BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WISH) — Bloomington, a small college town renowned for its association with Indiana University, is gaining recognition as a vibrant cultural hub with a diverse array of international cuisine and outdoor activities.
Located near the Hoosier National Forest, Bloomington offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and global flavors.
The town’s International Row, located on East Fourth Street, is a testament to its cultural diversity.
“We are very proud of the university, but we are more than just a university town,” said Jordan Smith, leisure marketing manager at Visit Bloomington. “We have an amazing culture, with people from all walks of life and from across the entire world. Amazing food, great outdoor recreation.”
International Row is considered a notable highlight of Bloomington’s cultural scene. It is located just a block over from Kirkwood Avenue, the central hub of the town that bridges the IU campus and the community.
One standout establishment on International Row is Anyetsang’s Little Tibet, the first and only Tibetan restaurant in Bloomington.
Co-owner Pema Wangchen was born in Tibet and raised in India. The menus at his restaurant include Tibetan, Thai, and Indian dishes.
“I was born in Tibet, and I know my mom’s cooking, and I also grew up in India, and Thai food from when my uncle was over there. So, people have more choices coming to this restaurant,” he said.
The restaurant has been a staple in Bloomington for over 20 years, contributing to the local economy and fostering a sense of community among residents and visitors alike.
“They have good food, everybody has good food,” Wangchen said, highlighting the close-knit relationships among local businesses. “Sometimes they are out of rice, and they come to my kitchen asking to borrow rice or potatoes. We’re very close, and it’s a shoulder to go to.”
Bloomington’s mix of natural beauty, global tastes, and small-town warmth is giving visitors more reasons to stay and even more to return.
“There are a lot of people from a lot of different backgrounds,” said Brenna McConnell, a grad student at IU. “There’s a lot to do around here, and it might be a little different once you get out of the city, but I think that’s a misconception people have.”