Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors BureauBN Life
The Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is closely monitoring COVID-19. With the constant changes, please contact our office for a full list of closures in the Bloomington-Normal area. We always prioritize the safety of our visitors. We have teamed up with the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council and the McLean County Chamber of Commerce to launch a new website, BNPrepared.org. This […]
Unique Dining in Bloomington-Normal
Whether you’re planning a night out on the town in downtown Bloomington or uptown Normal, two things are guaranteed: you won’t go hungry and you’ll never be bored. With its annual festivals, restaurants, bars and live entertainment, Bloomington-Normal offers both world-class culture and small-town rural charm. Our 200 restaurants – 65 of which are unique […]
BN Our Story – Evergreen Cemetery Walk
Evergreen Cemetery serves as the final resting place for many of Bloomington-Normal’s most respected citizens: senators, Civil War generals and hall of fame athletes. Most of its inhabitants, however, are the regular, day-to-day citizens of the past that contributed to the growth, diversity and success of McLean County in many ways. For the past twenty-five […]
Viewers of the PBS show Downton Abbey are highly anticipating the release of the film, which comes out this weekend. The show followed the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and those of their servants. Its period costumes, old fashioned romance and lack of texting and tweeting provided a haven for viewers looking to escape […]
September is a busy month with students going back to school, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t time to have fun. Here are five events happening in Bloomington-Normal this month: First Friday September 6 Downtown Bloomington First Friday showcases the numerous galleries, studios and artists downtown. Mimosa Morning September 14 Uptown Normal Enjoy […]
BN Our Story – Children’s Discovery Museum 25th Anniversary
It’s safe to say that most children in Bloomington-Normal have attended a birthday party at the Children’s Discovery Museum at some point over the years. The first incarnation of the museum opened in 1994 at the College Hills Mall, where business exceeded expectations; the museum drew about 50,000 visitors. It expanded to a larger location […]
BN the Music – Front Street Music Festival
On a warm summer evening in Downtown Bloomington, jazz music can be heard coming from Front Street. For a small jazz club, Jazz Upfront produces a lot of sound. With its weekly live music, drink specials and cool yet casual environment, Jazz Upfront offers a taste of big city entertainment to downtown. Owners James and […]
All over Illinois, artists, makers and creators have been chosen by the Illinois Office of Tourism as Illinois Made destinations: places that help create and flourish off of the local culture. From Farm to Fork Epiphany Farms Every item on the menu at Epiphany Farms is naturally raised from Chef Ken Myszka’s 20-acre working farm […]
BN Our History – Lincoln’s Festival on Route 66
Abraham Lincoln made his first visit to Bloomington-Normal in 1837 when he was a lawyer on the eighth judicial circuit. During this time, he met two residents who would not only become his close friends, but the most important political backers in his quest for state and national office: Jesse Fell and David Davis. According […]
4 New Things in Bloomington-Normal
In with the new! Here are the newest places to eat, drink and be in Bloomington-Normal. Ancho & Agave 3006 E. Empire St., BL 309.590.3200 BN’s newest Mexican restaurant sells the classics, tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, and burritos, while serving homemade salsa and guacamole. The atmosphere is refreshing and inviting, with high ceilings, large windows and […]
