OT- Bloomington trip

[Chicago-bound Hoosier]

making the 5 hr drive down today to move son out of last yr's apartment. Have not been down there since Oct. Just curious if there is any major construction to avoid, specifically that glorious stretch on 65 between Crown Point and Indy, and also anything on 67 to Mville. Any advice appreciated.

EDIT- from the south, is taking 67 still best? Or do I go to the 37/69 stretch now and cruise down?

Might be time for a Nick's stromboli tonight.

 

[Victorbmyboy]

making the 5 hr drive down today to move son out of last yr's apartment. Have not been down there since Oct. Just curious if there is any major construction to avoid, specifically that glorious stretch on 65 between Crown Point and Indy, and also anything on 67 to Mville. Any advice appreciated.

EDIT- from the south, is taking 67 still best? Or do I go to the 37/69 stretch now and cruise down?

Might be time for a Nick's stromboli tonight.

Definitely take 67. 37/69 is one lane.

 

[Chicago-bound Hoosier]

Definitely take 67. 37/69 is one lane.

thx good to know.

 

[kkott]

making the 5 hr drive down today to move son out of last yr's apartment. Have not been down there since Oct. Just curious if there is any major construction to avoid, specifically that glorious stretch on 65 between Crown Point and Indy, and also anything on 67 to Mville. Any advice appreciated.

EDIT- from the south, is taking 67 still best? Or do I go to the 37/69 stretch now and cruise down?

Might be time for a Nick's stromboli tonight.

Nicks is hard to beat for ambiance but what I usually find myself craving in Btown is Mother Bear's Pizza! What's your Btown craving? Always liked the Irish Lion and Bluebird too!

 

[CGW-89]

37/69 is open from SR144 south; and under construction between 144 and 465. Still better to take 67

 

[IUclover]

Nicks is hard to beat for ambiance but what I usually find myself craving in Btown is Mother Bear's Pizza! What's your Btown craving? Always liked the Irish Lion and Bluebird too!

I know you didn't ask me but these are my cravings every time I make a trip back to Btown...

Upland - Bad Elmers Bison Burger and Fries (and beer)
Big Woods - Pork Nachos
Avers - Cream & Crimson Pizza (sub white sauce for BBQ sauce)

My friend said there are a lot of new places to check out when we come in September.

 

[Cavanagh]

I know you didn't ask me but these are my cravings every time I make a trip back to Btown...

Upland - Bad Elmers Bison Burger and Fries (and beer)
Big Woods - Pork Nachos
Avers - Cream & Crimson Pizza (sub white sauce for BBQ sauce)

My friend said there are a lot of new places to check out when we come in September.

I went to this place under the princess theatre next to the bluebird last night. Really good food and the entire staff was as high as me. Very modern hippie vibe, had live music. Cool spot

 

[Victorbmyboy]

I went to this place under the princess theatre next to the bluebird last night. Really good food and the entire staff was as high as me. Very modern hippie vibe, had live music. Cool spot

Village pub? So many new places.

 

[Cavanagh]

Village pub? So many new places.

Sounds right

 

[Courtsensetwo]

Had a good experience at Social Cantina then the bourbon bar next door in the square.

both are owned by the same guys that own the Tap on the same block.

 

[Inigo Montoya]

Had a good experience at Social Cantina then the bourbon bar next door in the square.

both are owned by the same guys that own the Tap on the same block.

And Yogi's and Village Pub. All good.

 

[GeorgeStrait IU]

Nicks is hard to beat for ambiance but what I usually find myself craving in Btown is Mother Bear's Pizza! What's your Btown craving? Always liked the Irish Lion and Bluebird too!

I do too, but barely make it home back to Eville everytime. Got me (almost) last two trips VBG.

 

[i'vegotwinners]

Nicks is hard to beat for ambiance but what I usually find myself craving in Btown is Mother Bear's Pizza! What's your Btown craving? Always liked the Irish Lion and Bluebird too!

Cafe' Pizzaria.

Lee's donuts. (or is it Crescent Donuts)?

walking the campus.

the north half and back room of The Bluebird is like a time capsule.

hope it stays that way.

same with the back room of Bear's place.

 

[hookyIU1990]

Cafe' Pizzaria.

Lee's donuts. (or is it Crescent Donuts)?

walking the campus.

the north half and back room of The Bluebird is like a time capsule.

hope it stays that way.

same with the back room of Bear's place.

Sadly, Bear's Place is no more.

When we go back it's always breakfast at the spoon, and either a Strom at Nick's or a Super G at trogan horse.

Crazy horse or the lion for sitting outside and people watching is a must if the weather isn't bad.

