Travel information

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Come check out the annual Little 500 bike race. Held every year in April, the race is somewhat insignifigant compared to the real popularity... the parties. Little 500 is famous for being the home of mass partying everywhere on campus. If someone is looking for a overload of booze, people, and music, you are in for a world of fun!

Come to the Bloomington Early Music Festival [7] to hear a variety of old musical pieces and instruments.

The Holiday World amusement park in Southwestern Indiana is a two-hour drive from Bloomington.

Labor Day weekend boasts the 4th Street Festival of Arts and Crafts [8], a three-day festival of more than 100 regional artisans.

See the annual Lotus World Music & Arts Festival [9] in the fall, to hear a wide array of live musicians from around the world.

Check out theTibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center [10] for meditation, cool architecture and scenery, and cabins in the woods to rent for the weekend.

Take in a play at the Wells-Metz Theater, or catch a show or exhibit at the Waldron Arts Center downtown. If your tastes run to the more expansive, the IU Auditorium plays several broadway shows a year, while the IU Opera highlights many standard works, and the Theater Series[5] puts on plays. For art, go to the IU Art Museum, designed by I.M. Pei.

For the kids, don't miss the Wonderlab[6], a science museum with two floors of hands-on activities.

By plane

  • Indianapolis International Airport Indianapolis (IND) is the nearest commercial airport to Bloomington, located about 45 miles away. Scheduled bus service between the airport and Bloomington is provided by the Bloomington Shuttle Service, with departures starting at 6:40 a.m. and every two hours thereafter until 10:40 p.m. from the airport's Ground Transportation Center. Tickets are priced at $25, one way only.
  • Monroe County Airport 972 S Kirby Rd, Bloomington, IN. 812-825-5406.

By car

  • S.R. 37 State Road 37 is the main highway through Bloomington. It goes through Southwestern Indiana and then reaches Indianapolis, where it becomes Harding St. Beware of speed traps on this road!
  • S.R. 46 State Road 46 is a bit confusing, but essentially, it goes East into Brown County, past Brown County State Park, Nashville, IN, and Colombus, IN.

Bloomington Shuttle Service [2] offers shuttles to four destination points in town, charters, limousines, and service to and from Indianapolis Airport.

Bloomington Transit [3] is a full city-wide bus system with various routes to choose from.

Being a college town, Bloomington also has many bike paths to get around town.

Parking

Parking near the university is regulated. A daily visitor parking pass may be purchased for $6 at the Biddle Hotel lobby of the Indiana Memorial Union (although this may only be purchased on the day of). This pass will allow visitors to park in many different lots & garages around the campus. Additionally, there are some metered parking spots on campus and some lots and garages on campus that are pay-parking (per half-hour). There are a few lots and garages that are free on Saturday & Sunday. For more detailed information, go to Indiana University Parking Operations: Visitor Permits [4]

There are some street spots just off of the campus that either have 1 hour or 2 hour limits from 8AM-5PM (these tend to not be metered spots).

Bloomington is not exactely the place to go to do some major shopping. Most locals do shopping trips to Indianapolis or even Chicago if they feel like spending money. But if you feel like buying yourself a little treat or two, you should start here:

  • Kirkwood Avenue -- Kirkwood Avenue is the street leading from the Downtown Square to the Sample Gates, the main entrance into the beautiful Indiana University campus. It is iconic of Indiana University, and especially Bloomington. It offers a couple of clothing shops, a souvenir shop as well as an Indiana University gift shop. It's usually packed with IU students, so take a stroll, find some grub, do some people watching, or some shopping.
  • College Mall -- Located on the east side of town, College Mall is a typical small town shopping mall. It's nice to spend a few hours in it at one a rainy day but don't expect too much. Anchor stores are Target and Macy's, and also has BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP, Victoria's Secret, Old Navy, Abercrombie & Fitch, several video game stores, Wet Seal, Yankee Candle, American Eagle, and more. Food options include a couple pizzerias, Auntie Anne's, Subway, and a brand new food court with several new eateries.
  • The Westside -- Up and coming shopping/eating area with tons of shops and good eats.
  • Fountain Square Mall -- The Fountain Square Mall is an upscale mall situated downtown just across from the courthouse. It has a game store and toy store as well as the traditional expensive clothing shops. Across the street to Caveat Emptor as well, a must-see for used book enthusiasts. You can barely get through the aisles for the stacks of books. You can also take a break from shopping to get a relaxing massage at Massage on the Square located on the first floor of the mall.

