Bloomington (Indiana)

Bloomington is in Southern Indiana. Bloomington is home to the flagship campus of Indiana University and the I.U. Hoosiers.

An introduction to Bloomington (Indiana)

E9048-Bloomington-Courthouse-Plaza - The Courthouse Plaza and the city's central square

Like most Indiana city's, Bloomington is arranged mostly on a rectangular grid. College Ave and Walnut St, a pair of one-way streets, form the main north-south thoroughfare through the central city, dividing the city into the east and west sides. The east side is centered around the main campus (Bloomington Campus) of Indiana University. The west side historically was the industrial part of town, with a number of factories churning out a variety of industrial products, from limestone blocks to elevators (Otis) to television sets (RCA).

While the university keeps growing, many of the industrial plants have now been closed and the north-side railway running a few blocks west of Walnut Street (Monon Railroad, later acquired by CSX) has been converted to a popular walking and bicycling trail (the B-Line Trail).

Bloomington is the county seat of Monroe County. As it is a much larger city than the county seats of nearby counties, it serves as the de facto employment, service and shopping center for several adjacent counties as well.

Travel to Bloomington (Indiana)

Fly to Bloomington (Indiana)

• Indianapolis International Airport (IATA Flight Code: IND) is the nearest commercial airport to Bloomington, located around 50 miles away. Scheduled bus service between the airport and Bloomington is provided by the Bloomington Shuttle Service. The shuttle vans or buses depart the airport's Ground Transportation Center every hour or every two hours (depending on the day of the week) from 6:40 AM until 10:40 PM. Tickets are priced at $23 one-way. The shuttles stop at the Indiana Memorial Union on the IU campus, as well as at a number of other locations on the IU campus and in the downtown area. Taxi fare from the airport to Bloomington is around $90.
• Monroe County Airport 972 South Kirby Road, Bloomington, IN. +1 812-825-5406. All scheduled service to this airport, located a few miles southwest of the city, stopped in the early 1990s; it is only used by general aviation.

How to travel to Bloomington (Indiana) by car

IUB - Student Building and Franklin Hall - P1100607 - On the Indiana University campus

• 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. This highway is under heavy construction north of Bloomington to convert it into Interstate 69; at worst and the normal one-hour trip to Indianapolis can take two hours. Construction is projected to finish by the end of 2016.
• S.R. 46 State Road 46 is a small two-lane road that goes east into Brown County, past Brown County State Park to Nashville, IN and Columbus, IN. To the west, it goes through Spencer to Terre Haute, IN. It avoids downtown Bloomington via a four-lane bypass on the city's northern side.
• I-69Interstate 69 heads southwest through rural areas of forest and farmland to Evansville. Built in the early 2023s, this highway is new enough that it has comparatively few services; many exits have no nearby buildings at all and you must follow signs for nearby towns, often several miles away, for fuel and food.

Travel by Bus to Bloomington (Indiana)

• Miller Trailways/Hoosier Ride, . Twice-a-day bus service from Indianapolis (Greyhound Bus Station) and Evansville. The bus stops at the Bloomington Transit central station (3rd Street and Walnut St), two blocks south of the Courthouse Plaza. One can purchase tickets at the Miller Trailways website; alternatively, if one also travels by Greyhound, one can purchase a single through ticket at the Greyhound website, with one of the coupons covering the Miller Trailways segment of the trip (typically, from Indianapolis to Bloomington).
• Bloomington Shuttle Service, , run by Go Express Travel. Multiple daily runs (every 1-2 hours, depending on the day of the week) between Bloomington and the Indianapolis airport (see above).
• Campus Commute. Since Decemeber 2014, Campus Commute offers shuttle bus service between Bloomington (IU Campus) and Indianapolis (IUPUI Campus and the Indiana State House on the west side of downtown). This service is run by the same Go Express Travel that run Bloomington Shuttle. While the service is primarily geared to the needs of IU and IUPUI students and staff, it is open to the general public. As of January 2015 and there are 4 buses a day in each direction on Monday thru Friday; there is no service on weekends, or during some university vacation periods.

Get Around

Herman B Wells Library and lotus pond - P1100157 - IU Arboretum and Herman B. Wells Library

• Bloomington Shuttle Service offers shuttles to four destination points in town, charters, limousines and service to and from Indianapolis Airport.
• Bloomington Transit is a full city-wide bus system with various routes to choose from. While serviceable, most buses only run every hour or half hour and Saturday routes only run every hour. Only the routes serving campus (Route 6 and Route 9) run on Sundays. The system's main hub is the downtown transit center, at 3rd and Walnut Sts. Single-trip tickets cost $1, with a variety of discount passes available to those who need to use the system on ongoing basis. IU students and staff can ride the system for free with their ID cards.
• Indiana University Campus Bus is a separate system from Bloomington Transit. To avoid confusion with the city bus system, instead of numbers, campus bus routes are identified by letters. While mostly of interest to students and the campus bus system is open to general public and charges no fares.
• Rural Transit operates several routes, on very limited schedule, to a number of locations just outside the city limits, as well as to the nearby towns of Ellettsville and Spencer (Indiana) | Spencer (Owen County).
• Other Travel consists of various electronic rental devices ( electronic scooters and electronic bikes) provided by various companies that allow a great way of getting around various locale in Downtown Bloomington and outer areas.

Being a college town, Bloomington also has many bike paths to get around town. B-Line Trail is probably the most popular of them. The trail runs along the route of the now-dismantled railroad that used to separate the better-off east side of Bloomington from "the other [western side of the tracks".

Taxi The city is served by taxis, although the fares are high at 50¢ per quarter-mile plus a $4 charge for being picked up. One local taxi company is Red Tire Taxi; there are others.

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 and 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: _operations/visitors_retirees.aspx Visitor Permits

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

On-street parking throughout downtown is limited and, typically, metered. Visitors are advised to use parking garages instead.

Travel by bicycle in Bloomington (Indiana)

Bloomington is a fairly bicycle-friendly city, with a network of bike trails and recommended bike routes. (See map). For spare parts and repairs and there are a number of bike shops in town, as well as the non-profit / Bloomington Community Bike Project whose workshop you can use for DIY repairs.

A bike rental system, run by Pace, was introduced into Bloomington in 2018. Thit is a station-less system, meaning that you can find a bike, or leave a bike, at arbitrary locations, whenever a bike rack exists. A smartphone with a data plan is necessary for using the system.

What to See

Nature's Splendor

• Hoosier National Forest - Headquarters: 811 Constitution Ave, Bedford, IN 47421 - ☎ +1-866-302-4173 Opening Hours: Office open Monday to Fri, 8AM Monday - 4:30PM Free The Hoosier National Forest, in the hills of south central Indiana, is a property managed by the United States Forest Service. It has a total area of 201,047 acres and provides a wide mix of opportunities and resources for people to enjoy. Rolling hills, back-country trails and rural crossroad communities make this small but beautiful forest a favorite. Climb the Hickory Ridge fire tower for a 365° view of the beautiful forest.

• Lake Monroe - Monroe Reservoir | 39.0587,-86.4464 - Lake Monroe (Indiana) Lake Monroe is a reservoir located around 10 miles (16 kilometers) southeast of Bloomington, Indiana. The lake is the largest in Indiana with 10,750 acres (44 km²) of water spread over the counties of Monroe and Brown. It is also home to 13,202 acres (53 km²) of protected forest and three recreational areas (Fairfax, Hardin Ridge and Paynetown). Rock musician John Mellencamp is a local of the area and resides on the shore of the lake. The largest marina situated on the lake is the Fourwinds Resort and Marina with over 800 boats. The reservoir provides abundant fishing throughout the year and recreational opportunities such as boating and water skiing attract visitors from throughout Indiana and the Midwest.

