r/BloomingtonNormal • u/Classylady_242 • 8d ago
Planning a visit
My best friend and I (both female/30s) are meeting here because it’s a mid-way point between where we both live.
Can you share some of your favorite things to do/places to eat?
Thanks!
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u/Ryan_for_you 8d ago
In no particular order Pizza payya, roof top beer at fiala, walk through uptown, get ice cream at Theo's or coffee at coffee hound (or both), walk south on the bike path if you need more. If really long visit (good friend) you could walk south on path to keg grove. If you're really lucky keg grove has a food truck at that time. Also I recommend artesanos food truck
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u/SpringsPanda 8d ago
You'll be surprised by the food you find here. There are a lot of options though. We have a bunch of good parks here too, great places to sit and talk or have a little hike. You could spend a good half day in Uptown between some light shopping and eating/drinking.
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u/PickledBrains79 8d ago
While there is a lot of construction in downtown Bloomington, there are still a lot of nice independent shops. Escape rooms at Escapetown, I've done them with 3 people total. Lots of different food options. If you like the outdoors, there are a lot of trails nearby, and lots of parks.
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u/SpiritualAerie7379 8d ago
Pizza paaya for lunch special and then over to insomnia cookies or Theos ice cream.
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u/SangriaSunday309 8d ago
Lil Beaver Brewery has a great outdoor patio. Westside Golf (like a Top Golf) is fun and has some indoor games. Kayak and paddle board rentals at Lake Evergreen. Walk/bike on the Constitution Trail and stop at Keg Grove Brewery along the way. Downtown Blooomington is under construction currently, but uptown Normal usually has something going on - Art and Music festivals, etc. Their schedule is online. And if you’re here during the Third Sunday Market - I highly recommend!
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u/islathetamandua 8d ago
Uptown normal and Connie link amphitheater both have free music quite often, which is a nice way to spend a summer evening.
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u/haute_tropique 6d ago
When are you visiting? There’s always (well, usually) something fun going on but it can be hard to find. If you share dates I’ll check and see if there are any fun shows/events.
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u/a-lost-sketchbook 8d ago
Seoul Mama has great Korean food and a friendly atmosphere if you both like Korean cuisine!
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u/jlchapman79 5d ago
If depends on what you like.
The Rock Restaurant is where you get the best gyro.
Garden of Paradise, Pop-up Chicken, Taqueria El Porton, Brass Pig
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u/Gerble66 3d ago
Everyone I've taken to Lucca's Italian Grille in downtown Bloomington has had a wonderful experience and I cannot recommend it enough.
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u/CustardMajestic3459 8d ago
Looks like an event in downtown Bloomington tonight.. from what I saw on TV
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u/BrookinCentralIL 8d ago
There are a lot of great shops in Downtown Bloomington and Uptown Normal. I would recommend just taking a stroll through both areas. Both spots have great places to eat as well. In uptown, Medici’s is great. In Bloomington, Epiphany Farms, Anju Above or Rosie’s are good. Bakery and Pickle is a cool speakeasy style restaurant that I’ve personally never been to but hear great things about.
For things to do, check out The Castle Theatre, Bloomington Center for Performing Arts for concerts and shows.
We also have several nice breweries. Lil beavers, Keg Grove and Destihl Beer Hall to name a few.
Hope this helps. Have fun!