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WFHB's annual Acoustic Roots Festival conveniently falls on National Tourism Week - and we are (also conveniently) a sponsor of the event... so, we've put those two things together and will be giving away tickets to the show throughout the week of May 7-11, leading up to the Acoustic Roots Festival on May 12. One lucky person will win our grand prize, which includes an overnight stay at the Grant Street Inn and $50 in gift certificates to Grazie! Italian Eatery!

Tourism is a driving force for economic development in Bloomington and throughout much of the country and even the world! Our local tourism industry encompasses not only hotels and traditional attractions such as museums and wineries, but also the many unique restaurants in town, our vibrant downtown area, Indiana University, Lake Monroe, local shops, art galleries and more! To everyone involved in Bloomington's tourism industry - we salute you and thank you for helping to make Bloomington a fabulous place to visit! 

So, some of you are saying "Free tickets are awesome, but what the heck is the Acoustic Roots Festival?" This annual live music event is held outdoors at Upland Brewing Company and features some of the area's very best musicians in the Americana, Roots and Folk genres. This family-friendly, laid-back musical celebration is a great way to experience live music in Bloomington and sample some great food and drink from one of our local brew pubs. Here, let me show you what I mean...

The WFHB Acoustic Roots Festival, 2011

My family attended the Acoustic Roots Festival last year and had a great time.
We played with some hay...

 We made some new friends...

We listened to some great music from
Davy Jay Sparrow and His Well-Known Famous Drovers, and others...

We watched the sun go down and snuggled in to enjoy the evening.

The Ticket Giveaway

Looks like fun, right? So, what do you have to do to get those free tickets? Simple - just leave us a comment on this blog post and tell us about your experience with tourism in Bloomington.

If you're a visitor, what's your favorite reason to visit?

If you're a local resident, what do you always recommend to people when they visit?

Good luck! Hope to see you at this year's Acoustic Roots Festival! 

Posted on: Tuesday, May 1, 2012 8:40 AM by: Tosha Daugherty

Bloomington is a great restaurant town, and that doesn't change when a holiday comes along... it only gets better! Here's a quick run-down of Easter Brunch opportunities at Bloomington area restaurants, just in case you don't have plans yet.

Grazie! Italian Eatery will serve a special brunch menu from 10 am to 2 pm. Italian specialties will include tiger shrimp and blue crab strata, stuffed French toast with mascarpone and fresh strawberries and an Italian version of eggs Benedict with prosciutto, grilled ciabatta and truffle hollandaise.  

Chapman's Restaurant will feature an Easter buffet from 10:30 am to 4 pm, featuring dozens of made-from-scratch dishes. Highlights include glazed pit ham, London broil, grilled chicken puttanesca, and prime rib. Omelet and pancake stations will also be available. 

FARMbloomington will serve a sepcial Easter brunch from 10 am to 3 pm. The menu will include hoosier Benedict, bourbon-brined Fiedler fresh ham with grits, gravy and braised beens, Sweet Seasons French toast casserole, rack of lamb, an Easter cake plate and seasonal treats (homemade "peeps!"). 

Scholar's Inn Gourmet Cafe & Wine Bar will serve a prix fixe menu from 9 am to 3 pm on Easter Sunday. For $20, you'll enjoy fresh-baked Bakehouse pastry, an entree of your choice and coffee, tea or a soft drink. 

Bobby's Colorado Steakhouse is now open and will offer an Easter buffet from 11 am to 3 pm. The buffet will inlcude carved prime rib, carved ham, salad bar and a selection of entrees and desserts. 

The Bloomington Convention Center is also hosting a Easter Brunch this weekend, from 10:30 am to 3 pm, with a buffet from Center Catering. Featured items include carved prime rib with au jus and horseradish, carved ham with pineapple sauce, stuffed chicken breast, crumb top tilapia and creamy tortellini with assorted side dishes, salads and desserts. Cost will be $22 for adults and $11 for children ages 5-12. 

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After the Easter bunny hops away, don't forget about Dyngus Day! Yogi's annual Dyngus Day celebration, a B-town tradition, will be Monday, April 9. The festivities feature live accordion and polka music and dancing. Outrageous costumes are encouraged and special Polish foods will be served, including smoked kielbasa and sauerkraut, hard boiled eggs and perogies. Slivovitz, a traditional liquor from Poland will also be available for those brave enough to try it! 

Posted on: Wednesday, Apr 4, 2012 6:52 AM by: Tosha Daugherty

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.  

Posted on: Wednesday, Feb 8, 2012 9:39 AM by: Intern Intern

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?

Posted on: Wednesday, Jan 4, 2012 8:08 AM by: Tosha Daugherty

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!
 

Posted on: Monday, Oct 10, 2011 7:53 AM by: Tosha Daugherty

Here we go again... 

This Wednesday, I've got a great prize to give away. Who wants $50 in gift certificates to the Scholars Inn? The Scholars Inn family of businesses are Bloomington favorites. With two Bakehouse locations, a Bakery facility, the historic B&B and the Gourmet Cafe & Wine Bar, the Scholars Inn really does offer something for just about everyone. Be sure to stop in during your visit to Bloomington! 