 

[Victorbmyboy]

Sadly, Bear's Place is no more.

When we go back it's always breakfast at the spoon, and either a Strom at Nick's or a Super G at trogan horse.

Crazy horse or the lion for sitting outside and people watching is a must if the weather isn't bad.

You’ll see some sh!t down in that area. 🤣

 

[i'vegotwinners]

Sadly, Bear's Place is no more.

When we go back it's always breakfast at the spoon, and either a Strom at Nick's or a Super G at trogan horse.

Crazy horse or the lion for sitting outside and people watching is a must if the weather isn't bad.

when did that happen?

what's there now?

iirc, was The Chatterbox before it was Bear's Place.

 

[hozo4ultimate]

I went to this place under the princess theatre next to the bluebird last night. Really good food and the entire staff was as high as me. Very modern hippie vibe, had live music. Cool spot

Village Pub. Accurate description.

 

[hookyIU1990]

when did that happen?

what's there now?

iirc, was The Chatterbox before it was Bear's Place.

It happened sometime in the lasr 8-12 months, I think. Not sure what's there now.

 

[Victorbmyboy]

It happened sometime in the lasr 8-12 months, I think. Not sure what's there now.

Nothing. Sad really. Comedy caravan was a treasure.

 

[Radio Zero]

Tourism is divided into ordinary tourism that focuses on sightseeing and special tourism.

Ordinary tourism is composed of colourful events such as visits to monumental edifices, exhibition halls and museums, and tour of scenic spots and historical remains. Special tourism includes a trip to historical remains which are aimed at making a study and observation of things concerning a particular field.

 

[abraxis]

I went to the C3 Bar last night for the first time and really liked it. We ate outside and it seemed a place the Bloomington beautiful crowd go to see and be seen. The drink list is quite impressive, the best in town. I had a couple filet sliders topped with onion ring and horseradish dressing for only $12. I saved room for a wonderful butterscotch/caramel pudding dessert of some kind for $8. I had a very spicy habanero infused margarita for $12.

Another favorite haunt is the Malibu Grill bar section for glazed salmon and Manhattan. They bring it in a martini glass unless I ask for a more traditional highball glass with a round, solid rock ice cube. It's the more relaxed area of the restaurant where the less uptight, the drinkers go to skate in search of a more mellowed state.

The Trojan Horse has great cheeseburgers but almost invariably I get the gyros. I've got to have that taste periodically...the onion enhanced yogurt on the thin lamb strips with just a hint of char making theirs the best by far.

 

[Cavanagh]

I went to the C3 Bar last night for the first time and really liked it. We ate outside and it seemed a place the Bloomington beautiful crowd go to see and be seen. The drink list is quite impressive, the best in town. I had a couple filet sliders topped with onion ring and horseradish dressing for only $12. I saved room for a wonderful butterscotch/caramel pudding dessert of some kind for $8. I had a very spicy habanero infused margarita for $12.

Another favorite haunt is the Malibu Grill bar section for glazed salmon and Manhattan. They bring it in a martini glass unless I ask for a more traditional highball glass with a round, solid rock ice cube. It's the more relaxed area of the restaurant where the less uptight, the drinkers go to skate in search of a more mellowed state.

The Trojan Horse has great cheeseburgers but almost invariably I get the gyros. I've got to have that taste periodically...the onion enhanced yogurt on the thin lamb strips with just a hint of char making theirs the best by far.

Trojan is da bomb.

C3 is right by Renwick right?

 

[Chicago-bound Hoosier]

We didn't get off 465 until 4pm and the first 4-5 lights south on 67 were a nightmare. As was the 67/39 light over the river. But move out was easy. We stayed at the Hampton Inn with my Hilton points, hit Big Red for a cold 6 pack, sat at the pool consuming and waited on a Mother Bear's Dante Inferno pizza (son's choice) . Was very good but the jalapenos were intense. Living up here, my bar for good pizza is pretty high, and Mother Bear's can still hold their own. Good stuff. Got up early, gained the hour heading home and pulled in the driveway around 12 noon. Really nice almost cool weather in Bloomington for late July. The new construction between Dunn and College is crazy. Developers are making tons of cash in that area.
For any Chicago/region rats out there....the Borman (80/94) expressway has got to be the worst 10 mile stretch of road in America. There was a 10 mile back up eastbound at 11am on a Saturday, and a pretty bad backup on both sides midday on Friday. We may actually try the I-57/Champaign back route down in a few weeks.

I always force my kids to get out and stand by the flag pole in front of Assembly Hall for photo op when we're there, and we kept tradition on this trip. My son thinks it's weird...kids, they just don't get it.

