By  Phillip Anderson ,  Life off the Highway  and  What’s Up 24/7 When you buy local more money stays in the community…it’s as simple as that. The choices you make — where you shop, where you eat and where you play; all of it affects your community and your quality of life. There are so many vital reasons to keep your money in your hometown: Make your Community Distinct: One-of-a-kind businesses are integral to the character of your place. Create More Local Ownership and Good Jobs: Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally, and in your community, provide the most jobs to residents. Encourage start-ups! Encourage Local Prosperity: Entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that promote and support local businesses. Invest in Community: Local businesses are owned by your friends and neighbors who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future - just like you. Support Communi

Life’s what you make it, not where you make it. I live in a small town where I grew up and I love living here. More than anything I want my kids to raise their grand-kids here. The challenge with rural community is that everyone thinks you gotta move away to enjoy life. I’ve never believed that, I can go anywhere from here.  John Dockey is the owner and founder of What’sUp 24/7. He has big dreams for small town America, and restoring this old milk truck is going to help them become a reality. John has served as a City Counselman, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, and Economic Development Director. As he puts it, "He gets rural, and he bleeds ideas." October will mark 35 years of marriage for him and his wife Lisa. He has 6 children, 9 grandchildren, and multiple businesses. I drove out to his house to meet him for an interview about the truck and see the progress he had made so far. John lives in the quaint town of Alexandria Indiana, population 5,128.

By  Phillip Anderson ,  Life off the Highway  and What’s Up 24/7 Why do we travel? Visiting family and friends, escape, learning, connecting or all of the above.  How far do you have to go to ‘travel?’ There is an actual definition for traveling — 50 miles one way for pleasure. For the more curious, there is the art of ‘wandering’ or Life Off The Highway as I call it. To me wandering is, Finding a place or space that changes your rhythm, moves your feet, clears your head, and touches your soul.   I teach Cultural Heritage Tourism in Indiana University’s Tourism, Event, and Sports Management Program. We spend a lot of time assessing the cultural assets that already exist in our communities and are worth promoting. Having a product doesn’t create an audience. The key question is “What are we seeking to accomplish by traveling?” There are all kinds of responses but the core answer is the same. We seek rich experiences of all shapes and sizes. For example, my family and I recently took a

Unfortunately, the restaurant world was turned upside-down in 2020. There have been new policies, new hours, and sadly many restaurants closing their doors due to the pandemic. If you're wanting to support local and eat out this summer, while still feeling safe--a food truck might be your best bet! I surveyed Fort Wayne residents about their favorite food trucks, and I've rounded up the top 10! Keep reading to hear about each of their menus and where you can find them this summer. Photo by @thatsjustwill 1. Mercadito Taqueria Let's start with the truck that was recommended the absolute most! Mercadito means “Little Market” in Spanish. Mexican grocery stores will often have a taqueria tucked in a corner where shoppers can stop by for traditional tacos and tortas. The taqueria serves as a gathering place for people of the community to share stories and chismes (gossip). Our offerings will encompass some Los Angeles street style fare and other globally inspired