Derek's Guidebook to Bloomington

Derek
Derek's Guidebook to Bloomington

Food Scene

Bloomington is home to a delicious local food scene, both traditional American flavors and international delights. Here are some of the best places in town. Have a specific request or preference? Message your host for recommendations that fit your tastes.
Local coffee and tea shop that is in walking distance, a must for coffee lovers.
15 recommandé par les habitants
Crumble Coffee and Bakery
1567 S Piazza Dr
15 recommandé par les habitants
Local coffee and tea shop that is in walking distance, a must for coffee lovers.
Fine craft cocktails in a relaxed, cozy environment. C3 is also within walking distance from your stay.
22 recommandé par les habitants
C3 Bar
1505 S Piazza Dr
22 recommandé par les habitants
Fine craft cocktails in a relaxed, cozy environment. C3 is also within walking distance from your stay.
Fine foods and good wine selection in a relaxed environment. Plus this location is within walking distance right across the street.
Truffles Fine Cuisine & 56 Degrees Bar
1131 S College Mall Rd
Fine foods and good wine selection in a relaxed environment. Plus this location is within walking distance right across the street.
Good food, great beer and world class sours. Upland never disappoints.
96 recommandé par les habitants
Upland Brewing Company
4060 Profile Pkwy
96 recommandé par les habitants
Good food, great beer and world class sours. Upland never disappoints.
Best breakfast spot in town. Legend says there is an entire lunch and dinner menu, but I've never made it past the omelets and pancakes...
61 recommandé par les habitants
Runcible Spoon
412 E 6th St
61 recommandé par les habitants
Best breakfast spot in town. Legend says there is an entire lunch and dinner menu, but I've never made it past the omelets and pancakes...
If pastries and baked goods are your wish, Two Sticks is your answer. Go early to get the best baked goods because they will sell out!
13 recommandé par les habitants
Two Sticks Bakery
415 S Washington St
13 recommandé par les habitants
If pastries and baked goods are your wish, Two Sticks is your answer. Go early to get the best baked goods because they will sell out!
Just north of town is a beautiful winery loved in the area. Oliver makes a perfect spot for a day out with friends or loved ones while sampling several wines.
82 recommandé par les habitants
Domaine viticole Oliver
200 E Winery Rd
82 recommandé par les habitants
Just north of town is a beautiful winery loved in the area. Oliver makes a perfect spot for a day out with friends or loved ones while sampling several wines.
If you are looking for Korean cuisine, Mama's is a hidden gem that brings big flavor. A must for international tastes.
Mama's Restaurant Korean BBQ
2630 E 10th St
If you are looking for Korean cuisine, Mama's is a hidden gem that brings big flavor. A must for international tastes.
Fine foods and the best wine selection in town.
41 recommandé par les habitants
Feast Market & Cellar
407 W Patterson Dr
41 recommandé par les habitants
Fine foods and the best wine selection in town.
Great food with an ever changing menu, good for groups or date nights alike.
55 recommandé par les habitants
FARMbloomington
108 E Kirkwood Ave
55 recommandé par les habitants
Great food with an ever changing menu, good for groups or date nights alike.
Cardinal Spirits is a craft distillery that produces a range of spirits such as high-quality whiskey, rum, gin, vodka, and specialty liqueurs. All are fermented and distilled on site using a continuous column still. Very unique to Bloomington.
63 recommandé par les habitants
Cardinal Spirits Distillery & Restaurant
922 S Morton St
63 recommandé par les habitants
Cardinal Spirits is a craft distillery that produces a range of spirits such as high-quality whiskey, rum, gin, vodka, and specialty liqueurs. All are fermented and distilled on site using a continuous column still. Very unique to Bloomington.
Afghani food that keeps your wallet happy and belly full. Want Baklava? The answer is yes, yes you do.
31 recommandé par les habitants
Samira Restaurant
100 W 6th St
31 recommandé par les habitants
Afghani food that keeps your wallet happy and belly full. Want Baklava? The answer is yes, yes you do.
The Bloomington Chocolate Company is your cure for the chocolate fix. They offer artisan chocolates and truffles that will make your mouth water. And the shop is just down the street from your stay.
Bloomington Chocolate Company - Inside The Olive Leaf
2534 E 3rd St
The Bloomington Chocolate Company is your cure for the chocolate fix. They offer artisan chocolates and truffles that will make your mouth water. And the shop is just down the street from your stay.
An IU tradition! Every IU fan knows Nick's is a must to experience the Hoosier Hysteria.
67 recommandé par les habitants
Nick's English Hut
423 E Kirkwood Ave
67 recommandé par les habitants
An IU tradition! Every IU fan knows Nick's is a must to experience the Hoosier Hysteria.
Classic IU eatery across from the iconic Sample Gates. Wings, curly fries, an Upland beer and IU on game day - what could be better?
22 recommandé par les habitants
BuffaLouie's
114 S Indiana Ave
22 recommandé par les habitants
Classic IU eatery across from the iconic Sample Gates. Wings, curly fries, an Upland beer and IU on game day - what could be better?

