The Backstage Blog

The possibilities for outdoor adventure in Bloomington are aplenty. With four large lakes, twelve nature preserves, hundreds of miles of trails, two state forests, a national forest, and (believe it or not) much more, there's an outdoor experience for every type of person in B-Town. The question is,... Read More

Bloomington offers an abundance of venues, events, and activities for those who are 21 & older, but that doesn't mean there isn't a ton of fun to be had in the 20 & under crowd! B-Town offers more than you think for those who have yet to reach the milestone birthday — from outdoor recreation to... Read More

Often cited as one of the most stunning campuses in the country, the beauty of Indiana University is well-known and widely admired. While certain iconic landmarks, such as Sample Gates and Assembly Hall, are very popular (and rightly so), there are many other icons on campus worth your admiration.... Read More

Bloomington is home to quite a few promenades that offer a robust variety of shops, eateries, recreational activities, and other venues to enjoy while strolling through B-Town — The Square and Kirkwood Avenue are two local-favorites, as is the B-Line Trail. While The Square and Kirkwood are... Read More

Nothing says "summer" quite like ice cream. A few scoops of the cold, silky treat is the perfect respite from the sweltering heat of a B-Town summer, and Bloomington has no shortage of ice creameries — and hidden ice cream gems — to satisfy your craving & cool you down. Whether you like it in a... Read More

Almost every outdoor destination in Bloomington shares a common variable: water. Lakes, rivers, and springs can all be found just minutes away from the hustle & bustle of downtown. Monroe Lake, the largest inland lake in Indiana, resides in Bloomington, along with the smaller-but-still-popular... Read More

Monroe County offers an abundance of paved trails for walking, running, biking, and rollerblading. Many of the trails connect with one another, creating a miles-long interconnected system of pathways for exercise, fresh air, and exploration — all stroller- and dog-friendly. Several of the... Read More

Sometimes you want to get out of the house and roam around town without spending any money, and Bloomington is the perfect place to do just that. Our community offers a long list of free things to do for a variety of interests, from activities for kids and live music events to nature explorations... Read More

Monroe County offers an incredible assortment of nature hikes for every experience level. Certain hikes have a peak season when it comes to the beauty of the surrounding nature, and the following trails are known to be a special treat during spring. Lace up your walking shoes and give these five... Read More

When it comes to fishing, Monroe County has a great selection of lakes, creeks, and ponds to cast your line. With 10 stocked bodies of water to choose from and miles-upon-miles of shore to fish on, you'll have a new location to try each time you embark on a fishing adventure. Please note: All people... Read More