The Backstage Blog

One of your best friends is getting married, and the only way to properly celebrate the occasion is to host an unforgettable bachelor party. Bloomington is the perfect place to throw back the last shot before he ties the knot — in fact, we've already planned the entire party for you. All you need to... Read More

Bloomington is home to a long list of great outdoor destinations. While they're all incredible during any time of the year, certain places seem to really shine during specific seasons. While you're visiting B-Town this winter, check out the following forests, trails, nature preserves, and other... Read More

Events are slowly but surely returning to Bloomington. Check out the top events happening in January 2022, and make a three-day getaway out of your trip! Use this list to easily navigate from section-to-section:​ FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS First Day Trail Run/Walk Date: Saturday, January 1 Time:... Read More

By Phil Bloom Winter is no time to quit going outdoors, especially around Bloomington and Monroe County. Sure, sure, it’s tempting to curl up by the fireplace with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate, but you’d miss the outdoor delights that make winter an invigorating time of year. Besides,... Read More

While the warmer months may seem the best for a hiking excursion through Bloomington’s rolling hills and vast forests, there’s a certain magic in the crisp air of a wintertime hike. The soft blanket of snow covering the ground and the sparkle of ice-crusted trees create a unique beauty that's often... Read More

Picture this: You’re shopping, but not on Amazon. You’re having dinner — somewhere other than your own house. You wake up in a bed you don’t have to make. You go outside to watch the snowfall without having to see your neighbor in his pajamas. That’s right. You’re in Bloomington. And you’re enjoying... Read More

The holidays bring about a flurry of season's greetings: friends & family, twinkling lights, many traditions across Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas, charming decorations, cozy hot cocoa, cult classic movies & specials, pillows of snow, scrumptious treats, and, of course, presents stuffed in... Read More

Bloomington is home to a slew of fantastic outdoor destinations, including some of which you might never discover unless a local tells you about them. Consider us your local source for outdoor hidden gems in the area — attractions located off the beaten path, tucked away from the hustle and bustle... Read More

Just an hour southwest of Bloomington is Greene County, home of a variety of great outdoor attractions. From Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area to the Sculpture Trails Outdoor Museum, there's much to do during a day in the area. Enjoy Greene County's peaceful nature activities and sight-seeing, then... Read More

Bloomington offers many fantastic attractions, and some of them are pretty unique to our area. Whether you're looking for attractions you can typically only find in big cities, attractions that are ranked as some of the most premier in the nation, or the only attraction of its kind in the United... Read More