 

[Chicago-bound Hoosier]

I went to the C3 Bar last night for the first time and really liked it. We ate outside and it seemed a place the Bloomington beautiful crowd go to see and be seen. The drink list is quite impressive, the best in town. I had a couple filet sliders topped with onion ring and horseradish dressing for only $12. I saved room for a wonderful butterscotch/caramel pudding dessert of some kind for $8. I had a very spicy habanero infused margarita for $12.

Another favorite haunt is the Malibu Grill bar section for glazed salmon and Manhattan. They bring it in a martini glass unless I ask for a more traditional highball glass with a round, solid rock ice cube. It's the more relaxed area of the restaurant where the less uptight, the drinkers go to skate in search of a more mellowed state.

The Trojan Horse has great cheeseburgers but almost invariably I get the gyros. I've got to have that taste periodically...the onion enhanced yogurt on the thin lamb strips with just a hint of char making theirs the best by far.

we ate at Malibu when we visited last October. Nice place very good food. My wife is getting into those Jalapeno ritas. I must be too stuck in my ways...I love spicy but I'm old school with my drinks...traditional ritas, on the rocks no salt. I've tried the jalapeno version and it just seemed a little weird.
I make pitchers of corona-ritas in the summer. Dangerous stuff, goes down way too easily on a hot sunny day.

 

[abraxis]

Trojan is da bomb.

C3 is right by Renwick right?

Yes, it's in the NE corner of the Renwick housing development in a can-be-hard-to- find location. My brother lives there. Another place I forgot to mention is the Irish Lion. They have the sexiest raw oysters in town, stewed in lemon butter.

 

[abraxis]

we ate at Malibu when we visited last October. Nice place very good food. My wife is getting into those Jalapeno ritas. I must be too stuck in my ways...I love spicy but I'm old school with my drinks...traditional ritas, on the rocks no salt. I've tried the jalapeno version and it just seemed a little weird.
I make pitchers of corona-ritas in the summer. Dangerous stuff, goes down way too easily on a hot sunny day.

The only reason I ordered the drink "Five by Five" is because I asked the waitress what one of their most popular drinks was. I actually liked a sip of my brother's regular margarita better because it had more of the sour "kick". The spiciness overwhelmed my drink. It still proved to be a pleasurable experience, adding an extra bounce to my step. Try it next time!

 

[CriticArisen]

Thanks a lot everyone for a bout of debilitating jealousy.

 

[abraxis]

I always force my kids to get out and stand by the flag pole in front of Assembly Hall for photo op when we're there, and we kept tradition on this trip. My son thinks it's weird...kids, they just don't get it.

Fear not thy weirdness label, for one day your children shall force their children to pose, too, in fulfillment of this tradition, as well as their children's, children's children.

 

[4IUSox2]

Avoid 80/94 between the state line to 65 like the plague. Idk how far north you are, but the Skyway/Toll Road to 65, even at close to $10 each way, is a much better and consistent route. I guess I’m just used to how bad 65 and 67/39 or 37/69 are since it’s been going on for many years with no sign of ending…kinda like the Jane Byrne/290 mess!!

 

[Chicago-bound Hoosier]

Avoid 80/94 between the state line to 65 like the plague. Idk how far north you are, but the Skyway/Toll Road to 65, even at close to $10 each way, is a much better and consistent route. I guess I’m just used to how bad 65 and 67/39 or 37/69 are since it’s been going on for many years with no sign of ending…kinda like the Jane Byrne/290 mess!!

I'm out west just north of St Charles; only way to use Skyway is either go north onto 90 and ride it past Ohare thru downtown (which is actually best if traffic keeps moving, but it was LalaP weekend and I didn't want to mess with downtown) or east/west tollway onto the Ike, and I've spent hours of misery on the Ike. The Borman backups actually started 4-5 miles into IL and went several miles into IN...thousands of 18 wheelers doing 5 mph. Brutal.

 

[abraxis]

I'm out west just north of St Charles; only way to use Skyway is either go north onto 90 and ride it past Ohare thru downtown (which is actually best if traffic keeps moving, but it was LalaP weekend and I didn't want to mess with downtown) or east/west tollway onto the Ike, and I've spent hours of misery on the Ike. The Borman backups actually started 4-5 miles into IL and went several miles into IN...thousands of 18 wheelers doing 5 mph. Brutal.

Just be thankful we're not all still driving Conestoga wagons. Can you imagine an 18-wheeler one of those? Now, imagine thousands of those in front of you with no passing lane..."Giddy-up!" It would make your "brutal" seem like ice cream soda in the park after intense orgasm. (Think about it when no one's watching!)

