 |
 |
Something for Everyone
Bloomington, Indiana
By Sheree Bykofsky
There is something for everyone is Bloomington, Indiana.
The impeccable Wampler House will restore your love for B&B's. Less than 10 minutes south of IU on a lovely country road, the B&B offers a comforting respite after a busy day of touring, shopping, dining, museum-going, golfing, hiking, boating, bicycling or whatever fun activities you've chosen from the many available in the bustling, sophisticated, fun college town of Bloomington.
The beds are comfortable and the rooms are pleasantly appointed- most with enormous Jacuzzi tubs and separate showers. My favorite, the Finley Room on the corner has a private porch. Breakfast is served at private tables in two rooms. The innkeepers treat guests like family, and you'll feel right at home. Each day a new fresh-baked delight will be left on a china plate in your room, and you can actually help yourself 24/7 to a variety of cakes and snacks, soda, water, coffee, or tea. Relaxing massages are available on premises, too. I wish there could be a Wampler House everywhere I travel!
And many people travel to Bloomington for dozens of annual festivals that fill the streets and bring the multicultural town to life. The Annual Lotus Festival draws thousands from around the globe. Where else can you hear Tuvan Throat singing and a Capella French Canadians in the same hour? Depending on your interests, you may consider visiting during the Week of Chocolate or Eagle Watch Weekend, in February or the Chimes of Christmas in December. The farmer's market provides a wonderful Saturday morning from April through October.
If retail strikes your fancy, there is no shortage in Bloomington. There are over 200 shops competing for your affection within a short walk of the pretty downtown square. No doubt you'll find the Bloomington Antique Mall and the Fountain Square Mall in your meanderings.
Are you hungry? Well, there are over 91 restaurants within a ten block radius.
Most locals concur that the Scholars Inn (formerly a mansion) is the pinnacle of Bloomington's culinary experience. Graciously decorated with menus sewn into antique hardcover books, the décor and cuisine are equally enchanting, unique and seductive. Save it for your most special Bloomington evening.
Another fine choice for a delightful lunch or dinner is the whimsical Tutto Bene, which provides a cosmopolitan culinary experience. Unique objets d'arts decorate the lofty warehouse space, and they're for sale. Tutto Bene features funny, eclectic seating arrangements with couches and cushioned chairs. Listen to live jazz and sample the most delicious samplings of tapas, cheeses, wraps, sandwiches, soups and salads, all paired perfectly with excellent wines. The offerings here are pleasing to the palate and the pocketbook.
Yogi's is the ultimate sports restaurant. As you would expect, hefty portions of hearty food, from angus beef burgers with Cajun fries to famous buffalo burgers with guacamole and crispy tortilla chips, you can dine like a quarterback while watching any one or all of the flat screen TVs labeled "Dolphins," "Bears," "Jets," and "Packers."
Right in the heart of downtown, the Malibu Grill with its open kitchen is a personal favorite. Moderately priced, the restaurant recreates the Wolfgang Puck/California experience but with "more cheese, less sausage and that special Hoosier touch." Start with an apple martini and a superior shrimp cocktail. Grind your own sea salt over your house chop salad; then share a brick oven pizza or the day's seafood offering and you'll enjoy your stroll through downtown even more.
Nick's Hut is a super casual sportsman's bar with mounted buffalo, wart hog and deer. If Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson were looking for the perfect place to watch ESPN while toasting the Hoosiers with Ale and Elk burgers, they'd pick Nick's English Hut. Here you can get a mighty tasty elk burger, fantastic stromboli, hamburgers, chili, and salads while watching the Hoosiers clobber the opponents. Hungry or not, while strolling through Bloomington, the décor at Nicks, which has been there forever (since 1927) has to be checked out.
If you're in town for several days, try the casual yet upscale Grazie for delicious Italian fare right in the center of town. Multicultural food opportunities abound from authentic Moroccan at Casablanca to Indian food at Shanti or Bombay.
If all of these restaurants inspire you, you may get a yen to do-it-yourself! Look no further than the Bloomington Cooking School. Have a ball learning cooking techniques from around the world while preparing a delicious meal in a real chef's kitchen. From Ciabatta Bread to a Turkish feast to scones and chocolate desserts, there's a huge selection of classes to choose from at the Bloomington Cooking School.
It's easy to enjoy a week as a tourist, but it's impossible to visit Bloomington without visiting the university. Where the town stops the campus starts. The sprawling campus of IU weaves through the town and is signified by the Sample Gates, which anyone can walk through.
On campus, sit in the Memorial Hall student union building and read a book on a comfy couch, or visit the fabulous and free museums. Watch a performance, tour the library, or walk among the leaves and hills on the many scenic paths.
Here you will also find a unique opportunity to arrange a tour of the famous Kinsey Institute for Sex, Gender, and Reproduction. This is a truly unique immersion in science, sexuality and erotica.
If all of that is not enough, Bloomington is so much more than its campus and its downtown.
Indiana's oldest and largest winery is worth a visit by the whole family.
