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Happy Super Bowl Week! Unless you've been living under a rock, most of you know that Super Bowl 46 is taking place in Indianapolis next Sunday, Feb. 5th. Today is the official kick-off of activities in downtown Indy, including the Super Bowl Village (which opens today at 3 pm).

For our out of town (and state) visitors...welcome to Indiana and Bloomington! Indy is having a week-long celebration of special events, activities, concerts and exhibits starting today until the big event in 9 days! Many of these activities are free and family friendly. This weekend and the beginning of next week is a great time for many Indiana residents to get in on some of the action and skip some of the crowds that will be descending upon Indy next week. Make sure to visit www.indianapolissuperbowl.com for up-to-the-minute updates, parking/driving info, an events calendar and all things Super Bowl!

Bloomington is proud to be one of 20 communities designated as a Super Celebration Site for the state. What does this mean for Super Bowl fans? It means we're only 50 miles southwest of downtown Indy and still have plenty of hotel rooms for guests, plus special events and lots of great, local restaurants and shopping. Visit www.superbloomington.com for everything B-town Super Bowl and www.visitbloomington.com for everything else about town!

So what are some of our special events and when are they going on? Super Bloomington will start its celebration of Super Bowl 46 next Thursday, Feb. 2. We'll have a special info center and activities downtown at the Fountain Square Mall. The info center is there to answer any of your questions about Bloomington, Indy and the Super Bowl. Make sure to bring the kids to play some games that will be set up and sample some snickerdoodles and hot chocolate, the "official" hospitality snack of the big game!

Bloomington is also excited to be participating in the Super Cars program. Thirty-three iconic Indy cars have been made over to represent the 32 teams of the NFL and this year's game. Each Super Celebration Site, as well as many sites in Indy, are hosting Super Cars for fans to come and visit. We are proud to welcome the Arizona Cardinals Indy car to the Fountain Square Mall! It will be on display Feb. 2-4 from 10 am - 8 pm. Make sure to come visit our Super Car, take pictures, and check-in on Foursquare. Show us your Foursquare check-in at the info table for awesome prizes!

Have a Super day!

I was fortunate to acquire a set of tickets to last night's IU Men's Basketball game at Assembly Hall. If you've never been lucky enough to catch a home game at the Hall, here's a snapshot of what that experience is like:  

It was a cold, snowy night in Bloomington...

Perfect for warming up at a local pub like Crazy Horse with some great food and a pitcher of your favorite beverage (for us on this night it was Woodchuck cider).

The venue was legendary, with five NCAA banners hanging proudly in place.

The atmosphere was incredible with a nearly packed house of cheering fans clad in IU red, the pep band, the big heads, and even a celebrity spotting or two!

Yes, the Hoosiers sadly ended up losing  a close game to Minnesota, but the Hoosier Basketball experience was still an incredible way to spend the evening, and the nail-biting, heart pounding, down-to-the-wire finish reminded me that win or lose...

This is Indiana. We love the game. We love the experience. 
Go Hoosiers!

You've probably already heard that three of Bloomington's most awesome sandwiches are in the running to become Indiana's Super Sandwich! The folks at Visit Indiana and Indianapolis Monthly Magazine have compiled a list of Indiana's Super 46 Sandwiches. Take a few minutes to go vote for your favorite on the Indiana Insider Blog.

The B-town participants are the Seitan Tenderloin from Upland Brewing Company, the Tom Crean and Crimson Burger from Opie Taylor's and the Lugar Burger from FARMbloomington. Please vote before this Friday, to help us make sure our Bloomington eateries make it through the first round of the contest! You can vote for up to five great Indiana sandwiches. The top 16 will then be placed into the sandwich playoffs, which will coincide with the NFL playoffs and culminate in the naming of Indiana's Super Sandwich on February 2.

While we're talking about sandwiches, we'd like to mention a few Bloomington specialties that the folks in Indianapolis might have missed...

