A Winter Weekend in Bloomington | Extended Weekend Getaways

Now that winter is here and the holiday season has come to an end, a new kind of seasonal fun begins to pop up across the country: Ice festivals and events like Freezefest. Now in its fifth year, this year's event will take place January 23-25 at the Dimension Mill and Upland Brewing Company.

There are many events like Freezefest in the U.S. this time of year (Jan/Feb). But that’s just the beginning of the story. Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes to plan an event like this and the day in the life of an ice-carver?

Bill Thistlethwaite from Ice of America coordinates and manages these cool events like Bloomington’s Freezefest which uses around 56,000 lbs of ice — ice that’s sourced from Northern Ohio. He works with men and women ice sculptors from around the country who travel and make these magical ice events happen with their skill and ice artistry. Bill and his sculptors have participated in many events throughout the country and internationally. From the cultural Olympics to national and world championships and everything in between. These ice sculptors can make any size sculptures from table centerpieces to sculptures weighing up to 50,000 lbs. At the World Championships at Ice Alaska the sculptures are routinely 12-15 ft tall and weigh around 50,000 lbs.

Freezefest is a free winter ice festival featuring live ice carvings, an ice sculpture boulevard, an ice carving chainsaw battle, fire troupe performances, a chili cook-off, and plenty of food and family activities. Freezefest is a great way to beat the winter doldrums and get outdoors for some fun with your family and friends. A complete schedule of events may be found at https://www.visitbloomington.com/freezefest/schedule/

While many opt for indoor hideaways during the colder months, Bloomington boasts a plethora of outdoor wonders that make facing the chill absolutely worthwhile.

While in town, embark on a nature-filled adventure at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, offering eight short hiking trails with stunning views of the frozen lake. For a unique experience, load up your mountain bike and traverse the enchanting Bloomington Rail Trail, transforming into a captivating tunnel of icy branches in the coldest months. Nature enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, where winter welcomes tundra swans, sandhill cranes, and playful river otters.

If a full outdoor escapade isn’t your style, a leisurely stroll through downtown Bloomington provides a magical scene straight from a Hallmark movie, complete with unique window display storefronts.

Prefer to stay warm indoors? Bloomington offers a diverse range of entertainment options, from exploring world-renowned museums like the Lilly Library to family-friendly activities at Classic Lanes Bowling Center. Dive into the arts with a play at the Musical Arts Center or a performance at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater.

Three people looking at some quilts that are on display at a quilt show A little later in the year, from March 6-8 is the 32nd annual Indiana Heritage Quilt Show will be open to showcase more than 200 remarkable quilted works at the Monroe Convention Center. The quilts showcased here come from all over the World, ranging in size from a one-foot square to 10 feet. There will also be workshops for the public to attend. You can enter your quilt online by February 10. Quilt cash awards total $10,000. The Challenge Quilt will be to pick a birthstone color and create a 30″ x 30″ quilt. This year’s featured artist is textile artist Sue Cortese. Come see her innovative approach to creating art, including shibori techniques, hand dyed and printed fabric.

Satisfy your winter cravings with Bloomington’s delightful comfort food offerings. Indulge in Southern Stone’s Shrimp & Grits, savor the cozy ambiance of Runcible Spoon with Corned Beef Hash, or warm up with a Soup Flight and Cajun Seasoning cocktail at Southern Stone. The city’s eateries, including the Irish Lion and Taste of India, offer an array of comforting dishes.

As the home of Indiana University, there are a multitude of live entertainment events scheduled each week. From opera to jazz, or country to rock music there is sure to be something for every interest. Want to get into the act? Look for an open mic night.

Hotel exterior on College campus Other not-to-miss attractions at the college campus are: The WonderLab science museum has hands-on kids’ exhibits, plus insects and reptiles. Indiana University’s Eskenazi Museum of Art has paintings, sculptures and decorative arts from around the world. The 1835 Wylie House is now a museum with period furnishings and an heirloom garden. Dining room at hotel)Tudor Room Southeast, trails lace Hoosier National Forest’s Charles C. Deam Wilderness.

For a warm and cozy stay, look no further than the Indiana Memorial Union Biddle Hotel & Conference Center. With its inviting atmosphere, massive fireplace, and central location, it’s the perfect base for your winter B-Town excursion. It is located right on the Indiana University College Campus and has an amazing restaurant, A plate of food staged in front of a long menu at a restaurant The Tuder Room. located inside the Indiana Memorial Union. The Tudor Room is more than your typical college dining hall. Students, staff and visitors can all dine in style! Bask in the true glory of old IU as you enjoy their exquisite buffet options in this pinnacle of collegiate gothic architecture.

Don’t let your vacation days go to waste! Bloomington has activities for everyone, from family-friendly outings at the WonderLab Museum to rock climbing at Hoosier Heights and Urban Air Adventure Park. Treat yourself to a couples’ romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day with delicious treats from local bakeries, an art-filled stroll at the Eskenazi Museum of Art, and romantic dinners at places like Truffles or Osteria Rago. Whatever adventure you choose, Bloomington awaits with a warm welcome this winter.