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Need a reason to plan a visit to Bloomington this May? Well, look no further - we're already looking forward to next month, and we've put together a list of our top ten picks for things you want to get on your calendar now!  

Find out more about these events, and dozens more, on our complete Event Calendar.  

	Science of Art: Limestone Carving - May 2 WonderLab's First Friday event this month features local limestone carvers! Find out more about this important part of Bloomington's past (and present) and take part in fun hands-on activities. Half off admission after 5 pm.
	The Letters - May 2-18 Cardinal Stage Company presents an ordinary office interview in Stalinist Russia - is Anna being promoted or accused of a capital crime? If you like political thrillers, you'll love this on-the-edge-of-your-seat production!
	Peoples Park Concerts - May 6, 13, 20, 22, 27 & 29 An annual summertime tradition in Bloomington, lunchtime concerts in Peoples Park on Kirkwood are a great way to relax and enjoy that unique B-town atmosphere. Grab lunch to go from a downtown eatery!
	Strawberry Shortcake Festival - May 8 This annual Bloomington tradition involves delicious homemade shortcake topped with strawberries, whipped topping and Burster's vanilla ice cream along with live music on the courthouse lawn.
	Take Apart Weekend - May 10-11 Drop by WonderLab to let your curious little ones take apart an assortment of household electronics, see the parts inside that make things work and then use those parts to create something cool to take home.
	Kinsey Juried Art Show Opening Day  - May 16 The 9th Annual Kinsey Juried Art Show will be on exhibit at the Grunwald Gallery on the IU campus this summer. Attend an Open House at the Kinsey Institute, meet the artists and enjoy a free evening reception. 18+ please.
	GRETA - May The Bloomington Playwrights Project presents the second draft of Kissing frogs - one of their most popular shows. Greta, now 37, is pretty, smart, about to be married and... freaking out!
	WFHB Acoustic Roots Festival - May 17 The 7th Annual Acoustic Roots Festival will showcase local and regional acoustic roots artists on two stages. Held on the grounds of Upland Brew Pub, you know there will be great food and drink as well!
	Limestone Comedy Festival - May 29-31  You won't want to miss this - it's a three-day comedy festival so big, it takes five venues to hold all the laughter! Headlining acts include Patton Oswalt, Jimmy Pardo and Emo Philips.
	Clips Beer & Film Tour - May 30 This fun, New Belgium beer-toting, film-traveling, nonprofit-benefiting show has become a fast favorite! Featuring good beer, short films and great food at Bryan Park, benefiting Open Streets Bloomington this year.

We're about one month away from Indiana University's graduation weekend...
and that means there are thousands of Hoosiers getting ready to graduate and leave Bloomington to begin exciting new adventures. We wish them well and hope to see them back to visit at some point, but in the meantime we've put together a list of classic only-in-Bloomington, off-campus experiences every student should be sure to have before graduation day.
Here are thirty things to add to your B-town Bucket List: 

1. See a local play by Cardinal Stage Co. or the BPP
2. Enjoy some live music at The Bluebird
3. Eat a steak at Janko's Little Zagreb
4. Spend an afternoon looking for eagles at Lake Monroe
5. Climb the Hickory Ridge Fire Tower (bring a camera)
6. Visit the Butler Winery Vineyard location
7. Walk the entire B-Line Trail
8. Watch the sunset with friends from the Upland Patio
9. Visit WonderLab
10. Hike back to the waterfall at Cascades Park
11. Go rock climbing at Hoosier Heights
12. Eat a picnic in a local park
13. Ice cream at the Chocolate Moose
14. Take in a show at the Comedy Attic
15. Participate in Downtown Gallery Walk at least once
16. Eat at Hinkle's Hamburgers
17. Take a selfie with Herman (and one with Hoagy, too)
18. Walk the trail at Leonard Springs Nature Park
19. Go to a drive-in movie
20. Go to at least one restaurant on 4th Street
21. Play pool or darts at the Vid
22. Hike out to Steppe Cemetery in Morgan-Monroe State Forest
23. Spin the prayer wheels at the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center
24. Dessert with drinks at Oliver Winery Downtown
25. Actually go inside the Monroe County Courthouse - look up
26. Attend Farmers' Market at least once
27. Visit the Monroe County History Center
28. Go hiking or canoeing at Lake Griffy
29. Discover the Little Africa Wildlife Area a Lake Lemon...
30. ...and have lunch at the Porthole Inn
31. Spend the afternoon on Lake Monroe (ON, not at) 

