It took me awhile to recognize the Vera Bradley label belongs on a dizzying array of quilted fabric accessories but, as soon as I did, I understood the appeal of the Queen of Fort Wayne and her famous outlet sale.
Vera Bradley’s Pucci-like bright-colored, floral and paisley-patterned fabric totes, purses, and laptop bags are ubiquitous… and expensive. And her famous Spring outlet sale, postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, is rescheduled for April 7 – 11, 2021.
The Cult of Vera Bradley
Now a tote-carrying member of the cult of VBistas, it’s no surprise that the brand is behind the largest tourism event in Fort Wayne, Indiana: the annual Vera Bradley Outlet Sale.
Although manufacturing is now done in China, partners Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and her neighbor, Patricia Miller, began their sewn handbag business in the basement of the Bradley family’s Fort Wayne home; their very first ‘sale’ was in the backyard.
At this annual extravaganza — now held in more than 100,000 square-feet of the Coliseum — up to 45,000 acolytes from 50 states and several foreign countries revel in 40% to 60% off retail prices of handbags, luggage, stationary, clothes and myriad accessories. Additionally, the VB design team releases a new pattern done just for the event. It’s crazy.
Just take a look at our video:
Made in Fort Wayne Products Join the Fun
The VB outlet sale spurs other local businesses to do sales, too. First, check out the Vera Bradley retail store in the Jefferson Pointe Mall, which is offering 25% off all items if you can show proof of having shopped the outlet first. Of course, the mall has lots of other great shops.
For sales, count on Peg Perego, the high-end Italian baby goods company, whose stroller is like the Maserati of baby carriages. All the baby items manufactured by the Perego family in Italy are sold at 20% off during the mid April outlet sale.
Best yet, the adorable ride-on toys such as John Deere tractors and Polaris ATVs made in their Fort Wayne factory, are discounted up to 50%. All year long, the company gives free factory tours of their Fort Wayne facilities, really fun for children and their grownups. Plus, Nicolas Perego, grandson of founder Guiseppe “Peg” Perego, personally greets every customer who visits.
Love factory tours? Sweetwater, the world’s largest online retailer of musical instruments and gear founded by local Chuck Surack in 1979, welcomes visitors to their distribution warehouse every day. A musical instrument sale is not necessarily one when the others are, but it’s fun to watch amps go by on the conveyor belt. You can spend a half day at the café, retail shop, kids’ rock music academy and just admiring the amazing employee facilities like a fitness center, medical clinic and concierge service to handle daily chores.
Additonally, the businesses who are most proud to say “made in Fort Wayne” offer free tours of the premises, though some require advance registration online. Debrand Fine Chocolates is a tasty option, as is the Country Heritage Winery and Three Rivers Distilling Company.
Plannng A Girls Getaway Galore
The biggest local announcement is a 124-key hotel opening under the aegis of Barbara Bradley Baekgaard (Vera Bradley co-founder) and Provenance Hotels, set to open by early 2021. The hotel will be located by the new Riverfront Development and The Landing. We are looking forward to some colorful decor and great views from the planned rooftop bar.
Keep in mind that Vera Bradley’s famous sale takes place every April at the Memorial Coliseum, so room rates rise during that time. To shop, everyone must register for the event and timed entry tickets can be acquired online. Paid tickets are required Wednesday through Friday, and cost $5 for each 2-hour session. Trust us, that’s about as long as you’ll last… unless you really want that vintage February 2012 tote your neighbor found on e-Bay.
Go early! Saturday and Sunday the tickets are free; sessions are open to the raving masses of local public and thrifty fans. Too busy for those shoppers with a curatorial eye!
The Visit Fort Wayne and Vera Bradley websites offer information on Fort Wayne area hotels that are celebrating this shopfest, with specials designed for femme warriors in mind. Book early. And of course, Fort Wayne has lots of other family attractions and activities to do when you’re all shopped out.
Ready to shop till you drop? Save some energy to share your top finds with us.
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Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!
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I love spending time in London. I think if you want to spend time out of the city, Brighton is also a great place to visit, especially as it’s close by. There are a number of family-friendly hotels, too, like The Brighton Hotel:
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It’s a steam excursion train, shorter ride, probably many kids on board. This would be better suited to younger children. Much better choice for the under-12 set.
