Admittedly, we didn't spend near as much time as I would have liked in Convington. We arrived late (see the post  on Mystic Grill), and then had to get back on the road by 11 a.m. the next morning to get down to Orlando, which was our next and final stop in the United States. So .... all that said, we would all love to go back and see/do a little more in this cute town. 

But there was no way we were leaving without at least seeing a few of the iconic houses from the show. 

We visited Elena's house, Caroline's house (both on Floyd Street and across from one another), and the Lockwood Mansion off College Avenue). We also checked out City Park with all the signs from the shows and movies filmed in Convington, GA. This park was also home to the Covington Visitor's Center. Unfortunately, that was still closed when we were there, but we did take a few pictures of The Vampire Diaries' tour vehicles. Hopefully, we'll get back to the area to do the tour. I've heard only good things about it. 

 Caroline's house (is also an AirBnB - will have to stay there one day)

Elena's House (it's also a private home so please don't go on property when you visit)

Tyler Lockwood's house (someone lives here too, so if you visit, please be respectful)

City Park (small but nice and the surrounding neighborhood couldn't be cuter. It's also about a block from the Lockwood Mansion and a couple of blocks from Elena's and Caroline's. All very walkable if you have time)

Like I said, we would've loved to spend more time in Convington. Downtown is beautiful, even if you're not a fan of The Vampire Diaries, and with so many other movies and shows filmed here, you're likely to find some piece of gold from something. 

Have you been to Convington? Do you love it as much as we do? 

And if you're a fan of The Vampire Diaries, you know I have to ask - Team Damon or Team Stefan?

I started watching Vampire Diaries a few years ago a year or so after the series ended. After that, I got my oldest hooked on the series, so as we started our travels, stopping in Mystic Falls was a necessity.

We didn't get a lot of time in Covinginton, GA (where most of Vampire Diaires was filmed), but our first stop was Mystic Grill for dinner.

Thoughts on the Restaurant

Outside looks EXACTLY like it does in the show and it is like being in the show (very, very cool). The green building, the awning, the tables outside, the streetlight - it gives you the feel of the show the minute you park.

 When you walk inside, the restaurant itself is block off so that people can't just walk through it. We were seated at a table near the door, and it was the perfect spot to look around. Admittedly, inside looks quite a bit different from the show (the inside of the restaurant was filmed on a studio set and not in location), and the Mystic Grill itself was opened in honor of the show. When we visited, it was largely decorated for Harry Potter, which I found surprising, but there was still quite a few Vampire Diaries memorabilia around. And the bathroom? I couldn't even guess how many fans signed the walls and stalls.

Downstairs, the alley looks exactly like it did the show, and there's a fun little gift shop with some more memorbilia for fans to check out. And don't forget to pick up a blood bag - they taste pretty good!

ATMOSPHERE: 10 STARS

Okay, back upstairs for the meal...

Our Dinner

The menu isn't large, but has a little bit of something for everyone - whether you're into hamburgers, pasta, seafood, appetizers, or soup, you can find an option or two to choose from. More importantly, the food is really good (and we'll talk desserts in just a second).

Both my daughters ordered the fried chicken mac & cheese.

It was cavatappi noodles (corkscrew-like elbows), fried chicken, bacon, and a cheddar bechamel sauce. It also looked like it had a little bit of shredded cheese on top.

They had a little bit different opinions of the food (my youngest is VERY picky and my oldest is not). My 13-year-old thought it was a little spicy and would've preferred just the mac and cheese without the chicken. My oldest said it wasn't super cheesy but said that wasn't a bad thing - she said she wouldn't want it super cheesy - but she also said it wasn't dry, so in her opinion it was a happy medium. My youngest said she would choose something else next time, my oldest said she would definitely have it again.

My oldest gave it a 9/10 stars, my youngest gave it a 6/10 stars.

My husband had Blackened Shrimp Pasta Alfredo made with fettuccini alfredo, gulf shrimp, roasted tomatoes, and alfredo sauce.

My husband enjoyed the black shrimp alfredo. He did say it had a slight cajun spice and was slightly less creamy than he would have liked (drier than he's used to). The shrimp was large and was delicious. He said it was 10/10 stars and he would definitely order it again.

I had the bacon and cheese burger with winder fries. It was a 10 oz patty, crispy bacon, tomato, lettace, onion, and pickle.

I enjoyed every bite. The burger was seasoned perfectly with just a little bit of cajun bite (very subtle), and the fries were perfect (no ketchup needed). I rate it 10/10 stars, and would definitely order it again should we go back.

While my husband and youngest daughter both order fountain drinks, my oldest and I opted for the strawberry slush drink with sounvenir glass. SOOOOO good!

Dessert

 Do NOT leave without having Damon's Dirty Chocolate Cake. It's dense chocolate cake layered with chocolate mousse and topped with chocolate chips. It is (ahem) do die for. So rich, so good, I couldn't quite finish it but oh, I wanted too. I could have order a few more of those to take with us. Amazing! FIVE SHINING STARS

If chocolate isn't your thing, my husband had the pecan pie. His mother used to make pecan pie, so he's very picky about it, but gave this one an 8/10.

