B-town’s other summer activities

If you’re like me, you find yourself nearly a month deep into summer — still no job and quickly running out of money because the combination of few obligations and sheer boredom equates to a very thin wallet.

So again, if you’re like me, you’re looking for something else to do these days. Bloomington is, after all, more than just the IU campus, so there must be some other things to do that townies are sick of but the rest of us might be able to embrace.

Hickory Ridge Firetower: The Firetower is a little outside Bloomington, located in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area. It’s been there since 1936, when it was used to spot fire outbreaks. Standing 110 feet tall, the steel structure is hard to miss and has some surprisingly beautiful views of the central Indiana landscape.

Third Street Park shows: The Third Street Park, pretty self-explanatory in terms of location, has some free summer shows. Located between S. Lincoln and S. Washington streets, the shows feature some plays and musicians. The area also has restrooms, a playground, playing fields and Wi-Fi available for purchase.

Lake Monroe: There are a slew of things to do down on Lake Monroe, with fishing and boating available. The cutouts are fun, and there is lodging available at the Fourwinds Hotel and golf at Eagle Pointe. The point is, there’s a lot to do out at the lake, from free to expensive, depending on your style.

Cascades Park: Cascades Park has two sections, upper and lower. The lower section features a playground, volleyball courts and a couple of shelters, among other things, while the upper is mostly a golf course with some park. On one of the Cascades’ back trails, there is a (small) waterfall.

Hopefully this is helpful. Summer can really cause things to slow down sometimes, but these ideas might be a nice change of pace.