<p>We are planning a visit to our at the end of the summer. It will be a 9 hour drive for us with some other stops and visits. I know nothing about the area. Any suggestions on how we can also make this a vacation. Are there any destinations within an hour or so? Thanks</p>
<p>Not sure what directions you’re coming from, but downtown Indianapolis is an hour away. They have a zoo, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a lot of great parks, the NCAA HOF, and a minor league baseball team. </p>
<p>You can also visit Brown County (parks, woods, etc.)</p>
<p>Slightly over an hour, but still close: Holiday World/Splashin’ Safari (huge waterpark and accompanying theme park)</p>
<p>A word of warning as you mentioned visiting at the end of summer: don’t visit during the week when freshman (and other students) arrive. It’s chaotic in B-ton that week. Finding a hotel will be difficult and waits for restaurants will be long.</p>
<p>Also a good idea to avoid football weekends unless you want to see a game.</p>
<p>soccergurl’s ideas are good and cover a lot. There is also a lot to do in B-ton. Go to the visitor’s center website for some ideas. </p>
<p>[Bloomington</a> Indiana Official Website - Hotels, Restaurants, Events - Bloomington Travel Resource](<a href=“http://www.visitbloomington.com%5DBloomington”>http://www.visitbloomington.com)</p>
<p>We stayed in Drury Inn (East side is better) in Indy. It has hot food during happy hrs and for breakfast. It is clean with queen size beds and good rate. :D</p>