The bucolic Oliver Winery features gardens, a waterfall and limestone sculptures. Sit on the patio or beside the pond for a family picnic. Step inside and enjoy a sampling of excellent wines from Cabernet to Blackberry Wine.
In season, The Fourwinds Marina, the largest in the Midwest rents cushioned pontoon boats, speedy wave runners and personal jet skis for a glorious day on Lake Monroe.
Children will enjoy the Wonderlab Museum of Science, health and technology with its interactive science exhibits and themed programs.
If golf is what you're looking for, the Eagle Pointe Golf Resort prides itself on a 6,700 yard par 71 champion course and is renowned for its rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and over 100 sand bunkers.
And now I will let you in on a local secret. For a pretty drive and some exercise, take the drive south of Lake Monroe on SR 446 and turn left on Tower Ridge Road until you arrive at the old fire tower. Climb up and take in the breathtaking view of the forest. Before satellites and modern technology rendered it unnecessary, firefighters would stand guard atop the tall tower to keep an eye out for forest fires in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness.
When I say Bloomington has something for everyone, I mean everyone: A very unique afternoon can be enjoyed at the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center where the Dalai Lama has visited many times. Visit the Cultural Building where you'll see a sand mandala of the Medicine Buddha, a traditional Tibetan Butter Sculpture, and a library of Tibetan books. Purchase books and traditional Tibetan items in the gift shop or sample tea and Tibetan food fresh from the kitchen.
Did I leave anything out? If I did, then you'll probably find that in Bloomington, too!
If You Go:
Bloomington Indiana Convention & Visitors Bureau
By Sheree Bykofsky
There is something for everyone is Bloomington, Indiana.
The impeccable Wampler House will restore your love for B&B's. Less than 10 minutes south of IU on a lovely country road, the B&B offers a comforting respite after a busy day of touring, shopping, dining, museum-going, golfing, hiking, boating, bicycling or whatever fun activities you've chosen from the many available in the bustling, sophisticated, fun college town of Bloomington.
The beds are comfortable and the rooms are pleasantly appointed- most with enormous Jacuzzi tubs and separate showers. My favorite, the Finley Room on the corner has a private porch. Breakfast is served at private tables in two rooms. The innkeepers treat guests like family, and you'll feel right at home. Each day a new fresh-baked delight will be left on a china plate in your room, and you can actually help yourself 24/7 to a variety of cakes and snacks, soda, water, coffee, or tea. Relaxing massages are available on premises, too. I wish there could be a Wampler House everywhere I travel!
And many people travel to Bloomington for dozens of annual festivals that fill the streets and bring the multicultural town to life. The Annual Lotus Festival draws thousands from around the globe. Where else can you hear Tuvan Throat singing and a Capella French Canadians in the same hour? Depending on your interests, you may consider visiting during the Week of Chocolate or Eagle Watch Weekend, in February or the Chimes of Christmas in December. The farmer's market provides a wonderful Saturday morning from April through October.If retail strikes your fancy, there is no shortage in Bloomington. There are over 200 shops competing for your affection within a short walk of the pretty downtown square. No doubt you'll find the Bloomington Antique Mall and the Fountain Square Mall in your meanderings.
Are you hungry? Well, there are over 91 restaurants within a ten block radius.
Most locals concur that the Scholars Inn (formerly a mansion) is the pinnacle of Bloomington's culinary experience. Graciously decorated with menus sewn into antique hardcover books, the décor and cuisine are equally enchanting, unique and seductive. Save it for your most special Bloomington evening.
Another fine choice for a delightful lunch or dinner is the whimsical Tutto Bene, which provides a cosmopolitan culinary experience. Unique objets d'arts decorate the lofty warehouse space, and they're for sale. Tutto Bene features funny, eclectic seating arrangements with couches and cushioned chairs. Listen to live jazz and sample the most delicious samplings of tapas, cheeses, wraps, sandwiches, soups and salads, all paired perfectly with excellent wines. The offerings here are pleasing to the palate and the pocketbook.
Yogi's is the ultimate sports restaurant. As you would expect, hefty portions of hearty food, from angus beef burgers with Cajun fries to famous buffalo burgers with guacamole and crispy tortilla chips, you can dine like a quarterback while watching any one or all of the flat screen TVs labeled "Dolphins," "Bears," "Jets," and "Packers."
Right in the heart of downtown, the Malibu Grill with its open kitchen is a personal favorite. Moderately priced, the restaurant recreates the Wolfgang Puck/California experience but with "more cheese, less sausage and that special Hoosier touch." Start with an apple martini and a superior shrimp cocktail. Grind your own sea salt over your house chop salad; then share a brick oven pizza or the day's seafood offering and you'll enjoy your stroll through downtown even more.Nick's Hut is a super casual sportsman's bar with mounted buffalo, wart hog and deer. If Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson were looking for the perfect place to watch ESPN while toasting the Hoosiers with Ale and Elk burgers, they'd pick Nick's English Hut. Here you can get a mighty tasty elk burger, fantastic stromboli, hamburgers, chili, and salads while watching the Hoosiers clobber the opponents. Hungry or not, while strolling through Bloomington, the décor at Nicks, which has been there forever (since 1927) has to be checked out.