For extra credit, venture beyond Bloomington proper to explore a few our neighboring communities. Here are five day trips we highly recommend:

1. Visit the Sculpture Trails Outdoor Museum in nearby Solsberry
2. Explore Bluespring Caverns, Spring Mill's Pioneer Village and learn about Gus Grissom in Lawrence County
3. Drive over to Nashville and visit Brown County State Park (and do some shopping!)
4. Go to the Art Sanctuary (and Candy Kitchen) in nearby Martinsville 
5. Venture as far as Columbus to visit Zaharako's and relax in Mill Race Park

Before you leave town, give us a follow on your social media platform of choice and sign up to receive our monthly emails so you can stay in the know about all the great things happening here in Bloomington. That way, you'll know exactly when to get started on planning your first Alumni visit back to B-town - and you can do that right here at www.visitbloomington.com! 

Are there things you'd add to our B-town Bucket List? Leave us a comment! 

We get a lot of questions at the visitors center, and many times, visitors want our staff recommendations.  That's a tough one!  There are so many great restaurants, museums, galleries, theater groups, music venues, parks, lakes... you get the idea.  So I decided to start a blog series, asking our staff for their picks on certain topics.  We'll try to keep it specific, so you get a helpful recommendation on something you might actually want to try. 

For this first post, I asked our staff for their favorite places to have brunch.  Since it's nearing Easter and Mother's Day, we're pretty much in the heart of brunch season.  And brunch is not something that's served at every restaurant, so these tips should help out.  This is most definitely NOT an exhaustive list of all the places to get brunch (and none of these lists will be), just our staff picks.  So order up some eggs or waffles or prime rib (that's what's awesome about brunch-the variety!) at one of these locations:

Erin (group sales savant) - Lennie's: they've got chicken and waffles, plus some delicious champagne coolies.

Ryan (makes all our stuff look pretty) - The Owlery: where else can you get lentils and kale for breakfast?

Mike H (intern- got a job for him?)- Village Deli: it's not too pricey, and the portions are huge.

Laura (does a little of everything, and a lot of some things) - Sweetgrass: the cinnamon roll is killer, and the other items are unique and at a good price.

Mike M (boss man) - Uptown: great food and great service. 

Tosha (online media maven) - The Tamale Cart: they're amazing, and they're at the Farmers' Market on Saturdays and Atlas Ballroom on Sunday mornings.

Marcia (pays the bills, and sends the bills) - Uptown: the crème brulee French toast is delicious!

Teal (takes care of the details)- Bobby's Colorado Steakhouse: there's so much variety, but the French toast is so good-it's battered and dipped in cereal bits!

Jordan (sports champion) - FARMbloomington: I'm a breakfast guy so I go with the Bloomington classic breakfast with over medium eggs.

Carol (keeper of all brochures) - Uptown: Popeye's omelet is the best!

Julie (marketing master) - Runciple Spoon: it's cozy, and they have the classics plus a few with an Irish twist.  And the bacon is perfectly cooked.

Did we miss any?  Share your faves in the comments!

Spring is in the air in Bloomington...

All the signs are here - the first flowers on the IU campus (hello, pansies), rainy days (hi there, spring showers), and Bloomington Craft Beer Week! Yes, we're talking an entire week devoted to celebrating local, craft beer right here in Bloomington, Indiana. Beginning on April 4, events and festivities will continue through April 12, culminating in the Bloomington Craft Beer Festival at the historic Woolery Limestone Mill. 

