For me, the choice to go to college in my hometown was easy, because there’s an endless number of ways to pass the time.
Here are some suggestions on how you should spend your time in ?Bloomington.
Where to eat
Breakfast
The Village Deli
409 E. Kirkwood Ave.
812-336-2303
The Village Deli is a Bloomington staple and has been for years. I’m a breakfast nut, so anywhere that offers an all-day breakfast menu is perfect to me. For a classic Deli breakfast, try one of their giant pancakes. You can add an assortment of fresh fruits or, if you’ve got a sweet tooth, try the cinnamon roll version.
Runcible Spoon Café and Restaurant
412 E. Sixth St.
812-334-3997
Another all-day breakfast restaurant, this restaurant is just a short walk from Kirkwood and boasts vegan dishes and coffee that’s roasted on-site. Of course, breakfast isn’t the only thing served at Runcible Spoon, but it’s the most important meal of the day, right?
For more dining suggestions, visit idsnews.com/dining.
Lunch
Nick’s English Hut
423 E. Kirkwood Ave
812-332-4040
Nick’s has been a Bloomington tradition since 1927. Hungry for burgers? They’ve got you covered. Pizza? They’ve got that, too. Salad? Yep. Nick’s is loved by townies and students alike and is sure to be packed during and after home games.
Laughing Planet
322 E. Kirkwood Ave.
812-323-2233
Looking for a more wholesome eating experience? Laughing Planet offers soups, salads and burritos using only organic and locally-grown ingredients.
There are meaty options as well as vegetarian and vegan options, but the décor, which makes use of bright, local art, creates a perfectly funky atmosphere.
The Tudor Room
Indiana Memorial Union
812-855-1620
The University’s unintentional best-kept secret is the buffet in the Tudor Room. You can feast here weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for soup, salad and the hot food buffet. For more information, visit imu.indiana.edu/dining/tudorroom.php.
Dinner
Mother Bear’s
1428 E. Third St.
812-332-4495
This place takes the cake (pie? Pizza pie?) as one of the best pizza places around. It’s almost always ranked the best pizza in Bloomington and has options for veggie lovers and meat lovers alike.
Aver’s Gourmet Pizza
1837 N. Kinser Pike
812-339-6555
Aver’s is home to perhaps the most quintessential slice of Bloomington: the Cream and Crimson pizza. Alfredo sauce and cheese with red potato, bacon, cheddar and gorgonzola will satisfy every pizza craving you’ve ever had. You can’t go wrong with pizza in Bloomington.
Fourth Street
Bloomington is known for its variety of cultural and ethnic restaurants, so take a stroll down Fourth Street and take your pick of Korean, Indian, Tibetan, Cajun, Thai and more.
Things to do
IU Cinema
1213 E. Seventh St.
812-855-7632
This gorgeous film house is home to more than 120 film screenings a semester, hosts filmmakers, lectures and more. For more information, visit cinema.indiana.edu.
Lilly Library
1200 E. Seventh St.
812-855-2452
The University’s rare books, manuscripts and special collections library is an engaging way to spend an afternoon.
Get your hands on first-edition Shakespeare or a copy of the Peter Pan manuscript by J.M. Barrie or have your picture taken while holding one of director John Ford’s Oscars.
Walk the B-Line Trail
Take a stroll down Bloomington’s 3.1-mile walking trail. As it weaves its way through town, you’ll have the opportunity to stop in at a variety of shops and restaurants.
