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No matter the style of quilt you prefer, the Indiana Heritage Quilt Show has you covered. From traditional patterns to the very modern of designs, one of the largest shows in the Midwest is proud to have some of the very best quilters from around the country submit their entries.

Not only are there wonderful quilts on display, but workshops taught by some of the most sought after instructors around, from Edyta Sitar to Karen Eckmeier.

The community gets involved too with several museums and galleries throughout the downtown offering exhibits of their own, with free transportation from the show. In 2012, the Everchanging River exhibit will be on display and over 30 vendors will be on hand at the Convention Center with quilting notions. The show is held March 1-3, for more information visit www.ihqs.org.

Here are a few photos from last year's show to give you an idea of what to expect. Hope to see you there!

You've been seeing references to Pinterest for awhile now. It pops up in your Facebook news feed when your friends pin something, you've seen links on Twitter, maybe you've had friends rave about it. If you're Pinterest-curious but just don't know where to start, don't worry - we've got your crash course, right here.

Pinterest is the hottest social site of 2012. They've got over 10 million registered users, their number of daily users has increased by more than 145% since the beginning of this year and they're still in an invitation-only beta stage. So, what exactly are these millions of people doing on Pinterest?

Being inspired. Getting organized. Shopping online. Collecting ideas. Uploading photos. You see, Pinterest is like a giant digital cork board. You can create as many boards as you want for any categories you want. Planning a wedding? Having a baby? Remodeling your house? Need ideas for a science project? Planning a vacation? No idea what to make for dinner tonight? Pinterest to the rescue! Simply create a board for each of these topics, download the pin-it add on for your browser and start surfing the web or uploading your existing photos.

Take a look at how Visit Bloomington is using Pinterest. We've got a board for IU Basketball, of course, but we've also got a board just for local beer and wine, one for foodies, family travel ideas, local music and more. We've even got a board dedicated to famous (or semi-famous) people who have ties to Bloomington and/or Indiana University. You can even create boards that multiple people can pin to, such as our Staff Pins board. That could come in handy if you're planning a girlfriends' getaway or a vacation for the extended family!

If you think you're ready to take the Pinterest plunge, here's our little gift to you. Instead of requesting an invite through the site itself and waiting days or weeks to get it, simply email us and I'll be happy to send you an invitation to join us on Pinterest. Happy pinning!

The Boy in the Bathroom opened with a bang on Thursday, February 2nd at the Bloomington Playwrights Project. The three shows last weekend were all sold out, and for good reason! This charming musical stars Evan Mayer as David, a college dropout who suffers from an extreme case of OCD and hasn't left the bathroom in over a year. This may sound depressing, but the play is actually very entertaining and humorous with his mother's (Lisa Kurz) sarcasm and Julie's (Indiana University freshman Maddie Shea Baldwin) cheesy knock-knock jokes.

Julie is hired by David's mom to clean around the house, and at first she thinks David is just a weirdo (who wouldn't-he sleeps in the bathtub!), but they end up falling in love as they tease each other and play board games through the bathroom door. She begs David to come out and run away with her, but is it enough? Find out for yourself! Do not miss this opportunity to see this clever production of The Boy in the Bathroom that is sure to receive a standing ovation time and time again.

The show runs through February 18. See www.newplays.org for more information or to order your tickets. 

This guest blog was written by one of Visit Bloomington's current Visitor Information Specialists, Kelsey Bussen. If you've called the Visitors Center recently, you may have spoken with Kelsey, who is currently pursuing a degree in Tourism Management from Indiana University.

Are you looking for something fun to do with your Valentine on this upcoming day of love? Well here are just a few specials that are going on in Bloomington during the next week.

Valentine's Day at Scholars Inn Gourmet Café and Wine Bar Four incredible courses with many options - only $65 per person! Enjoy wine and champagne specials as well (go to scholarsinn.com for the full menu). For reservations to Bloomington's most romantic restaurant, call 812-32-1892. Lights! Camera! Murder! At the Pourhouse Café It's an After Oscars Party Mystery Dessert Buffet! Friday, February 17 from 7-9 pm at the Pourhouse Café, 314 E. Kirkwood Ave. Be a part of the story with identity tickets for just $20; Non-identity tickets are $15. For more information, call 812-339-7000. Upland Brewing Company Valentine's Day Beer and Food Pairing Dinner Enjoy a four course dinner paired with Upland Brewing Company's delicious local brews on Tuesday, February 14 at 7 pm at the Upland Banquet Space. The Chef will be there to discuss the food and a brewer will be ready to answer questions about the beer! Only $50 per person; tickets can be purchased at the Upland Tap Room Contact Christen for reservations. Celebrate Valentine's Day at Scotty's Brewhouse Bloomington Two people eat for $30 at Scotty's Brewhouse. This offer is not just for couples, bring a group of friends to celebrate! Includes one appetizer, two entrees and one dessert off of the specialty menu. No reservations are taken at Scotty's - first come, first served. Enjoy a Valentine's weekend with Bloomington's Wineries The Indiana Uplands Wine Trail presents a Chocolate Lovers Getaway, featuring free chocolate and wine pairings during weekends surrounding Valentine's Day (Feb 11, 12, 18, and 19). Available at all wineries on the Indiana Uplands Wine Trail, including Oliver Winery and Butler Winery & Vineyards in Bloomington. The Irish Lion Valentine's Day Sparkling Wines Dinner On Tuesday, February 14 from 4-10 pm, The Irish Lion presents a three course meal for just $49 per person at one of Bloomigton's favorite restaurants. Reservations are suggested; Call 812-336-9076.

Looking to stay the night? Find a great deal on our special offers page and extend your celebration in Bloomington! 

This post comes to you from our current intern at Visit Bloomington, Tom Leland. Tom is seeking degrees in Tourism Management as well as German and hopes to spend some time working in Germany after graduation. He spends a lot of time playing piano and enjoys riding his bike around Bloomington and playing golf and soccer.  

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!