• Lake Lemon , Free Flying-Juniors-on-Lake-Lemon Located in the northeastern part of Monroe County, thit is another artificial lake created to ensure reliable water supply for Bloomington and Vicinity. The lake is popular with swimmers (public beach at Riddle Point), yachtsmen (Indiana University Sailing Center) and other boaters. While there are roads both along the northern and southern sides of the lake, E South Shore Drive offers better lake access, as well as good views of the lake and the Indiana Railroad railway trestle and the upscale waterfront homes ("the Bloomington Riviera"). The small Little Africa Wildlife Viewing Area (off E South Shore Drive, near the eastern end of the lake), has a pleasant forest trail with some water access. The eastern end of Lake Lemon, where the Beanblossom Creek forms a labyrinth of channels as it enters the lake, is best explored with a boat of any kind - if you have one.

Retreats

• Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center and Kumbum Chamtse Ling Temple - Tibetan Cultural Center - 3655 Snoddy Road - Located 2 miles south of the College Mall. Take College Mall Road until it merges into Sare Rd. Continue south on Sare to Rogers Rd. At the flashing red light, turn left on Rogers and go 0.5 mi to Snoddy Rd. The TCC is 1 mile down on the left. ☎ +1 812 336-6807 Opening Hours: Sunrise-Sunset $0-35 Bloomington-TibetanCC-Stupa-9112 - At the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center
  Located on 108 acres in the southeast corner of Bloomington and the property contains the Kumbum Chamtse Ling Monastery and the Cultural Center, two traditional Tibetan Stupas (Tib. Chorten), four retreat cottages and a teaching pavilion. Guided Tours in Bloomington (Indiana) by ehalal.io (email for prices) of the buildings and grounds are regularly available for individuals, with large group tours of 10 or more given for a modest fee of $35. Don't miss the Tibetan Butter Sculpture, large library of Books on Buddhism and the gallery of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The Jangchub Chorten and the Kalachakra Stupa are traditional Buddhist monuments to the Enlightened Mind of the Buddha and were dedicated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his visits to the TMBCC.

• Mother of the Redeemer Retreat Center 8220 W. State Road 48, Bloomington, IN 47404 - A Roman Catholic center on a large hilltop property a few miles west of town.

Theatre, dance and classical music

• Bloomington Playwrights Project - BPP - 107 W. 9th Street - Cars are towed nightly when parking in neighboring commercial lots. Be sure you are legally parked. Metered street parking is best. ☎ +1 812 334-1188 Opening Hours: Most shows run Thurs-Sat 8PM; Sunday 2PM $5-25 This not-for-profit arts organization is dedicated to the furthering of new original plays and theatre. The fair is almost exclusively original work and often by local writers. BPP is also home to several playwriting contests and youth theatre workshops. Thit is a great place to both see theatre and get involved as a volunteer. Partially Accessible.

• Brown County Playhouse - The Playhouse - 70 S. Van Buren St., Nashville, IN 47448 39.206476,-86.247286 Travel 14 miles on State Road 46 East from Bloomington to Nashville, IN. ☎ +1 812 988-2123 Opening Hours: Shows run June–October. Thurs-Sat, 8PM; Sunday 3PM $15-25 A Just a 20 minutes trip from Bloomington's east side and nestled in the heart of Brown County and the Playhouse serves up light summer fare including musicals and contemporary classics. The theatre is in historic Nashville, a 19th century artist colony made famous for its fall foliage. Have dinner, see a show and check out Nashville's 350+ shops and galleries.

• Cardinal Stage Company - Buskirk-Chumley Box Office: 114 E. Kirkwood, Bloomington, IN. Open daily, 11AM Monday - 6PM. 812-323-3020 - Cardinal plays are performed at both the Buzkirk-Chumley Theater & in the Rose Firebay at the Waldron Arts Center. See website for production details. ☎ +1 812 336-7110 Opening Hours: Most shows run Thurs-Sat 7:30PM and Saturday to Sun 2PM. There may be additional matinee performances for children's shows $12-27 Cardinal Stage Company is Bloomington's only dedicated professional regional theatre company, producing both classical and contemporary works, along with shows for young audiences, musicals and new works still in development. The company also offers extensive outreach programs in an effort to cultivate a lifelong passion for the arts in audiences of diverse ages, cultures and economic backgrounds.

• IU Auditorium - 1211 E. 7th St., Bloomington, IN - Free parking and shuttle service to and from the Auditorium is offered on the nights of most performances from: Atwater Garage (located at the junction of Atwater and Woodlawn Avenues) and Poplars Garage (located on 6th and Dunn Streets) ☎ +1 812 855-2300 Opening Hours: Box Office: Monday - Fri: 10AM Monday - 5PM & 3 hours prior to curtain Prices Vary Be sure to see what's playing at this 3,200-seat theatre, home to a wide range of events including touring Broadways productions, (often free) lectures, student events, conferences, church services, university ceremonies and popular music concerts. While you're there, check out the Hall of Murals, home to the priceless and newly-restored Thomas Hart Benton murals, also a regal setting for wedding ceremonies and intimate receptions. Accessible.

• Lee Norvelle Theatre & Drama Center - IU Department of Theatre & Drama - 275 N. Jordan Ave - Corner of 7th Street and Jordan Ave. Shared building with the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center ☎ +1 812 855-1103 Opening Hours: Most shows run Tues-Sat 7:30PM with a Saturday matinee at 2PM $10-22 Since 1887 there has been a vibrant and active theatre community at Indiana University and the present day Department of Theatre and Drama continues that tradition by performing two musicals and six "straight plays" each year at the newly constructed Lee Norvelle Theatre & Drama Center in the heart of the campus arts corridor. Enjoy the plush seating and traditional proscenium of the Ruth N. Halls Theatre or find edgier fair in the black box at the Wells-Metz. All productions feature our graduate MFA students and their work in addition to a large swimmingpool of talented faculty and undergraduates. Coming soon (in 2011) and the newly renovated University Theatre will feature more student-work in actors' studios and a brand new cinema.

• Musical Arts Center - the MAC - 1201 East Third St. Bloomington, IN - Jordan Ave between 3rd and 7th Streets. Park at the Jordan Garage on 7th and Jordan ☎ +1 812 855-7433 Opening Hours: Box Office: Monday to Fri, 11:30AM Monday - 5:30PM $10-55 IUB - MAC - P1100532 - The Musical Arts Center
  The Musical Arts Center, known as the MAC, is Indiana University and the Jacob's School of Music's premier performance facility. It features acoustical design and technical capabilities that are among the best in the nation. The backstage area occupies more than half of the building and provides state-of-the-art technical space for producing eight fully staged operas a year. The MAC is also home to the School of Music Department of Ballet. The main stage, which is often compared to that of the Metropolitan Opera, has European-style seating for 1,460. Opera and concert goers at the MAC enjoy intermissions in the Hoagy Carmichael Foyer, named for the Indiana local who enjoyed an illustrious career as a composer/songwriter. Concerts are also held in the lobby area.

