How to Spend 48 Hours in Fort Wayne, Indiana

From a Vera Bradley-themed hotel to a vibrant art museum, the Hoosier State’s second-largest city offers a fun place for a fall weekend getaway.

Vagabond Kitchen

This restaurant in Wheeling, West Virginia, showcases chef Matt Welsch’s unique approach to some of the Mountain State’s favorite dishes.

Fruit pie with whipped cream at Vagabond Kitchen in Wheeling, West Virginia (photo courtesy of Vagabond Kitchen)

The Sock Monkey Museum

This quirky museum in Long Grove, Illinois, celebrates the stuffed animals that generations of mothers created for their children using a pair of easy-to-acquire socks.

Several sock monkeys at The Sock Monkey Museum in Long Grove, Illinois (photo courtesy of The Sock Monkey Museum)

NRocks Outdoor Adventures

Embrace the high life — be it navigating the via ferrata route or zip-line course — at this destination near Monongahela National Forest in Circleville, West Virginia,

Via ferrata at NRocks Outdoor Adventures in Circleville, West Virginia (photo courtesy of NRocks Outdoor Adventures))

Greenfield Village

Opened by Henry and Clara Ford in 1929, this destination in Dearborn, Michigan, preserves history and highlights innovations that changed the world.

Group riding in vintage Model T at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan (photo by E.E. Burger))

Richard H. Driehaus Museum

This historic home turned museum in Chicago, Illinois, provides an opportunity to explore the rich architectural details of the Nickerson Mansion, which was completed in 1883.

Period-appropriate table at Richard D. Driehaus Museum in Chicago, lllinois (photo by Steve Hall))

Copper & Kings

This distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, makes brandy in the heart of bourbon country, blasting its barrels with a steady dose of rock ’n’ roll music. 

Bartender with brandy varieties at Copper & Kings in Louisville, Kentucky (photo by Terri Colby)

Carmel Christkindlmarkt

Modeled after traditional German Christmas markets, this holiday market in Carmel, Indiana, offers an immersive and fun way to shop for gifts.

Aerial view of Carmel Christkindlmarket in Carmel, Indiana (photo by Roben Bellomo, Bellomo Studios, Carmel Christkindlmarket)

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Exhibit at the Heinz History Center

Step into the whimsical TV world of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” at this Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, museum that houses a collection of the show’s sets, props and clothing.

Puppets at Heinz History Center’s “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” Display in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (photo courtesy of Heinz History Center))

The Blennerhassett Hotel

Located near the ferry to Blennerhassett Island, this historic hotel in Parkersburg, West Virginia, offers spa services and dining options.

Exterior of The Blennerhassett Hotel in Parkersburg, West Virginia (photo courtesy of Blennerhassett Hotel & Spa))

Cherry Tree Inn B&B

Plan a couples getaway to this charming bed-and-breakfast in Woodstock, Illinois, that had a starring role in the 1993 film “Groundhog Day.”

Common space at Cherry Tree Inn B&B in Woodstock, Illinois (photo courtesy of Cherry Tree Inn B&B))
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