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There is one eatery, above all others, in downtown that we would be greatly remiss if we did not tell you about: Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island Wiener Stand, an Iconic hot dog stand with more than a century of flavor, located at 131 West Main Street, a short three-block, five-minute walk from the convention center.

Famous Coney Island neon

Coney Island is a culinary institution like no other. Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island has been serving up its signature coney…

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Today, we'd like to introduce you to a Fort Wayne icon; Don Hall, a renowned name in Fort Wayne with a rich local history synonymous with classic American dining. Established in 1946 by Don Hall, the restaurant group began as a simple drive-in and has blossomed into a collection of unique establishments that are deeply embedded in the city’s cultural and culinary landscape. Don Hall’s restaurants are known for their commitment to quality, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to both locals and visitors alike.

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Today we want to bring your attention to a Fort Wayne culinary staple, Shigs In Pit BBQ, located at 8506 Illinois Rd., a 16-minute, 6.3-mile drive from the convention center.

Shigs in Pit

When it comes to mouthwatering barbecue in Fort Wayne, we would be remiss if we didn’t include Shigs In Pit, an iconic destination for local barbecue aficionados. Founded by three friends passionate about competitive barbecue, the restaurant’s name is a…

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Today we want to introduce you to a Fort Wayne gem that will baffle some and enthrall others: Wizard's World Pinball Arcade, located at 14613 Lima Road, a 10.3-mile, twenty-minute drive from the convention center. Wizard's World has more than 170 pinball machines, is ranked in the top ten largest pinball arcades in the world, and hosts pinball tournaments every Saturday.

Wizard's World logo

Nestled just north of downtown Fort Wayne, Wizard's…

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All vendors at the 2026 National Convention will need to register with the state of Indiana to collect sales tax. The form for that is now posted on the site under the Vendors tab. Please take the time to download, fill and file this as soon as possible. Instructions for the form, as well as contacts for further assistance, are included on the document.

Please note this is a state of Indiana requirement and not something over which the IPMS or the National Convention Committee have any control. It is also not any area where we can provide any assistance beyond pointing vendors to…

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Today’s post is about Proximo, a Latin restaurant in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne. We have already posted about some of the BBQ restaurants in the area and we intend to post on Italian, Mexican, and Chinese establishments soon. However, today’s post is for the culinary adventurous among us. 

Proximo

Located at 898 S. Harrison St., a two-minute, one-block walk from the convention center, Proximo is a sister restaurant to three other downtown…

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Good morning. Today I want to introduce you to Zesto, a Fort Wayne institution.

Zesto ice cream

Zesto Ice Cream, located at 2225 Broadway (a one-and-a-half mile, five-minute drive from the convention center), has been synonymous with summertime treats and cherished memories in Fort Wayne for generations. Known for its classic soft-serve cones, Razzles (think DQ Blizzard or McDonalds McFlurry), creative sundaes, and friendly service, Zesot is a beloved destination for…

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Good morning. Today I am going to introduce you to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art (FWMoA), located at 311 E Main St., a six-block, 12-minute walk from the convention center. Nora and I have been members ever since we moved to Fort Wayne and we love this museum.

Ft. Wayne Museum of Art gallery

The FWMoA stands as a beacon of creativity and cultural enrichment for northeast Indiana. Since its founding, the museum has played a pivotal role in nurturing the arts and…

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Today, we want to talk to you about the YLNI (Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana) Farmers Market, held in Downtown Fort Wayne on the corner of Wayne and Barr Streets, a short three-block, five-minute walk from the convention center, every Saturday May through October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

framers market

The city closes several blocks of downtown to vehicle traffic to make room for the market, which is producer-only, meaning that its vendors…

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