To make planning for this oh-so-important week easy for you, we've compiled a list of events for you to reference. Here's the What, When and Where of Bloomington Craft Beer Week (of course, the Who is you and your friends):

So, what happens when you ask Visit Bloomington a question? Well, you get great answers, that's what! Here's a recent example from Twitter (we're @VisitBtown there): 

So, the next time you have a question about Bloomington - just ask! Whether you're looking for general information about the area, or personalized recommenations for your next visit, we've got your answers (or we'll find them for you)! On Twitter, follow @VisitBtown, or use the #AskBtown hashtag, and don't forget to give us a like on Facebook as well, where you can post your questions to our Timeline, or send us a private message.

Looking ahead to April, we've identified 10 don't-miss events that you'll want to add to your calendar next month. We've tried to include a variety of event types, so you'll see whether you're looking for the perfect weekend for the kids, craft beer lovers, athletes or IU alumni, you'll find it here. Of course, this is not an exhaustive list of upcoming events in Bloomington - be sure to check our full calendar listings for dozens more awesome reasons to plan a quick trip to B-town!  

	Hoosier Half Marathon & 5K, April 5 This race is challenging and rewarding - the hills are a challenge; the scenic views of Bloomington and the IU campus are rewarding, as are the incredible post-race dining options available to you! Make it a weekend and enjoy the beauty of springtime in Bloomington.  more...
	Bloomington Craft Beer Week & Festival, April 5-12   A week-long celebration of craft beer in Bloomington culminates with the 4th Annual Bloomington Craft Beer Festival at the historic Woolery Stone Mill. The event features dozens of Indiana craft breweries, live music and a unique and awe-inspiring atmosphere!  more...
	Nano! A Big Weekend for Small Science, April 5-6 Take part in a national festival at WonderLab and explore this cutting edge area in the sciences. Join in the fun at multiple activity stations exploring nanoscience concepts, including helping to build a giant two-story balloon sculpture as a model of a carbon nanotube! Free with museum admission.  more...
	Mad Gravity, April 4-19 The Bloomington Playwrights Project introduces you to Archie and Eudora, who have a live studio audience in their living room to help them lead an honest and honorable life. Things get a little awkward when some important visitors have a massive case of stage fright and an asteriod may be headed cataclysmically toward the Earth...   more...
	The Combine, April 11-13      You won't want to miss Bloomington's own technology conference. Join some of the nation's top thinkers and doers for The Combine, April 11-13. Featured speakers include keynote presenter Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia, the world's most loved space cat Lil BUB, lead singer for the band Murder By Death Adam Turla and many more.   more...
	Guys and Dolls, April 18-26 You won't be able to resist the streetwise charmes of a couple of lovable gangsters as they bet on their futures - romantic and otherwise! IU Theatre presents this popular musical set on the streets of New York City. Who's willing to take a gamble on love? Roll the dice, reserve your tickets and see!   more...
	West Side Story, April 22-23 From the first note to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. What happens when idealistic Polish-American Tony and innocent Puerto Rican Maria fall in love amidst the turf warfare of their rival ethnic gangs?   more...
	Hammer and Nail, April 23-24 This annual collaboration between IU Contemporary Dance and the Jacob's School of Music's Student Composer Association teams up student dancers and musicians to creat breathtaking performances. Admission is free, but donations to the Hoosier Hills Food Bank are appreciated.   more...
	IU Little 500 Weekend, April 25-26      Often called the Greatest Collegiate Weekend, the Little 500 is the largest collegiate bicycle race in the country, and an Indiana University tradition. Jointhe more than 25,000 fans that gather to watch these cyclists ride for glory on the quarter-mile cinder track of Armstrong Stadium.   more...
	Trashion Refashion Runway Show, April 27  This annual community fashion event seeks to increase awareness of sustainable design practices. The runway show will showcase designs created from upcycled clothing and discarded materials. Live music, aerial performers, the Hudsucker Possee, Trashion-off competition and the sale of upcycled clothing and accessories round out the evening.   more...