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Originally created as a recreation area for employees of the Hershey Chocolate factory, today Hershey Park boasts plenty of chocolate paraphernalia, as well as roller coasters and a water park. Tickets include admission to the nearby ZOOAMERICA. Originally owned by the Knott’s jam producers, Knott’s Berry Farm amusement park is one of the older parks in the US, Knott’s Berry Farm is a classic for those looking for thrill rides, water rides and family fun.
Hi Ralph, thank you for your reply. I haven’t booked it yet as I had similar reservations that since it’s an 8-hr journey, it will not be wise to take the kids at this age but would love to take them on a shorter train tour, I’m currently looking at the Jacobite express (here in the UK).
Hello Zeb,
For children under 10, It would simply be too long a day in too confined a space for them, might get a little boring for them after the first 20 minutes; it’s an eight-hour journey.
If they are active, there isn’t a lot of room to run around on the train, which is smaller than the ones we are used to here in the U.S.
If you have already booked a space, and will have toddlers or young children, suggest you bring lots of things to keep the little ones entertained.
Ralph
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Have been to Switzerland but missed the Glacier Express, I’ve heard it really one of the best train journeys in the World with amazing mountain/alps view. Is it good to travel with kids 7 and 4 years old) too, since it’s 8 hours long?
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Deer Valley caters to families with kid-friendly skiing, child care programs and a limited child-to-instructor ratio. Because Deer Valley sells a limited number of daily lift tickets, tiny tots and pint-sized groms have plenty of room to work on their pizza wedge and French fries. Other amenities include a Children s Center, Adventure Camp and furry mascots on the Adventure Trails. I grew up skiing here and learned to love the mountains and snow at this resort. The amenities are top notch and the food is amazing. As a young kid, when the skiing got tough, I would always head inside and get delicious food and hot cocoa. See more Deer Valley reviews here .
Fall is very busy in the mountainous regions with the influx of leaf peepers from the New England area, around the United States and the world. In these extremely popular areas, you ll want to make lodging reservations at least several weeks ahead, especially on weekends. Columbus Day weekend (Oct 7-9, 2017) is another time in which advanced booking is advised throughout the region.
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Traveling to other cities with your kiddos? Don’t miss Curbed’s maps of the best family activities
Good to know : West Valley is open daily from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Apples are $0.85 a pound. Follow their Facebook page for updates on U-pick apples. And be sure to bring containers for their popular juice pressed right on site!
Minneapolis, Minnesota is a great pick for outdoor-loving families thanks to kid-friendly (and free) favorites like the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to more than 40 outdoor works of art
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Rockefeller State Park offers seasonal activities including hiking, running, bird-watching, fishing ( New York state fishing license required), picnicking, horseback-riding, carriage-driving, photography, painting, and geocaching (park permit required). Sleepy Hollow and neighboring Tarrytown have a deep immigrant history resulting in a rich mix of cuisines: Italian, Greek, Mexican, Indian, French, Portuguese, Irish, Japanese, Dominican, Chinese, Ecuadorian, Thai, Moroccan, and Chilean. Foodies should not miss the Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow farmers market at Patriots Park where you ll find fresh Hudson Valley produce, meat, bread, and wine.
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Jimmy Buffet s restaurant is a short walk from the Comfort Suites Paradise Island Hotel and Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. What could be better than eating a literal Cheeseburger in Paradise? Pairing it with a yummy margarita, of course.
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Make sure you check out the new sustainable Christmas Market in Berlin!! Its located by Hacksnshiremarkt!
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Have you ever dreamed of creating your own ice sculpture? The Quebec Winter Carnival has just what you’re looking for! Bring your group to our Ice Sculpture Workshops under the guidance of a team led by none other than Marc Lepire, chief sculptor of Bonhomme’s Ice Palace! During this one-hour event, you will learn the workflow of master sculptors and enjoy the unique experience of carving your own solid ice block with your group of 2 to 4 people. Free all-you-can-drink hot chocolate will keep you warm throughout the frosty fun.
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We have traveled through several airports in Germany but never Munich. We will keep Munich on our list for the next trip through Europe since it sounds like the best place to have a stop over with kids. Thanks for the review and the information for kids to do in Munich Airport.
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