Service

Our waiter was fantastic. He was very friendly, actually came down to the gift shop to get my daughter and I when I food arrived, and talked to us about the actors he'd met over the years (spoiler: he met most of them). Not only did he give us great service, but he was fun to talk to. He earned every bit of his tip, and we hope to see him again should we go back. 10/10 stars

VALUE FOR MONEY

It was a touch expensive so if we return to Covington (we hope to), we wouldn't choose to eat there more than one night of our stay. The experience and the food balances out the cost, but still, keep it in mind should you ever go, especially if you are budget-minded. $$-$$$/$$$$

Overall, we loved our stop at Mystic Grill, and look forward to going back when we return to the states. 

There are few bigger leaps of faith than selling nearly everything you own and setting out on an adventure to take you not only across the country to some favorite spot, but then halfway across the world to explore new cultures and countries. 

In September 2025, that's exaclty what my familly and I did. Crazy? Probably. But already, Where the Stories Take Us has experienced some amazing, wonderful things. And some things that were downright scary with moments of "What in the world have I just done?" But as I sit here in France writing this,  and getting ready to share every detail with you, I can honestly say this is part of a wild, crazy, exciting dream that still doesn't seem real. It's taken me FAR out of my comfort zone of having the illusion of a safety net, of having predicitabilty and all the things that my CPTSD demands. But at the end of the day, I think that's part of the reason we're doing this. That, and so very many others. We don't know how the chips might fall, and we're hoping we don't epically crash and burn, but if we do, we'll still have quite the story to share. 

And I hope you come along for the ride. We'll be doing all the things we've already started on this blog, and sooooo much more. From food to books to castles and ruins, the adventure has only just begun!

When we moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana eight years ago, the ONLY thing I knew about the city was that, as a teen, I loved the zoo here. But fresh off the heels of the Great Recession, we needed a fresh start. And the city landed within the boundaries of a circle we had drawn on the map when deciding how far we could afford to move. So after months of planning, we moved the three hours to a city has offers a whole lot more than meets the eye. As you can imagine, one of my favorite things to do is explore and that's exactly what we set out to do.

Fort Wayne Children's Zoo

Though the animals that you'll find are, more or less, the same ones you'll see at most zoos (although one can never see too many tigers, in my opinion), it's the settings at the Children's Zoo that truly do make this zoo stand out to me. 

As I said, I visited with my parents when I was a teen. I LOVED the way it was organized: an area for Africa, an area for Asia, and an area for Australia - and it wasn't just how they organized their animals. Africa offered a savannah-type experience complete with a gondola ride that allowed riders a breathtaking view of the zebra, wildebeest, vultures, and lions (I won't lie, I HATE heights, so this one is a tough one for me to do but the view is killer). 

The Asian Trek (which is easily my favorite) allows you to walk through a rainforest-inspired dome followed by a trek along a suspended bridge that weaves through the treetops. In Asia, you'll also find two small counter service restaurants (more on that in a second) along with a carasoul ride.

And Australia, well, that's complete with red dirt that guides to kangaroos and dingos. The aquarium in this area, though small, is also beautiful. Here you'll also find a log ride that is the perfect break from the Australian sun. Petting the sting rays here is completely free, although is almost always crowded so you may have to be patient. Finally, don't forget to take the train ride that takes you out and alongside a lake. 

If you simply walk through the zoo, don't expect this to be a full-day experience. While there are plenty of nice corners to rest and do some people-watching. Each area has food available - for a price - but the pizza in Asia was very good and so were the chicken fingers in Australia (sorry, no pictures of this food but no worries. I'll be doing a post on Ft. Wayne restaurants very soon). Also keep in mind that, outside of the park, there are plenty of picnic tables, if bringing your own food is more your thing. And no worries, as long as you have your hand stamped, you can go back in and continue your adventure through the park. 

Finally, we all know no trip would be complete without a walk through the gift shop, although take heart. If you have little ones, the floor-to-ceiling wall of stuffed toys might be too enticing to ignore.

I have to admit, zoos are kinda my thing. I'm an animal lover and so are my girls, so they are always must-sees for us wherever we go. But this particular zoo always stands out to me for its fantastic theming. It's well worth a visit during your time in the Fort. 

Foellinger-Freiman Botanical Conservatory

If you're a nature lover, you're going to want to hop from the zoo right on over to the Foellinger-Freiman Botanical Conservatory. If plants or beautiful settings are your thing, you're definitely going to love it here. 

The gardens here are separated into two main areas (indoor domed gardens) and outdoor gardens, which are further separated into other themed areas. Inside, you'll find a showcase garden that changes throughout the year. One year they had a storybook theme. My kids were younger at the time and were excited about seeing Rapunzel's tower, Alice's cottage, and some other fun little decorations among the bamboo, hibiscus, and other plants. During the holidays, this area is full of poinsettias, lights, Christmas trees, and even visits from Santa and his reindeer.

The next dome is the rainforest, my favorite one here. The waterfall and tropical foliage are just gorgeous, and the paths lead through all kinds of ferns, birds of paradise flowers, and much more. With benches, it's even the perfect spot to read a chapter or two of your favorite book. It truly is the perfect space. 