The recent brief warm-up was oh-so-welcome, but now that the weather's turned cold and wintry again it almost seems worse than ever, and if that darn groundhog was right we've still got three whole weeks to go until spring. (Coincidentally, that's what the calendar says, too since spring officially begins on March 20.)  

Never fear - if you're feeling a bit under the weather, so to speak, we've got the cure. Get out of the house and enjoy one (or more) of these great special events! Here's our list of 10 fabulously fun upcoming events to get your whole family through the last of the winter doldrum and into springtime: 

• Pippi Longstocking 
  Cardinal For Kids presents everyone's favorite free-spirited little redhead!
• Bayou Boogie
  Join BIRA in a celebration of Mardi Gras with a shrimp and crawfish boil.
• A Red Carpet Affair at the Buskirk-Chumley.
  You're going to watch the Oscars anyway, right? Might as well do it in style!
• Mathers Museum Family Craft Day: Carnival
  Learn about the stories behind the traditions of Mardi Gras and Carnival. 
• Indiana Heritage Quilt Show & affiliated community exhibits.
  These aren't your grandma's quilts. We promise - your whole family will enjoy it!
• First Friday Science of Art
  Don't miss the University Players present this fun Children's Theater event at WonderLab!
• TV Technology with PBS Kids 
  Learn the tricks of the TV trade with the experts from WTIU at WonderLab.
• Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 
  Be mezmerized by a performance from America's foremost modern dance ensemble.
• Flight of the Falcon: A Live Animal Show 
  Meet live falcons and learn about the amazing speed and physical features of this raptor.
• Make a Mini Death Star 
  Explore how geometry can help you create a Star Wars "death star" for your room!

Grab your family - kids, parents and grandparents included - it's Indiana Heritage Quilt Show time in Bloomington, Indiana! It's the perfect excuse to bring a couple of generations together to appreciate the artistic beauty of this time-honored tradition and share all the fun and excitement of a Bloomington getaway.

Historically, quilting has long been a catalyst for bonding among friends and families through shared experiences, quilting bees and the passing down of skills and knowledge from one generation to the next. Let the Indiana Heritage Quilt Show become the catalyst for some family bonding among your loved ones! The show takes place March 6-8 at the Bloomington Covnention Center and will feature an amazing variety of quilted works on display, on-site vendors, quilting workshops and several unique exhibits at attractions located throughout the community.

The show itself features several categories of quilts vying for more than $12,000 in cash and prizes. In addition, there will be a special exhibition of works by artist Nysha Oren Nelson, who will also be serving as an artist in residence throughout the show to provide live quilting demonstrations and answer questions.

Additional quilt related exhibitions and events in the Bloomington community can be found at the following attractions:

Farmer House Museum will host an exhibit exploring how textile arts have impacted family life in Monroe County and been passed down as family traditions.

Monroe County History Center will present "Cracking the Code: Quilts from the Mid-19th Century," exploring how quilts were once believed to have been used to aid travelers on the Underground Railroad. The exhibit will examine different patterns and their purported meanings across different regions.

Mathers Museum of World Cultures will present a special event on Sat., March 8, at 1 pm. Native American quilts will be highlighted in a "bed turning," a traditional event in which quilters would gather to share their work. As each quilt was shown and discussed, it would be "turned' so the next could be seen.

Old National Bank Gallery will display an exhibit featuring the Art Quilters of Bloomington. The exhibit will highlight a variety of art quilting styles.   

WonderLab presents "Art Quilts by Beth Schnellenberger," a collection of ten original quilts designed, pieced and hand-quilted by Beth Schnellenberger from Jasper, Indiana. The heavily stitched, contemporary pieces of fiber art feature strong geometric shapes, high contrast and bold colors.

Wylie House Museum will exhibit several quilts from the Wylie House collection, as well as others borrowed from friends of the museum. Both 19th and 20th Century quilts will be on display and all will be traditional patters, pieced and quilted by hand.  

