Bloomington, Indiana is a growing city. Besides restaurants, Bloomington is full of amazing local businesses, wineries and bakeries. Whether you live in Bloomington or you’re in town for the weekend for graduation, an Indiana University basketball or football game, be sure to check these local businesses out!
1. Oliver Winery
Not only is the wine at Oliver amazing (you can buy wine on site in their tasting room, at many stores, or online), but their tasting room and outdoor seating is beautiful. Also, you can have a picnic while you enjoy your wine on site! You can bring your own charcuterie spread (and your dog!) or buy a package. This local business, off of Indiana State Road 37 in Bloomington, is a must-see. My favorite wines at Oliver are the Red Blend, the Creekbend III, and the Traminette. Traminette is a grape local to Indiana, so while you are in Bloomington, you should try it. A tasting costs only $5, and includes 8 different wine samples.
2. Cardinal Spirits
Cardinal Spirits is a distillery in Bloomington. They are currently, as of May 2021, still open only for carry-out orders and pick-up. However, they do currently have amazing carry-out cocktail sets that can be purchased. You can pick up a carry-out cocktail, which serves approximately 5 people, and enjoy it at your hotel. They are also currently running a promotion that if you show your vaccine card, you can get a free shot as your “third shot”! Besides their amazing carry‑out cocktails, my favorite spirits are the Flora liqueur, the Terra botanical gin, and the Songbird coffee liqueur.
3. Two Sticks Bakery
I love this spot! The delicious pastries from this from scratch bakery speak for themselves, and take a look at their beautiful cakes. This is a women owned business, and we love that. If you are in Bloomington, and need to get a cake or dessert for a birthday, graduation, or other celebration, check this place out. My favorite drink here is the Honey Bee.
4. Hopscotch Coffee
The Hopscotch location on the B line is a great place to stop if you are on a walk or bike ride on the B line. I also like to go here and bring my laptop, working either in the indoor seating or sitting outside, people watching on the B line. I like their drip coffee and their Thai iced tea.
5. Friendly Beasts Cider Company
If you love cider, whether sweet or dry, Friendly Beats has the cider for you! You must try their unique and rotating ciders if you are in town. Make sure to check their hours to order pick-up. There are not many Indiana-based cideries, and I love this local Bloomington business.
Be sure to let me know if you are in Indiana, and if check out any of these Bloomington local businesses. Leave a comment if you have any questions!