Visit 4th street between Kirkwood and 3rd for your choice of several good international restaurants; the exact list changes around depending on which ones have been bought and sold recently. Of note is the Snow Lion, a very good Tibetan restaurant owned by the Dalai Lama's brother!

All Bloomington restaurants and bars are non-smoking.

  • My Thai Cafe A little off the beaten path but well worth the trek. Located in a Westside strip mall (behind Arby's, 3316 W 3rd St), this tastefully decorated gem offers a full menu of Thai dishes, and they aren't afraid to add that extra spice. Considered to be some of Bloomington's best Thai food.
  • Turkaz Cafe Affordable and delicious Turkish food and tea. Comfy seating area (don't be afraid to kick off your shoes!) and excellent service make this a popular place among those in the know. Try a pide for a filling meal that won't break the bank. Located off of East 3rd Street.
  • Samira Afghanistan cuisine. One of Bloomington's most distinctive restaurants, and one of the very best as well. On the northeast corner of the Courthouse square. [11]
  • Le Petit Cafe French home cooking. What you'd expect from a good restaurant in France; very friendly service. Limited menu, but wonderful. On Sixth Street just west of College. Lovely atmosphere, intimate yet casual. Delicious food!
  • Village Deli The perfect American breakfast. Over-priced, as with all breakfast foods, but do not leave without ordering Paxton's Potatoes (NOT Take 2). The home fries will win you over here. Packed on the weekends, but generally a crowd pleaser.
  • DeAngelo's Italian restaurant with a good wine list.
  • Bombay House Excellent Indian cuisine, and quite affordable compared with typical high-class tablecloth Indian establishments.
  • The International Market Gyros, spinakopita, & other Greek & Middle Eastern dishes. Very cheap & tasty. Experience the authentic deli experience with a dine-in order!
  • La Charreada Family-owned & operated, the best Mexican in Bloomington by far. Try the Burritos Leon. Check out the ritzy bathrooms!
  • Puccini's Arguably the best Italian in town. Awfully pricey, but serves quality food.
  • La Torre Family-owned & operated, the bestest Mexican in Bloomington. Try the reasonably-priced Chimichanga accompanied with Dos Eqqis Beer.
  • Laughing Planet Fresh, organic burritos with unusual daily specials. Chipotle is a block away, but don't let it distract you.
  • The Runcible Spoon A wonderfully comfortable restaurant, converted from a house complete with living room furniture and bookshelves. Delicious entrĂ©es all around, with great coffee brews, very veggie/vegan friendly, cheap wine, good selection of beers, and a good (but pricey) breakfast. Definitely come for the ambience and pretty alternative girls. Excellent food and coffee, but your coffee will be cold by the time your food gets there, as speedy service is not their forte.
  • Lennie's Excellent pizzas; homemade crusts, desserts, bread, and beer. Love the focaccia appetizer.
  • Little Zagreb Famous for steaks and all things meat. The ribs are unreal. Bring plenty of cash, though; entrees range from $10-40.
  • Max's Place Small pizzeria/beerpub with some local drafts and unusual imported beers. Excellent pizza. Music is generally either live or being played on a turntable, and there is a poetry slam once a month.
  • Mixed Greens [12] The Bloomington representative of a small chain of health food restaurants. Not much seating, but squeaky clean and with the usual assortments of smoothies and vegetarian entrees.
  • Nick's English Hut The traditional place to eat in Bloomington. A hotspot for alumni and the older Bloomington crowd ("older" just meaning "non-student"). Arguably the hallmark institution of Kirkwood Avenue. Be sure to play "Sink the Biz," the drinking game for which the restaurant is known.
  • Opie Taylor's Great burgers with an awkward atmosphere. There's always takeout.
