? Union Street Market is the perfect spot to try locally-grown foods in the historic Electric Works building.
DeBrand Fine Chocolates - One word: chocolate. DeBrand's headquarters is right here in Fort Wayne on the northwest side of the city on Auburn Rd. From factory tours to shopping their delectable treats to hosting parties, if you love DeBrand or chocolate, this is a must. (My favorite is the dark chocolate truffle - oh, it just melts in your mouth!) Side note: We reserved the Conversation Corner for my daughter's birthday a few months back and it was perfect. The space was large enough for 12 people (we had nine and didn't feel the least bit crowded), and we had a DeBrand host who catered (read spoiled) the girls as they relaxed against the leather benches. We ordered rich DeBrand truffles and sundaes. Instead of a reservation cost in renting the roped-off space, DeBrand requires $75 worth of their products to be purchased per hour to rent the space. In my opinion, that was beyond worth it and very reasonable. Other party options are available, too, so check in with them if this is something you'd like to do during your stay.
