Mary Claire’s B-Town Guidebook
Sightseeing
"Running through downtown Bloomington, the 3.1-mile B-Line Trail has become a major transportation, social, and development tool for the community. It's a great place to meet & walk with friends, an easy way to cut through the downtown bustle sans vehicular traffic, and a home to some of downtown's hidden gems for dining & shopping. Those on bikes & skates, as well as those walking with strollers, will find the paved surface very comfortable. The trail features crosswalks across a few major streets, and traffic is not required to stop, but being a friendly community, drivers usually do. At its south end, the B-Line connects with the Bloomington Rail Trail, providing two additional miles of trail to traverse."
32 recommandé par les habitants
B-Line Trail
B-Line Trail"Running through downtown Bloomington, the 3.1-mile B-Line Trail has become a major transportation, social, and development tool for the community. It's a great place to meet & walk with friends, an easy way to cut through the downtown bustle sans vehicular traffic, and a home to some of downtown's hidden gems for dining & shopping. Those on bikes & skates, as well as those walking with strollers, will find the paved surface very comfortable. The trail features crosswalks across a few major streets, and traffic is not required to stop, but being a friendly community, drivers usually do. At its south end, the B-Line connects with the Bloomington Rail Trail, providing two additional miles of trail to traverse."
As a former IU Rower, Lake Lemon holds a special place in my heart. It's about 20 minutes north of town in Unionville and has a great beach for kids to play. You can watch the rowing team hard at work during a practice most weekdays!
20 recommandé par les habitants
Lake Lemon
As a former IU Rower, Lake Lemon holds a special place in my heart. It's about 20 minutes north of town in Unionville and has a great beach for kids to play. You can watch the rowing team hard at work during a practice most weekdays!
Switchyard park is a 57.2-acre park with the following amenities:
-One mile of the paved, accessible B-Line Trail
-Basketball, pickleball, and bocce ball courts
-Community gardens with 39 raised beds (32 square-feet each) available for rent
-A concrete skate park
-Fitness stations
-A reservable picnic shelter with two available sides totaling 1,800 square-feet per side
-An 11,000-square-foot pavilion with overhead doors for indoor/outdoor meetings or festivals
-An amphitheater with lawn space, plus room for food trucks and a mobile stage
-A splash pad
-A playground
-A main stage and performance lawn with room for up to 5,000 people
-A dog park
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY!!! Every Friday in the summer (weather permitting)
31 recommandé par les habitants
Switchyard Park
239 W Grimes LnSwitchyard park is a 57.2-acre park with the following amenities:
-One mile of the paved, accessible B-Line Trail
-Basketball, pickleball, and bocce ball courts
-Community gardens with 39 raised beds (32 square-feet each) available for rent
-A concrete skate park
-Fitness stations
-A reservable picnic shelter with two available sides totaling 1,800 square-feet per side
-An 11,000-square-foot pavilion with overhead doors for indoor/outdoor meetings or festivals
-An amphitheater with lawn space, plus room for food trucks and a mobile stage
-A splash pad
-A playground
-A main stage and performance lawn with room for up to 5,000 people
-A dog park
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY!!! Every Friday in the summer (weather permitting)
Bryan Park is one of the city's most visited parks, with numerous amenities and events throughout the year. The 33-acre park is centrally located between Henderson and Woodlawn Avenues, just south of the Indiana University campus, making it easy to access. Amenities include:
-Bryan Park Pool
-A baseball field
-Basketball and tennis courts
-Shelters available for rent
-Three playground areas
-Restrooms
-Plenty of open field space for casual play
17 recommandé par les habitants
Bryan Park playground
Bryan Park is one of the city's most visited parks, with numerous amenities and events throughout the year. The 33-acre park is centrally located between Henderson and Woodlawn Avenues, just south of the Indiana University campus, making it easy to access. Amenities include:
-Bryan Park Pool
-A baseball field
-Basketball and tennis courts
-Shelters available for rent
-Three playground areas
-Restrooms
-Plenty of open field space for casual play
The Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center (TMBCC) is one of — if not the most — unique outdoor destinations Bloomington has to offer. Dedicated to fostering, preserving, and sharing the Tibetan & Mongolian cultures, the gorgeous grounds feature cultural architecture, decor, and design that make you feel as if you've left the Midwest and traveled to the other side of the globe.
26 recommandé par les habitants
Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center
3655 S Snoddy RdThe Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center (TMBCC) is one of — if not the most — unique outdoor destinations Bloomington has to offer. Dedicated to fostering, preserving, and sharing the Tibetan & Mongolian cultures, the gorgeous grounds feature cultural architecture, decor, and design that make you feel as if you've left the Midwest and traveled to the other side of the globe.