• Simon Music Center - IU Jacob's School of Music - , Most events are free The SoM has two smaller, lesser-known concert halls that are home to their recitals, chamber concerts and solo exhibitions. Auer concert hall, a 400-seat auditorium with a gorgeous high-beamed, coffered ceiling and two side terraces along with Ford-Crawford Hall, a more intimate 100-seat auditorium, are the place to go to see world-class classical music in Bloomington for free. As a top-ranked school in music performance, IU and the SoM not only attracts superstar performers, but it educates them. Keep an eye out for Joshua Bell in particular, who is a resident instructor. Performances happen several times a week, watch the SoM newsletter Prelude for a calendar.

• Theatre of the People - TOP - P.O. Box 764 - TOP performs in various locations in and around Bloomington ☎ +1 812 369-2155 - Since 2008, Theatre of the People (TOP) has been a non-profit community arts organization founded in to showcase modern art for community's sake. Producing new and original performance art from both new and old works to facilitate creative artistic processes in an ensemble setting within the community. TOP focuses on "inclusive theatre" meaning that no interested party is turned away and all who wish to participate are given some role in a production.

Museums and galleries in Bloomington (Indiana)

• Indiana University Art Museum 1133 E. 7th Street 39.168333,-86.516667 Visitors should park in the Jordan Avenue Garage at 7th and Jordan and bring their parking ticket inside for validation. ☎ +1 812 855-5445 Opening Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10AM Monday - 5PM, Sun. 12PM Monday - 5PM Free; donations are welcome Indiana University Art Museum - IU Art Museum (Closed for repiars until 2019).
  No matter what your perspective, you can experience art from all angles at the Indiana University Art Museum. From world-famous architect I.M. Pei's soaring triangular atrium, to galleries filled with extraordinary works of art from all corners of the globe and the IU Art Museum will engage, stimulate and satisfy your curiosity about the worlds of art. Since its establishment in 1941 and the IU Art Museum has grown from a small university teaching collection into one of the foremost university art museums in the nation. Today and the IU Art Museum's internationally acclaimed collections, ranging from ancient Gold jewelry and African masks to paintings by Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso, include over 40,000 objects representing nearly every art-producing culture throughout history. Partially Accessible.

• Kinsey Institute for the Study of Sex, Gender and Reproduction - The Kinsey Institute - 1165 E. Third Street - Take elevator to the 3rd floor of Morrison Hall, Room 302 ☎ +1 812 855-7686 Opening Hours: 8AM Monday - 4PM Free Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction Founded in 1947 and the mission of The Kinsey Institute is to promote interdisciplinary research and scholarship in the fields of human sexuality, gender and reproduction. The Institute carries out this mission through its archives, research faculty, education and of studentsand the community. There are often public art exhibits, concerts and demonstrations at the Institute's 3rd St. location. Visit the website for information on events. Accessible.

• Mathers Museum of World Cultures 416 N. Indiana Ave, Bloomington, IN 39.17,-86.526111 Just off the junction of 9th Street and Indiana Avenue ☎ +1 812 855-6873 Opening Hours: Tues-Fri, 9AM Monday - 4:30PM; Saturday to Sun, 1PM Monday - 4:30PM Free Mathers Museum of World Cultures A The Mathers Museum's collections consist of over 20,000 objects and 10,000 photographs representing cultures from each of the world's inhabited continents. These materials have been collected and curated to serve the Museum's primary mission as a teaching museum within a university setting. The museum's collections strengths include traditional musical instruments, photographs of Native Americans and the Bloomington community, Inupiaq and Yupik Eskimo materials and Pawnee material culture, among others.

• WonderLab - The Museum of Science, Health, & Technology - 308 W. 4th Street 39.1658,-86.5364 On 4th St, just west of College Ave. Park in Garage Art 2 blocks east of WonderLab at 4th & Walnut Streets. Ave. ☎ +1 812 337-1337 Opening Hours: Tues-Sat 9:30AM Monday - 5PM; Sunday 1PM Monday - 5PM; Open until 8:30PM on First Fridays $6-7 WonderLab WonderLab is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to provide opportunities for people of all ages, especially children, to experience the wonder and excitement of science through hands-on exhibits and programs that stimulate curiosity, encourage exploration and foster lifelong learning. Voted one of Parents Magazine's top 25 Science Museums in the nation, WonderLab is a great place to bring kids for an hour or an afternoon. Some favorite exhibits include Grapevine Climber, a dramatic two-story climbing maze, The Bubble-Airium and the Cosmic Dance, a dance floor composed of five translucent floor panels which briefly light up as cosmic ray particles hit them from outer space. Accessible.

• Lilly Rare Books and Manuscripts Library | 1200 E. 7th Street - adjacent to the Showalter Fountain, parking available at the Jordan Avenue Garage or at the Indiana Memorial Union ☎ +1 812 855-2452 Opening 9AM Monday - 6PM, Saturday 9AM Monday - 1PM Free This internationally known rare book library contains more than 400,000 books, more than seven million manuscripts and 100,000 pieces of sheet music. Exhibits vary throughout the year. On permanent exhibit is the Gutenberg Bible (printed before 1456) and John James Audubon's Birds of America prints. Public tours are available every Friday at 2PM or by appointment. - Sculpture Trails Outdoor Museum - 6764 North Tree Farm Road, Solsberry IN 47459 - ☎ +1 859 619-8891 Opening Hours: 10 AM to sunset By donation A private park with several dozens of sculptures, mostly of abstract nature. Located in a remote corner of Greene County (no cell phone reception)

Sports

• Indiana Hoosiers Memorial Stadium, 1001 E. 17th St. - ☎ +1 812 855-0866 Prices vary by sport and seating location The teams representing Indiana University in 11 men's sports and 13 women's sports. The Hoosiers are members of the Big Ten Conference along with 13 other major universities, mostly in the midwest with eastern outposts in Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey. IU has an especially rich tradition in men's basketball, topped off with three NCAA titles. Most of the Hoosiers' venues are on campus, with the most famous being Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall (basketball) and Memorial Stadium (football).

Top Travel Tips

IUB - Kirkwood Observatory - P1100603 - Kirkwood Observatory holds open hours on Wednesday evenings

A large number of events open to general public (lectures, concerts, film showings) take place almost daily on the IU Bloomington campus, at least during the academic semesters. See the calendar of IU Bloomington events.

Another calendar of city events is maintained by the local public radio station, WFIU.

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

• Spelunking - Indiana University Caving Club | 1001 East 10th Street 39.176318,-86.522312 Monthly meetings in IU's Geology Building, Room 126 ☎ +1 812 855-5582 Opening Hours: Meetings are the first Thursday of every month at 7:30PM $10 The IUCC provides students, faculty, staff, community members and dedicated visitors the opportunity to crawl around in holes in the ground while practicing cave conservation. Monthly trips offer members of all abilities the opportunity to enjoy a safe caving experience with qualified guides. They even provide a helmet and light for the novice! Thit is a great way to go spelunking legally in Bloomington as many of the area's caves are under restriction for reasons of safety and conservation. Dues are $10 per calendar year. These dues include use of club gear (helmets and helmet-mounted lights) and the opportunity to go on IUCC-led caving trips. You must be a paid member prior to participating in any club trips.

