Gather

April showers bring May flowers. It’s that time of year.  Time to let the fresh air in and clear out the old.  I love the promise of spring.  All the new growth encourages me to create my own opportunities for growth.

April boasts some pretty awesome events. For all the adventurers, The Banff Mountain Film Festival is this weekend.  I’m ready for all the fresh produce at the Farmer’s Market. And beer.  Don’t forget about the 7th Annual Bloomington Craft Beer Fest April 8th at Woolery Stone Mill.  Each ticket purchased donates $3 to The Lotus Education & Arts Foundation.  And finally it’s the start of the Summer Performing Arts Series and Food Truck Fridays!

Now I would love to garden, but moving around doesn’t really allow for me to garden at my home.  Community gardens are a great compromise.  Check out Bloomington Parks and Rec Community Gardens or IU Hilltop Gardens.  I’m also interested in the fresh fruit of the Bloomington Community Orchard.  I’ll also be perking up my home with a few plants thanks to Mays Greenhouse, Bloomington Valley Nursery, and Hall’s Greenhouse.

This community values bikes. The City of Bloomington conveniently organized Racks and Routes.  Biking is a major mode of transit in Bloomington, but we also have great trails: B-Line, Bloomington Rail Trail, Cascades Park Trail, Clear Creek Trail, Jackson Creek Trail, Miller-Showers Park Trail, Park Ridge Park Trail, Olcott Park Trail, Wapehani Mountain Bike Park.  Which are the best? I’m familiar with a few, but I definitely haven’t been on all of them. Without a bike or need new parts? Check out Bicycle Garage,  Revolution Bike & Bean, Salt Creek Cycles.  Or build your own at the Bloomington Community Bike Project.  I want to try the Pedego Electric Bikes.  Has anyone done a Bloomington tour on one yet? Owners Frank and Karen make it sound like a ton of fun! April in Bloomington means one thing–Little 500.  It’s the largest collegiate bike race  in the country.  A true Hoosier classic based on the Indy 500. May is Bloomington Bike Month so check out all the bike-friendly events!

It’s a beautiful time in Bloomington!