Bloomington, Indiana is not just home of Indiana University, but it is also home to many unique shopping opportunities for anyone who visits there. The cultural diversity in Bloomington is prominent all around town and visitors will see that same diversity in the shopping around town as well. These shops offer some of the best shopping trips in Bloomington.
Visitors can begin shopping by stopping at the B-town Store inside the Bloomington Visitors Center at 2855 North Walnut Street. This shop has locally made soaps, cool tee-shirts, along with plenty of IU merchandise. There are unique souvenirs, including classic movies that have been made in Indiana including “Hoosiers”, which is about a small Indiana high school that wins a state championship. Homemade granola can be found here for visitors who are searching for a quick snack.
Another great shop for Indiana University souvenirs or just a nice souvenir from Bloomington is also located on North Walnut Street. Campustown which features buy one get one free tee shirts every day is the place to find licensed IU apparel, postcards, and even glassware. Located at 306 North Walnut Street, Campustown could be considered the top IU souvenir shop in Bloomington.
For alumni or visitors who have children who will be attending college at IU during the year, a trip into The Indiana Shop is a must see. This shop at 421 Kirkwood is near campus and sells a wide variety of IU clothing for adults and children. Sweatshirts, caps, tees, and other apparel and accessories are available year round at this store. This can be the perfect shop for alumni to buy an item that will show off their school spirit when they get back home.
For the book lover in the traveling group, it is a real treat to make a stop at Caveat Emptor Used and Rare Books at 112 North Walnut Street. This store in located in the heart of town, and will touch the heart of any book lover who enters the door. This store contains the largest selection of used, collectible books in southern Indiana. Here the book lover will find many rare books as well as children’s books, foreign language, math, science, world history, modern fiction, and classic books. They also carry many art books, cookbooks, and CD’s.
If there is a craft lover in the group, they must stop at In a Yarn Basket at 2480 South Walnut Street. This is a crafters’ paradise, where they will find a wide selection of patterns and yard . The friendly staff is always willing to discuss the latest craft projects that they know about and are eager to help the guest who walks into the door. This store also offers books and classes for the artesian who might need a little bit of direction in their yarn craft.
Crafters will also want to stop at 2361 West Rappel Avenue at Textillery Weavers . This company started out as a hobby in 1976 and features more than 500 styles and colors of hand woven throws. This outlet store carries surplus yarns and overstock throws. This store is a wonderful shop for those who like to do yarn crafts.
Indiana University is known for their football and basketball teams and so Bloomington has to have some good athletic shoe stores in town. The Indiana Running Company is one of those stores. Offering running and walking shoes and many accessories to go with them is their specialty. Located at 121 North Walnut, this store in close to campus and close to the many shops that welcome visitors each year.
As much as college students love their athletic shoes, they also love their denim . That could be why Inseam Denim Supply is such a popular spot for tourists, college students, and college alumni. This shop offers denim for anyone of any age. Along with the perfect pair of jeans, shoppers will find many shoes, bags, and other accessories in a casual but chic store.
If travelers need something for the little member of the family, it is best to stop at O’Child Children’s Boutique inside Fountain Square Mall at 101 Kirkwood Avenue. This shop is a charming boutique that offers shoppers a wide variety of children’s clothing for that perfect little someone. This shop also has plenty of unique one of a kind gifts for the little person in your life as well.
Whatever the traveler is looking for is sure to be found in downtown Bloomington as this is just a few of the stores that the city has to offer. These are just some of the best for those who want to shop the downtown area and the area around the campus. Visitors are sure to find the perfect gift or souvenir for their trip.