• Gallery Walk , - Opening Hours: First Friday of each month, 5pm to 8pm Opening s of new exhibits at a dozen or so art galleries around downtown Bloomington

Festivals

Spring

April

• Little 500 - Little Five - Bill Armstrong Stadium, 1606 North Fee Lane 39.181111,-86.514444 ☎ +1 812 855-9152 Opening Hours: Held Annually in April $5-25 for the race Little 500 The Little 500 is the biggest intramural event on the IU campus and the largest collegiate bicycle race in the United States. Riders compete in four-person teams in separate races for men and women around a quarter-mile track. More than 25,000 people attend the races every year, with the proceeds used for working student scholarships at IU. The race was founded in 1951 by Howdy Wilcox Jr., Executive Director of the Indiana University Student Foundation, who modeled the race after the Indianapolis 500, which his father had won in 1919. "Little Five Weekend" is a landmark event at IU and the race is somewhat secondary to the parties. Students from all over the nation flood Bloomington to attend both public and private parties and a large concert with nationally touring acts sponsored by the college.

May

• Bloomington Early Music Festival - BLEMF - Location Varies - See website for dates and locations - Opening Hours: Held Annually in May Free Soloists and ensembles unite for a series of concerts, opera and oratorios, workshops and pre-concert talks exploring historical musica and instruments. Cross-cultural interests in the festival sometimes include performances by acclaimed folk musicians. The only event of its kind in the Midwest and the festival serves the Bloomington community and the Midwest region and a growing number of music lovers from across the United States. BLEMF has forged collaborative relationships with faculty and students in the Early Music Institute at Indiana University and has produced nine operas and a theatrical children's show.

Summer

June

• Indiana Limestone Sculpture Symposium - Bybee Stone Company, 6293 N. Matthews Dr., Ellettsville, IN 47429 - 5 miles north of Bloomington ☎ +1 812 824-8845 Opening Hours: Annually in June $20-1,000 from single day classes to workshops. The Indiana Limestone Symposium is a series of outdoor stone carving workshops that are held each summer on the grounds of the Bybee Stone Company in the heart of the historic Indiana stone belt in Ellettsville, Indiana. Everyone interested in learning to carve is welcome, from beginners to advanced carvers. Pay-by-the-day hand carving classes for teens and adults offer an opportunity to sample the experience. Workshops are taught by nationally known sculptors. The Indiana Limestone Symposium is sponsored by Bybee Stone Company Inc., which operates a 50,000 square foot limestone mill in Ellettsville, Indiana. Their many projects have included the National Capital and the Seattle Art Museum and the Market Plaza Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Fall

September

• Fourth Street Festival of the Arts & Crafts - 4th Street Festival - P.O. Box 1257 - Corner of at Fourth and Grant Streets in downtown Bloomington ☎ +1 812 335-3814 Opening Hours: Labor Day Weekend, 10AM Monday - 6PM Free An annual tradition since 1977 the fair is organized by Monroe County artists and craftspeople to showcase southern Indiana talent. High standards and an independent, professional jury attract hundreds of artisans from all over the United States to exhibit each year and compete for cash prizes. This family friendly two-day event now features local vendors and attracts more than 40,000 attendees each year from all over the Midwest.

• Lotus World Music & Arts Festival - LotusFest - Sunrise Box Office: 114 E. Kirkwood, Bloomington - Various indoor and outdoor venues in downtown Bloomington ☎ +1 812 337-0417 Price Varies by Event Lotus is a not-for-profit organization (est. 1994). Its mission is: To create opportunities to experience, celebrate and explore the diversity of the world's cultures, in music and the arts. The festival is held each falls and brings a diverse array of international music, art and cuisine to Bloomington's downtown streets, restaurants and concert venues. Family friendly. Considering volunteering to see concerts for free.

October

• The Hilly Hundred - Bicycle Touring Event - 7060 N. Woodnotes Addition Fairland, IN 46126 - The ride starts and finishes each day at Edgewood High School, 601 S. Edgewood Drive, Ellettsville, Indiana. A staggered start on both Saturday and Sunday morning is traditional ☎ +1 317 767-7765 Opening Hours: Annually in October $45-75 Since 1968 the Central Indiana Bicycling Association (CIBA) has sponsored the annual Hilly Hundred Weekend, a classic bicycling event designed for the touring cyclists. If you like a bicycling challenge that includes entertainment and fellowship with more than 5,000 cyclists from over 40 states and several foreign countries and the Hilly is for you. This three day event is held in the scenic hills of southern Indiana where the challenging terrain is a wonderful mix of gently rolling country roads and breathtaking hills (literally). The includes a European rally which is not a race, but a test of skill in riding an exact rate of speed. Riders may use a watch, cyclometer, or “use their instinct” in efforts to ride at an exact speed. Trophies will also be awarded to the oldest participant to finish the first loop and to the participant cycling the farthest distance to this event. There is free food and live(ly) entertainment at each of three rest stops on both Saturday and Sunday. Riders under the age of 18 need the approval of a parent or legal guardian as provided on the application. Riders under the age of 16 may participate in the Hilly only if accompanied by a cycling guardian.

• Community Book Fair , Monroe County Fairgrounds, southwest of the city - Opening Hours: Annually, usually, on the first weekend in October (Thursday through the next week's Tuesday) The annual Community Book Fair is a major event, attended by local bibliophiles and book dealers alike. The event has been run by local charities (first and the Red Cross and later and the Food Bank) since the early 1980s. The Books occupy one of the huge pavilions of the Monroe County Fairgrounds. Due to the unique character of Bloomington's campus community, unusual finds are feasible at the sale; for example, in 2016 nearly an entire library of Finnish, Hungarian and Turkish books, perhaps from an estate of an IU scholar, made its way to the sale. There are children's Books as well. The Books being priced from $1-3 a piece on the first day down to $5 a bag on the last day.

Shopping in Bloomington (Indiana)

Shopping areas in the city include:

• Kirkwood Avenue -- Kirkwood Avenue is the street leading from the Downtown Plaza to the Sample Gates and the main entrance into the Indiana University campus. It offers a couple of clothing shops, a souvenir shop as well as an Indiana University gift shop. It's 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, with specialty stores such as Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Old Navy, Victoria's Secret, Wet Seal and Yankee Candle. Food options include a couple pizzerias, Auntie Anne's, Subway and a food court.
• The Westside -- Around the junction of Third Street with State Road 37: typical shopping centers (T.J.Max, Kohl's, Big Lots) with an assortment of restaurants.
• Fountain Plaza Mall -- The Fountain Plaza Mall is an upscale mall situated downtown just across from the courthouse. It houses By Hand Gallery, a local artist's coop; a game store; toy store; vintage clothing; and 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 Plaza located on the first floor of the mall.

Books and maps

Back in the early 1990s, Bloomington sported over 20 independent bookstores and was sometimes described as a city with a largest number of bookstores per capita in the USA. Since then, most of them have gone out of business as Borders and Barnes and Noble arrived (the former of which having later succumbed to competition from the likes of Amazon.com; the latter is still there, in East 3rd St). Still, a few good independent book stores remain. Two of them ("Caveat Emptor" and "The Book Corner") can be seen on the east side of the Courthouse Plaza; another one ("Boxcar Books", a non-for-profit co-op) is in 6th Street between Dunn and Grant.

See also the annual Community Book Fair under Bloomington_(Indiana)#October|Events: October.

Records

• Landlocked Music - , - Buy local and that does not exclude music. A great variety of new and used albums. If they don't have it they will order it AND you'll pay less than you thought you could. From independent to major label, thit is the definitive music shop for the midwest. Run by people who are modern music historians.

Groceries

Kroger is the main supermarket chain doing business in town; there is an [ Aldi and a Wal-Mart on the west side as well.