Need a few ideas to sweep your sweetie off his or her feet this year? We've got you covered. Here's a quick rundown of special offers and other options for celebrating the day of love in Bloomington. Why stop at one day, though - we recommend celebrating the entire weekend!

Dining Deals
A number of Bloomington restaurants will be featuring special Valentine's Day pricing and menus. Here are the ones we know about: 

• The Scholars Inn will be featuring a four course menu on Feb. 14 with several options available, at $65 per person, not including tax, gratuity or beverages. Please call 812-332-1892 for reservations.
• The Irish Lion will host a Valentine's Day Wine Dinner from 4-10 pm on both Feb. 14 and 15. A special fixed price menu with wine pairings will be available at $50 per person, not including tax and gratuity. Please call 812-336-9076 for reservations.
• Topo's 403 will offer a three-course fixed price menu on Feb. 14 that includes a first course of Kumomoto oysters. Price is $60 per person and seatings will be at 5:30, 7:30 and 9:30 pm. Call 812-676-8676 for reservations.
• Restaurant Tallent will feature a special three-course menu on Feb. 14 with options that include goat cheese ravioli, scallops and tiramisu. Pricing is $55 per person. Call 812-330-9801 to reserve your table. 
• Scenic View Restaurant will offer a five-course dinner on Feb. 14, featuring shrimp asparagus bisque, an avacado cobb salad, choice of vegetarian, meat or fish entree and more. Cost will be $65 per person, plus tax. There will be three seatings. Call 812-837-9496 or email sadieclarke9@gmail.com for reservations.
• Bobby's Colorado Steakhouse will feature a choice of seven special Valentine's Day meal choices at the cost of two for $35.95, including a special dessert. Other special menu items will be available as well. Call 812-332-7552 for reservations.
• Chapman's Restaurant and Bar will offer a special Valentine's Day dinner for $65 per person. Entree options will include crab-stuffed lobster tail or cabernet filet mignon with roasted button mushrooms. Call 812-337-9999 for reservations.

Entertainment Options  
There are tons of great events happening in Bloomington - some are specifically Valentine's Day related, others just fall into the right date range, and since we know not everyone can celebrate on the 14th, we've included several great date events happening between Feb. 13 and 16. Check out our online calendar for more details on these events, and others!

• The Player's Pub will celebrate early with an Almost Valentine performance with local favorites Monika Herzig and Tom Roznowski on Feb. 13 at 8 pm. Cover charge is only $5 per person.
• The Bluebird presents live music from Cults on Feb. 13 at 9 pm. Tickets are only $15 per person.
• The Bishop will host the Brown County Bible Band on Feb. 13 at 9:30 pm. Admission is only $5 per person.
• The Latin American Music Center presents its 5th Annual Latin Valentine concert, Estas en mi Corazon (You Belong to my Heart), at 8 pm on Feb. 13. The concert will take place on the IU campus in Auer Hall and admission is free.
• Rebecca Corry will be performing at The Comedy Attic at 8 pm on Feb. 13 and both 8 and 10 pm on Feb. 14 and 15. This veteran of Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing and King of Queens will have you laughing the night away. 
• Cardinal Stage Company's production of The Whipping Man will be presented throughout the weekend, including a matinee performance on Sunday. 
• Stop by the IU Cinema to see The Rocket. Screenings will be at 7 pm on Feb. 13 and 9:30 pm on Feb. 14. Admission is $6 for non-students. 
• The Bloomington Playwrights Project production of Island Song will be presented throughout the weekend. Show time is 7:30 pm and admission is $20 per person ($17 for students/seniors).
• The IU Theatre and Drama Department will present their production of Woyzeck throughout the weekend. Show time is 7:30, with an additional Saturday matinee. Tickets are $25 per person ($20 seniors; $15 students). 
• The Buskirk-Chumley Theatre will be screening the timeless film Casablanca on Feb. 14 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are only $5 for adults and $3 for kids 12 and under.
• The Player's Pub hosts Janiece and Curtis at 8 pm on Feb. 14. Admission is only $5 per person.
• The IU Cinema will present Underground Alice, featuring three "underground" adaptations of Alice in Wonderland, on Feb. 14 at 6:30 pm. The screening is free, but ticketed. Call 812-856-2463 for tickets.
• IU Opera will present the Tale of Lady Thi Kinh at 8 pm on Feb. 14 and 15 at the IU Musical Arts Center. 
• The IU Women's Student Association will present a production of Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues on Feb. 14 and 15 at 7 pm, and Feb. 16 at 2 pm. The performance will be in Rawles Hall on the IU campus and admission is $8 ($5 students).
• Nate Johnson and The Keepers will perform at the Player's Pub on Feb. 15 at 8 pm. Admission is only $5.
• The IU Cinema will present a screening of the Purple Rose of Cairo, a Woody Allen film starring Mia Farrow, at 3 pm on Feb. 15. The screening is free, but ticketed. Call 812-856-2463 for tickets.