Finally, the third dome features the desert with cacti, sand, and even a few metalworks with a southwestern theme. It's the smallest of the three domes, not my favorite, but that's probably more of a personal preference than anything.

Outside, there are four more gardens with Midwest trees, a koi pond, and a terrace garden. 

The gift shop (sorry, my youngest is my shopper so we can't go anywhere without at least poking our head into the gift shops) offers garden seeds, tools, blown glass, and other decorative garden items along with some books, toys, and a few Ft. Wayne souvenirs.

Again, don't plan for a full day here. At best, it'll take you two to three hours to visit and that's if you make use of the benches and enjoy the settings. If you have young kids, most of your time will be spent in the playground set in the seasonal gardens and the talking tree/play area just beyond the ticket desk. After that, they'll likely get pretty bored. But it's an inexpensive way to spend an afternoon.

Old Fort Wayne

If history or educational experiences are more your thing, and it's open for tours, Old Fort Wayne is a great replica of the fur-trade forts that started the city back in the 1800s. We visited the fort during a reenactment weekend when the entire fort was open with fully costumed staff explaining the barracks, dining hall, a hospital, and blockhouses, Outside, the main fort in the "village" area (a row of four or five buildings), there was a working blacksmith and a woodwright along with some bakery goods for sale. There's space in this area for kids to run some steam off or even roll down the hill (when my girls were younger this was their favorite part of the visit). You can also cross the metal bridge into some outdoor gardens and trails and then return to the fort if they are planning on firing off an old cannon or doing other reenactment shows. 

No restaurants here (save those baked goods) and no shops here either. In fact, except for a couple of portapotties, you won't find restrooms here either, so take all of that into account before you set off for a visit to Old Fort Wayne.

I believe we spend an hour and a half here tops, so it can easily be coupled with other activities. But it's worth a stop and neat to see, especially if you've never been anywhere else like it. 

Catch a Game

If you checked out my article about the hotel in downtown Fort Wayne, then you already know there's a minor league team in town that makes a great night out for families, couples, or anyone who loves baseball. Every time we've gone, we've had a great time, but do keep in mind that, while the tickets aren't terribly expensive, food and drink can be. A family of four (like mine) can easily drop $40-$60 on some pop and hotdogs, and while the chicken fingers here are pretty good, there are a couple of places you can grab the same food for less if doing the whole game experience isn't a must for you or your family. If it is, however, rest assured that you'll find just about any ballpark treat you can think of - and of course a gift shop with plenty of Tin Cap merchandise to show off your ballpark story to your friends. Finally, during the season, don't forget to keep an eye on the schedule as there are plenty of nights that feature a pretty good firework show after the game at no additional cost. 

No one in my family is really a sports person, but all of us have had a great time every time we've gone.

Other sightseeing stops in Fort Wayne

These three sights are far from the only ways to spend your day out with your family. Fort Wayne also has Science Central (a hands-on science museum that is pretty cool but also can get insanely busy. We went once and enjoyed it, but we also weren't able to see a lot because the crowds were so heavy. Hit this one up at opening or mid-afternoon to try and miss some of the crowds but again, very busy and you might want to pack some patience for your visit). 

Fort Wayne also hosts not one but two art galleries/museums. The Fort Wayne Museum of Art boasts a very nice collection, but my favorite is the Castle Gallery which features various collections for sale while being set in the owner's home. 

Castle Gallery is located in the historic West Central neighborhood, and walking through the home is in of itself a real treat. But what makes this gallery very cool is the fact that you can see the pieces of art in real-home settings, so there's no guessing what it might look like over the fireplace or in the foyer. Whether you're in the market for art or just want to appreciate the setting, I highly recommend a stop here. 

There's a downtown theatre that features local plays and even the occasional well-known comedian, the Coliseum that hosts anything from Disney on Ice to concerts to trade shows, and festivals throughout the year.

Quiet Times

You've done the sightseeing, caught a concert, and now are looking for a chance to wind down and do some reading outside in a quiet space. Or maybe you need to enjoy your daily run. Or maybe you want to rent a stand-up or seated scooter to take in the cityscape downtown. With miles of trails, some beautiful parks (Lakeside Park and Rose Garden shouldn't be missed), and more reserves than you might expect, you'll find opportunities to take in the outdoors, people watch, or maybe even write your first (or 50th) novel.

Fort Wayne is often overlooked as being just another, small midwestern city. And it's true, it can't boast the culture of Chicago or New York, and it is certainly in the heart of farmland (don't be surprised to find horse-drawn Amish carriages if you venture onto country roads or on the furthest reaches of the north-eastern side of the city limits), but its, perhaps surprisingly, more than that. While I couldn't recommend it as a "vacation destination" all by itself, it is certainly worth a short, or maybe even a long weekend's, stay, or even a great layover if you're on your way to Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, or southern Indiana. And as you'll soon see, there's some great bookish stops to add to your list. 

