I hate the cold. My fingers lose feeling, my coats ruin my outfits and scarves always feel like they choke me. I’d rather stay inside. For those of you who feel the same, here are some incredible local businesses that host warm, indoor activities to melt the icicles dripping from your nose.
Kirkwood Candle Bar
I love a good smelling candle but I hate having to figure out what to do with the container it comes in. Thankfully, this isn’t a problem at the candle bar. Create your very own candle with a large array of scents ranging from patchouli to peach to mint mojito. When you’ve burned through the whole thing, you can bring back the container and refill it with a new candle for 25% off. It’s the perfect date with a significant other or bonding activity with friends.
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The Pottery House Studio
This place is perfect for all kinds of artistic talent. On Saturdays, you can learn how to throw clay creations on the wheel at adult classes. The studio is even open to book for parties. If creating pottery isn’t in your wheelhouse, you can paint glaze on figurines, vases, mugs and more. It’s incredibly budget-friendly, with painting starting at $15 for a tile. Related: [COLUMN: ‘The Last of Us’ episode two: hope in a broken world]
Classic Bowling Lanes & Western Skateland
Love a good competition? Try your hand at a friendly game of bowling with friends. Classic Bowling has $2 Tuesdays starting at 8 p.m., making it incredibly budget-friendly. It just so happens to be right next to Western Skateland, Bloomington’s only roller rink. Skateland has a student discount for those who bring their student ID. They also have a small section of arcade games if you decide to tap out of skating.
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The Cade
For those over 21, The Cade is an arcade lover’s ideal night out. It’s equipped with arcade classics like Ms. Pac-Man but also includes a wide array of pinball machines, N64 console games and, of course, board games. They even have video game-inspired signature cocktails and slushies to keep the night going.
Biology Building Greenhouse
While still part of campus, the greenhouse is a great location for an Instagram photoshoot or an in-depth exploration of beautiful plants. It is free and open to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. most weekdays, which does make it a bit finnicky to plan a trip. Even if it’s just a quick stop between stressful classes, the greenhouse is a great way to ground yourself during an anxiety-filled day.
