- Dec 11, 2010
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I have noticed several DFP regulars are coming to nationals in Bloomington/Normal. Since I'm guessing most of you have never been there I would start an informational thread about the area. I have intended to start this for a couple weeks but my schedule has prevented it. I'm going to do this a little at a time by editing my original post. Keep in mind that I'm not a resident but have spent a decent amount of time there the last couple of years.
Normal is part of two towns that grew together. Bloomington and Normal are basically one big college town. It is the home of Illinois State University, Heartland Community College and Illinois Wesleyan University. The kids call the area "Blo-No" for short sometimes. It is a pretty safe area and most of the town is decent. Bloomington Normal is not a vacation destination. There is no zip lining, hiking and unless you like corn you won't be taking photos of scenery. Sorry about that folks! Softball is going to be the main thing you will be doing, lol!
1000 Raab Road, Normal. The Corn Crib. Minor league baseball team, The Corn Belters. Heartland CC softball also plays there. Nice stadium, and they are in town that week.
As a college town, you will find all the regular chain restaurants. The only area I avoid is Market Street east of I-55 where there are several truck stops. The Culver's is fine but the other restaurants are filthy.
102 North Linden Street, Normal. Pub II. More of a restaurant than a bar this time of year. This is a college bar that has pretty good pub food. It will be fine for kids most times of the evening but it will become more like a party bar as the night goes on so keep that in mind. I have taken my daughters there many times, food is good, I usually get a ribeye sandwich. This is a possibility for a team dinner location.
1304 Cross Creek Drive, Normal. Swingers Grille. Don't get scared by the name. It is a restaurant and golf driving range. Various sandwiches, steak, salmon, it's all good. Team dinner location.
1700 West College Avenue. Carl's Ice Cream. This is a few blocks from the ball fields. This is an old style drive-in/ Dairy Queen type place, burgers, fries, sandwiches, ice cream, RC Cola. It's been good every time. There is also a Bloomington location which I have not been to. ***There is a decent manual car wash right next door.
*** Again, I will be editing this post to add restaurants etc all weekend. Safe travels if you are coming!
Normal is part of two towns that grew together. Bloomington and Normal are basically one big college town. It is the home of Illinois State University, Heartland Community College and Illinois Wesleyan University. The kids call the area "Blo-No" for short sometimes. It is a pretty safe area and most of the town is decent. Bloomington Normal is not a vacation destination. There is no zip lining, hiking and unless you like corn you won't be taking photos of scenery. Sorry about that folks! Softball is going to be the main thing you will be doing, lol!
1000 Raab Road, Normal. The Corn Crib. Minor league baseball team, The Corn Belters. Heartland CC softball also plays there. Nice stadium, and they are in town that week.
As a college town, you will find all the regular chain restaurants. The only area I avoid is Market Street east of I-55 where there are several truck stops. The Culver's is fine but the other restaurants are filthy.
102 North Linden Street, Normal. Pub II. More of a restaurant than a bar this time of year. This is a college bar that has pretty good pub food. It will be fine for kids most times of the evening but it will become more like a party bar as the night goes on so keep that in mind. I have taken my daughters there many times, food is good, I usually get a ribeye sandwich. This is a possibility for a team dinner location.
1304 Cross Creek Drive, Normal. Swingers Grille. Don't get scared by the name. It is a restaurant and golf driving range. Various sandwiches, steak, salmon, it's all good. Team dinner location.
1700 West College Avenue. Carl's Ice Cream. This is a few blocks from the ball fields. This is an old style drive-in/ Dairy Queen type place, burgers, fries, sandwiches, ice cream, RC Cola. It's been good every time. There is also a Bloomington location which I have not been to. ***There is a decent manual car wash right next door.
*** Again, I will be editing this post to add restaurants etc all weekend. Safe travels if you are coming!
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