Originally opened in 1955, the Starlite Drive-In is Bloomington's only drive-in movie theater. They book both new movies and special screenings of beloved classics, showing movies Tuesday through Sunday — on Friday through Sunday, they screen a double-feature. Starlite's concessions booth charmingly looks as if it's the 1955 original, complete with a partial Herbie Volkswagon Beetle replica. All ticket prices are under $10.00, and students & kids receive a discount — it's a great activity anyone, but especially for families with young kids and teens & young adults under 21 years old.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Starlite Drive-In Theatre
7640 S Old State Rd 37Originally opened in 1955, the Starlite Drive-In is Bloomington's only drive-in movie theater. They book both new movies and special screenings of beloved classics, showing movies Tuesday through Sunday — on Friday through Sunday, they screen a double-feature. Starlite's concessions booth charmingly looks as if it's the 1955 original, complete with a partial Herbie Volkswagon Beetle replica. All ticket prices are under $10.00, and students & kids receive a discount — it's a great activity anyone, but especially for families with young kids and teens & young adults under 21 years old.
Rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard from the lake's boathouse, go fishing for bass, bluegill, and catfish, or hike one the many trails throughout the nature preserve for a peaceful afternoon among the elements.
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Griffy Lake
Rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard from the lake's boathouse, go fishing for bass, bluegill, and catfish, or hike one the many trails throughout the nature preserve for a peaceful afternoon among the elements.
They offer reserved wine flights and picnic experiences on their incredible grounds, which are immaculate year-round. The winery feels very much like a secret garden hidden away in the forest, making it the perfect place to take a break from everyday life and unwind for a few hours in nature.
82 recommandé par les habitants
Oliver Winery
200 E Winery RdThey offer reserved wine flights and picnic experiences on their incredible grounds, which are immaculate year-round. The winery feels very much like a secret garden hidden away in the forest, making it the perfect place to take a break from everyday life and unwind for a few hours in nature.
IU Basketball has one of the most iconic arenas. There is truly nothing like watching an IU Basketball game in Assembly Hall.
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Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall
1001 E 17th StIU Basketball has one of the most iconic arenas. There is truly nothing like watching an IU Basketball game in Assembly Hall.
The Indiana Memorial Union (IMU) is the second-largest student union in the country with more than 500,000 square-feet of space, making it one of the most significant landmarks on campus. The limestone building can easily be mistaken for Hogwarts, with its classic stone façade and all of the magic found inside.
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Indiana Memorial Union Bowling and Billiards
900 E 7th StThe Indiana Memorial Union (IMU) is the second-largest student union in the country with more than 500,000 square-feet of space, making it one of the most significant landmarks on campus. The limestone building can easily be mistaken for Hogwarts, with its classic stone façade and all of the magic found inside.
The Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University is a work of art itself — designed by I.M. Pei, the architect behind the Louvre Pyramid and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the museum has no 90-degree angles except where structurally-necessary. Throughout seven galleries, there are over 45,000 objects available for observation, including works from Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Claude Monet, as well as ancient artifacts, Renaissance masterpieces, and much more — all available to the public with no admission cost. With works from nearly every art-producing culture throughout history, the museum prides itself on using art as a means to shape the way visitors understand the human experience.
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Eskenazi Museum of Art
1133 E 7th StThe Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University is a work of art itself — designed by I.M. Pei, the architect behind the Louvre Pyramid and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the museum has no 90-degree angles except where structurally-necessary. Throughout seven galleries, there are over 45,000 objects available for observation, including works from Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Claude Monet, as well as ancient artifacts, Renaissance masterpieces, and much more — all available to the public with no admission cost. With works from nearly every art-producing culture throughout history, the museum prides itself on using art as a means to shape the way visitors understand the human experience.
IU's Musical Arts Center (MAC) is one of the most state-of-the-art performance venues in the United States, featuring the second-largest stage area in the country — second only to New York City's Metropolitan Opera. The venue hosts ballets, operas, and musical performances by the Jacobs School of Music, seating nearly 1,500 guests during any given event. Visitors flock to the venue each holiday season for the annual production of The Nutcracker, as well as other performances throughout the year.
Musical Arts Center (MAC)
105 North Eagleson AvenueIU's Musical Arts Center (MAC) is one of the most state-of-the-art performance venues in the United States, featuring the second-largest stage area in the country — second only to New York City's Metropolitan Opera. The venue hosts ballets, operas, and musical performances by the Jacobs School of Music, seating nearly 1,500 guests during any given event. Visitors flock to the venue each holiday season for the annual production of The Nutcracker, as well as other performances throughout the year.
