Go Shop View archives

• ASAHEL GRIDLEY ANTIQUE SHOP

  Proprietors Jim White and Andy Willits travel the country to find the antique rugs, furniture, paintings and other treasures that fill the 16 rooms of their three buildings that are almost antiques themselves. The shop, named after a Bloomington pioneer, is only open Fridays and Saturdays. (9/2011)

  215-219 E Front St, Bloomington
  309-829-9615
  www.gridleyantiques.com
  

• Third Sunday Market

  Plan to spend several hours browsing through the antique furniture, sports memorabilia, folk art, jewelry, glassware and other flea market finds at this sprawling indoor/outdoor market with more than 450 dealers from 17 states. (9/2011)

  At the Interstate Center 2301 W Market St, Bloomington
  217-202-2847
  thirdsundaymarket.com
  

• Le Scent Studio

  In addition to stocking top-of-the-line perfumes and colognes in his Europeaninspired shop, perfumer Brad Kalavitinos is known for tracking down hard-to-find fragrances for you, even if they’ve been unavailable at other stores for years. Open weekends only. (9/2011)

  201 1/2 North St, Ste A, Normal
  309- 454-3366
  lescentstudio.com
  

 

Go See View archives

• Apple and Pork Festival

  Feast on homemade ham and beans, a tender pork chop or ham sandwich, or the countless other pork- and apple-based food options before browsing through hundreds of craft, antique and arts vendors on the homestead grounds and throughout town at this 43-year-old festival. Sept. 24-25. (9/2011)

  At C.H. Moore Homestead 219 E Woodlawn St, Clinton
  217- 935-6066
  chmoorehome...le-pork.htm
  

• MILLER PARK ZOO

  This 68-acre crown jewel of Bloomington’s park system. has an 18-hole miniature golf course, a spray park as well as a zoo complete with tigers, bears, reindeer and sea lions. (9/2011)

  1020 S Morris Ave, Bloomington
  309-434-2250
  www.millerparkzoo.org
  

• Comlara Park

  Pitch a tent and stay the weekend or just pack a picnic for a day of communing with nature in this rural 2,200-acre park. There are 10-plus miles of wooded trails for hiking and biking, and 900-acre Evergreen Lake—home to Glasener Beach—is stocked with prize largemouth bass. (9/2011)

  13001 Recreation Area Dr, Hudson
  309-434-6770
  mcleancountyil.gov/parks
  

 

Go Eat View archives

• The Rock Restaurant

  Owner Said Saliba, whose father owns a restaurant by the same name in Lebanon, brought the best of his heritage to Normal and created a hit with this restaurant. Popular menu items include gyros, falafel and baklava, as well as American burgers and subs for the less adventurous. $ (9/2011)

  203 W North St, Normal
  309-451-4976
  therockrestaurant.net
  

• Jim’s Steakhouse

  Dark wood and a glowing fireplace set the mood for fine dining here and the menu takes it one step further. Try one of Jim’s famous aged steaks, the mouthwatering prime rib or the daily seafood selection. After dinner, relax with a drink at the piano bar. $$$ (9/2011)

  2307 E Washington St; Bloomington
  309-663-4142
  jimssteakhouse.net
  

• THE CABOOSE

  Aptly named for its location next to the city rail yards, this out-of-the-way neighborhood restaurant has been worth the trek for more than 40 years, as any local will tell you. Make sure to try the taco salad or gorge on the nightly all-youcan- eat fried chicken special. $$ (9/2011)

  608 W Seminary St, Bloomington, IL
  309-829-7895

 

Go Party View archives

• Fat Jack’s

  Relax with a Fat Jack’s strawberry and raspberry vodka cocktail in the laidback “Blue Room,” have a microbrew and play darts, pool or video games in the main bar or show your moves on the illuminated dancefloor at this popular nightspot. (9/2011)

  511 N Main St, Bloomington
  309-821-9222
  fatjacksinc.net
  

• Ride the Nine and Shooter's Lounge

  This is a favorite night spot for locals, with live music and pool tournaments that draw crowds. It also features daily drink specials and hearty, inexpensive fare; the Texas brisket sandwich is as tasty as they come. (9/2011)

  503 N Prospect Rd, Bloomington
  309- 662-1009
  ridethenine.com
  

• The Castle Theatre

  Much of the grandeur of this restored 1916 movie theater remains. The venue has gone from featuring silver-screen legends to rocking the walls with live concerts, including country, rock, blues and tribute bands. This month, Willy Porter and Patty Larkin take the stage (March 25). (9/2011)

  209 E Washington St, Bloomington
  309-820-0352
  thecastletheatre.com