We all know Bloomington-Normal is not the most bumpin’ of places. Surrounded by cornfields and crawling with townies, sometimes you just need a little inspiration when trying to find an exciting thing to do with your significant other. But look no further, HerCampus ISU is here to help. Here’s seven fun and more importantly, local, date ideas to help spice up your relationship!
Picnic
Sound corny? Well it’s not, trust me. If you are a guy setting up a picnic for a girl, you will win tons of romantic points with her. And if you are a girl setting up a picnic for a guy, we all know anything that involves food – guys will be all about. Instead of just doing an ordinary picnic in the quad, pick a special spot to set it up. Maybe at Anderson Park or even better, the nest ISU Men’s baseball games! You can enjoy some Redbird sporting events while also spending time with your loved one.
ISU Men’s Baseball Website: http://www.goredbirds.com/sports/m-basebl/ilsu-m-basebl-body.html
Miller Park Zoo
Yes, you heard me right…there is a ZOO in Bloomington-Normal. This is one of the most well-kept secrets of Bloomington-Normal and a great date spot. Located right by Veterans Pkwy, this zoo is a fun way to spend a day with your boyfriend/girlfriend. They have all different animals from tigers, bears and even reindeer. There is an even an aquarium with sea otters, sea lions and fish! Miller Park Zoo is open all year round and offers all sorts of activities for a fun-filled day.
Check out their website here: http://www.cityblm.org/parks/Miller-Park-Zoo/about-the-zoo.htm
Lake Bloomington
This hot date spot is great for any fun-loving and outdoorsy couple. Located close to the ISU campus, you can do everything from rent boats to take a walk around the lakefront. Feel free to even rent a kayak, fishing poles or a paddle boat from the ISU Recreation Center located right by football field and take those over to the lake for the day. There are hundreds of ways to enjoy this beautiful lake with your significant other so get creative! My advice to my fellow hopeless romantics out there? Go around 7 P.M and enjoy a beautiful sunset while snuggled up in a blanket. So romantic!
Check out their website here: http://www.cityblm.org/department.asp?dep_id=8908&menuid=8909
Kobe
Not only is this place one of my favorite restaurants, but it’s also one of the most fun and interactive! They sell sushi and other Asian cuisine but it is also a hibachi grill, meaning they cook in front of you. The cooks come armed with tricks such as flipping shrimp into their shirt pockets and even setting a tower of onions on fire. They keep you laughing and entertained while also letting you enjoy an amazing meal. The food is great, the atmosphere is fun and the best part of all? It won’t go busting your budget.
Website: http://www.kobebloomington.com/
Bloomington Blaze Hockey Game
If your significant other is a sports fan, than this date spot is perfect for them. Located in the U.S. Cellular Coliseum, these Blaze games are exciting and a great way to cheer on a great team. The tickets are cheap and the games are action packed. So feel free to check out their schedule and pick a night to come out and enjoy a soft pretzel and some good ol’ fashioned hockey.
Website: http://www.bloomingtonblaze.com/
Normal Town Movie Theatre
You probably pass by this beautiful theatre almost every day so next time, why not make it into a date spot! This theatre is constantly showing a great array of classic movies that are rarely released to other theatres. You get a great fun movie-theatre setting without having to sit through 21 Jump Street for the third time. Check out their website, do some research on their upcoming movies and buy your tickets! It’s cheaper and much more unique than just driving over to the Starplex.
Website: http://www.normaltheater.com/
Concert at U.S. Cellular. Coliseum
From Bassnecter to Lady Antebellum, this concert venue is sure to host different artists from whatever music genre you or your significant other like. It is always offering all types of concert events from small acoustic sets to headliners like Darius Rucker. Ticket prices can range but are almost always within a college kid’s budget and the best part about this venue? It is local. There are bus routes that can take you right to it or you can opt for a short, 5 minute cab ride.
Looking for a more intimate concert experience? Check out upcoming shows at the Castle Theatre in Bloomington. It offers concerts on a smaller setting that is still just as fun!
Website: http://www.uscellularcoliseum.com/