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

Glenbrook Square Mall

Vera Bradley / Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale 

DeBrand Fine Chocolates

Union Street Market

Vera Bradley store at Jefferson Pointe Mall

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Truffles at DeBrands Chocolates
Conversation Corner ~ perfect for special events
Have a seat and indulge in your favorite chocolate treat

Everything got thrown up into the air

 Last week, like a lot of the country, we got on the road to find the best spot to view the eclipse in its totality. Originally, the plan was to head down to Indianapolis to Butler University to join my girls' school in an event. But with family, plans always have to be fluid, and as luck had it, my oldest ended up getting sick the weekend before the event. Our plans were thrown into the air, and we spent the entire weekend going back and forth on our plans. Would she feel good enough to travel? Should we even go around other people not knowing for sure what was going on with her? We weren't sure what to do even the morning of, but we did know none of us wanted to miss an event that wasn't going to be back in this area until 2099.

 Long story short, we ended up tabling Indianapolis for something a little closer. After checking out the map, we figured out we could travel about thirty miles down US-30 to Van Wert, Ohio, and be in the right place to view the totality for about four minutes. With a park mapped out, we got on the road and got ready to see the celestial event from the privacy of our vehicle.

 It was worth every minute, but beyond that, we found out there was a museum in the Van Wert we decided to put on our list to check out, along with some historic homes to drive by and admire.

 Everything was closed during Monday's eclipse, so we waited out the week, figured out it was allergies hounding my oldest, and turned around on Sunday to head back to Van Wert and see what we could discover.

 Surprises sometimes come in small packages

 Okay, being an author, I have to admit that I know better than to judge a book by its cover. But I'll be honest: when we set out to check out the Van Wert Historical Society, we weren't expecting much. From the road, the museum looked like a historical home (large home but not necessarily mansion material), and was with the impression that the house would, at least in part, be filled with cases of local bits and pieces.

 What I was expecting and what I found? Two totally different things.

 The first surprise came when we pulled down the side street and found a graveled parking lot behind a small house with a sign for the Van Wert Historical Society. The parking lot was pretty full, and for a small town of about 11,000 people in the middle of corn fields and windmill farms, I had fully expected us to be the only car.

 The house in front of the parking lot wasn't a place to "check in", instead it serves as a small library for the Historical Society (it wasn't open so I don't know what treasures are inside).

So, instead, we headed across a small, white metal bridge and train car toward the large stone house.

 We were quickly met by a woman and member of the historical society who greeted us. She was extremely friendly, and let us know there were actually six buildings on the property to explore. There was no admission, and aside from them only being open for two hours (from 2pm-4pm on Sundays), we could explore at our own pace.

 My husband and I have always loved exploring old homes, so although we weren't sure how our teen and tween would like it, we started there first.

 Stepping into the past

 Like my daughter said, it's interesting to walk through an old house, knowing that 150 years ago, someone lived there and looked at those walls the same way we look at our own.

 There's something so human about the experience.

This home was built in 1889 by John and Tracy Clark specifically for and by her specifications. The stone and timber home was built from local supplies: the sixteen-inch stone blue limestone walls made from stone brought in horse and buggy from a local quarry.

With 10 rooms, a battlement tower, and several chimneys, it was an impressive place to call home among giant oak trees.

Entry

John and Tracy called this place home until finances became difficult in 1933 when they sold the house to their daughter and her husband but continued to live in it with her family until they died in the 1940s. 

 Their daughter's family continued in the home until its sale in 1955 to the Van Wert Historical Society.

 The coolest thing about the home is the fact that there have been very few changes made to the home since the initial construction, I love that little tidbit because a lot of old houses have been changed over the years so that by the time they are open to the public, there is quite a bit of restoration and some guesswork to make the house as authentic as possible.

Upstairs Sitting Room

Carving on an armchair

Outside the main house stood a log cabin built in the 1860s. With one large room downstairs that served as the living/dining area and the upstairs for sleeping, it's a look into a past when families didn't have the option to retreat to different corners of the house. I'm not going to lie, my stomach did more than a few flips peering between the cracks of the second-floor floorboards.

 The one-room schoolhouse, Bear School, first opened for classes in 1906. Not only does it now house furniture and objects from the past, but allows visitors a chance to look through photos from its past before it found a home on the Historical Society's property.

Finally, we stepped into a 1920s tourist cabin that was at one time located on Lincoln Highway:

We spent an hour and a half wandering through everything but could have easily spent the full two hours if we spent more time reading all the plaques and descriptions.

 If you are going to or coming from Fort Wayne, Indiana, or Lima, Ohio, this is the perfect spot to take a break, stretch your legs, and come face-to-face with local history in an impressive way.

 And then a quick drive through town will allow you the chance to see the exteriors of some other great historical homes and buildings.

Van Wert surprised us and surpassed all of our expectations. It's certainly not a destination in of itself, nor is it one that you'll put on your list to visit time and time again, but it is every bit worth a stop.

 As a final note, if you're looking to pick up something to eat before you get back on the road, no worries. You'll find plenty of fast-food chain restaurants and a Walmart up the road (just off I-30). If you want a place to sit down and eat, check out The Edition, which offers anything from charcuterie boards to burgers to flatbreads at moderate pricing (think $10-$16 a plate at the time of writing this).

 Happy traveling!

