Take a Walk through Bloomington's Best

Finally, the Best of Bloomington edition of the Weekend has returned. Someone must have heard those silent prayers you've been whispering under your breath at night. I mean, it's not every day you're given advice from an Internet survey. \nNow, before such a venture is even contemplated, you're going to need your synthetic energy fix for the day. Starbucks, the coffee house's answer to the prostitute, will take care of that. One sits on almost every corner with quick, easy and overpriced service. I have nothing against the corporation and the conglomerated beverages within. God knows they need to support their families somehow.\nNow that your caffeine high has come into full effect and your breath reeks of espressofied macchiatiousness, the day can officially begin. How about running a check on the score of that game? You know what game I'm talking about. Make the effort and stop by Yogi's Bar & Grill for all of the game-time excitement you need. Join your fellow students in sharing your football discrepancies over a voluptuous assortment of wings. Even when the team's losing, you'll feel like a winner, or at least a loser lacking appetite.\nNow if you're not a wing man (I fancy the legs myself), other alternatives exist around B-town to squelch those hunger pains. What you're craving may be some Castle's, but for a burger done right, the place to be is Opie Taylor's. Despite the small-town feel, they have the meat to compete with the big boys. Watch out Ronald, Opie has you in the crosshair. \nNot a burger connoisseur either, eh? Dagwood's will have to suffice with their sandwich science. Straight out of Blondie, these sandwiches are no less than a comedic rendition of superb. \nIf you're anything like me, after you eat you start to feel that overwhelming burst of heat downstairs. You know what I'm talking about. It's that paycheck burning a hole in your pocket. The only way to put that fire out is with water -- well, water or shopping. \nNow, if you must overlook the numerous benefits of the thrift store and the bountiful treasures within, I guess you can mosey on over to Urban Outfitters. Check out the pants section. Yours are looking a little extra crispy at this point.\nOnce you're decked out in your new duds, heads are guaranteed to turn. With any luck, the bodies attached to those heads will follow. Lead your newfound friends to the Arboretum where you can lock lips on campus' number one make-out spot. If you get there and it turns out everyone somehow resisted your charm, maybe you can take up a new voyeuristic hobby. For those of you who have found success, clean off those grass stains and make a date for later ... your parents are taking you out to dinner. \nKnowing full well the family will be picking up the tab, be sure to put in a request for Janko's Little Zagreb. Over your steak dinner, it would be beneficial to wheedle a few extra presidents out of dad's wallet. That upcoming date won't be free, unless the entirety of the plan consists of another Arboretum rendezvous.\nBecause you just can't get enough food, how about commencing said date at Bloomington's hottest first date spot and best overall restaurant, Malibu Grill. If your parents thwarted your plans for cash, don't fret. Head back to Yogi's where you'll be able to fill your picnic baskets for less than ten dollars. \nThe cheaper meal might have proven to be the right choice. Enough money has eluded your spending to purchase some dessert at Jiffy Treet. Forget the cold and get swept into one of their mix-ins by a cyclone.\nAt the end of your binge-eating-Best-of-Bloomington day, you may find yourself with a little extra skin. Leave the Urban Outfitters wardrobe at the door and show some of that well-earned mass at Axis-- the top voted spot for the best place to show it off. \nAfter such a long day, a low-key ending may sound a tad more appealing. Try framing the day with one last coffee stop. Spend the end of the date enthralled in deep conversation within the walls of Soma. Feel free to ditch the Urban Outfitters clothes either way. \nYou've been brave in your quest throughout Bloomington today. It's quite possible the community may have seemed like an entire new world. With such people in it and with these people actively voicing their opinions in magnificent survey fashion, Bloomington and its best will seldom go unnoticed by you and others from now on.