If you’re spending fall break in Bloomington but don’t have much planned other than lying in bed, I'm here to help change that. In my opinion, the best time of year to explore southern Indiana is autumn. The many parks and forests are in their prime and restaurants begin serving their new seasonal menus. There are a number of fall themed activities and cuisines that make the month of October so special. Read below to see what Bloomington and its neighboring towns have to offer this weekend.
Camping
If you’re looking for a good change of scenery this weekend, both Monroe County and Brown County have plenty of top-rated campgrounds to explore. Thirty minutes outside of IU’s campus you’ll find Brown County State Park. This is a beautiful place to camp in the fall as you can watch the autumn leaves reflect against the lake. The park’s scenic 20-mile drive of tree-lined roads and 16,000 acres of rugged hills demonstrate why it’s the largest state park in Indiana. The park’s website offers a wide range of camping sites to choose from, including over 30 non-electric and over 300 electric camping sites. More information about the campgrounds and upcoming events can be found at the Brown County State Park website.
Hoosier National Forest offers quite a few camping options that include group and dispersed camping, cabin rentals and RV camping. This spot is less than a 20-minute drive from Bloomington’s campus, making it a quick little getaway from college life chaos. You can reserve a campsite either online or by calling the forest service phone number (812) 275-5987. The forest even has outdoor activities to choose from, such as mountain biking and horseback riding. Make sure to check out the highlighted areas; my favorites are the Caves and Karst, Hemlock Cliffs and the Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower. Visit the Hoosier National Forest website to prepare for your next camping trip.
Nashville, Indiana Hot Spots
Just about a half-hour drive outside of Bloomington lays a cute little town called Nashville. This hidden gem is the perfect place to enjoy a lovely fall day outside of Bloomington. The town has a variety of cafes, restaurants and shops to explore. I highly recommend visiting Cooper’s Alley, located right in town. This southern-style supper club presents a cozy yet traditional atmosphere that you’ll never want to leave. Take a look at their fall menu as it always changes with the seasons. If you’re craving a memorable sip of coffee or tea, head over to Daily Grind Coffee House & Cafe. Those looking for a sweet and savory baked good should make their way to Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Rolls.
Don’t forget that Nashville has more to offer besides its delicious food, there are plenty of cute shops to explore as well. Rivers and Roads Home sells an abundance of handmade goods and home decor at a reasonable price. If you’ve been thinking about buying a new candle, this is the place to go. Moonshine Leather is another shop that’s worth the visit. This store specializes in handmade leather accessories such as belts, wallets, purses and handbags. Each accessory offers a wide variety of colors and sizes too. Don’t let your knowledge of leather scare you, considering how inviting and helpful the owner and his staff are. A peaceful day in Nashville makes for a perfect staycation this fall break.
Cider tasting at Friendly Beasts Cider Company
Get in the fall spirit and treat yourself to a savory cider flight at Friendly Beasts Cider Company. Located right off the B-line trail before Kroger, you’ll find what appears to be an old garage that looks like it has just been graffitied. I understand how interesting a description that is, but this appearance caught my eye right away. I recently stumbled upon this spot during my long walk on the B-trail. The employees welcomed me with a menu right away, listing each cider from dryest to sweetest. Sadly, I didn’t get the chance to buy a flight, but I highly recommend trying them. All ages are welcome as they offer both alcoholic and nonalcoholic options. Multiple groups around me enjoyed their flights with warm company. The variety of flavors are perfect for those who are both new to beer and enjoy the taste of beer, which could make for a great date spot.
