Bloomington Is Bustling
While the racing world and its fans descend upon Indianapolis during the month of May, many don’t realize that just about an hour away there sits a beautiful oasis of a town teeming with culture and surrounded by unique natural features not found in the rest of the state. Bloomington is best known as the home of Indiana University (and the setting for the 1979 Academy Award nominated film Breaking Away), but there is so much more to this small, vibrant town seated amongst the limestone quarries and rolling hills of southern Indiana and the Hoosier National Forest. Here’s what to do while you’re in town.
Live That Lake Life
Take in the scenery at one of the three most popular local spots: Griffy Lake, Lake Lemon, and Monroe Lake are all located near Bloomington proper. You can rent a speedboat for water skiing and tubing fun or a pontoon for a more relaxed vibe. There are also jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards available.
Imbibe in (Local) Style
Why, yes, they do make wine in Indiana. The nearby Oliver Winery (200 East Winery Road, 812-876-5800, oliverwinery.com) has recently undergone an overhaul and a sleek renovation that you won’t want to miss. They’ll even create a custom picnic lunch for you complete with china plates (starting at $50+tax) with advanced notice. If you’re more of a cider person, try the Friendly Beasts Cider Company (222 West 2nd St., 812- 641-5553, friendlybeastscider.com) where the juices are created from Indiana apples grown on a family orchard.
Ogle Some Art
Bloomington’s Eskenazi Museum of Art was designed by architect I.M. Pei (of the Louvre Pyramid fame among many other incredible creations) and it should definitely make your list of places to visit. Wander among the Picassos, Monets, and Pollacks if the fickle Indiana weather forces you indoors. And don’t skip the new tech-savvy virtual reality gallery for an updated spin on the art world.
Hit the Road
The aforementioned Breaking Away takes place during IU’s famed Little 500 bike race—a tradition that continues each April. Cycling is at the heart of Bloomington’s history and one of the most popular ways to explore its surroundings, or just get to class. Indiana Jim’s Bicycling Adventures (260-460-2007, indianajim.biz) offers tours inspired by the movie starting at $40. They can also design a custom ride based on your personal preferences.
Rest Your Head
Bloomington’s (relatively) new Graduate Hotel (210 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-994-0500, graduatehotels.com/bloomington) is the perfect place to stay and take in the local scene. The boutique spot is conveniently located on the beloved Kirkwood Avenue, near the historic Courthouse Square, and offers up luxury amenities at a perfectly reasonable price. Don’t miss out on the delish roasts and breakfast sandwiches at the Poindexter Coffee café.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
While Bloomington only has 80,000 residents, it is truly an international culinary haven with more than 75 restaurants representing 18 countries. Hit up Fourth Street and take your pick of amazing ethnic cuisines. And if you want to eat like a local try one of these favorites: Michael’s Uptown Café, Nick’s English Hut, Janko’s Little Zagreb, Truffles, the Village Deli, Inkwell, and Scholar’s Keep. For breakfast, try the Village Deli and Inkwell. After dinner, hit The Comedy Attic (on the corner of 4th and Walnut streets), one of America’s top comedy clubs, where comics like Tiffany Haddish, Marc Maron, Amy Schumer, and Maria Bamford can be spotted working out new material.