  • Roots Organic juice bar and vegetarian restaurant, with all the hippy ambiance that implies. The owners believe air-conditioning isn't environmentally friendly, so it gets warm in mid-summer.
  • Scotty's Brewhouse Three large-screen TV's and a bar, suitable for late-night student partying, but family-friendly before 9PM. Kids eat free on Sundays.
  • The Snow Lion Tibetan- owned by the Dalai Lama's brother.
  • Little Tibet Amazing Tibetan and Indian cuisine. Try the curries, the salad dressing (they do sell this), and the Pad Thai. The Indian Tea is amazingly good chai tea.
  • The Trojan Horse Excellent Greek & American food with the best atmosphere, and usually the best servers, in Bloomington. Tavern upstairs. (corner of Kirkwood & Walnut)
  • Soma Cliquish hipster heaven, where anyone who's alternative, fashionably or otherwise, goes to be seen (everyone looks up at the door when it opens to see who's coming in). Don't forget to drop a few coins in the tip jar or be prepared for snide comments and dirty looks. Good coffee nonetheless.
  • The Chocolate Moose Very good ice cream at a great price. An old fashioned walk up ice cream stand that is a Bloomington tradition. Usually open from February through November. Located a few blocks south of the square on Walnut Street.
  • Dagwood's Deli Amazing sub sandwiches, voted the best in Bloomington for over a decade running
  • Malibu Grill Winner of many area awards over the past couple of years, including "Best Place to Take Your Parents," "Best Place to Take a Date" and "Best Restaurant in Bloomington." A classy, high-end feel to it, with the jazz overhead, baby grand in the corner and servers all in black, but affordable for student and non-students alike. Serves pastas, chicken, fish, etc. Go early and sample one of their delicious martinis.
  • Casablanca Casablanca has delicious dishes and a heavenly Moroccan green tea with mints and honey. Only two places in town have tea this good--the other is the Cafe et Crepe right across the road. Casablanca is perfect for a romantic dinner or visiting parents.
  • Anatolia's This wonderful restaurant has delicious, inexpensive food, as well as complimentary Turkish tea and other unique beverages. The feel is relaxed and cozy. This place is great for people with food allergies, as they are willing to work with you! Excellent, friendly service!
  • Irish Lion Try the Guinness with shamrock art, and the fabulous Irish Coffee. Great ambience, great service, great people. Lots of dead things on the walls.
  • Crazy Horse Home of the best international beer collection in town. Mostly loud drunken college students.
  • Smokin Jack's Rib Shack
  • Noodle's and Co. A chain that was recently opened in an old theater building. Serves Italian, Asian and American style noodle and pasta dishes.
  • Esan Thai An outstanding Thai restaurant. Can be noisy when crowded, and the atmosphere is lacking, but Esan Thai serves some of the best food in Bloomington, period.
  • Shanti's Indian restaurant in the heart of downtown Bloomington. Check out the lunch buffet!
  • Cafe D'jango Food is great, with cuisine from all over. Has live jazz weekly.
  • Mikado's
  • Bucceto's
  • Yogi's Best place to go if you're in a group of four or more. Largest beer selection in Bloomington.
  • Mother Bear's Pizza This place is ancient, a Bloomington tradition. BBQ Cheese pizza for one - Absolutely amazing. This, along with Nick's, is arguably the most famous and treasured restaurant in the city. Claims to have been voted "4th Best Pizza in the Country" a few years back.
  • Falafel's A middle eastern place in the same building as Jimmy John's and Uncle Fester's. Good food, small menu.
  • Mandalay Burmese and South Asian. Try the Tilapia with tamarind. Located right next to Little Tibet
  • Buffa Louie's - Located on Indiana Avenue next to Starbucks. One of the most popular places people go to watch sports. TVs everywhere with a menu that includes buffalo wings, sandwiches, salads and more.
  • Basil Leaf - Located on 4th Street in downtown Bloomington. Small, but tasty Asian fusion.

