A guide to visiting your IU student

Your student is all settled into his or her dorm, and you’re driving home in an unloaded minivan. All you can think about is when you’ll get to see your new college student again.

Don’t worry. It’s not too early to start planning your next visit.

Here are some suggestions to get you started.

WHERE TO STAY

Biddle Hotel and Conference Center
Want to be in the center of all the IU action? The Biddle Hotel and Conference Center is located on-campus inside the Indiana Memorial Union. The 189 guest accommodations are an easy walk from the IU Auditorium, Kirkwood Avenue and more. 900 E. Seventh St.
800-209-8145

Holiday Inn Bloomington
Less than a five minute drive from Memorial Stadium and Assembly Hall (without game-day traffic), this is a great place to stay when you’re in Bloomington for the big game. It offers guests an outdoor pool, an exercise facility, a full service restaurant and more.
1710 N. Kinser Pike
812-334-3252.
 
Grant Street Inn
A welcoming bed and breakfast in close proximity to all that Bloomington has to offer, Grant Street Inn is just a 10-minute walk to the Fourth Street restaurants or the IU campus. All rooms come with a private bath and wireless Internet, and breakfast is included.
310 N. Grant St.
812-334-2353

WHERE TO EAT

Mother Bear’s Pizza
If you have to choose one, pizza place, make it Mother Bear’s. Named “One of America’s Top Nine Pizzerias” by People Magazine, diners can choose from 15 gourmet pizzas or create one of their own. Salads, wings, pasta and subs are also available.
1428 E. Third St.
812-332-4495

Fourth Street
Feeling adventurous? If international cuisine is your thing, Fourth Street is your go-to location. We suggest Anyetsang’s Little Tibet, a colorful little eatery that specializes in Tibetan, Thai and Indian cuisines. Not sure what to try? Go for one of the mo-mo dishes.
415 E. Fourth St.
812-331-0122

Nick’s English Hut
With its distinct cottage-like exterior, this pub and eatery has been a Bloomington tradition since 1927. Nick’s offers a wide selection of burgers, salads, pizza, stromboli and more, and it is sure to be packed after home games.
423 E. Kirkwood Ave.
812-332-4040  

Runcible Spoon Café and Restaurant
The warm and inviting Runcible Spoon is just a stone’s throw away from Kirkwood and has been a Bloomington favorite for more than 30 years. Vegan dishes are available, as is all-day breakfast and coffee roasted on-site.
412 E. Sixth St.
812-334-3997
 
FARMbloomington
With a menu that changes with the seasons, FARM’s dishes showcase fresh, local ingredients that cater to every palate. Stop by for brunch on the weekends. You can even make a reservation.
108 E. Kirkwood Ave.
812-323-0002

Jiffy Treet
Those with a sweet tooth won’t be able to resist this locally-owned ice cream joint. With many different flavors of homemade soft-serve, there is plenty to choose from.
223 S. Pete Ellis Dr. Suite 3A
812-339-9981