Now, how can you get entered to win this fabulous prize? Today, we're looking for your restaurant recommendations. If you were asked by a friend from out of town what the one "can't miss" restaurant in Bloomington is what would you tell them? What B-town eatery do you recommend most often and why? Please include any signature dishes you'd suggest as well.

As always, you've got all day today to get entered and we'll notify our winner via email on Thursday. Good luck! (Or should I say bon appetit? )

Posted on: Wednesday, Jun 29, 2011 6:05 AM by: Tosha Daugherty

Here's a quick restaurant review from Sugi, one of the Indiana University students who works at our front desk. He visited Malibu Grill for the first time last week and was so excited, he wanted to share his thoughts with you!

Had Fish Taco for starters and it was very delicious! Main course was Hawaiian Rib eye and it was excellent. The place is not brightly lit which is a perfect place for couples. There is someone playing the piano and you can request any song to be played. There is also a bar. Overall, Malibu Grill was awesome. I would want to go there again. Posted on: Monday, Jun 27, 2011 7:49 AM by: Tosha Daugherty

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.

Posted on: Wednesday, Jun 8, 2011 7:48 AM by: Tosha Daugherty

That's right, V-day is just around the corner! If you haven't made plans to sweep your sweetie off his or her feet yet, don't worry, Bloomington's got your back! Here's a list of eight great events that you can use to make sure you're not in the dog house this Valentine's Day:

Have you kissed enough frogs to find your prince? Grab your frog-turned-prince (or maybe just a group of single friends) and head for the Bloomington Playwrights Project production of Kissing Frogs, now through Feb. 19. Produced in collaboration with Indiana University, this fun musical romantic comedy is sure to please!

Tickle your Valentine's funny bone! Charlyne Yi, best known for her star turn in Knocked Up with Seth Rogan and Katherine Heigle, will be performing at The Comedy Attic, Feb. 10-12. Enjoy one of five scheduled shows, Thursday at 8 pm, Friday and Saturday at 8 and 10:30 pm.

Got a lover that likes to rock? Check out the Pink Droyd show at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater on Feb. 12. For over four decades the amazing music and live concerts of Pink Floyd have entertained and mesmerized audiences around the world; relive the excitement with this fun Pink Floyd Tribute Show! The best part? It's an all-ages show, so you can bring the kids!

For a unique Valentine's Day surprise, grab that special someone and set off to explore the Indiana Upland Wine Trail during the Chocolate Lover's Getaway event, Feb. 12-13 and 19-20. Each winery offers different chocolate carefully paired with a selection of wines. Add an overnight stay in Bloomington and you've got the perfect weekend getaway for your Valentine. Don't forget to bring your Indiana Uplands passport!

Love can make you want to laugh one minute and cry the next. Do both when you take your sweetie to see IU Opera Theatre present Puccini's achingly beautiful Sour Angelica, followed by his only comedy, Gianni Schicchi at the Musical Arts Center, beginning at 8 pm, Feb. 4-5 and 11-12.

"Besame Mucho!" Enjoy the Greatest Latin Love Songs of All Time as performed by the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music! On Feb. 13, the Jacobs School Latin American Music Center celebrates its golden jubilee year with this special concert featuring Grammy Award winner Symlia McNair, Carlos Montane, pianist Luke Gillespie and bassist Jeremy Allen. The music begins at 8 pm at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. (FREE!)

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a musical night out in B-town! On Feb. 14, enjoy half price martinis and appetizers at Serendipity Martini Bar from 4-7 pm; grab dinner at one of dozens of downtown eateries;  enjoy some live music at your choice of  the Bloomington Songwriters Showcase at The Players Pub or bands Open Sex and Learner Dance at The Bishop, both beginning at 8 pm; then cap off the night with late night Karaoke at The Bluebird, from 10 pm 'til Midnight.

Plan a post-Valentine's Day weekend getaway with tickets to Cardinal Stage Company's production of Romeo & Juliet, Feb. 18 - Mar. 6. You know the story – it's the ultimate romantic tragedy. Let your loved one cry on your shoulder, and don't forget to fill out your weekend in B-town with some of Bloomington's awesome restaurants, an overnight stay and some downtown shopping! 

Plus, here's a bonus tip: Check out the Irish Lion Valentine's Day Specials on Feb. 12 and 14!

Posted on: Friday, Feb 4, 2011 by: Tosha Daugherty

There is never a bad time to go to Oliver Winery but it is exceptionally beautiful in the fall.  One of the largest wineries in the Eastern United States, thousands of visitors annually flock to the winery for free tasting, winemaking tours, to stroll through their beautiful gardens and enjoy a picnic by their pond.  The winery is completely kid friendly and easy to get to just off of state road 37 about 5 miles north of Bloomington.  For more information - www.oliverwinery.com.

 

Posted on: Monday, Oct 26, 2009 by: Mike McAfee