Originally posted April 2024

One of my favorite memories as a kid was all the traveling my family used to do. While we lived in Burlington, WI, the Wisconsin Dells was one of our go-to's. I LOVED it there. So when some friends moved back to that area and we decided to visit, I couldn't wait to check out the Dells and see what had changed and what had stayed the same. The first place on my list was Paul Bunyan's Cook Shanty.

As a kid, every trip to the Dells meant a stop at Paul Bunyan's for breakfast. Looking back now, I don't know for sure if it was the food, the experience of feeling like I was inside a log cabin a long time ago, or the gift shop with plenty of stuffed toys to choose from (probably the gift shop, HA!). Whatever it was, the restaurant held a lot of fun memories for me. But would I like it now? Would my kids? We were about to find out. 

The Restaurant

Located at 411 State Hwy 13 in Wisconsin Dells, Paul Bunyan's is located near I-90 and Hwy 12. Not too far off the highway, it is perfectly situated for a visit.  Like I said, Paul Bunyan's has been there a while - I was seven or eight the last time I was there, and now I'm dating myself (eww), but that was ... a while ago (we're talking probably early '80s). But according to their website, they've been in the Dells for more than sixty-five years, opened by two families in 1958. This heavily themed restaurant is family-style, with guests sitting at picnic tables inside a giant log cabin that easily transports you to the 1890s when lumberjacks populated the northern woods, living in logging camps and cutting down millions of trees. To give you that authentic feeling, there are artifacts EVERYWHERE inside, and while you wouldn't want to walk around and disturb diners, it would be an interesting thing to do if the restaurant wasn't crowded.

We went later in the day (arrived around 1030), and it was still off-season for the Dells, so the restaurant wasn't too packed. We had a group of seven, and we were seated almost immediately. But even if you're there in the heart of the summer, don't shy away. Paul Bunyan's has plenty of parking, and the restaurant is larger than you might think, so even if it looks crowded from the road, don't be afraid to pull in and follow the parking lot to the back. 

Once parked, it's hard to miss the entrance - just head past the giant blue ox and the even larger Paul Bunyan to the blue-awned walkway. Now, be warned: as soon as you walk in, you're going to be in the gift shop with plenty of fun stuff to look at. Thankfully, the majority of the kids' stuff is in the back corner now (I think it was in front when I was a kid), so unless you go looking for it, you should be able to get to breakfast without the kiddos campaigning for something new.

The restaurant is open for breakfast between 7am-1230pm. During the peak months (beginning mid-May to mid-August), Paul Bunyan's is also open for lunch and dinner, and already I'm planning a trip back to try their fried chicken and ribs. 

We were seated in the back dining room at a table that had more than enough elbow room to seat our large party comfortably. 

Table at Paul Bunyan's Cooking Shanty

Lights, pans, and tin cups - anyone feel like a chuck wagon breakfast?

The Food

So what's on the menu? All-you-can-eat, family-style "lumberjack" breakfast complete with scrambled eggs, sausage, ham, pancakes, buttermilk biscuits and gravy, fried potatoes, and sugar donuts. Orange juice, milk, apple juice, hot tea, and coffee are also included in the price.

Sugary, melt-in-your-mouth donuts - all you can eat!

Everyone in our group had a different favorite: My kiddos liked the ham and the donuts; a friend of ours enjoyed biscuits and gravy, we ended up requesting a refill on the eggs, pancakes, and donuts - I think it goes without saying we all loved it. The food was hot and fresh (even the donuts were warm), and the service was very good. No one left the table even the slightest bit hungry.

Value for the money? Approximately $22 per person, so it is a little on the high side, especially when you're feeding a family. But this is all you can eat, and there's truly someone for everyone, so it's definitely worth the cost. And if you are someone who is trying to keep the costs down a little, you can do Paul Bunyan's for brunch and it will be enough food to hold you over until dinner time.

Quality of food? Excellent. In our family of four, we cover the gambit: my husband isn't picky AT ALL while my youngest ... well, let's just say that even at 12 years old, she has her preferences and doesn't stray much from them. My oldest and I fall somewhere in between them. I said all that to say that, even though this was a pre-fixe menu, there is something here for everyone. And as I said, it's hot and fresh when it comes to the table. The donuts practically melt in your mouth, the pancakes are golden yumminess, and the scrambled eggs aren't over- or undercooked.

Will or would we return: Absolutely! For breakfast, but I'm also planning to dig into their dinner (ribs and fried chicken? Yes, please!)

Before we head out to parts unknown, we wouldn't be done with Ft. Wayne until we talked to a couple of local authors.

But before I introduce our guests, I do want to let you know that we will be visiting with local authors in every (or nearly every) destination we visit - because what would a bookish trip be without getting to know the people behind the words?

So with that in mind, I'd like to introduce to you author Traci Douglass:

and author L.A. Reminicky:

RMA: Ladies, thank you so much for joining us! Let's start out with how long you've been in the area. Have you both always lived in Fort Wayne?

LAR: Yes, I’ve lived here all my life except for the 6 months I lived in Columbia City.

TD: Yes, me too.

RMA: You've got one up on me. I've only been here for 8 years, so I'm sure you can tell us a whole lot more about the area than I can. What are some of your favorite things to do in the area?

