Indiana is full of fun cities to explore for a day trip or weekend getaway. A great example is just 30 minutes south of Fort Wayne, where the welcoming city of Decatur awaits.
“Decatur has approximately 10,000 in population, a great school district, and many church denominations,” describes Craig Coshow, the executive director of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce. “You can come for a concert and stroll along the downtown area looking at the sculptures, visit the coffee shop for one of their many flavored coffees, stop at one of the downtown restaurants to eat, take in a movie, or stop in at Old 27 Ice Cream Shop for some ice cream.”
Hidden gems are scattered throughout Decatur’s downtown shops. For example, Pyxie Lane Boutique is an adorable women’s and children’s clothing store offering fun, fashionable options at 121 S. Second St.
Summer is a particularly ideal time to experience Decatur, as many family-friendly events are coming up. From now until the end of August, there’s live music every Thursday night during Decatur’s Summer Concert Series, including on July 4 during a special celebration. Germanfest entertains crowds from 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17 with polka dancing, traditional German food, a biergarten and more on the Madison Street Plaza downtown. There’s also a sculpture tour featuring work by multiple artists to admire downtown.
“We have walking trails, many outdoor activities, pickleball, nice parks, a dog park, River Greenway Trail, outdoor festivals – something for all ages to enjoy,” Coshow says.
Another can’t-miss event is Adams Health Network’s Patriotic Pops concert featuring the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, happening Saturday, June 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Muensterberg Plaza and Clock Tower, N Church Ave., Berne, Ind.
“Last year was our 100th anniversary and we wanted to celebrate around the same time frame,” says Susan Sefton, director of community outreach at Adams Health Network. “Our anniversary Patriotic Pops concert was held in the north part of Adams County last year, so this year we wanted to do a Patriotic Pops concert in the southern part of Adams County. It was also important to us to celebrate our freedom, as our original 1923 hospital was built in honor of World War I veterans, thus the reason we chose the Patriotic Pops ensemble.”
The Philharmonic is bringing a full Pops orchestra to Adams County – approximately 65 musicians. The concert is free of cost and will consist of beloved favorites like “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “God Bless America” and “Stars and Stripes Forever,” as well as beloved Pops songs including music of “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones.” Food trucks will also be on-site to provide delicious favorites for purchase.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs. In the event of rain, the concert will relocate to South Adams High School.
“The music and the patriotism/American spirit is what our community can look forward to,” Sefton says.
For more information on Decatur, visit decaturchamber.org.
There’s So Many Reasons to Visit Decatur