If you're visiting B-town during the Super Bowl, or anytime, here's a list of some of our favorite sandwiches here at Visit Bloomington. Enjoy!

Chicken Fillet So simple, yet so good. Cafe Pizzaria serves up what might be the best chicken sandwich in B-town, shown here with lettuce, mayo and mozzerella.  Recommended by staffer Tosha Daugherty.
The Sweet Lou Available at BuffaLouie's on Indiana Avenue, this half-pound burger is incredible. That famous Sweet BBQ sauce, cheese and bacon... need we say more? Recommended by staffer Marcia Roach.
Shaved Pork Loin Topped with smoked bacon, sharp cheddar, herb ranch, Carolina slaw, and served on a hoagie at Sweet Grass Restaurant, this is an explosion of flavors. Recommended by staffer Julie Warren.
Gyro While not the most traditional sandwich, you'll be glad you gave it a try. The Trojan Horse offers this Greek speciality with lamb and beef or chicken (pictured). Recommended by staffer Teal Betz.
Tuna Melt The Scholar's Inn Bakehouse has a number of incredible sandiches, but the tuna melt provides the perfect combination of healthy and cheesey! Recommended by staffer Mike McAfee.

Share this link with your social network to help us make sure Bloomington is represented in the Super 46 Playoffs! Do you agree with the sandwiches on their list (or ours)? What was missed - what's YOUR favorite Bloomington sandwich?

How are you planning to usher in 2012? No plans yet? Well, look no further! We've compiled a handy list of fun New Year's weekend events to help you decide. Whether you're looking for something fun to do during the day with the family, or an adults-only evening, you'll find it in Bloomington!

Don't forget to enter to win a Bloomington New Year's Eve Getaway! One lucky winner will receive an overnight stay, tickets to the IU vs Ohio State basketball game, restaurant certificates, VIP seating at the Bluebird and an exclusive meet and greet with Reverend Peyton and the Big Damn Band. The prize will be awarded on Dec. 28, so enter now!

All Ages Events 

The Cardinal Stage Company's heartwarming production of the musical Annie will have you feeling festive no matter what your age! Show times throughout the weekend.  

Whoosh! Amazing Air is on the agenda at Wonderlab - learn about the fun-tastic properties of air through play. Open New Year's Eve; closed New Year's Day.

Sports fans of all ages can cheer on the IU Hoosiers as the women's basketball team eakes on Michigan State on Dec. 30 and the men's team clashes with Ohio State on Jan. 31. Tickets available at IUHoosiers.com.

Rhino's All Ages Club presents their Rockin' New Year's Eve show featuring Xenosound and 'Til Seas Run Dry, beginning at 8 pm. Admission is only $5.

Adults Only  

The almost-local Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band will be on hand with their huge sound to ring in the New Year at The Bluebird. Show starts at 9 pm; tickets are $15.

The Players Pub will ring in the New Year with the funk, rock 'n soul of B-town based favorites The Dynamics! Show starts at 8 pm; tickets are $15.

The Bishop Bar will be throwing a Twist Party, featuring the swingin' sounds of The Vallures and DJ Bongo, plus free "cheap-o party favors." Admission is $5. 

Bob and Tom Show all-star Mike MacRae will have you laughing the night away at The Comedy Attic, Dec. 29-31. Shows at 8 pm Thursday, 8 and 10:30 pm Friday and Saturday.

Enjoy the Dinner & Dance Spectacular at Eagle Pointe Golf Resort, featuring dinner at Talon's from 5-10 pm and live entertainment in the Eagle's Nest from 9 pm to 1 am. Dinner is $29.99 per person; $10 cover charge for live entertainment.

Happy New Year everyone!

Downtown Bloomington is, well... lit up like a Christmas tree, and we're ready to start celebrating the holiday season! We've even got a gift for one lucky B-town Blog reader - two tickets to this year's performance of the Chimes of Christmas at the IU Auditorium.

