Slouching on the passenger seat on my brother's accord, feet on the front board, seat belts fastened, listening to NPR, clear blue skies, clean giant roads, smooth traffic, everything so picturesque..it is an unforgettable journey into July 2000 - Indiana
After a 3 hour drive into Kokomo from Chicago, I had the feeling I was a character in a very picturesque story book. My feelings got only confirmed when we reached Blomington- the beautiful college town in Mid west. It was almost like in a fairy tale. Speaking of history and culture - walking down Kirkwood avenue/10th street or inside the University that dates back to 1816, it definitely is the most ethnic place in Indiana. Wineries, ethnic food, the passionate basket ball games, music festivals, lakes, camping outdoors, snowy winters and warm Hoosiers make this a uniquely beautiful place with an abundance of natural get aways. We were lucky to have spent 2 years in Indiana and I've tried to summarise treasured moments of our stay and short weekend trips to places in and around Bloomington.
Favourite spots:
Monroe county- named after the largest lake in town, 10,750 acres water, south of the campus, with a scenic shore and wooded hills is the closest alternative to the beautiful university campus. for fishing, boating, biking,trekking, deer sighting or walking.
The winding SR 46 leads to Nashville and the brown county state park, a mere 30 min drive from the heart of the city. Lake Lemon to the north east on SR 45 is also a wonderful weekend getway. We particularly enjoyed the boating there.
Spring Mill Park in Mitchelle had a restored historic village and twin caves - a must see with the spring blooms. we made it to this place in fall, but did have a wonderful time around the park.
And when we really got used to the lakes and parks we went exploring the forces of the earth and experienced the wonderous natural caverns in bedford and marengo, Indiana. The hour long boat ride in the subterranean river at blue spring caverns was really thrilling.
What's really great:
Summer is all about driving around- Indianapolis(Indy), an hours drive from Bloomington was our most visited weekend destination. Museums, Memorials and Parks in Downtown Indy, clubbed with the finest malls and restaurants and gaming centers. The War Memorial and Childrens' museum and Repertory Theatre were my favourites in this part of the state. The aquarium and zoo in Indy need an entire day for themselves.
The 3D show that led us through the Grand Canyon was an out of the world experience at the childrens museum - these shows are a must see anywhere in the USA.
Colourful fall, snowy winters, frozen lakes, fishing in ice- 101, soccer on lake Griffy and snow sleding, snow-covered cars, being locked outside home for a couple of days - just one of a kind.
Paoli peaks in southern Indiana was a great winter weekend getway. A crash course on skiiing, incessant falling, followed by not being able to get off the winch,- unforgettable.
Speaking of memories of the pleasant years at Bloomington that I carry in my heart and the extra pounds from the food there that I still cant shed...I can name just a few.. probably steak and lobster places that I haven't been to in this town.
Avers - pizzas - cuban black bean - was out of the world. I still miss those pizza days.
My favourites would still be Cafe Django, a jazz cafe, on Gant street - I probably spent 70%of my evenings here and when it wasnt enough, it was jazz saturdays and the time I spent at the bar here, holding on to smoothies and shakes, bottomless tea and endless snacks, pita and soup.
Trojan horse was my next favourite - again on kirkwood - an easy walk from work - hummus and pita and battered mushrooms - yummy!
The great wall on north walnut - deserts and fotune cookies. Olive garden, fazolis, foot long subs, fajita wraps, Gratzi for italian, samira - midlle east, snow lion, irish lion, papa john, mama bears,mcl cafeteria...the list is endless.
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