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Local Guide
Bloomington runs on its downtown square and the energy of Indiana University. Eat your way around Kirkwood Avenue, catch live music, then point the car toward Lake Monroe or Brown County when you want trees and trails. It is a college town that rewards staying past dinner.
Day trips need a simple anchor and one or two easy add-ons. Weekend trips can handle a hotel, dinner, a town square, a trail, and a slower morning.
A park trip is better with a diner nearby. A town visit is better with coffee, lunch, or a bakery case. A museum day needs somewhere to sit after.
Indiana changes fast by season. Spring is gardens, trails, markets, and muddy shoes. Summer is lakes, patios, concerts, and long evenings. Fall is drives, orchards, festivals, and football. Winter needs lights, museums, food, and indoor backup plans.
If the drive is longer than the stop, add something else nearby. A second town. A scenic road. A trail. A food stop. A shop that gives you an excuse to wander.
Fresh Get Indiana coverage tied to Bloomington.
With 23,000 acres, Wyandotte Caves, and a 25-mile Adventure Trail, O'Bannon Woods is one of Indiana's most underrated state parks. Here's the full guide.
The Farmhouse Café and Tea Room in Nineveh sits inside a restored 1800s brick farmhouse with homemade lunches and a garden center to explore after.
Patoka Lake: Come for the Water, Stay for the Trails Use this for the article image: Cover Art link Listen to “Patoka Lake: Come for the Water, Stay for…
Indiana set a program record with eight players drafted in 2026, led by Fernando Mendoza going No. 1 overall to Las Vegas. Here's where every Hoosier landed.
These carry a day: the IU campus and art museum, the B-Line Trail, and Lake Monroe when you want to be on the water.
With 23,000 acres, Wyandotte Caves, and a 25-mile Adventure Trail, O'Bannon Woods is one of Indiana's most underrated state parks. Here's the full guide.
Patoka Lake: Come for the Water, Stay for the Trails Use this for the article image: Cover Art link Listen to “Patoka Lake: Come for the Water, Stay for…
Hardy Lake near Scottsburg is home to nine birds of prey at its raptor center, plus water recreation and great trails. Allison has the full guide.
Hoosier National Forest was once depleted farmland. Here's how 200,000 acres in southern Indiana became the state's greatest conservation comeback story.
Kirkwood Avenue and the square pack a lot of range into a few blocks. Use the food picks when you want a meal within walking distance of everything.
The Farmhouse Café and Tea Room in Nineveh sits inside a restored 1800s brick farmhouse with homemade lunches and a garden center to explore after.
Sip and savor your way through Southern Indiana during Chocolate Lover's Weekend. Six wineries, two weekends, endless wine and chocolate pairings.
Discover the best wineries in Indiana, from Oliver Winery in Bloomington to Two-EE’s in Huntington. Explore vineyard views, wine tastings, brunch experiences, and hidden gems across the Hoosier State.
Bloomington’s BBQ go-to since 2001. Smokin’ Jack’s serves up ribs, brisket, mac & cheese, and Southern desserts with a side of hometown hospitality.
Smaller finds, like the limestone quarries around town, the Hilly Hundred backroads, and quiet trailheads in the surrounding state forest.
The Farmhouse Café and Tea Room in Nineveh sits inside a restored 1800s brick farmhouse with homemade lunches and a garden center to explore after.
WonderLab Museum in downtown Bloomington is one of southern Indiana's best family destinations with interactive science exhibits, live animals, and BubbleFest.
Maple syrup season runs late February through March in Indiana. Here's where to see sugaring demos, taste fresh syrup, and find local maple farms.
Discover The Porthole Inn on Lake Lemon in Unionville — a timeless Indiana lakeside restaurant serving fried catfish, pizza, and live music near Bloomington.
Live music, IU sports, gallery walks, and the Lotus World Music festival fill the calendar. Football and graduation weekends book up early.
Salem Speedway has hosted legends like A.J. Foyt, Jeff Gordon, and Tony Stewart since 1947. The new season is underway at this iconic Indiana track.
The Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament tips off March 4 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Here's your guide to the bracket, schedule, and Hoosier matchups.
Sip and savor your way through Southern Indiana during Chocolate Lover's Weekend. Six wineries, two weekends, endless wine and chocolate pairings.