Miller-Showers Park, just north of downtown, is one of Bloomington's beautiful parks.
Where to play:
Paynetown State Recreation Area (Highway 446): Paynetown State Recreation Area offers electric and non-electric camping, swimming at beach areas, boat rental, hiking and water sports.
Lake Monroe Village (8107 S. Fairfax): Campers will enjoy the luxurious resort-style camping with water and electric hook-ups, wireless internet, a hot tub, pool, recreation hall, picnic pavilion and playground.
Hickory Ridge Horse Camp (Hoosier National Forest): All horseback riders are invited to enjoy free camping and trail riding with benefits for horses including pit toilets, hitching racks and water.
Bloomington Rail Trail (Between South Rogers and Old State Road 37): Nature lovers will enjoy the 1.8 miles of walking, running, biking on Bloomington's Rail Trail.
Fourwinds Resort & Marina (9301 S. Fairfax Road): Set on beautiful Lake Monroe, the Fourwinds Resort and Marina offers a comfortable hotel, lounge and restaurant serving live music, “pub grub,” seasonal barbeques, boat rentals, and social event planning. You will feel like you are living the island lifestyle!
Charles C. Deam Wilderness (Blackwell Horse Camp Hoosier National Forest): Designated as a wilderness in 1982, the Charles C. Deam Wilderness is managed to preserve its natural condition and provide opportunities for solitude.
Balloon and Hovercraft Safaris (3060 North Thomas Road): For a truly unique view of Bloomington, check out the Balloon and Hovercraft Safaris!
Stone Creek Ranch (5401 W. Duvall Road): Horseback riders will enjoy Stone Creek Ranch's superior boarding facilities, five-acre challenge course, 16 miles of private trails, two outdoor arenas and two indoor arenas for year-round riding.
For a list of Bloomington's numerous parks, click here.
Where to Eat:
Bloomingfoods Market & Deli (3220 E. 3rd Street; 419 E. Kirkwood; 316 W. 6th Street) Bloomington's popular local and organic food grocery store, Bloomingfoods also offers a healthy buffet for in-house dining.
Roots on the Square (124 N. Walnut Street): The only all-vegetarian restaurant in the City, Roots crafts flavorful vegetarian dishes and nutritious smoothies.
The Green Bean (410 W. 4th Street): A great spot for vegetarians and environmentalists, the Green Bean uses organic fair trade coffee and serves vegan/vegetarian options, and provides wifi and a scenic outdoor patio.
Rachael's Cafe (300 E. 3rd Street): Rachael and her talented baristas craft flavorful vegetarian meals including quiche, lasagna and calzones.
The Owlery (212 S. Rogers Street): Head Chef Bobb Easterbrook presents his own takes on classics such as tofu BBQ ribs, "fish" and chips, and eggplant parmigiana, along with salads, sandwiches, and rotating specials, along with an exciting late night menu.
