Spring Break: Bloomington
Nestled among the limestone quarries famous to this state, Bloomington is a strange and wonderful blend of culture. Home to Indiana University (IU), Bloomington is located 45 miles south of Indianapolis and offers a wide variety of experiences to those who seek them.
For students desiring the mischievous exploits promised to us by movies like “National Lampoon’s Animal House,” Bloomington is unrivaled. It may be surprising to learn that despite IU’s reputation as a party school, there is more to Bloomington than just painting the town red! Bloomington is peppered with an assortment of independent stores and restaurants, giving students in rural Indiana opportunities for shopping and cuisine most would be hard pressed to find in Indianapolis.
Virtually any kind of foreign food can be found and for prices that can rival fast-food chains. “Samira’s” is an Afghan restaurant whose vegetables would make even the most out-spoken carnivore rethink his dietary stance. Who knew carrots and eggplants could be spicy?
Curry sauce permeates everything at the “Siam House.” Your mouth will water, your forehead will sweat and you’ll love every minute of it.
According to their Web site, IU produces over 1,000 musical performances, operas, ballets and theater productions a year. Several artists frequent IU’s campus, including notable actors like Robin Williams and James Earl Jones, as well as musicians ranging from the Four Tops to Lupe Fiasco. More prominent events will require paying more for a ticket, but most events are priced with students in mind.
IU recently completed its 26th annual Arts Week celebration with this year’s theme focusing on arts and the environment. Exhibits include dance routines, dramatic performances as well as photo and sculpture galleries. The celebration, which started off as a weekend festival in 1984, is now an 11-day event. Coupled with the several permanent art museums and exhibits, IU is an ideal place to stimulate the art lover in you.
For those of us who enjoy the small campus comforts of UIndy, Bloomington may be off-putting. However, be adventurous and take a small trip down Indiana State Road 37 and see what Bloomington can offer.
