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Whether you're booking a romantic weekend for two lovebirds or a Galentine's Day like they do in Pawnee, you've come to the right place. We're keeping track of all the Valentine's Day events and promotions that we hear of. Read below for events, and click here to see special lodging discounts at area hotels (scroll down the page a bit). Did we miss anything? Post it in the comments or email abby@visitbloomington.com. Oliver Winery February 14-15 All nine wineries on the Indiana Uplands Wi …

Sometimes we need a little push to get out the door and embark on an adventure in the dead of winter. In February, the sun decides when/if it wants to shine, and sometimes we can go weeks with weather in the mid-40s until BAM -- polar vortex. That's why you'll be happy to see a list of 12 can't-miss indoor events for the lovely month of February! So put on your wool socks, turn off Netflix, and come to Bloomington for a memorable month of fun. Even more great events can be found on our ev …

Before you jump to conclusions about what you think a square dance is...have you ever actually been to one? Have you heard a top-tier old-time band fiddling and plucking away while a hundred happy people of all ages spin and swing around the dance floor? It's your lucky week, because the Third Annual Old-Time Square Dance takes place this Saturday night, right here in Bloomington at the Harmony School. To get a better idea of what to expect, I called Tamara Loewenthal, who's kind of a big de …

Winter in Bloomington is fickle. Sometimes it's mild and rainy, sometimes is frigid cold and snowy. And it can go from one to the other in a matter of days (or sometimes hours). I prefer a snowy winter, when it's less than 30 degrees and the big, fat snowflakes cover the tree canopy so the city looks like a crystallized dream. And the snow covers the ground too, so the hilly landscape then becomes a race track for sleds! And skis, but we're talking the cross country type, not the downhill varie …

For my birthday from my wife I received a wonderful Vega Stylista's Foxhole gift certificate for a shave and scalp massage. I easily made an appointment for the "Lock, Stock and Barrell" through their website, www.vegastylistasfoxhole.com. The LSB is described "for men who prefer a completely shaved look, we now offer this service that includes a full head and face shave using a safety razor, hot towel and rich lather. Includes a complimentary scalp massage." Sounded perfect for me. I arrive …

It's been a tremendous year for LGBTQ people and our allies across the country. For me, the biggest change was when marriage equality came to Indiana. I married the lovely Sarah Perfetti in August, and just a few months later, our marriage became legal in the state we have always called home. When I moved to Bloomington in 2009 to get my MA at Indiana University, I got involved with the Bloomington PRIDE Film Festival, which was founded in 2003 and has been showing the best new gay, lesbian,  …

It's hard to choose just 10, or 11, or more of the top events in Bloomington, but here's my hand-picked list. Add your events in the comments!! Even more great events can be found on our events calendar. 2nd Annual First Day Trail Run - January 1 A non-competitive, untimed run-walk on a 3.6 or 1.6-mile course through the woods and fields at Paynetown SRA. Bundle up and run off those holiday calories! Mike Adams at His Honest Weight - January 3 Mike Adams, a Bloomingt …

Maybe we don't have a blanket of fluffy white snow covering the ground just yet, but Bloomington is already covered in holiday beauty because our residents take pride in hanging holiday lights and decorations. I posted a question on our Facebook page asking for advice about the best places to see holiday lights around Bloomington, and we got tons of great ideas! Read on for more, and be sure to check out the Herald-Times Holiday Lights Map for even more houses you don't want to miss. Trip id …

Ring in 2015 with your friends at these events around Bloomington! From dancing to drinks, you'll start the new year off right when you celebrate in Bloomington. Comedy JOHN ROY The Comedy Attic 8:00pm and 10:30pm Tickets: $20 Spend the biggest night in comedy with the comedian who's performed more weekends than anyone else in The Comedy Attic's history! John is one of the most flat-out-funny comedians on the planet, and his ever-growing resume has gained tons of recent credits.  …

Finding the perfect gift is sometimes difficult, especially for those folks who seem to have anything and everything their little heart could ever desire (my mom for instance). And sometimes it's tough to find something that's really special, that will precisely convey the sentiment of "I think you're awesome" or maybe "You're alright, but I feel obligated to buy you a gift." No matter who you're buying for, the best way to get a gift that will stand out as unique and thoughtful is to shop loca …