USA Nationals, Normal Illinois

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!

I would add a trip to Avantis Italian restaurant for the best bread you'll ever have.

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It is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University and illinois State University if anyone is looking to do campus tours.

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One place I like to visit when I'm there Is Destihl. DESTIHL Restaurant & Brew Works : Home

Good food, decent adult beverages.

Normal, Illinois.... home State Farm Insurance...

All the college building are named after State Farm CEO's and founders who donated them. The courses lean towards things that would really help you if you were working for State Farm and your internship will be at.... State Farm....

Enjoy your softball and then when you are eliminated go somewhere interesting afterwards. It wont really matter where you go, because it will all seem more interesting than Normal, IL.


I've been to Normal for work (we had a project with.... State Farm) and I was stuck there for 6 LONG weeks.

Luca Grill, Tobins pizza are good as well. Bloomington,Normal is the king of chain restaurants. They recently have a Portillos being built, but won't be open for 3 weeks. Maggie Miley's is close to the PubII

We came in 2nd place in ASA Southern Nationals last year, so we earned our berth then. When we were playing the losers bracket final, I was secretly hoping we would lose so we would go to PGF instead. Sigh.... Corn Crib... here we come

Our starting 2nd base decided she was finished with travel ball for a while (i think it has to do with boys) and has decided not to go to Nat's with us. Not a great time, as we have had the same lineup for going on 3 straight years, and have won a lot.

At least I know there are good places to eat.

Ah, folks reading this from outside the Midwest might not understand what a Culvers is. It's as big a deal up here in Wisconsin as In and Out is in California., and it has spread around the Midwest, esp. in Illinois.

Culvers is a Wisconsin based burger place. Their headquarters is not far from where I live, and the World's Biggest Culvers is close to Illinois on I-39/90.

Think fast food, with MUCH more emphasis on dairy. The buns of the burgers are covered with butter. My kids always get fried cheese curds, instead of french fries. Kids' meals include frozen custard, a big thing at Culvers. They have their flavor of the day, as well as a few normal flavors. And yes, they have salads and fish sandwiches and chicken sandwiches, too.

Can't imagine why a Wisconsin based fast-food place has so much emphasis on dairy products.

ang2bmd said:

I would add a trip to Avantis Italian restaurant for the best bread you'll ever have.

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Ahh yes...home of the "Gondola" sandwich lol. We play in Pekin a few times a year and always eat there at least once.

People do seem to like Avanti's. My family likes it but I always find myself arguing against it, lol

Definite possibility for a team dinner.