TD: Oh gosh. So many! I love going downtown in the summers for festivals. Love walking through the Botanical Conservatory and the Art Museum. Eating at Coney Island.

RMA: The Botanical Conservatory is one of my favorite places, too. It's so pretty in there. L.A., what about you? What are some of your favorite places in town?

LAR: Personally, I love the zoo and going to Coney Island.

RMA: I've never been to Coney Island, I'll have to take the family there before we leave the area. They'll probably love it - they all like hot dogs. Where do you like to go in the area for bookish escape?

TD: Well, since my all-time fave Borders closed (RIP Borders) and the amazing Little Professor Bookstore is gone too (I once met the legendary Anne Rice there when she stopped during a book tour. She signed my copy of The Servant of the Bones and chatted

with me for a while. So sweet!), I now like to spend time at Barnes and Noble. Or, if I’m looking for adventure, Hyde Brothers Used Books is a great place to spend an afternoon.  Never know what you’ll find there. And, of course, our gorgeous library downtown is always a treat too!

LAR: Hyde Brothers – I could get lost in there for days!

RMA: We just found that little treasure last year. I was actually shocked at how big Hyde Brothers is - outside, it looks pretty small, but inside it feels like it goes on for days! Okay, I'd like to shift gears just a little bit now and talk about your books. Lori, let's start with you. Can you tell us a little bit about any books that you've written that take place in the area?

LAR: My Fairfield Corners series takes place in a fictional small town near Fort Wayne. They are spicy contemporary romances with a paranormal twist.

RMA: Do you have any scenes that are set in a Fort Wayne restaurant or another location?

LR: I do have scenes that take place in the zoo and the Coliseum (a hockey game). I also have a story in an anthology that takes place in FW where they go the Clara’s Pizza.

RMA: Awesome! Okay, Traci, same questions for you. Can you tell us about any books that take place in the area?

TD: How to Seduce A Bad Boy is the first book in my Point Beacon series with Entangled Bliss and it takes place in a fictional Indiana town I created called Point Beacon. The town is an amalgamation of all the great small places around NE Indiana, including Fort Wayne, Auburn, Angola, Garrett, etc. The story is about a best friend’s little sister, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, forbidden romance where basically my heroine asks the guy she’s had a crush on since high school (her older brother’s best friend) to help her lose her virginity. But it’s a sweet romance, so all the sexy times happen off-page.

RMA: I'll have to get my hands on that one. Are there any scenes that readers will recognize as Ft. Wayne?

TD: Not any that I name, but I think readers from this area will recognize different parts throughout Indiana, like the diner they go to, which is based on the now-defunct Schoop’s in Warsaw, or the town square which is reminiscent of so many town squares in NE Indiana. They also take a trip to Keystone Mall in Indy and eat at the Cheesecake Factory there.

RMA: That's awesome. Ladies, I really appreciate you both taking the time to talk with us. Before we close, can you both tell me about any upcoming or recently released projects you have and also where readers can find your books? Traci, we'll start with you on this question.

TD: Right now, I’m starting a new Christmas book for Harlequin Medicals. It’s set in Boston and is part of a continuity (where characters from one book show up in others and all the books share the same location) with four other authors. No title yet for this one, but it should be out Oct/Nov 2023. And I just turned in another Medicals title last month which takes place in a new series for me set in a small town in Massachusetts called Wyckford, on the shored of Buzzards Bay. They’ll be four interconnected books set there, with the first one Single Dad’s Unexpected Reunion, out in July 2023. My books can be found at all major online retailers or through Harlequin.com or on my website: www.tracidouglassbooks.com

RMA: And L.A.? What about you?

LAR: I’ve got two I’m currently working on. The first is a story for a contemporary romance anthology that takes place in another fictional small town near Ft. Wayne – the other is for my new pen name (Ragan Carmichael) that is paranormal romance, specifically werewolves. It’s the first in a planned trilogy. It too is set near Fort Wayne. My books are available at most retailers and you can find the links here: https://www.laremenicky.com/books/.

RMA: Thank you both for coming by! I had a lot of fun!

Looking for a place to grab your next best read while you're visiting the Fort? Here's a list of the best go-tos for reading in Fort Wayne.

1. Hyde Brothers Booksellers Address: 1428 Wells St. This bookstore is truly a treasure. From the outside, it has the appearance of being a small, cute used bookstore that won't take long to look through. But as the old saying goes, you can't judge a book by its cover and it seems like this bookstore is the very reason why this saying is so true. Once you step inside, it's easy to feel a little overwhelmed by the towering bookshelves and even offer those sliding ladders so you can reach the top titles. But even then, as we walked down the first couple of aisles, we didn't yet have a full appreciation for just how BIG this store truly is. With two floors packed with titles, and more aisles hidden behind walls, it's easy to believe the Hyde Brothers' website: there must be more than 150,000 titles to take in, and in every possible genre. If you pay the store a visit, count on spending an hour or more wandering through the store. And don't be surprised if a resident cat or two pops in to check on you (we had one follow us through most of the downstairs area - our little mascot was not at all thrilled when we came home smelling like another animal. Pros: Enormous selection - it's hard to think they missed any genre and even harder to think you won't find at least one title you'll want to adopt. They currently offer a "Last Thursday" event at the end of every month. Local authors come in to read for 15-20 minutes, and the event is free. Close to downtown for other sightseeing or a visit to the library (more on that in a minute). Cons: Parking is pretty limited to the street, and it's a busy one. There are nearby side roads if the weather is decent and you don't mind a short walk that may not be as busy.

