LOCAL INFO
Whether you have an hour or a few days, there’s something for you in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois.
Quick Options Near Synergy
Only have a few hours? Consider the following options closest to Synergy Flight Center. If you have more time, then scroll down to see our expanded recommendations.
Nearby Restaurants & Bars
3 miles or less from Synergy Flight Center, a quick drive will land you at one of Bloomington-Normal’s best locally owned establishments. Franchises are great, but when you travel you’re looking for new experiences. Consider these well rated local choices. If you have more time and are willing to drive a bit further, view our expanded list below.
Ancho and Agave (upscale tacos and margaritas for lunch or dinner)
Baxters American Grille (chop house and wine bar, dinner only)
Biaggi’s (upscale italian restaurant for lunch or dinner)
CRAFTED Coffee Brews & Pokeworks (hawaiian inspired)
Destihl Restaurant & Brewworks (upscale american pub fare)
Egg Republic (open daily 7a-3p for brunch with cocktails available)
Flingers Pizza Pub (craft pizza and craft beer opens at 11am)
Pop Up Chicken Shop (top rated nashville hot chicken and more)
Rob Dob’s Restaurant & Bar (daily fine dining for lunch or dinner)
Brief Experiences and Excursions
If you’re looking to stretch your legs and move around, consider the following brief activities within 5 minutes of Synergy Flight Center.
Driving Range at the Links at Ireland Grove
Prairie Aviation Museum (open April - October)
Walk the paths at Tipton Trails off of Airport Road
View the Updated List of Local Events from VisitBN.org
Time to Explore Bloomington
In town for more than a day? Spend time exploring the following sites in and around Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. And if you haven’t booked a place to stay overnight, and are looking for a unique experience, consider Bloomington’s historic bed and breakfast, Vrooman Mansion. Built in 1869 with vintage glamour preserved alongside modern amenities, you’ll find seven suites with private bathrooms, and a gourmet breakfast that is well worth the stay.
Restaurants & Bars
In addition to the amazing locations listed under our Quick Options section, if you have more time to drive a little further, consider the following locally owned restaurants and bars, coffeeshops, breweries and wineries.
Anju Above (asian fusion with local ingredients)
Bakery & Pickle (speakeasy for dinner only - reservations recommended)
Epiphany Farms (to table) Restaurant (upscale dining)
Harmony Korean Bar-B-Que (interactive dining experience)
Lexington Social (upscale farm to table dinner - reservations recommended)
The Lucca Grill (pizza and italian in a historic location)
Maggie Miley’s (irish fare and bar)
Medici (eclectic american fare for lunch or dinner)
Mystic Kitchen and Tasting Room (small plates and entrees dinner only)
Reality Bites (small plates and entrees open lunch and dinner)
Rosie’s Pub (upscale pub fare and entrees open lunch and dinner)
Coffee & Breakfast Spots
CoffeeHound (3 locations with select bakery items)
CRAFTED (drive thru available with select bakery items)
Egg Republic (open daily 7a-3p for brunch with cocktails available)
Fort Jesse Cafe (open 7a-2p with upscale breakfast & brunch options)
Local Breweries & Wineries
Casper Brewing (traditional eastern european styles)
Destihl Brew Hall (known for their sours and food options)
Lil Beaver Brewery (unique flavors with outdoor beer garden and full kitchen)
Keg Grove Brewing (located off of Constitution Trail)
Mackinaw Valley Vineyard (west of Bloomington with outdoor seating)
Tres Rojas Winery (flights and private tasting sessions available)
White Oak Brewing (known for their IPAs with a taproom and outdoor beer garden)
Experiences
Looking for something beyond food and drinks? We identified both outdoor and indoor attractions where you can stay active, learn about history, take in a live act, or put your artistic talents to the test.
Outdoor Options
Constitution Trail (paved trail over 30 miles across Bloomington and Normal)
Miller Park Zoo (indoor and outdoor attractions)
Sugar Grove Nature Center & Walking Trails (off Old Route 66)
Starved Rock State Park (1 hour north of Bloomington off I-39)
Matthiessen State Park (1 hour north of Bloomington off I-39)
Comlara Park and Evergreen Lake (30 min north of Bloomington)
Indoor Options
Castle Theatre (live music venue built in 1916)
Childrens’ Discovery Museum in Uptown Normal near Illinois State University
David Davis Mansion Tour (former US Supreme Court Justice and US Senator)
Destihl Brewery Hall Events and Tours
Illinois Art Station (ideal for kids age 3-18)
Jazz UpFront (live local jazz club with acts Wed - Sat)
Merlot and a Masterpiece (a BYOB paint and sip experience)
Proving Ground Bouldering Gym (short wall, no ropes or harnesses)
Route 66 Visitor’s Center at McLean County Museum of History
Upper Limits Climbing Gym (climb inside 65 ft tall grain silos)