 

[Sonap]

We didn't get off 465 until 4pm and the first 4-5 lights south on 67 were a nightmare. As was the 67/39 light over the river. But move out was easy. We stayed at the Hampton Inn with my Hilton points, hit Big Red for a cold 6 pack, sat at the pool consuming and waited on a Mother Bear's Dante Inferno pizza (son's choice) . Was very good but the jalapenos were intense. Living up here, my bar for good pizza is pretty high, and Mother Bear's can still hold their own. Good stuff. Got up early, gained the hour heading home and pulled in the driveway around 12 noon. Really nice almost cool weather in Bloomington for late July. The new construction between Dunn and College is crazy. Developers are making tons of cash in that area.
For any Chicago/region rats out there....the Borman (80/94) expressway has got to be the worst 10 mile stretch of road in America. There was a 10 mile back up eastbound at 11am on a Saturday, and a pretty bad backup on both sides midday on Friday. We may actually try the I-57/Champaign back route down in a few weeks.

I always force my kids to get out and stand by the flag pole in front of Assembly Hall for photo op when we're there, and we kept tradition on this trip. My son thinks it's weird...kids, they just don't get it.

There is good work around by using 394 to Beecher and then go east to 41 then south to in 14. East to Fair Oak farms. Hop on 65. If you come from Naperville Plainfield 55 south to Peotone.Rd to Beecher

 

[DANC]

I went to this place under the princess theatre next to the bluebird last night. Really good food and the entire staff was as high as me. Very modern hippie vibe, had live music. Cool spot

That place used to be a pretty good Mexican place. What kind of food do they serve now?

 

[Cavanagh]

That place used to be a pretty good Mexican place. What kind of food do they serve now?

Small plates. Good stuff. Wings, shishkabobs, fruufy salads. All the alcohol you can think of.

 

[Chicago-bound Hoosier]

There is good work around by using 394 to Beecher and then go east to 41 then south to in 14. East to Fair Oak farms. Hop on 65. If you come from Naperville Plainfield 55 south to Peotone.Rd to Beecher

yep I've used a similar one, 394 south then off Exchange Rd east, zig zap in the country to rt 231 into Crown Point and back onto 65. Chose against it both times, chose badly both times.

Saturday return trip- Wayz had us get off on Ridge Rd over to Cline so my son got to see some of Americana he doesn't see much...south Gary. The land that time forgot.

 

[RegionHoosiers]

I'm out west just north of St Charles; only way to use Skyway is either go north onto 90 and ride it past Ohare thru downtown (which is actually best if traffic keeps moving, but it was LalaP weekend and I didn't want to mess with downtown) or east/west tollway onto the Ike, and I've spent hours of misery on the Ike. The Borman backups actually started 4-5 miles into IL and went several miles into IN...thousands of 18 wheelers doing 5 mph. Brutal.

It's too bad the Iliana expressway or whatever it was called didn't happen. I'm sure it would have sucked if lived in its path but it would make bypassing the northwest IN and Chicago at lot easier and taking some pressure off 80/94. There's just too many roads that converge from both directions on 80/94. I go through there a decent amount and it seems like there's never a good time to do it.

 

[Chicago-bound Hoosier]

It's too bad the Iliana expressway or whatever it was called didn't happen. I'm sure it would have sucked if lived in its path but it would make bypassing the northwest IN and Chicago at lot easier and taking some pressure off 80/94. There's just too many roads that converge from both directions on 80/94. I go through there a decent amount and it seems like there's never a good time to do it.

yep it's the major bottleneck for freight commerce going east/west across the northern half of CONUS. Can't drive over Lake Michigan...gotta go around. Too many semi trailers getting fed into a 10 mile stretch with too much construction. I dread it more than any stretch and I've been stuck in DC, LA, and Miami. Oh...and Atlanta. Well...Atlanta traffic may give the Borman a run for its money.

 

[aajohn2000]

Nicks is hard to beat for ambiance but what I usually find myself craving in Btown is Mother Bear's Pizza! What's your Btown craving? Always liked the Irish Lion and Bluebird too!

Big ten special from pizza express. Late night.

 

[4IUSox2]

Good call on 394 to Exchange to Crown Point. Made that run many times also.

 

[Cavanagh]

yep it's the major bottleneck for freight commerce going east/west across the northern half of CONUS. Can't drive over Lake Michigan...gotta go around. Too many semi trailers getting fed into a 10 mile stretch with too much construction. I dread it more than any stretch and I've been stuck in DC, LA, and Miami. Oh...and Atlanta. Well...Atlanta traffic may give the Borman a run for its money.

Atlanta traffic is the worst in the country. Not close.