If you're in town for several days, try the casual yet upscale Grazie for delicious Italian fare right in the center of town. Multicultural food opportunities abound from authentic Moroccan at Casablanca to Indian food at Shanti or Bombay.
If all of these restaurants inspire you, you may get a yen to do-it-yourself! Look no further than the Bloomington Cooking School. Have a ball learning cooking techniques from around the world while preparing a delicious meal in a real chef's kitchen. From Ciabatta Bread to a Turkish feast to scones and chocolate desserts, there's a huge selection of classes to choose from at the Bloomington Cooking School.
It's easy to enjoy a week as a tourist, but it's impossible to visit Bloomington without visiting the university. Where the town stops the campus starts. The sprawling campus of IU weaves through the town and is signified by the Sample Gates, which anyone can walk through.
On campus, sit in the Memorial Hall student union building and read a book on a comfy couch, or visit the fabulous and free museums. Watch a performance, tour the library, or walk among the leaves and hills on the many scenic paths.
Here you will also find a unique opportunity to arrange a tour of the famous Kinsey Institute for Sex, Gender, and Reproduction. This is a truly unique immersion in science, sexuality and erotica.
If all of that is not enough, Bloomington is so much more than its campus and its downtown.
Indiana's oldest and largest winery is worth a visit by the whole family.
The bucolic Oliver Winery features gardens, a waterfall and limestone sculptures. Sit on the patio or beside the pond for a family picnic. Step inside and enjoy a sampling of excellent wines from Cabernet to Blackberry Wine.In season, The Fourwinds Marina, the largest in the Midwest rents cushioned pontoon boats, speedy wave runners and personal jet skis for a glorious day on Lake Monroe.
Children will enjoy the Wonderlab Museum of Science, health and technology with its interactive science exhibits and themed programs.
If golf is what you're looking for, the Eagle Pointe Golf Resort prides itself on a 6,700 yard par 71 champion course and is renowned for its rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and over 100 sand bunkers.
And now I will let you in on a local secret. For a pretty drive and some exercise, take the drive south of Lake Monroe on SR 446 and turn left on Tower Ridge Road until you arrive at the old fire tower. Climb up and take in the breathtaking view of the forest. Before satellites and modern technology rendered it unnecessary, firefighters would stand guard atop the tall tower to keep an eye out for forest fires in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness.
When I say Bloomington has something for everyone, I mean everyone: A very unique afternoon can be enjoyed at the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center where the Dalai Lama has visited many times. Visit the Cultural Building where you'll see a sand mandala of the Medicine Buddha, a traditional Tibetan Butter Sculpture, and a library of Tibetan books. Purchase books and traditional Tibetan items in the gift shop or sample tea and Tibetan food fresh from the kitchen.
Did I leave anything out? If I did, then you'll probably find that in Bloomington, too!
If You Go:
Bloomington Indiana Convention & Visitors Bureau
1 800 800 0037
The Wampler House
The Wampler House
4905 South Rogers Street
Bloomington, IN 47403
812 824 2446
The Scholar's Inn Gourmet Café and Wine Bar
The Scholar's Inn Gourmet Café and Wine Bar
717 North College
Bloomington, IN 47404
812 332 1892
Yogi's
519 E. 10th Street
Bloomington, IN 47408
812 323 9644
Malibu Grill
Malibu Grill
106 North Walnut Street
Bloomington, IN 47404
812 332 43343
Tutto Bene
Tutto Bene
Wine Café & More
At 3rd & S. Rogers Streets
213 S. Rogers Street at 3rd
Bloomington, IN
812 330 1060
Grazie Italian Eatery
Grazie Italian Eatery
106 West 6th Street
Bloomington, IN
812 323 0303
Shanti
211 E. Kirkwood
Bloomington, IN 47403
Bloomington Cooking School
Bloomington Cooking School
115 N. College Avenue, Suite 014
Bloomington, IN 47404
812 333 7100
Indiana University
Indiana University
Kinsey Institute
Morrison Hall 313
Indiana University
1165 E. Third Street
Bloomington, IN 47405
812 855 7686
Tibetan Cultural Center
3655 South Snoddy Road
Bloomington, IN 47401
812 331 0014
Wonderlab
308 West Fourth Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47404
812 337 1337
Eagle Pointe Golf Resort
Eagle Pointe Golf Resort
2250 East Pointe Road
Bloomington, Indiana 47401
812 824 4040
Monroe Lake
4850 South Street, Road 446
Bloomington, IN 47401
812 837 9546
Fourwinds Resort & Marina
Fourwinds Resort & Marina
9301 Fairfax Road
Bloomington, IN 47401
812 824 BOAT
Hoosier National Forest
Hoosier National Forest
811 Constitution Avenue
Bedford, IN 47421
812 275 5987
