Affordable and absorbing: These experiences around Bloomington don't cost much
Got some time but not sacs of cash? Affordable and yet captivating places beckon. Learn Scottish country dancing; hike a little-used urban forest trail (with limited free parking); see a family-friendly show at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater; visit exotic, rescued cats; bowl a strike; stroll the refurbished Martinsville downtown square (with retro candy store); ponder "Reflections on Accumulation and Letting Go"; or grab some goodies at an outdoors store giveaway.
"Reel" lively Scottish country dancing classes for $5
Five dollars will get you a jig, a reel and a strathspey. Most Mondays from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Michelle Stroud and associates teach Scottish country dancing to authentic although recorded Scottish music. "Dance as though you are Mary Queen of Scotts," Stroud said during a recent class.
Some say the kings and clan chiefs observed the Highland Games and then used what they saw to choose their men at arms. Doing the highland country dances took skill and focus, and the men used the dances to show off their muscles, nimbleness and staying power. Today, women and men participate in these dances the world over. Wear comfortable shoes and enter First Presbyterian Church, 221 E. Sixth St., through the door with the canopy. Dance room is on the left. No partner needed.
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Old-growth forest offers peace, interpretive signs and dog walking
Just south of the College Mall, on East Stratum Way (in the Stratum at Indiana apartment complex), is Latimer Woods Nature Trail. A lush old-growth forest called Latimer Woods offers a dirt and wood chip trail, the Latimer Woods Nature Trail. Hiking challenge is mid-level, and the trail is more than a third of a mile long. Dogs are allowed. Curving through the former Latimer Farm, it also has signs with information on the farm's history.
To enter, go into the apartment complex on East Stratum Way and park near 3105 and 3115 E. Stratum Way. There is a paved path between those two buildings that leads to the trail. There are a few additional guest parking spots nearby. Free to all. Hours are 5 a.m.-11 p.m. every day. Visit https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/parks/latimer-woods. View on Google Maps.
Martinsville's square has been charmingly refurbished
If you haven't been to downtown Martinsville recently, you might be surprised by this town's beautifully restored square. Among the pretty shops is a Martinsville Candy Kitchen, and there's still time — through Nov. 1 — to order their famous handmade candy canes (only cinnamon and peppermint are available now).
Cristian Badger-Devlin makes the store's persimmon pudding now that it's fall. "And we always have our popular sugar cream pie," she said. Greek immigrant Jimmy Zapapas started the store in 1919, and today's owners have hung onto his recipes, making most by hand.
Visitors can see a candy cane demonstration during demonstration times, listed on the company's Facebook and Instagram pages. Store is at 46 N. Main St, Martinsville. Visit martinsvillecandykitchen.com.
JL Waters outdoor-goods store celebrates 50 years
On Nov. 10, JL Waters & Company celebrates its 50th anniversary at their store on Bloomington's downtown square, 109 N. College Ave. Visitors will receive goodie bags and other giveaways from JL Waters' vendors including: Patagonia, La Sportiva, Oakley, Pendleton, Darn Tough Vermont, Orvis,Toad & Co., Gregory, Kuhl, Grand Trunk. Drinks may be purchased, with a commemorative 50th Anniversary cup. All proceeds go to Sycamore Land Trust.
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Letting it go at Juniper Art Gallery
Nothing's permanent. If letting go and impermanence appeals, try a free reading of "Compost Diaries, Reflections on Accumulation and Letting Go"
From 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Juniper Art Gallery presents "Compost Diaries," a chapbook (small booklet) of poems and short prose by LuAnne Holladay. Holladay and guests will discuss the beautiful and ordinary things we see and maybe take for granted every day.
Reflect on things we have kept and discarded, and why. "I'm glad I kept a sprig of creosote bush I brought home from a visit to the Sonoran Desert about a decade ago," Holladay said. "It sits in a little vase on my desk, and anytime it's really humid here in southern Indiana, my office smells of the desert after a rainstorm." The event is free, and all proceeds from sales of "Compost Diaries" will go to Friends of Juniper Art Gallery. Juniper Art Gallery is at 615 W. Kirkwood Ave.
Meee-wow: See big, rescued cats in Center Point
Exotic felines that have experienced abuse, neglect or abandonment have been enjoying life at Center Point's Exotic Feline Rescue Center since the early 1990s. With a trio of exotic felines in the beginning, to today's more than 100 cats and foxes, the center provides homes for more than 10 species, on more than 200 acres. The nonprofit does not sell, buy or breed any animals. A major goal is educating the public about these creatures' histories. No touching of animals is allowed.
Admission is $10 per adult and $5 for children 12 and younger. No reservations are needed for groups fewer than 10. Daily tours are at 10 and 11:30 a.m. as well as 1, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Address is 2221 E. Ashboro Road, Center Point. For more, call 812-835-113.
Cats not up your alley? Bowl a strike in your spare time
Classic Bowling Lanes and the Indiana University Memorial Union offer bowling (and more).
Monday, the $3.75 games per person go until 9 p.m. After that $2 games per person. Tuesday, $3.75 games per person are until 8 p.m., then $2. Wednesday, $3.75 games per person until 6 p.m. Quartermania starts at 6 p.m., with $7.50 cover (25-cent games per person with 25-cent shoe rentals). Thursday, $3.75 games per person all day. Bowl Your Brains Out starts at 9 p.m. for $9.50 per person plus shoe rental. Friday, $3.75 games per person until 5 p.m., then $4.75 games. Saturday, $4.75 games per person all day. Sunday, $4.75 games per person all day. Located at 1421 N. Willis Drive. Shoe rental is $3.75 unless otherwise noted.
Hours are 5-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 4-11 p.m. Friday and noon to 11 p.m. Saturday. On Sundays (closed the first Sunday of each month), hours are noon to 10 p.m. Lanes are in the Union building, at 900 E. Seventh St. Parking is available in the Union pay lots next to the building. Patrons who spend $8 or more at Bowling & Billiards get up to three hours of free parking.
Family-friendly show at Buskirk-Chumley Theater
Stories, music, skits are onstage starting at 7 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave., as composer, singer, actor Timothy Reed hosts this family-friendly show. A full performance of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata opens the event. Next come numbers from his upcoming movie/musical "Childrenopolis" and others. You'll also see a skit featuring a funny cocktail pianist. Special guests and several additional entertainment features, such as dancers from the Indiana University Ballet, are on the schedule.
"It's hard to choose the most exciting aspect of my upcoming show," Reed said. "But I guess if I had to, I would choose the inclusion of my recently-turned 8-year-old piano and voice student Madeleine Arany." Arany performs in three numbers and will be joined by five Indiana University dance majors. She'll also add to the evening's comedy.
Admission is $10. Buy tickets at https://buskirkchumley.org/event/timothy_reed/.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Affordable fun: Try dancing classes, candy kitchen, exotic cats
