Things To Do
Indiana University Bloomington
Take a stroll through the campus and enjoy the campus charm! Our recommendations: - Sample gates at the heart of campus - Piano man statue - Scenic bridges and campus chapel - Indiana Memorial Union (go inside and check out the Bookstore) - Kelley School of Business (where Joey attended) - Luddy School of Informatics (where Emily attended. Although, it was just the two old buildings in front back in her day) - Lambda Chi Alpha (Joey's old fraternity where he was roommates with Taylor) - Reed dorm (Emily's old dorm where she was roommates with Jennifer) - Teter dorm (Joey's old dorm) - Greek row (3rd Street + North Jordan) - Showalter fountain - 713 N Lincoln St (this is the house where Emily lived with her roommates Ali Jennifer, and Simi for most of college) - "The Barn" 403 N Indiana (this is the house where Joey lived with his roommate Taylor) We recommend for a nice activity inside Bloomington.
Upland Brewing Co.
A local brewpub and craft beer destination in Bloomington. This is where Joey and Emily would go for most birthday celebrations. It was also where Emily had her first drink after turning 21. Serves a rotating selection of flagship and seasonal brews alongside a locally inspired menu of comfort food and pub classics. And, now home to the Hoosier Gameday Lager -- made famous by the National Champion Football Team. We recommend for food and drinks.
Bub's Burgers & Ice Cream
Known for hand-pattied burgers. Bub’s is famous for the “Big Ugly” burger — a massive, one-pound challenge that’s become a Bloomington rite of passage. It’s a relaxed, welcoming spot. We recommend for food.
Mother Bear's Pizza Campus
Local institution has been a go-to gathering spot in Bloomington. Known for its award-winning pan pizzas, homemade dough varieties (including thin crust and deep-dish), classic sandwiches, fresh salads, wings, and even local beer and wine. We recommend for food.
Janko's Little Zagreb
A no-frills steakhouse that’s all about doing one thing exceptionally well. It’s the kind of place where the focus is entirely on the food and the experience around the table. In the Salamander household, Janko’s is still talked about as serving one of the best steaks we’ve ever had. We recommend for dinner.
Nick's English Hut
Visit this IU staple. A great place to have some drinks in Bloomington. We recommend ordering a bucket of beer and playing "sink the bizz" We recommend for drinks only + Nick's Pub Fries
The Runcible Spoon
A cozy, character-filled staple since the 1970s, this quirky café started as one of the city’s first coffee roasteries and still brews its own beans on site. The menu is full of comfort classics, hearty breakfast and brunch favorites, and delicious coffee in a warm, inviting space that feels like home away from home. We recommend for breakfast or brunch.
Uptown Cafe
A bit more elevated. Known for its Cajun-inspired dishes and classic comfort fare (including standout eggs Benedict and hearty dinners). We recommend for a nicer brunch spot.
Oliver Winery
Indiana’s oldest and largest winery. Set on beautiful grounds with gardens, picnic areas, and a welcoming tasting room, it’s a great place to sip a flight, enjoy a glass of wine, and soak up relaxed Midwest charm. We recommend for drinks. It's a quick drive from campus.
B-Line Trail
The B‑Line Trail is paved 3.1-mile multi-use trail that winds through the city. Originally a railroad corridor, it's perfect for a relaxing walk, bike ride, or gentle jog between wedding festivities. Free to use and wheelchair accessible. We recommend for a nice daytime activity inside Bloomington.
The Bluebird
A music venue in Bloomington. Check out their calendar to see a local band in a small venue. We recommend for a nice evening activity within Bloomington.
The Comedy Attic
A comedy hall in Bloomington. Check out a comedy act. They sometimes have comedians that have been on Comedy Central, Late Night shows, and Netflix! We recommend for a nice evening activity within Bloomington.
Brown County State Park
Emily and Joey would come here to go hiking on the weekends! We would end the hike with a stop at Big Woods Pizza in downtown Nashville before heading back to Bloomington. The perfect place to soak in the beauty of fall. Take a leisurely drive through the park or stretch your legs with a walk on one of the many scenic trails winding through the hills and forests. Be sure to stop at a scenic lookout—like the fire tower—for a panoramic view that truly captures the season at its peak. We recommend for a nice activity outside Bloomington.
Downtown Nashville
Nashville, Indiana is a charming small town known for its cozy atmosphere, local art galleries, unique shops, and welcoming cafés. Surrounded by rolling hills and just minutes from Brown County State Park, it’s the perfect spot to stroll, grab a bite, and enjoy the laid-back charm of southern Indiana. We recommend for a nice activity outside of Bloomington.
Hard Truth Distilling Co.
Set on a sprawling 325-acre wooded campus near Nashville, the distillery crafts a wide range of premium spirits—from crowd-favorite cinnamon vodka and toasted coconut rum to award-winning sweet mash rye and bourbons—using a state-of-the-art facility and a focus on quality and local ingredients. Visitors can enjoy tours and tastings, learn about the distilling process, and take part in unique experiences like guided ATV tastings, tiki cruises, and mixology classes against the backdrop of picturesque rural hills. We recommend for food and drinks near Nashville (outside of Bloomington).
