Media Contacts:

Mike McAfee, 812.355.7720 or mike@visitbloomington.com

Rob DeCleene, 812.355.7725 or rob@visitbloomington.com

New 2010 Bloomington/Monroe County

Visitors Guides Now Available

This year’s guide celebrates the rich tapestry of visual arts in the B-town area.

Bloomington – The Bloomington/Monroe County Convention and Visitors Bureau (BMCCVB) is pleased to announce the release of the 2010 edition of the annual Visitors Guide for Bloomington and Monroe County.  The guide is designed to help visitors to the area find their way around and identify activities, attractions and dining options that fit their interests.

This year’s edition of the Visitors Guide celebrates the visual arts in and around Bloomington. From traditional limestone carvings to colorful murals to modern art sculptures, Bloomington is home to a significant number of public art installations that are on display at any time of the year at absolutely no charge to visitors. In fact, according to the National Endowment for the Arts, Bloomington is ranked number 13 nationally for the number of artists living in the community. No other Indiana town is in the top 50.

BMCCVB Director of Tourism Rob DeCleene says, “We hope this guide is used by visitors and residents alike as a resource for the endless list of things to see and do in the Bloomington/Monroe County/IU community.”

The cover image of the 2010 Visitors Guide is of the Bloomington Banquet sculpture, created by local limestone artist Dale Enochs. The imposing 23-foot sculpture was installed in 2009 as the signature artwork for the City of Bloomington’s new B-Line Trail. The trail runs through the heart of BEAD, the Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District, and is home to several other public art installations, making it certain to become a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.

“We want the guide to deliver the message we are a real one-of-a-kind destination,” says BMCCVB Executive Director Mike McAfee. “We try to make it engaging so people respond by planning a trip here. I’m pleased by the feedback we are already getting. It’s fun to look at it.”          

The new Visitors Guide can be picked up at the Bloomington Visitors Center, area hotels and other locations around town, or can be requested via phone or through the CVB website. To request your own copy of the 2010 Breakaway Visitors Guide, or for more information on Bloomington, log on to www.visitbloomington.com or contact the Bloomington Visitors Center at 812.334.8900 or 800.800.0037.

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The BMCCVB’s mission is to maximize and grow the economic impact of visitor spending in Monroe County through the promotion of the area as a destination for all kinds of travelers.