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 personas locales recomiendan
Crumble Coffee and Bakery
1567 S Piazza DrLocal 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 personas locales recomiendan
C3 Bar
1505 S Piazza DrFine 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 RdFine 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 personas locales recomiendan
Upland Brewing Company
4060 Profile PkwyGood 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 personas locales recomiendan
Runcible Spoon
412 E 6th StBest 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 personas locales recomiendan
Two Sticks Bakery
415 S Washington StIf 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 personas locales recomiendan
Oliver Winery
200 E Winery RdJust 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 StIf you are looking for Korean cuisine, Mama's is a hidden gem that brings big flavor. A must for international tastes.
Feast Market & Cellar
407 W Patterson DrFine foods and the best wine selection in town.
Great food with an ever changing menu, good for groups or date nights alike.
55 personas locales recomiendan
FARMbloomington
108 E Kirkwood AveGreat 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 personas locales recomiendan
Cardinal Spirits Distillery & Restaurant
922 S Morton StCardinal 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 personas locales recomiendan
Samira Restaurant
100 W 6th StAfghani 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 StThe 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 personas locales recomiendan
Nick's English Hut
423 E Kirkwood AveAn 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 personas locales recomiendan
BuffaLouie's
114 S Indiana AveClassic 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 personas locales recomiendan
Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall
1001 E 17th StVisit 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 personas locales recomiendan
Sample Gates
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 personas locales recomiendan
Eskenazi Museum of Art
1133 E 7th StLocated 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 personas locales recomiendan
Griffy Lake
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 personas locales recomiendan
Parque Estatal McCormick's Creek
250 McCormick Creek Park RdIf 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 personas locales recomiendan
Nashville
Take a day trip to Nashville, IN to find a quaint town full of local shops, artists and music.
Consejos para la ciudad
Costumbres y cultura
"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!
Cómo moverse
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.