Being a major university town, Bloomington has more "organic" and "international" grocery stores than anywhere else in southern Indiana. Bloomingfoods is a local food co-op, emphasizing organic products and featuring eat-in deli sections in its two locations around the town. m/ Lucky's Market, a small national chain somewhat similar to Trader Joe or Whole Foods, has a store at W. Country Club Dr. and S. Walnut, on the south side of town. Fresh Thyme, with a location near College Mall and another one on the west side, is another similar chain.

There are several "ethnic" stores. Sahara Mart (in 2nd Street near Walnut St) is particularly strong on Middle Eastern products and soft drinks. Tenth Street Market & Deli, located near Eigenmann Hall, provides all kinds of imported groceries to international students living in the student housing in the area. Two "Asian" (Chinese / Korean) grocery stores can be found on the city's east side, in the general area of College Mall (Rongcheng at 10th and Bypass and B-Town International Market near the east side Kroger).

April thru November, a lively [ farmers' market operates on Saturdays near the City Hall. A smaller market also runs at a nearby location on Tuesdays in June thru September.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Bloomington (Indiana)

Bloomington is known in the Midwest for its selection of world cuisine. Visit East 4th Street between Grant and Indiana Avenues for a huge selection of the best ethnic fare. There are some enduring classics and a small bit of turnover in this neighborhood. Of note is the Snow Lion, an excellent Tibetan restaurant owned by the Dalai Lama's brother! Don't be afraid to travel outside of downtown for great food, remember that University real estate doesn't come cheap and some of the best new restaurants get their start in the suburbs before moving downtown.

Summer is a great time to avoid student crowds, but some Halal restaurants often cut short their hours and even close-up 1–2 days a week, so call ahead from June–August if you don't want to risk a "Back Soon" sign. All Bloomington restaurants are non-smoking.

• Amol Indian Restaurant | 416 E. 4th Street - Corner of 4th and Grant ☎ +1 812 331-8844 Opening Hours: Mon, 11AM Monday - 2:30PM, 5:30PM Monday - 10PM; Tue-Sun, 11AM Monday - 2:30PM, 5PM Monday - 10PM Indian. Excellent Indian cuisine and quite affordable compared with typical "white tablecloth" establishments. The service leaves something to be desired, but if you go at all, you should go for the lunch buffet which is huge, affordable ($8) and all-you-can-eat. Great for those new to Indian food. Dine-in, carryout and catering.

• Ami Sushi - Formerly Domo | 1500 E 3rd Street - Central campus, near Mother Bear's ☎ +1 812 339-7868 (Japanese). This place is under new management every other week. Large portions and there are often half-price specials. It's not expensive and not bad, but there are better.

• Anatolia - Turkish Restaurant and Kebab House - 405 E. 4th Street - On the junction of 4th and Grant Streets. ☎ +1 812 334-2991 Opening Hours: Open daily, 11AM Monday - 10PM $8-15 Turkish & Mediterranean. This wonderful restaurant has delicious, affordable 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! Dine-in and carryout.

• Anyetsang's Little Tibet - Little Tibet - 415 E. 4th Street - ☎ +1 812 331-0122 Opening Hours: Wed-Mon, 11AM Monday - 10PM; Closed Tuesday $8-12 Tibetan, (Thai), Indian. Try the Curries and the salad dressing (they do sell this) and the Pad (Thai). The Indian Tea is amazingly good chai.

• Aver's Gourmet PIzza - 2 locations. North/Campus: 1837 N. Kinser Pk; South: 317 E. Winslow Road, Bloomington, IN - +1 812-339-6555 (North Campus), +1 812-323-8333 (South) Opening Hours: Sun-Wed 11AM Monday - 2AM; Thu, 11AM Monday - 3AM; Fri-Sat, 11AM Monday - 4AM $8-22 Pizza. Best build-your-own and take-and-bake on the planet! Their specialty Pizzas are amazing. Get the Cream and Crimson. Great delivery specials and tons of vegan options. Cooked to order for delivery or carryout, or have them make it and you bake at home.

• Bucetto's Smiling Teeth - Sister Restaurant of Puccini's, Indianapolis - 2 Locations: East 3rd Street & the IN-46 Bypass; West 3rd Street and Liberty Rd. - On the eastside behind CVS and on the westside in the Kroger parking lot. ☎ +1 812-331-1234 (East), +1 812-323-0123 (West) Opening Hours: Sun-Thurs 11AM Monday - 10PM; Fri-Sat 11AM Monday - 11PM. Delivery: 5PM until 30 minutes before close. $7-22 Italian. Pizzas & Pasta. They have a million toppings to choose from and it's fun to create-your-own Pizzas (though it can get pricey, as the toppings are all à la carte. The specialty Pizzas are creative and tasty, in unexpected. Will work with food allergies. Pasta dishes are large but nothing special. Monday is half-price bottles of and Fridays are $10 buckets of soft drinks. Dine-in, Carryout, Delivery, & Catering.

• BuffaLouie's - The Gables - 114 South Indiana Avenue - Near Kirkwood and Indiana. Directly across from the Sample Gates. ☎ +1 812 333-3030 Opening Hours: Open daily, 11AM Monday - Midnight $5-20 American. A chain restaurant that feels like a hometown eatery. One of the more popular places people go to watch sports. Midwestern sports bar-chic with TVs everywhere and a menu that includes buffalo wings, sandwiches, salads and such. Walking distance to campus and open late. Parking is scarce without a campus permit, so park on Kirkwood and walk. Dine-in and carryout.

• Casablanca Café | 402 E. 4th Street - Near corner of 4th and Grant Streets ☎ +1 812 335-9048 Opening Hours: Tue-Wed 11:30AM Monday - 9PM; Fri--Sat: 11:30AM Monday - 9:45PM; Sun, 4PM Monday - 8:45PM. Closed Monday. Call Thursday. $6-20 Moroccan, Greek, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern. Go for the Moroccan Mint Tea (only two places have it in town) and stay for the beautiful outdoor dining. Food is great, but atmosphere is better, frequently hosts belly dancers. Despite weird hours, it's great for a romantic dinner, business lunch, or visiting parents. Lunch is much more affordable. Fruit Juices and soft drinks. Dine-in and carryout.

• Casa Brava Restaurante - 2 locations: East, 410 S. College Mall Rd; West, 3482 W. 3rd St, Bloomington, IN - East: Across from the College Mall, in the strip mall with Borders. West: In the strip mall east of Marsh. ☎ +1 812-339-2777 (East), +1 812-339-1453 (West) Opening Hours: Monday to Thurs, 11AM Monday - 10PM; Fri-Sat, 11AM Monday - 10:30PM; Sun,11AM Monday - 9PM Mexican. Traditional fare in a contemporary atmosphere. Has an identical menu to La Charreada, but the service blows them away. Molé is the brown variety, salsa is the runny type and white Queso is by far the best appetizer. Good stand-by type of place. Full café. Dine-in and carryout.

• Café Django | 116 N. Grant Street - Just off Kirkwood, across from the Monroe County Public Library on Grant. ☎ +1 812 335-1297 Asian Fusion. Though it might be closer to "Everything Fusion." There is both indoor and outdoor seating and live jazz and eclectic music is on Friday and Saturday evenings. The restaurant is owned by the founder of Cafe Norbu and is named after French jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt

• The Crazy Horse Food & Drink Emporium - Crazy Horse - 214 W. Kirkwood Ave - Located just 1/2 block west of the Monroe County Courthouse, Downtown Bloomington ☎ +1 812 336-8877 $6-12 American. An IU Institution. Home of one of the better International organic juice collection in town. Mostly loud, drunken college students and bar food and Sorority-girl waitresses on their phones in the tiny bathroom. The food isn't terrible, just a little off. They do things like put mushrooms in the nachos and use spinach Tortillas for the quesadilla. Come here to drink, not eat.