Food scene
Hopscotch Coffee is Bloomington favorite coffee spot! They roast in small batches on site at the B-Line station. My personal favorite is the "Coco Rico" or "Little Wizard".
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Hopscotch Coffee
235 W Dodds StHopscotch Coffee is Bloomington favorite coffee spot! They roast in small batches on site at the B-Line station. My personal favorite is the "Coco Rico" or "Little Wizard".
This cozy eatery features Tibetan, Thai & Indian cuisine, plus tables on a garden patio. Personal favorite: Kham Ambo Thugpa and Chura Dumplings!
24 recommandé par les habitants
Anyetsang's Little Tibet Restaurant
415 East 4th StreetThis cozy eatery features Tibetan, Thai & Indian cuisine, plus tables on a garden patio. Personal favorite: Kham Ambo Thugpa and Chura Dumplings!
The Orbit Room
107 N College AvePinball, live music, gourmet hotdogs, and good people!
An IU classic! Very family-friendly too. Deep dish pizza is Detroit style and the salads come with gold-fish crackers on top :)
49 recommandé par les habitants
Mother Bear's Pizza Campus
1428 E 3rd StAn IU classic! Very family-friendly too. Deep dish pizza is Detroit style and the salads come with gold-fish crackers on top :)
Craft distillery and boutique bar & restaurant located on the B-Line trail! Great cocktails and elevated food. Perfect for a date night or brunch with friends.
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Cardinal Spirits Distillery & Restaurant
922 S Morton StCraft distillery and boutique bar & restaurant located on the B-Line trail! Great cocktails and elevated food. Perfect for a date night or brunch with friends.
Brand New Wine Bar and Cafe. Seasonally changing menu to feature local farmers. Amazing wine selection- personal fav: ORANGE WINE!
Small Favors
402 1/2 West 6th StreetBrand New Wine Bar and Cafe. Seasonally changing menu to feature local farmers. Amazing wine selection- personal fav: ORANGE WINE!
Function Brewing
108 E 6th StGreat local brewery, yummy small bites.
Vegan and Vegetarian restaurant. Unique to Bloomington and an awesome option for anyone with food sensitivities or allergies. Awesome people!
30 recommandé par les habitants
The Owlery Restaurant
118 W 6th StVegan and Vegetarian restaurant. Unique to Bloomington and an awesome option for anyone with food sensitivities or allergies. Awesome people!
Awesome brewery with events and happenings almost every day of the week. They have a board game night, a run club, yoga in the tap room, and awesome pizza!! Give this place a try.
18 recommandé par les habitants
Switchyard Brewing Company
419 N Walnut StAwesome brewery with events and happenings almost every day of the week. They have a board game night, a run club, yoga in the tap room, and awesome pizza!! Give this place a try.
An awesome LGBTQIA+ dedicated space, great drink menu, amazing drag shows, and the dancefloor is the BEST in town!
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The Back Door
207 S College AveAn awesome LGBTQIA+ dedicated space, great drink menu, amazing drag shows, and the dancefloor is the BEST in town!
FARM is one of my favorite restaurants in town! American cuisine that makes you feel like you're at ma's house. ALWAYS start with the garlic fries and a side of chipotle ketchup!
Pro-tip: ask for a table in the bar, they always are playing a funky movie and the bartender is one of the best in industry.
55 recommandé par les habitants
FARMbloomington
108 E Kirkwood AveFARM is one of my favorite restaurants in town! American cuisine that makes you feel like you're at ma's house. ALWAYS start with the garlic fries and a side of chipotle ketchup!
Pro-tip: ask for a table in the bar, they always are playing a funky movie and the bartender is one of the best in industry.
A truly unique Bloomington dining experience. If you're a fan of IU sports, you need to go here. Old-school steak house with a Ribeye bigger than your head, baked potatoes you'll dream about, and cheesecake that can't be described with words.
44 recommandé par les habitants
Janko's Little Zagreb
223 W 6th StA truly unique Bloomington dining experience. If you're a fan of IU sports, you need to go here. Old-school steak house with a Ribeye bigger than your head, baked potatoes you'll dream about, and cheesecake that can't be described with words.
Local family serving up delicious Korean food! Great menu with street style food and the classics. We love the bulgogi, ramen, and egg hot dog!
Hoosier Seoulmate Korean Restaurant
Local family serving up delicious Korean food! Great menu with street style food and the classics. We love the bulgogi, ramen, and egg hot dog!