Attractions
More than anything, we're so thrilled to share Bloomington with you all. It's such a special place for both of us, for our own reasons--it's where we each landed for college and it has been our home for seven years. And of course--it's where we fell in love!
We absolutely want you all--especially those of you who are coming from out of town--to explore Bloomington and its environs. Below you will find a list of some of our favorite places in Bloomington! While you're in town & looking for someplace to eat or somewhere to go, consider the below options before anything else. They come highly recommended by your favorite bride & groom! ;)
Bloomington Visitors Info
Find all you could possibly imagine doing & seeing in Bloomington in one spot: The Bloomington Indiana City Visitors Bureau website. Here find ALL the information on what to do and where to do it! (Listed below are some of our favorites...)
Indiana University Campus
Our wedding will take place on the campus of Indiana University, named one of the nation's five most beautiful college campuses by art critic Thomas Gaines in The Campus as Work of Art. The campus rests on a bed of Indiana limestone, and many of its buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places (including the Rose Well House, where we'll say our vows!).
We strongly encourage you to take a walking tour of the IU campus. Please refer to the IU Campus Map linked above. You can take an online tour at http://www.iub.edu/tour/.
Some particular points of interest:
Indiana Memorial Union: http://www.imu.indiana.edu/index.shtml (enjoy bowling, shopping at the IU Bookstore, dining, movies, or a stroll through the adjacent Beck Chapel, all in in the nation's largest college union)
Assembly Hall, home of the Indiana Hoosiers! (Located at 17th Street and Woodburn Avenue: http://iuhoosiers.cstv.com/facilities/ind-facilities-assembly.html
Picnic or play ultimate frisbee in Dunn Meadow: http://www.iub.edu/tour/cmps6.shtml
Peruse a nationally renowned collection at the IU Art Museum (just past the Indiana Memorial Union at the terminus of 7th Street). This is Jenny's favorite place and where she spent hours studying for her art exams or for inspiration for her own works of art. The museum includes work by Jackson Pollack and Claude Monet. Along with Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Stanford, it is included among the nation's top five college art museums.
Check out Bill Armstrong Stadium, home of the national champion IU Men's Soccer Team and the Little 500, the basis of the 1979 flick Breaking Away.
Stop to admire the sculptures in Showalter Fountain (site of the infamous Bobby Knight riots in 2000), or continue on to the IU Auditorium to catch a Broadway play.
Plan a picnic in the Arboretum: http://www.iub.edu/tour/cmps9.shtm, a favorite of both Jenny & Adrian. This is a lush green space behind the Art Museum that once was home to the IU Memorial Stadium and the Little 500, the largest intramural college sports event in the United States.
As you can tell, we love IU, love our home of Bloomingotn, and hope you'll enjoy your time here!
Mother Bear's Pizza
The BEST pizza in Bloomington! Order the Deep Dish. You won't be sorry.
FARMbloomington
From the website: "Come and experience the excitement at FARMbar, FARMrestaurant, and FARMmarket & cafe. Visit the fun and funky lower level ROOTCELLAR bar & grill for live blues and bluegrass on the weekends!"
One of our favorite restaurants in Bloomington!
Baked of Bloomington
Have fresh, homemade cookies delivered right to your door! Mmmmm!
Laughing Planet Cafe
The BEST burritos (& much more) in Bloomington!
Lennie's & the Bloomington Brewing Co.
From the website: "Established by One World Enterprises in 1989, Lennie’s introduced gourmet pizza 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. Open until Midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, Lennie's menu topped by award-winning beer from the BBC and an extensive wine offering appeals to those looking for a quick lunch, a relaxing dinner, an enjoyable happy hour, or a few late-night ales."
Upland Brewing Co.
From the website: "Upland serves Lunch and Dinner daily as well as late night fare. We specialize in eclectic entrees with pub fare to suit anyone. Our menu selections include pasta, seafood, sandwiches, pub grub and vegetarian dishes. Our drink menu features fresh Upland Ales and Lagers on tap as well as international, national and local fine wines. Enjoy any of these selections while dining or relaxing at Upland's Tap Room. A local favorite for years, come and enjoy great food, great beer, and great friends.
Upland is a 100% non-smoking, family dining establishment with seasonal outdoor seating. Carry-out meals, bottles, and growlers are also available."
Michael's Uptown Cafe
One of the BEST breakfast/brunches in Bloomington, including Jenny's favorite: Creme Brulee French Toast!
Oliver Winery
One of our FAVORITE places to go. The grounds are gorgeous and the wine is fantastic! Wine-tasting is free! Listed in the Wall Street Journal as one of the top 12 wineries to visit in the US.
Bloomington, Indiana Farmers' Market
From the website: "From April through November farmers and vendors fill Showers Common with locally grown produce, annual and perennial plants, and freshly baked bread for the Saturday morning Market. Local musicians perform while thousands of people find their way among the corn and tomatoes, local dairy products and warm scents of fresh herbs. The market often feels like equal parts shopping, socializing and treasure hunt. Come early so you can amble among friends as you seek out that dried lavender or fresh basil you have been dreaming about."