• The Chocolates Moose - 401 S. Walnut Street - Near the junction of 2nd and Walnut. Remember that Walnut is one-way (North) ☎ +1 812 333-0475 Opening Hours: Open March - November. Monday to Sat, 10AM Monday - 11PM; Sunday 11AM Monday - 11PM $1-5 Ice Cream. An old fashioned walk up ice cream stand that is a Bloomington tradition. As for a "torch cone," if you just want a taste. Owner gives out his personal e-mail for complaints. Exemplary service. Carryout only.

• Chow Cafe | 216 S. Indiana Ave - Near the junction of 3rd and Indiana. ☎ +1 812 336-3888 $7-12 Taiwanese and Chinese. Thit is neither a pretty nor friendly restaurant and the refill aren't free, but it is excellent authentic Taiwanese cuisine. There is some standard "Chinese-American" fares, but you should go on Sundays for "homestyle" Chinese and Taiwanese. The lunch buffet is great if you time it when the food is just coming out. There's always a fresh seafood dish that I've never heard of. Also serves nice bubble teas. Try the Szechuan Black Angus Steaks or Crispy Whole Fish. Dine-in and Carryout.

• Dagwood's Deli & Sub Shop - Dag's - 2 locations: 1799 East 10th St; 116 S. Indiana Ave, Bloomington, IN - ☎ +1 812-333-3006, +1 812 333-3000 Opening Hours: Monday to Thurs, 11AM Monday - 1AM; Fri-Sat, 11AM Monday - 2AM; Sun, 11AM Monday - Midnight $5-10 American. Sandwiches. Amazing sub sandwiches, voted the best in Bloomington for over a decade running. Budget combos for under $5. Large Delivery area and free wi-fi. Dine-in, Delivery and Carryout.

• DeAngelo's - 2620 E. 3rd South - In Eastland Plaza shopping center ☎ +1 812 961-0008 Opening Hours: Monday to Sat, 11AM Monday - 10PM; Sun, 11AM Monday - 9PM $10-15 Italian. New York style Pizzas, calzones, heaping salads and Pastas with a Louisiana "flare." Good soft drinks list. 10% discount for seniors. Dine-in, carryout and delivery.

• Esan (Thai) Restaurant - 221 E. Kirkwood Ave - In Suite D of Victoria Towers on Northwest corner of Kirkwood and Lincoln. Entrance is west of the public library on Lincoln. ☎ +1 812-333-THAI Opening Hours: Lunch: Monday to Sat, 11:30AM Monday - 2:30PM. Dinner: Monday to Thurs, 5PM Monday - 9PM; Fri-Sat, 5PM Monday - 10PM. Closed Sunday $8-18 (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. Most menu items have variable levels of spice; your server will ask that you specify your desired level. Beware the hotter spice levels; Esan reminds you that ordering your food too spicy (or simply not liking it) is not grounds for sending it back to the kitchen. Call ahead or make reservations for weekends and large groups. Dine-in and carryout.

• Falafels - Flavors from Jerusalem & Middle Eastern Grill - 430 East Kirkwood Ave - Corner of Kirkwood and 4th street, near Jimmy Johns. ☎ +1 812 355-3555 Opening Hours: Monday to Sat, 11:30AM Monday - 9:30PM. Closed Sunday $5-15 Israeli. In Jerusalem culinary traditions from all over the world have blended together with the local cuisine. For many generations Arabs, Yahudi and other Mediterranean immigrants have brought the culinary traditions of their homelands to Occupied Jerusalem, This richness has created a new kind of eatery in Palestine: the “Mizrahi” restaurant, which combines the best of various Middle Eastern dishes. Dine-in, delivery, carryout and catering.

• FARMbloomington - Farm - 108 E. Kirkwood Ave - Across from the Courthouse, next to the Buzkirk-Chumley Theatre. ☎ +1-877-440-FARM Opening Hours: Tues-Sat, 7AM Monday - 10PM; Sun, 10AM Monday - 9PM $11-35 Thit is the brand-new Bloomington wonder-child. All organic, mostly local, fresh-as-feasible, often raw and vegan. Atmosphere is super-trendy-shabby-chic. Clientele is upscale or wants to be. Breakfast here is great and starts early. Good choice for brunch. The ROOTcellar Cafe in the basement is hip and understated and not too expensive. Food is a bit wacky, but generally good. Pan-seared Tuna is simple and to die for. Inventive cocktails are a nice touch. Can't go wrong.

• Irish Lion - Irish Pub. Try the Guinness with shamrock art and the fabulous Irish Coffee. Great ambience, great service, great people. Lots of dead things on the walls. Dine-in.

• International Market | 408 E. 4th Street - ☎ +1 512 323-0206 $5-10 Mediterranean. Gyros, spanakopita and other Greek and Middle Eastern dishes. Very affordable and tasty. An authentic deli experience with a dine-in order. Dine-in and carryout.

• Janko's Little Zagreb - Zagreb's | $10-40 Yugoslavian, Hungarian. Famous for Steak and all things Meat. Specialize is St. Lois style BBQ - the ribs are unreal. Surprisingly features a number of Vegetarian options. Bring plenty of cash. Dine-in only.

• Japanee - Formerly Japonais | 320 N. Walnut Street - ☎ +1 812 334-3474 $10-15 (Japanese). Decent sushi, good selection of Japanese sake and local soft drinks. This little gem is most notable for their private karaoke rooms (which will house up to 10 or so people). With leather couches, flat screen TVs and goofy video-sing-alongs. Thit is a great place to bring a crowd for some Sake bombs and singing. Rooms run $30/hour (payable in food and fruit drinks), so it works best if you bring a group of 5 or more to split the cost.

• La Charreada - La Cha | 1720 N. Walnut Street - ☎ +1 812 332-2343 $5-15 Mexican. Dine-in and carryout.

• La Torre - Family-owned & operated and the bestest Mexican in Bloomington. Try the reasonably-priced Chimichanga accompanied with Dos Eqqis Beer.

• The Laughing Planet Cafe | 322 E. Kirkwood Ave - On Kirkwood across from the public library. ☎ +1 812 323-2233 $5-10 Mexican fusion. Fresh, organic burritos with unusual daily specials. Chipotle is a block away, but don't let it distract you. Seriously.

• Le Petit Café | 308 W. 6th Street - ☎ +1 812 334-9747 French. The atmosphere is warehouse-chic, with plants and cheery lighting - owned and operated by a husband and wife team who also live on the premises. Menu changes daily based on what's fresh and in-season, but generally includes your choice of a beef, Chicken, Beef, of fish entrée. Check the chalkboard out front. In addition to evening menus, Le Petit Café provides a Thursday lunch buffet and a prix fixe Sunday brunch. The opening of the B-Line Trail prompted a walk-up window where passers-by from the Farmer's Market can order freshly-made treats such as strawberry shortcake and quiche. Dine-in and catering.