2. 1. Half Price Books Address: 533 E. Coliseum Blvd.

   
   

   Depending on where you're coming from, you may already be familiar with this used bookstore chain since they have locations in 19 states. This was the first bookstore outside of Barnes and Noble in the area that we learned about. It's a goodsized bookstore specializing in genre fiction, although they also carry other titles. Along with books, they also have used video game systems and games, DVDs, vinyl, cassettes, CDs, and a kid's corner complete with a small selection of toys. Although the selection isn't as large as Hyde Brothers, Half Price Books is large enough to give you plenty of options. I purchased my first copy of 11/22/63 by Stephen King here, some CDs, a couple of games, and the girls even have picked out a few reads. The prices were always good, and the staff was friendly.

   Pros: Plenty of parking - Half Price Books is located in a strip mall so there's plenty of parking. Good spot to pick up lunch before or after shopping: The strip mall has a Blaze Pizza and a Potbelly Sandwich restaurant just a few doors down - no reason to move the car - and if those aren't for you, you are right in the middle of the prime shopping district, so not only are there plenty of more options up and down Coliseum, you're also close to the mall, McDonald's, Red Lobster, Portillo's, and just about anything else you could want. Good Selection-especially if you're looking for popular fiction.

   Cons: If you're looking for a hidden treasure or limited print title, you might find it here, but Hyde Brothers would be the better bet. 
   

3.  Barnes and Noble Booksellers Address: 4201 Coldwater Rd Suite B-01 or 1034 S. Thomas Rd. Ste 107

   Okay, okay, I don't think there's a whole lot I can say about Barnes and Noble that you don't already know. This superchain bookstore is a mainstay and this location is a decent size with its coffee shop, books, toys, kids section, magazines, and entertainment area. The location at Coldwater is inside the Glenbrooke Mall - a decent-sized mall with all the typical stores and few unique ones. If you have kiddos with you, be warned or be assured (I know it can go both ways) that not only does Barnes and Noble offer toys, but there is a Build-A-Bear in the mall along with a couple of other shops your kiddos will love. If you decide to check out the location on Thomas Rd., it is part of a strip mall off the busy Illinois Rd. & Jefferson Rd. shopping district. This particular store location is my favorite of the two, even though it is much smaller, but there's just something about the atmosphere I prefer. There's no coffee shop inside here, though, so if that's something you like to do when visiting B&N, you want to choose the Coliseum location.  Regardless of which location you choose to visit, you can easily find other shopping, restaurants, and things to do within an easy driving distance.

    Pros: Familiar chain so it's easy to know what you're going to get when you go inside. Both locations give you a lot of other options for shopping and aren't far from I-69

   Cons: More expensive than the used bookstore.

4. Allen County Public Library Main Branch: 900 Library Plaza

    Allen County Public Library is impressive. With several branches throughout the city, one library card allows you to rent from anywhere in Fort Wayne (and even order titles from one branch to another). But if you're visiting the area, you want to head over to the Main Branch downtown.

   

   With 367,000+ square feet of space stretched between two floors and designated areas for adults, children, business, and media, the main branch of the Allen County Library offers so much more than a typical library experience. Within its walls, it also houses a small art gallery, Fort Wayne's Access TV studios, and an Abraham Lincoln exhibit complete with select artifacts. And if that wasn't enough, it also offers the Fred J. Reynolds Historical Genealogy Department, which is the largest public genealogy department in the United States if you want to track down your family history. Add to all that reading programs, used book sales, events such as book signings with local authors, and summer plaza concerts, the main branch truly is a destination in of itself.

   Pros: It's big, and if you're visiting, you can easily lose an afternoon looking through books and all of the added services.

   There is an attached parking garage that has direct access to the library via steps or elevators and is only $1 per hour with a $7 max at the time of writing the blog. If you are a library card holder, parking is free if validated when you visit.

   Location is everything, and this library is right downtown within walking distance of the Tin Caps or the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. If you are staying at the Courtyard by Marriott Fort Wayne Downtown at Grand Wayne Convention Center, you can also walk through the city to get to the library.

   Cons: It's a library, so if you're from out of town, you may not be able to rent anything. But you can write down those titles and check out one of the bookstores, so it's not all bad!

   Happy Reading!  

The start of our visit in Dayton brought a sit-down with my friend, Travis VanHoose. He brings a special creep factor to his horror and mystery books that reminds me a bit of Stephen King. But there's nothing creepy about the author. So come sit in and join us for a quick chat.

RMA: Hi, Travis. I know how busy you are, so thank you for taking the time to talk with us. Let’s start with a few questions to get to know you. We're visiting Dayton, and just getting started with getting familiar with the area, but really love it so far. Are you a native of Dayton?

