The Sample Gates, IU's iconic entrance, connect the downtown with IU's campus.
Breakfast: Wee Willie's (1724 S. Walnut)—From downtown, take College Avenue South until it merges with Walnut. Two blocks after the merge, on the right hand side, is Wee Willie's, a true locals’ haunt. Try one of their breakfast specials.
Morning Activity: Stroll the Campus— Since you’re here to see if IU will make a good match for you, start by exploring the campus. Start at the Sample Gates and walk straight to Ballantine Hall, a nine-story academic building, reportedly the tallest academic building in the U.S. Take some time to chat with undergrads to learn about their experiences with IU. Then walk up University Road to the arboretum. If you have the time, start making a list of every type of tree featured there. Then, walk on the diagonal road until you get to the Main Library; take some time to admire its design. Then cross the street and take a look at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs building. Debate with your family on its aesthetic merits. Don’t forget to check out the buildings of the programs you might be interested in!
Lunch: Check out the restaurants where you might be spending time away from your studies. Walk west (towards downtown) a few blocks to Yogi’s Grill and Bar for lunch (519 E. 10th) or walk downtown and grab a sandwich at Which Wich (422 E. Kirkwood).
Afternoon Activity: Buy a Book—Bloomington has several independent book stores in the downtown area. Go to Caveat Emptor (112 N. Walnut) a huge, used book store; Howard’s Bookstore (101 W. Kirwood); Boxcar Books (408 E. 6th); or Vintage Phoenix Comics (114 E 6th). After your purchase, the best place to read is one of the local coffee shops. Try Scholar’s Inn Bakehouse on the corner of 6th and College Ave., where you can get unlimited refills, or Soma Coffee House at 322 E. Kirkwood.
Dinner: Mandalay Restaurant— Check out Mandalay at 413 E. 4th St. and have some delicious Burmese food, which is quickly beating Thai food in the popularity contest. Try the pork curry with the mango pickles. If you’re not ready for that Eastern flavor, check out the wide array of other ethnic foods on 4th street, or walk one block north to Kirkwood for some classic American cuisine.
Evening Activity: IU Union Movie Series—For a mere $2, you can watch a recent box office hit at the Union every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 and 11pm.