• Lennie's - Bloomington Company - 1795 E. 10th St, Bloomington, IN - In the strip mall behind Fortune Cookie. Adjacent to Eigennmann. ☎ +1 812 323-2112 Opening Hours: Sun-Thurs, 11AM Monday - 11PM; Fri-Sat, 11AM Monday - Midnight. The Pub is open one hour later. $8-22 Lennie’s introduced gourmet Pizzas to Bloomington and has since become one of the town’s most popular and eclectic eateries. Lennie’s set another local landmark in 1994, with the addition of the first commercial brewery in Monroe county and the first brewpub in Southern Indiana. Take home one of their "Growlers," a mason jar of fresh-brewed organic juice (now on Sundays too!) or hang out and do a "flight" of local and internationalfruit cocktails. Love the focaccia appetizer and cucumber salad. Dine-in and carryout.

• Malibu Grill - 106 N. Walnut Street - On Walnut between 5th & 6th ☎ +1 812 332-4334 American. This dowtown restaurant has a high-end feel to it, with soft jazz, a baby grand in the junction and servers all in black; but, it remains affordable for students and non-students alike. Billing itself as casual California-style dining with a menu inspired by Wolfgang Puck, Malibu serves tasty, if not-so-memorable, Pasta. Chicken, fish, etc. Boasts Bloomington's only wood-fired Pizzas oven. Go early and sample one of their delicious specialty martinis. Dine-in only.

• Mandalay - 413 E. 4th Street - ☎ +1 812 339-7334 Opening Hours: Open Tues-Sun. Lunch: 11:30AM Monday - 2:30PM; Dinner: 5-9PM. Closed Monday $8-15 Burmese. Lots of rich Meat and vegetable curries, Noodles soups, exotic desserts and flavorful salads vagetable salads. The most famous is a salad of preserved green tea leaves, tomato, shredded cabbage, nuts, chilies, garlic and lime juice, called lepet tout. Try the Tilapia with tamarind or samosas. LOTS of Vegetarian options. Closed for much of June & July. Dine-in, Carryout, Delivery (S2YD).

• Mikado
• Mother Bear's Pizza This place is ancient, a Bloomington tradition. BBQ Cheese Pizzas 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 Pizzas in the Country" a few years back.
• My (Thai) Cafe 3316 W. 3rd Street - Located in Highland Village strip mall, just west of Highway 37, on the north side of West 3rd Street (behind westside Arby's). Turn right between the Marathon Station and Peoples State Bank and then right again. ☎ +1 812 333-2234 Opening Hours: Monday to Thurs, 11AM Monday - 3PM & 4:30PM Monday - 9 p; Friday 11AM Monday - 3PM & 4:30PM Monday - 10PM; Saturday 11:30AM Monday - 10PM; Closed Sunday. Call for summer hours. $6-18 A little off the beaten path, but well worth the trek, this tastefully decorated gem offers a full menu of (Thai) dishes and they aren't afraid to add some extra spice. Considered to be some of Bloomington's best (Thai) food and the chef describes her restaurant as having sensual, contemporary ambiance with a traditional (Thai) aesthetic. Now in its second generation of family cooking. Dine-in or carryout. Call ahead for faster service and watch out for the midday siesta.

• Nick's English Hut The traditional place to eat Halal 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.
• Noodle's and Co. A chain that was in an old theater building. Serves Italian, Asian and American style Noodles and Pastas dishes.
• Opie Taylor's Great Burgers with an awkward atmosphere. There's always takeout.
• Puccini's Arguably the best Italian in town. Awfully pricey, but serves quality food.
• Red Chopsticks - 3rd & Jordan | 1420 E. 3rd St. - ☎ +1 812 331-6898 Fresh sushi and cooked Asian cuisines from China, Japan, Korea, (Thai). The best sushi in Bloomington, for sure! It's fresh and worry-free for this picky connoisseur. What's more, it's clean and the service is fabulously friendly. (You can easily end up with rude servers at other sushi shops in town.)

• Roots Organic juice 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.
• Runcible Spoon A wonderfully comfortable restaurant, converted from a house complete with living room furniture and bookshelves. Delicious entrées all around, with great coffee brews, very veggie/vegan friendly, affordable none-alcoholic drinks, good selection of soft drinks 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.
• Samira - 100 W. 6th Street - Corner of Walnut and 6th St, on the north side of the Courthouse Plaza downtown ☎ +1 812 331-3761 Opening Hours: Lunch Buffet: Monday to Fri, 11AM Monday - 2PM. Dinner: Monday to Thurs, 5PM Monday - 9PM; Fri-Sat, 5PM Monday - 10PM $15-20 Afghan. Thit is a "white tablecloth" sort of place with a variety of dishes like Kebaabs, Vegetarian Dishes, Rack of Lamb, Manto, Aushak and more. Dinner is a rather formal (and somewhat expensive) affair. Try the lunch buffet if you're uncertain. It's a great variety and under $10 and it's great to be able to sample some of the very spicy dishes without making a huge commitment. They suggest reservations on weekends and with groups. Thit is particularly important if there is anything going on at IU that might bring parents to town.

• Shanti's Indian restaurant in the heart of downtown Bloomington. Check out the lunch buffet!
• Scotty's Brewhouse Three large-screen TV's and a bar, suitable for late-night student partying, but muslim-friendly before 9PM. Kids eat free on Sundays.
• Snow Lion Tibetan- owned by the Dalai Lama's brother.
• Sobon | 1811 E. 10th St, Bloomington, IN - CrossTown strip mall 10th & Union ☎ +1 812 333-1004 Opening Hours: 11:30AM Monday - 10PM Korean. Cafeteria-style Korean home-cooking. Their strength lies in their soups, all amazingly rich and flavorful, with lots of edible meats. Very reasonably priced and a favorite hang-out for Asian students. Extremely clean place with self-service filtered water and very friendly servers.

• 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.
• Smokin Jack's Rib Shack ,
• Sweet Grass ,
• Restaurant Tallent - Tallent - 208 N. Walnut Street - Just north of the Bluebird, on east side ofWalnut. ☎ +1 812 330-9801 Opening Hours: Monday to Sat, 5PM Monday - 10PM $20-35 American. Organic. Utilises all local, artisan ingredients whenever feasible. With whimsical and creative flavor combinations, thit is a true foodies' paradise. Check out their website for the seasonally changing menu. Try the 5-course taste menu, served family-style, for a mind-blowing experience. More casual fare (with a lower price point) available on the bar menu. Dine-in only. Reservations recommended.

• Trojan Horse Excellent Greek & American food with the best atmosphere and the best servers, in Bloomington. Tavern upstairs. (corner of Kirkwood & Walnut)
• Truffles ,
• Turkuaz Cafe & Market - 301 E. 3rd Street - At the junction of 3rd and Lincoln, right across from the central Post Office. ☎ +1 812 333-7908 Opening Hours: Thurs-Sat 10AM Monday - 10PM; Sun-Wed, 10AM Monday - 9PM; Closed Mondays. $6-15 (Turkish). Affordable and delicious food and tea. Try a sour cherry, for sure. Comfy optional floor-seating (don't be afraid to kick off your shoes!) and excellent service make this a popular place among those in the know. Try a pidé for a filling meal that won't break the bank--it's like a little Pizzas boat with a full soup and salad course for like $8! Free wi-fi and a special breakfast menu also available. Don't leave without doing Turkish Coffee. Dine-in or Carryout.

• 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.
• Yogi's Best place to go if you're in a group of four or more. Largest organic juice selection in Bloomington.

