I am perhaps a little biased of my favorite town of Bloomington given that I am an IU grad, but everyone should take a day trip and enjoy some of the best sights and sounds Bloomington, Indiana has to offer. Whether it's shopping, art, music, food, or culture, this boho college town is certainly a little artsy hub that has something for everyone. When is the best time to enjoy it? Well, given that the IU campus has an enormous student population and how do I put it delicately, not the best drivers, I would suggest checking out Bloomington during the summertime when the students have returned home. This will allow you to casually walk the town square and Kirkwood Ave. without being a bit overwhelmed by the student population. I am not the only fan of the eclectic town. According to bloomington.in.gov there are many accolades why it's a great little spot on the map....
- Named one of the Top 10 Places to Live by Men's Journal Magazine
- 2007 National Gold Medal Award Winning Parks & Recreation Department
- Named one of nation's top Bicycle Friendly Cities
- Named by USA Today as one of the country's Top College Towns
- Indiana University named as America's Hottest Big State School by Newsweek Magazine
- Named among best in "Retire in Style: 60 Outstanding Places Across the USA and Canada"
- 110 IU programs ranked in the nation's top 20
- Ranked #6 among top 2007 Best Small Places for Business and Careers by Forbes Magazine
- IU Kelley School of Business Ranked #2 Public School by the Wall Street Journal
- Ranked #7 Best Performing City in 2007 by the Milken Institute for our concentration of high- tech jobs
- Ranked in Top 20 of best cities in America for doing business by Inc. Magazine
Now if it's the great outdoors you are seeking Bloomington can provide ample resources as well...
- 34 City Parks
- 2500 acres of greenspace
- 4 State Parks/Forests
- 1 National Forest
- 3 Lakes
- 2 Wineries & 2 Craft Breweries
- 4 Golf Courses
If you are still not convinced...I have listed a few of my favorite spots that you don't have to be a "Hoosier" to discover...
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Stores
Whether it's boutique, vintage, or one of a kind handmade items, Bloomington is always my go-to.
Lola Rue and Co. is a wonderful wonderful store and my favorite in Bloomington. I could write an entire blog post on Lisa's store, and I might in the near future, but for now just head down Walnut Street just past the square and discover her delightful little heaven of handmade, handpicked, and shabby chic finds. I could compare it to Layla Grace or Anthropologie, but that doesn't even give it justice. It's not a pretentious overpriced boutique where the customer service makes you feel uncomfortable. Lisa and her staff are warm and inviting. She will share her techniques for refurbishing furniture and often you will see her out front giving life to an item that most others would just discard. It's impossible to go into Lola Rue and not emerge with at least one beautiful item.
Another favorite store of mine is Cactus Flower. This little place is on Kirkwood Ave holds many treasures. The downstairs features a boutique of boho inspired and one of a kind items. If it's actual vintage you seek, travel upstairs and check out an entire collection of vintage clothing and jewelry. One word of advice, give yourself ample time to browse.
Below I have listed must see shops in Bloomington that most definitely have earned their place on my blog...
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Restaurants
If you are a foodie or just love to eat, Bloomington has many cool and eclectic options for you. I have linked some of my personal favorites that are yummy yummy!
Innovative menu items where the importance of using locally grown ingredients makes Farm as well as a few other Bloomington eateries stand apart. Also, the cocktail list is amazing as well as the shabby chic decor.
Make sure you ask a bartender or waitress about "Sink the Biz" a favorite drinking game at Nick's. The Stromboli is delicious.
Another quaint little spot where the menu is fantastic.
Students and townies both know from personal experience that a "Hairy Bear" from Bear's is something you must try, but take my advice, I would suggest sharing just one. It packs a mean punch. According to a friend and fellow alum, Michael McLinn, "It's a drink to start your night with and not end your night with." Nicely put.
This is a fun little bar that features an impressive and rather creative list of long island ice tea's. My personal favorites include the Root Beer or Tie-Dye. You can't leave Kilroy's without trying their stuffed bread sticks.
A great local brewery that features some great brews as well as a wonderful menu. I have yet to try something at Upland I didn't enjoy. Their knowledgeable and upbeat staff will be more than willing to educate you on their brewing techniques and help you find one that you will most likely want to take a growler of home with you.
A very authentic Irish pub in the heart of downtown Bloomington. Always a place to enjoy some Irish Stew and good Craic.
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Live Music
There are many many places to see live music in Bloomington, but these two earn my top spots. Both deserve credit for offering an impressive musical guest list over the years and an authentic Bloomington experience.
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These are only a few of the many Bloomington options. I promise you, visiting my favorite little town will have you singing the IU fight song in no time!