Bar and Pubs

  • Bloomington Brewing Company 1795 E 10th St. 812-323-2112. Primarily available at Lennie's, a sophisticated gourmet pizza and beer restaurant. After you select your beer, you'll be asked whether you want it hand, nitro, or CO2 pumped. Choose hand pumped unless you really prefer your beer cold. [13]
  • Bears Place (Bears) 1316 E 3rd St. 812-339-3460. Older crowd. Music student hangout. Loud obnoxious behavior not tolerated. Monday nights feature live comedy shows. Try the "hairy bear" (several different kinds of alcohol). [14]
  • Bluebird 216 N Walnut St. 812-336-3984. 30 year-old bar across from Kilroy's Sports that features live bands, three bars, a dance floor, and good drink specials. Generally a more chilled out crowd. Cover is usually between $3 - $5. [15]
  • Brothers 215 N Walnut St. New in 2009, directly across from Bluebird. No Cover. Strictly enforces ID's and "casually nice" dress code. Features two levels, with a bar on each floor. The second floor has a nice outside lounging area centered around a large fire pit. Unless you want to hang out with a bunch of frat brothers and undergrads with fale ids, best to pass on this one. [www.brothersbar.com/]
  • Crazy Horse 214 W Kirkwood Ave. Chill place with an older crowd. Great patio seating and full dining menu. 812-336-8877. [16]
  • Jake's 419 N Walnut Ave. 812-333-5253. A club near Kilroy's Sports (formerlly Axis) with a large dance floor and concerts. You can buy a mug and have it refilled every visit for discounted drinks. Often features live music from local bands. [17]
  • Jungle Room - Connected to Uncle Fester's, second floor. No cover. Hip-hop club with small dance floor and balcony.
  • Kilroy's on Kirkwood (Kilroys) 502 E Kirkwood Ave. 812-339-3006. Very typically a "college" bar. Lots of greeks, loud '80s music, and always packed. Great place to sit outside and have drinks during the spring/summer in the daytime. Another place to avoid if you are over 22 (unless you wait until the summer months when the younger crowd clears out). [18]
  • Kilroy's Sports Bar (Sports) 319 N Walnut St. 812-333-6006. Features an upstairs and downstairs, with the upstairs usually being pretty packed. The upstairs is more 'club'-ish, it features more hip-hop music and dancing, with blacklights. There is also a patio area upstairs. The downstairs is more laid back and is similar to Kilroy's on Kirkwood. It's big and they have free popcorn. Cover is $5. [19]
  • Nick's English Hut (Nicks) 423 E Kirkwood Ave. 812-332-4040. Nick's is the oldest bar in Bloomington and boasts tradition. Much of the bar is wooden and it displays mementos from IU throughout the years, including sports memorabilia, photos, greek paddles, etc. The crowd is typically at least somewhat older, as Nick's is notorious for not letting in students with fake IDs (unlike many other bars in the area). Hot spot for alumni and the adult crowd. [20]
  • Uncle Fester's [House of Blooze] 430 E Kirkwood Ave. 812-323-1023. A blues club with two levels that is connected to Upstairs and Jungle Room. Cover is generally $5. [21]
  • Upland Brewery 350 W 11th St. 812-336-2337. Upland Wheats are available at most restaurants in town. Try the great pasta dishes made with beer. [22]
  • Upstairs Pub 430 E Kirkwood Ave # 18. 812-333-3003. Literally an upstairs bar. It features darts and pool tables. Can get pretty crowded. Be sure to try its signature drink, the AMF (adios mother fucker), made from five types of alcohol but tastes like Kool-Aid.
  • Video Saloon (The Vid) 105 W 7th St. 812-333-0064. Bloomington's hipster bar. Casual and low-key, the Vid is the indie-bar in Bloomington. There's a great pool-hall where many college students enjoy an evening away from the university with a beer nearby. Diverse crowd from locals to students to alumni. Closes at 4AM. No cover.
  • Root Cellar Located in the basement of FARM, one of Bloomington's delicious downtown restaurants off Kirkwood avenue, the Root Cellar offers a selection of beer and whiskey (other beverages available at the posher bar upstairs). Eclectic vintage decor in a cave like setting make this a popular destination for Bloomington's hipsters, graduate students, and young professionals. Occasionally features music - check out Soul in the Hole for a great Mowtown dance party.

Wineries

  • Butler Winery 6200 E Robinson Rd., Bloomington, IN. 812-332-6660 Hours Mon to Sat: 10-6, Sun: 12-6. [23]
  • Oliver Winery 8024 N SR 37 Bloomington, IN. 812-876-5800. [24]