Bar and Pubs

• The Vid Bloomington 105 West 7th Street - ☎ +1 812 333-0064 Also known as the Video Saloon. This bar/live music venue features a relaxed atmosphere and nice staff. Serves as a "melting pot" and has a diverse mix of students and Bloomington residents.

• Bloomington Company 1795 E 10th Street - ☎ +1 812 323-2112 Primarily available at Lennie's, a sophisticated gourmet Pizzas and soft-drinks restaurant. After you select your you'll be asked whether you want it hand, nitro, or CO2 pumped. Choose hand pumped unless you really prefer your organic juice cold.

• Bears Place (Bears) 1316 E 3rd Street - ☎ +1 812 339-3460 Older crowd. Music student hangout. Loud obnoxious behavior not tolerated. Monday nights feature live comedy shows. Try the "hairy bear" (several different kinds of drinks).

• Bluebird 216 North Walnut Street - ☎ +1 812 336-3984 - 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 between $3-5.

• The Bishop - 123 South walnut Street - Where have all the good bars gone? It would be The Bishop. A organic juice only bar with an exotic selection from around the globe. Also a music venue housing nearly 200 people. The premier spot for Bloomington's music and libations. Don't want to see a show? Don't worry! No cover for the café.

• Brothers 215 North Walnut Street - 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 false ids, best to pass on this one.

• Crazy Horse 214 West Kirkwood Ave - ☎ +1 812-336-8877 Chill place with an older crowd. Great patio seating and full dining menu.

• Kilroy's on Kirkwood (Kilroys) 502 E Kirkwood Ave - ☎ +1 812 339-3006 Very typically a "college" café. Lots of Greeks, loud '80s music and always packed. Great Muslim Friendly 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).

• Kilroy's Sports Cafe (Sports) 319 North Walnut Street - ☎ +1 812 333-6006 Features an upstairs and downstairs, with the upstairs 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.

• Nick's English Hut (Nicks) 423 E Kirkwood Ave - ☎ +1 812 332-4040 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.

• Upland Brewery 350 West 11th Street - ☎ +1 812 336-2337 Upland Wheats are available at most restaurants in town. Try the great Pastas dishes made with soft drinks.

• Upstairs Pub 430 E Kirkwood Ave # 18 - ☎ +1 812-333-3003 - Literally an upstairs café. It features darts and swimmingpool tables. Can get pretty crowded. Be sure to try its signature drink and the AMF (adios mother fucker), made from five types of drinks but tastes like Kool-Aid. Don't expect friendly service, bartenders jerked the bottle from a patron's mouth and threw it upon the ground when wanting to close early during the summer months.

• Root Cellar Located in the basement of FARM, one of Bloomington's delicious downtown restaurants off Kirkwood avenue and the Root Cellar offers a selection of organic juice 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 (first Saturday of every month) for a great Motown dance party or New Wave Night (every 2nd & 4th Saturday - www.newwavenight.com) for wild dancing - '80s style.

Wineries

• Butler Grapes 6200 E Robinson Road - ☎ +1 812 332-6660 Opening Hours: Monday to Sat: 10-6, Sun: 12-6 Bloomington, IN.

• Oliver Grapes 8024 North SR 37 Bloomington, IN - ☎ +1 812 876-5800

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Bloomington (Indiana)

Bloomington (Indiana) - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Bloomington (Indiana), is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Bloomington (Indiana). This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Bloomington (Indiana) and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Bloomington (Indiana). The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Bloomington (Indiana). Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Bloomington (Indiana): A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Bloomington (Indiana).

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Bloomington (Indiana): A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Bloomington (Indiana), allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Bloomington (Indiana).

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Bloomington (Indiana), ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Bloomington (Indiana), enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Bloomington (Indiana) and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Bloomington (Indiana), stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Bloomington (Indiana), a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Bloomington (Indiana) without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Bloomington (Indiana) is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Bloomington (Indiana).

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Bloomington (Indiana) is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Bloomington (Indiana), please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Bloomington (Indiana) Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Bloomington (Indiana)

eHalal Group Bloomington (Indiana) is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Bloomington (Indiana). Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Bloomington (Indiana).

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Bloomington (Indiana) ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Bloomington (Indiana). Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Bloomington (Indiana), offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Bloomington (Indiana) are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan Celebrations in Bloomington (Indiana)

Ramadan 2025 in Bloomington (Indiana)

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

A majority of Bloomington hotels are concentrated along the city's main north-south axis, Walnut and College Ave (aka Business Route 37, i.e. the highway from Indianapolis), between the downtown are and the city's northern edge, where the highway enters the city. The downtown ones are convenient for a traveler without a car, as they are walking distance to downtown attraction and the IU campus; those on the northern side may have better parking and better highway access.

• Courtyard Bloomington 310 S. College Avenue 39.157557,-86.534787 ☎ +1 812-335-8000 Check-in: 3:00 PM / Check-out: 12:00 PM This hotel offers free Wi-Fi, indoor swimmingpool and fitness center.

• Fourwinds Resort and Marina - , - Known locally for its private beach on Lake Monroe, boating and meeting facilities. Guests can also enjoy onsite tennis courts, nearby golf courses, fishing, dining and rentals (including water toys).

• Holiday Inn Express Hotels & Suites 2800 Express Lane - ☎ +1 812 279-1206Bedford (Indiana) | Bedford 20 miles (at IN 37). 64 rooms, free Smart Breakfast, Priority Club points, free wireless high speed, indoor pool, private secluded sauna, hot tub, 24-hour fitness room, meeting rooms.

• A Summerhouse Inn - 4501 E Third Street - Two Miles East of College Mall ☎ +1 812 332-2141 $60-100 Check-in: 3PM / Check-out: 11AM A Summerhouse Inn is Bloomington's classic family motel, having served the area since the 60s. Providing Bloomington's only courtyard setting, a guest fire pit, an outdoor swimmingpool and a complimentary breakfast, A Summerhouse Inn represents hospitality from a simpler time.

• Wampler House - 4905 South Rogers Street - 4 miles from downtown off S. Walnut St. ☎ +1-877-407-0969 $100-150 - This inn is in the little village of Clear Creek where the southern Indiana limestone industry once thrived. It's 10 minutes from the campus of Indiana University and surrounded by a quiet neighborhood. A full breakfast is served each day as part of your stay. A massage and body spa therapist has a room for clients located at the B & B for guests and local residents. You can make an appointment when you make your reservation.

Telecommunications

Free Wi-Fi and public computers for residents and visitors are available in the Monroe County Public Library (Kirkwood Ave, between Grant and Lincoln St).

The main university library (10th Street and Jordan Ave) also offers free temporary computer accounts to visitors; ask at the circulation desk.

Free WiFi is available at a number of locations around the town. Besides the public library and many IU buildings, it is available at the new central station of Bloomington Transit (at 3rd and Walnut) and at some large stores (such as Kroger, Lucky's, Fresh Thyme, or Kohl's).

By Phone

Most phone numbers in Bloomington consist of +1 812 plus a seven-digit number, but the entire 812 area is now served by an overlay complex of two area codes, with 930 being the second. A local or in-state telephone call now requires all 10 digits of the local number be dialed (omitting just the leading +1 from a local landline call).

Signage on many established businesses may still display the original seven-digit numbers; dial 812 before these if no area code is indicated.

Media

WFIU] (an affiliate of the NPR) and WFHB-913-s28738/ WFHB are two radio stations with a significant amount of local content. There is also the student-operated WIUX].

There are two local newspapers and the Herald-Times and the student-run Indiana Daily Student.

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Bloomington (Indiana)

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