Lodging Deals
A number of local hotels are offering special winter rates, many of which are good for the Valentine's Day holiday. See our special offers page for a complete listing of these winter rates.  

• The Fourwinds Resort and Marina is offering a romantic Valentine's Day Special that includes a luxurious garden view room, buffet breakfast, a rose and two glasses of champagne for only $99. Upgrade to a room with a lakeside view for only $20! Call 812-824-2628 for reservations
• The Indiana Memorial Union's Romantic Escape Package is available for the Valentine's Day holiday, including an overnight stay in the heart of IU's woodland campus, chocolate dipped strawberries, champagne and a $50 Downtown Bloomington gift certificate to use toward dinner. Call 812-855-1920 for reservations. 

Social Recommendations
Don't just listen to us, though - we also recently polled some of our Facebook fans, looking for their recommendations for a can't miss Valentine's Day date and we've got to say, our fans have excellent taste! Here's what they recommended:

• Anatolia
• BLUboy Chocolate Cafe & Cakery
• FARMbloomington
• El Norteno
• Grazie! Italian Eatery
• Janko's Little Zagreb
• La Petite Cafe
  
• Lennie's
• Malibu Grill
• Oliver Winery Downtown
• Restaurant Tallent
• The Rail
• Topos 403
• Uptown Cafe

Have you ever wondered why they hold the annual Eagle Watch Weekend at Lake Monroe in January, instead of say... June? While it might be more enjoyable to search for the elusive eagles in the sky during warmer weather, it would actually be a lot harder to spot them! 

Eagle Watch Weekend is arguably Indiana's premiere annual eagle-watching and birding event. Rest assured, the scheduling of such an important event takes into account the best time of year for successful eagle-spotting on Monroe Lake. Today, after a successful reintroduction program in the 1980's, Monroe Lake is the birding and eagle-watching capital of Indiana, with more than 300 documented species of birds as well as year-round resident pairs of bald eagles that call the lake home.

There are a few reasons for the wintery timing of Eagle Watch Weekend, and eagle viewing in general in this area of the Midwest. One of the primary reasons is that the bald eagles are actually more visible against the typically gray winter skies than against the pretty cloud-filled blue skies of other seaons. In addition, the lack leaves on the trees means it's easier to spot nests and eagles among the branches. Equally important are the many bald eagles from points north that overwinter around Monroe Lake. More eagles in the area means you're more likely to catch a glimpse of one!

Eagle Watch Weekend isn't just about eagle viewing, though - there are more than a dozen programs and outings planned for this year's event, including a live raptor show, nature presentations, special children's activities and more!

This year's Eagle Watch Weekend is January 24-26, 2014. It's not too late to get registered and book your room at beautiful Fourwinds Resort to learn more about the majestic bald eagles, and other birds and animals, that can be seen at Monroe Lake. Be sure to mention Eagle Watch Weekend for a special discounted hotel rate!