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It's never too early to start planning for warm weather RV camping adventures. A place you'll want to add to your itinerary is Bloomington, Indiana, where outdoor attractions, historic sites and an exciting college town atmosphere mean you'll have plenty of places to play.

One of the best ways to get to know Bloomington is to pull into one of the area's excellent RV parks and then embrace nature. Bloomington RV campgrounds are in such beautiful settings as Lake Monroe, where tall, rocky bluffs ring Indiana's largest lake. Favorite ways RVers enjoy Lake Monroe include boating, fishing from the piers, hiking the woodland trails or swimming at one of the reservoir's two beaches.

Lake Monroe sits on the northern boundary of Hoosier National Forest, a two-hundred-thousand acre green space complete with hillside lookouts, scenic trails and an impressive collection of waterways. Nearly every kind of outdoor recreation can be enjoyed while you're here. Here's a tip for vacation photographers -- wildlife in this forest is abundant, so pack your favorite camera as you pack your motorhome.

Want to take your vacation adventures underground? Bluespring Caverns, just a short drive from Bloomington, offers RVers a trip along a mysterious subterranean river. Older kids will especially enjoy the underground snack bar and the amazing cave-dwelling creatures.

And what attracts RVers to Bloomington itself? Indiana University's Hoosiers lure loyal fans to baseball, basketball and football games, not to mention a whole host of other sporting events year-round. Imagine enjoying an RV vacation in a beautiful setting with the added bonus of first-rate collegiate sports nearby.

That's just the beginning of what you can do while in Bloomington. The BEAD (Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District) is a sixty block collection of restaurants, galleries and shopping venues sure to please everyone in your RV camping crew. Don't miss this pulsing heart in the city's center during your stay in Bloomington.

And you can't truly appreciate Bloomington without knowing a little about its history. The city features no less than thirteen walking tours that highlight vintage neighborhoods and structures. Start here to collect more information on the Showers Brothers Furniture Factory Tour, details on the Vinegar Hill Limestone District and other memorable treasures from Bloomington's fascinating past.

There you have them -- seven tips for an exciting Bloomington, Indiana RV camping vacation. Whether you're planning a long weekend of RV camping or hope to settle in for an extended stay, you won't run out of ways to play in and around Bloomington. Get ready to experience the beauty of nature, the energy of a great university and the wealth of visual history that keeps RV campers coming to Bloomington, Indiana.

Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals. You can see more great RV vacation ideas in their Monty's Musings RV Travel Blog and be sure to check out their RV Camping Pictures.

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!

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!

'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

It's a "Winning Wednesday" on the B-town Blog. We've got come complimentary tickets to the Taste of Bloomington on June 18th and you may be our luck winner!

The Taste of Bloomington is one of B-town's favorite summer festivals, combining great food from over 50 of the area's best restaurants, live music on two stages, local wine and micro-brews and children's activities from Bloomington Parks and Recreation and WonderLab! The Taste of Bloomington is held at Showers Common, next to City Hall, from 3-11 pm.

While you're in town for the Taste, be sure to stop by the Arts Fair on the Square, where you can mingle with local and regional artists and pick up some wonderful gifts for friends and family (or yourself!). The Arts Fair on the Square is held on the courthouse lawn from 10 am to 6 pm.  

Now, how do you get those tickets? Leave us a comment on this blog post and share your favorite summer festival experience in Bloomington and you're entered to win! Yep, it's that easy - we'll contact the winners via email.

The bustling pace of the Indiana University campus has begun to slow and summer has arrived in Bloomington, bringing with it steamy temperatures and sticky humidity. 

So, how can you beat the summer heat? Here are a few great options for staying cool during your trip to Bloomington:

City of Bloomington Pool Facilities - 812-349-3781 
Bryan Park Pool, located on South Woodlawn Avenue, is open 3-7 pm Monday through Friday and 11 am to 7 pm on weekends until June 8, then daily throughout the summer from 11 am - 7 pm. The facility offers a zero-depth activity pool for small children, two waterslides and more!

Mills Pool, located on West 14th Street, is also open from 3-7 pm on weekdays and 11 am - 7 pm on weekends until June 8, then daily from 11 am - 7 pm. Features include a zero-depth activity pool for small children, water basketball, a waterslide and picnic area.

Indiana University Outdoor Pool - 812-855-9584
The IU Oudoor Pool is located on Fee Lane, just north of 17th Street. Open daily through Sept. 5 to both students and non-students alike, the IU Outdoor Pool features open swim times, lap swimming, volleyball and pool side relaxation. Discounted multi-day punch cards are available.

Karst Farm Park Splash Pad - 812-349-2800
Open daily through Sept. 12th, this Monroe County Parks facility is a great way to splash the day away! The facility is located west of Bloomington in Karst Farm Park and offers lots of fun water features on a concrete pad, rentable shade canopies and an adjacent picnic area with playscape.

Lake Monroe - 812-837-9546
For the ultimate in summer fun, head for Indiana's largest lake - over 10,700 acres of water await you at Lake Monroe! The lake has two on-site boat rental facilities and unlimited opportunities for fun in the sun including boating, fishing and swimming and even a nature center.

So head for Bloomington to splash into summer... 
and don't forget your swim suit!