TV: I’m not a native of Dayton, Ohio. I grew up in a small rural community about 45 minutes away.  Wilmington, Ohio. I relocated to Dayton ten years ago. As much as I loved my hometown, I needed a little more city lights in my life.

RMA: LOL! We live in a small town where we'd probably find pretty claustrophobic if Fort Wayne wasn't a few miles away. What are some of your favorite things to do in the Dayton area? 

TV: One of the best things about Dayton is that there is always something to do. One of my favorite things to do is check out all the mom-and-pop restaurants in the area. There are tons of BBQ places that are outstanding. There are also a lot of Haunted History spots in Dayton that I have enjoyed visiting, such as Frankenstein’s Tower!

RMA: Sounds like we need to add a few more stops to our list. We love BBQ and mysterious places. Where do you like to go for bookish escapes? 

TV: There are two great discount used bookstores in my area that I frequent: Half Price Books and First And Charles. However, if I had to shop near my area I would return to Wilmington, Ohio.  One of my high school friends opened a used book store there in 2023.  It’s a hidden little gem called Banned Book Nook and Other Curiosities. In addition to books, they have homemade works from local artists.

RMA: See, that's why I love doing these talks with local authors - we learn about spots we wouldn't necessarily find. Now that I have that added to my list, I gotta ask, do you like to travel or are you more of a homebody?

TV: I suffer from OCD and anxiety so my traveling is limited. I travel to Virginia each month to visit my seven-year-old son. But my traveling is mostly limited to the worlds I create in my books.

RMA: Gotcha. We will be working our way into Virginia. I hear it's beautiful there. When you go, do you prefer to sightsee or relax?

TV: I just love spending time with my son. There are tons of great places to eat, and we have found some really great parks and hiking trails.

RMA: Sounds like fun. I want to shift gears now and talk more about your books and writing. Do you have any books that take place in the Dayton area? If so, which ones, and why did you choose Dayton as the setting?

TV: Oddly enough, none of my current works take place in Dayton. I like to set my stories in super small towns. But it would be something I’d like to tackle in the future. A couple of years ago Stephen King did a book signing in Dayton, and he ended up falling in love with the city and featured the town in one of his novels. I thought that was pretty cool.

RMA: That is super cool!

I guess I better get back on track so I don't keep you too much longer. Tell us more about your book(s) that take place in the area? What genre are they? What are they about?

TV: My hometown, Wilmington, is the basis for the small towns I feature in my work. Most of my work takes place in a fictional town called Enigma Springs. But elements of it are based on Dayton, Wilmington, New Vienna, and Hillsboro, Ohio. They are all horror and mystery books. Most of them are about a hidden evil that controls the town, or the terrible things that go on behind closed doors in a quaint little town shrouded in a false sense of safety and peace.

RMA: Do you find it harder or easier to write in familiar locations close to home? 

TV: I find it much easier to write about familiar locations. Most of those places I have walked. I can recall smells and sounds from them, which I can incorporate into my written works.

RMA: Which has got to help so much in cutting down some of that research time. I don't always write about familiar places, and even though I take some creative licensing, I also like to keep things as grounded as possible and that takes a lot of research and a lot of time. I know you’ve authored quite a few titles now. Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

TV: I have a few stories that are stand-alones, but I am really focusing on a universe that all takes place in or around Enigma Springs. There are two other small towns next to it that I set my stories in: Miller’s Crossing and Hobb’s End. Characters from each of my stories visit and run into one another in other towns – not realizing that they are each dealing with the same type of terrible things and situations.

RMA: I've told you before that your writing reminds me of Stephen King in some ways, and you saying that instantly brought him to mind again since a good chunk of his books take place in Main and a good chunk of them in Castle Rock. What is your favorite, under-appreciated novel?

TV: I really enjoy my first novel, Seeing Red. I think it’s because I started writing it when I was fourteen and just finished it in my forties in 2023. If I never sat down to finish that novel and proved to myself I could do it, I don’t think any of my other works would exist today.

RMA: I know exactly what you're saying. I feel the same way about my first series. There's just something extra special about the title that gave a writer the courage to take that leap and let their words go out into the world because that's a terrifying thing. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? 

TV: I have about 20 novels that are half-finished. I have massive ADD with writing and love to jump from one story to another. I’m not sure how my brain is capable of keeping track of all of them, to be honest!

RMA: LOL! Okay, just for laughs and giggles, as a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

TV: I have a pet tarantula that sits near my writing area. I consider her to be my writing mascot. Her name is Rosie, and she often judges me from her cage while I write. I’ll get her out and let her stretch her legs on my desk and she always comes and sits next to my keyboard as if she is reading everything I am writing. She’s super calm and barely moves when she does this. It’s creepy, but adorable at the same time.

RMA: Okay, as a person with arachnophobia, I'll have to take your word for it on how adorable it is. I have shivers running up my spine just thinking about it. Finally, where can we find your books? 

TV: The best place to find my books are on my official website: www.TravisVanHoose.com or via Amazon.

RMA: Perfect! I'll be sharing some of your titles on our website and linking them back to you so readers can easily find them. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us!