Sightseeing

Bloomington has many sights, sounds and adventures to behold. Here are a mix of classics, traditions and my personal favorites over the years. Bloomington stays alive year round, with events and experiences always happening. Ask your host for current events during your stay.
Visit the house Bobby built. Home to 5 banners, the infamous chair throw and unforgettable Wot Shot - history lives here.
33 recommandé par les habitants
Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall
1001 E 17th St
33 recommandé par les habitants
Visit the house Bobby built. Home to 5 banners, the infamous chair throw and unforgettable Wot Shot - history lives here.
A must visit every trip to Bloomington is the Sample Gates area. Walk in the Dunn woods, shake hands with Herman B. Wells, kiss in the Roswell House and snap a picture with the gates. A classic for every Hoosier.
29 recommandé par les habitants
Sample Gates
29 recommandé par les habitants
A must visit every trip to Bloomington is the Sample Gates area. Walk in the Dunn woods, shake hands with Herman B. Wells, kiss in the Roswell House and snap a picture with the gates. A classic for every Hoosier.
Located in the heart of IU's campus is the Eskenazi Museum of Art. Outside is beautiful architecture designed by I. M. Pei, and various outdoor art including a light tower that was originally meant for a short stay but was so beloved it became permanent. Inside is home to an internationally acclaimed collection of over 45,000 works of art that include paintings by Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso, African masks, and jewelry.
43 recommandé par les habitants
Eskenazi Museum of Art
1133 E 7th St
43 recommandé par les habitants
Located in the heart of IU's campus is the Eskenazi Museum of Art. Outside is beautiful architecture designed by I. M. Pei, and various outdoor art including a light tower that was originally meant for a short stay but was so beloved it became permanent. Inside is home to an internationally acclaimed collection of over 45,000 works of art that include paintings by Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso, African masks, and jewelry.
Just north of campus is a beautiful lake with tons of hiking trails. Kayak and canoe rentals available at the boathouse, or bring your own for a nice day on the water. Easy to moderate trails, tons of picture worthy views.
82 recommandé par les habitants
Griffy Lake
82 recommandé par les habitants
Just north of campus is a beautiful lake with tons of hiking trails. Kayak and canoe rentals available at the boathouse, or bring your own for a nice day on the water. Easy to moderate trails, tons of picture worthy views.
If you have more time to spare and looking for hike to get outdoors, head over to McCormick's Creek for one of the best hiking spots in the state. Several trails with beautiful views. Perfect for a day in the great outdoors.
48 recommandé par les habitants
Parc d'État McCormick's Creek
250 McCormick Creek Park Rd
48 recommandé par les habitants
If you have more time to spare and looking for hike to get outdoors, head over to McCormick's Creek for one of the best hiking spots in the state. Several trails with beautiful views. Perfect for a day in the great outdoors.
Take a day trip to Nashville, IN to find a quaint town full of local shops, artists and music.
85 recommandé par les habitants
Nashville
85 recommandé par les habitants
Take a day trip to Nashville, IN to find a quaint town full of local shops, artists and music.

Conseils aux voyageurs

Coutumes et culture

"IU" = FISTS to BLADES

At sporting events, Hoosiers use their arms to form the coveted "IU". The proper formation is both arms extended over head with 2 closed FISTS to form the "I", then elbows are bent out wide with hands extended as BLADES to form the "U". Look like a pro next time by remembering FISTS to BLADES, and as always GO IU!
Se déplacer dans les environs

Campus Parking FYI

IU's campus is known for many things, including the lack of parking. At some point you will be tempted to park in an open spot without the proper pass - DONT. Parking enforcement is ruthless and will ticket you without hesitation, even if the lot is empty. If using a parking meter, even a second over the limit will result in a parking ticket. Half an inch over the line? Ticket. Follow the parking rules otherwise you will get a ticket.