A true Indiana University tradition, the Chimes features performances from incredible ensembles from the Jacobs School of Music and great holiday music, perfect for a fun holiday evening out.

So, for a chance to win two tickets to the Chimes of Christmas and a Grazie! Italian Eatery gift certificate, leave us a comment and tell us all about your most favorite thing about the holiday season in Bloomington!

We'll announce a winner on Friday. Good luck!

We've got two tickets to the ultimate Indiana football rivalry game - IU vs Purdue, or the Old Oaken Bucket Game and, that's right, we're giving them away! What better place is there for a Hoosier fan to celebrate the Thanksgiving weekend?

Regardless of the rest of the season, both the IU Hoosiers and the Purdue Boilermakers always up the intensity for this contest. At stake? Possession of the legendary Oaken Bucket... and statewide bragging rights! Be there for this year's historic game on November 26th. 

But wait, there's more!
You know us, we just love giving away great Bloomington experiences, so here's what we're going to do: In addition to the two tickets to the game, we're also going to give our lucky winner a gift certificate to B-town Pizza for tailgate munchies... and a gift certificate to the Scholars Inn for dinner after the game! (Scholars Inn certificate can be used at either the Gourmet Cafe & Wine Bar or the Bakehouse.)

So, what do you have to do to win this fabulous prize? Nothing too complicated... just leave a comment on this blog post and share your favorite Oaken Bucket Game memory!

We'll randomly choose a winner on Friday afternoon.
Good luck!

It's November! As we say goodbye to ghosts, ghouls and goblins for another year, it's time to look forward to this year's upcoming holiday art and craft shows! What a great way to get the jump on your holiday shopping with locally made one-of-a-kind items, or just enjoy browsing through unique handmade items. From fiber arts to glass to holiday wreaths, you'll find it all at one of these great events.

26th Annual Fiber Art Show & Sale 
Nov. 11, 5 - 9 pm & Nov. 12, 10 am - 5 pm
First United Church, 2420 E. 3rd Street

Bloomington Glass Guild Holiday Show
Nov. 11, 5-8 pm & Nov. 12, 10 am - 5 pm
University Baptist Church, 3740 E. 3rd Street

Local Clay Potters Guild Holiday Pottery Show & Sale
Nov. 11, 5-9 pm & Nov. 12, 9 am - 5 pm
St. Mark's Methodist Church, 100 N. Hwy 46 Bypass

Quilts from the Heartland
Nov. 11, 9 am - 7 pm & Nov. 12, 9 am - 5 pm
Bloomington Convention Center, 302 S. College Ave.

Bloomington Handmade Market
Nov. 12, 10 am - 5 pm
Bloomington Convention Center, 302 S. College Ave.

Holiday Extravaganza
Nov. 12, 9 am - 5 pm
Monroe County Fairgrounds, 5700 W. Airport Road

Marlin Elementary PTO Art & Craft Show
Nov. 12, 9 am - 3 pm
Marlin Elementary School, 1655 E. Bethel Lane

Holiday House Craft & Gift Show
Nov. 17, 11 am - 7 pm; Nov. 18, 10 am - 6 pm; Nov. 19, 10 am - 3 pm
Bloomington Convention Center, 302 S. College Ave.

Holiday Market
Nov. 26, 10 am - 3 pm
Showers City Hall, 401 N. Morton St.

Be sure to hit up some of the unique locally owned shops and boutiques in downtown Bloomington while you're in town as well. Happy holiday gift shopping!

What a beautiful weekend we just had! I spent part of my Sunday enjoying the gorgeous sunshine with some good friends at Bloomington's own Butler Winery & Vineyard. If you've never traveled to this scenic oasis, fall is the perfect time of year to visit, so make your plans now!

