Every year, there’s this awesome community event that comes to Fort Wayne, Indiana called ‘Be A Tourist In Your Hometown‘. This event promotes exploring downtown Fort Wayne and best of all, everything is free! Last year, I heard about this neat event but just couldn’t make it. F

ortunately, everything worked out this year and I got to experience it! And let me tell ya, it was pretty cool. Despite what you may think, Fort Wayne, Indiana does possess some unique and beautiful places downtown and I would invite anyone to do some digging and be amazed!

THE EMBASSY

The day itself was gloomy and rainy but that didn’t stop the city lovers (like myself) from throwing on our raincoats and still taking part. The first attraction I checked out was the Embassy Theatre and what a lovely place it is! 

They had both the main floor and all of the ‘behind the stage‘ areas open for touring! I have lived in Fort Wayne for nearly six years now and this was my first time going inside, seriously it was a treat!

We started on the main floor entering the enormous lobby full of intricate ceilings and decorations. Next, I went inside the theater which was full of about 2,000 vintage inspired chairs, complex wall details and an atmosphere giving me a vision of a bustling 1930’s and 40’s movie theater. 

I then meandered to the backstage which was one long hall full of many dressing rooms branching off. Honestly, this place alone was worth taking part in the whole event!

ALLEN COUNTY COURTHOUSE

Once I was finished with the Embassy, I headed over to the Allen County Courthouse. Of course, me being directionally challenged, I type in the courthouse into Google maps and began walking. 

I knew my surroundings were off and had an odd feeling that I was going the wrong way ⏤ I ended up at the wrong courthouse. heh. Oh well, we passed by an interesting area and I captured some neat photos from it!

Eventually, I got to the correct courthouse and went inside. I have never been inside this building either and boy it wasn’t what I expected. For some reason, I thought it would be smelly, dingy and ugly ⏤ it was the exact opposite! 

The ceilings were so ravishing and the cold marble columns and staircases were beyond magnificent. The photos here are hard to get regularly as you generally aren’t allowed any cell phones or cameras during normal courthouse visits.

 

MY HAPPY PLACE

As you can see, I’m in my happy place capturing photos at the Allen County Courthouse. I was in awe with my surroundings and could not believe how beautiful these buildings in Fort Wayne really were.

Every attraction I visited had such a unique experience and vibe. I believe that is what makes this city strong and beautiful.

Here I am using my Canon body with a 35mm lens snapping a photo of the colorful glass window.

A few other places I stopped at was the Artlink Gallery, the History Center, Parkview Field, and the Lincoln Tower. 

My favorite out of all of them is definitely the bank. The golden entry doors always astonished me and I will forever love this location for downtown city portraits. 

The inside was just as amazing as the Allen County Courthouse and very similar.

 

 

 

BOTANICAL GARDENS

Moving onward to the last attraction of the day, the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory ⏤ I‘ve been here numerous times and I love it more each visit. Not only is it beautiful to visit, but it’s AMAZING for weddings! 

I really could not resist stopping by even though in the back of my mind, I knew it would be crazy busy (and it was). It is just so admirable and refreshing, like taking a step through a summer flower meadow, but in the middle of the city!

Every time I go to the botanical gardens, I get gorgeous photos that I personally love. Next time you are in Fort Wayne or have nothing to do, I recommend the gardens. 

It’s the perfect chance to refresh your mind and help relieve stress. Not only are the indoors appealing but the outdoor section is great too. If you didn’t know, I recently got engaged and this is where we will have our wedding. 

It retains such a special place in both of our hearts and that is why we chose it ⏤ the gardens never disappoint.

THOUGHTS

I had such a lovely time ‘playing tourist‘ in the great old city of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Though it was cold, rainy and gloomy, it was a great experience and I would definitely do it again. 

Not only is this great for residents, it‘s also great for Fort Wayne photographers because you can scout some unknown locations you potentially haven’t been to! Downtown is growing for the better and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for the city.