Just four miles off Highway 37, yet it feels like another world. Enjoy a walk around the pond, a picnic under the trees or just relax on the deck with a glass of wine. The views are beautiful, the wine is tasty and the people are friendly. Make it a weekend and visit a few of the other wineries on the Indiana Uplands Wine Trail!  
 

Oh, and bring the kids - there's plenty of room for them to run and play!
 

'Tis the season..for shrieks and spooks, ghosts and goblins... and candy, lots and lots of candy! We've compiled a handy list of all the fun Halloween related events happening in the Bloomington area throughout the month of October.

Pick your favorite Spooky B-town event and make your plans now!
Come on, you're not scared, are you? 

Haunted Houses: open throughout October

Baker's Junction Haunted Train
Fri. & Sat., 7-10 pm

Barn of Terror
Fri. & Sat., 8 pm - 12 am

Harrodsburg Haunted House
Fri. & Sat., 8 pm - 12 am

Family-Friendly Events

Great Glass Pumpkin Patch
Courthouse Square, Oct. 15, 10 am - 3pm

Little Monsters Gallery Art Show
Blueline Gallery, Oct. 16-31

Trick or Treat Trail
RCA Park, Oct. 22, 1-4 pm

Dennis James hosts Halloween
IU Auditorium, Oct. 27, 7:30 pm

Festival of Ghost Stories
Bryan Park, Oct. 28

Halloween at Lake Monroe
Paynetown Campground, Oct. 29

Safe Halloween
College Mall, Oct. 29, 6-8 pm

Skate & Scare
Frank Southern Ice Arena, Oct. 29, 7 - 9 pm

Spooky Paper-Making
Twisted Limb Paperworks, Oct. 30 & 31

Halloween Family Fun Fest
Mathers Museum, Oct. 31

Pumpkins!

Freeman Family Farms
Fri. 4 - 7 pm; Sat. 10 am - 8 pm; Sun. 12-5 pm

Oliver Winery
Mon. - Sat. 10 am - 6 pm; Sun. 12-6 pm

Musgrave Orchard
Wed. - Sun., 10:30 am - 6:30 pm

Great Bloomington Pumpkin Launch
Hilltop Garden & Nature Center, Nov. 5, 12-4 pm

Adults Only

Dark Carnival Film Festival
Buskirk-Chumley Theater, Oct. 21-23

Haunted Hoosier History Overnight
(Kids 12 and up welcome on the tour portion of the event only with a parent.)
Please RSVP by Oct. 7th.
Monroe Co. History Center, Oct. 22, 6 pm

Halloween Horror Burlesque
Jake's Nightclub, Oct. 29, 10 pm & 12 am

Rocky Horror Picture Show
Buskirk-Chumley Theater, Oct. 29, 7:30 & 11:30 pm

There's a hint of color in the trees, fresh cider on the shelves at Musgrave Orchard and a huge variety of special events and performances on the Visit Bloomington calendar... you know what that adds up to: Fall is here and it's the perfect time to plan your fall getaway to Bloomington! 

Be sure to check our calendar for fun events, including everything from live music to film festivals and theatre performances to football games, to plan your trip around. A few even have special hotel rates to make planning your getaway even easier (and more affordable)!

Check out these great deals for the weekend of October 21-23: 

	Enjoy the SFJAZZ Collective's tribute to Stevie Wonder at the IU Auditorium on October 22 with a special discounted ticket price along with a special overnight rates from several area hotels. To find out how to redeem these discounts, visit our Special Offers page and look for the IU Auditorium offer.
	If you love the darker side of Halloween, check out the Dark Carnival Film Festival at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. A weekend pass is only $20! Mention the Dark Carnival when you make your hotel reservations at the Hampton Inn (discount code DCF)  or Homewood Suites for a special rate!
	For something a little more out of the ordinary, take a look at Abraham Lincoln's Big Gay Dance Party, a musical production from University Players. Details about special rates at five area hotels are available on the event's calendar listing.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your fall getaway to Bloomington!