Skip to main content
Logo of Vrooman Mansion featuring a stained glass design with the letter "M."

Vrooman Mansion Blog

Category: Local Attractions

Experience the Magic of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival: Why the Vrooman Mansion is the Perfect Place to Stay

A blooming magnolia tree stands in front of a brick mansion with windows framed by greenery.

Spring at the Mansion--Discover Bloomington Normal in Bloom

Spring at the Mansion: Disc over Bloomington-Normal in Bloom As winter fades and fresh blooms begin to appear, Bloomington-Normal comes alive with energy, color, and a full calendar of events. Spring is one of the most charming times to visit Central… Read more
Autumn landscape with colorful trees and a serene river, promoting fall date ideas in Bloomington, Illinois.

Fall Date Ideas in Bloomington, Illinois

2023 Fall Date Ideas in Central Illinois The leaves are about to change! That means new opportunities for date night ideas that only fall weather can bring. We’ve pulled together some of the best Bloomington-Normal date ideas for couples to try. And … Read more
A decorative interior featuring roses on a table and an ornate chair, promoting Valentine's Day ideas in Bloomington-Normal.

5 Valentine's Day Ideas in Bloomington-Normal

With the holiday season wrapping up, and a stack of Amazon boxes ready for the recycle bin, let Valentine’s Day be a day to give the gift of experiences, new memories, and epic moments. We compiled a list of five ways you can create new memories with… Read more
A close-up view of a Route 66 signage on a highway with the Vrooman Mansion logo above it.

Route 66 Roadtrip: 10 Illinois Hotspots You Don't Want to Miss

In 1903, two men and a dog made history. Their ragtag group was the first to drive an automobile across the United States. We have H. Nelson Jackson, Sewall Crocker, and Bud to thank for the first American road trip . Thirty-three years later, constr… Read more
Two women in athletic gear and sunglasses smile while hiking on a scenic trail, with others in the background.

5 Best Hikes in Central Illinois

Many people don’t think of traveling to Central Illinois for a hiking trip, but the area has great hiking spots to offer and explore. Located only a two-hour drive from Chicago and less than an hour from Peoria and Springfield, Bloomington is the per… Read more
A tranquil path lined with vibrant red trees beneath a misty sky.

5 Great Places to See Fall Foliage in Bloomington, IL

Warm one day, cool the next. Yep, it’s fall in the Midwest and soon the leaves will let us know there’s no turning back. It might be a harsh reality, but it’s beautiful to witness, especially in central Illinois. Come to Bloomington-Normal and stay a… Read more
Sign for Route 66 against a cloudy sky.

Explore Central Illinois on a Route 66 Road Trip

If you’re driving on Route 66 this summer, you will come right through Bloomington/Normal. Stop and stay a while. And if you’re on the interstate, consider an overnight detour! We’re sure we’re one of the reasons people are still getting their kicks … Read more
A performer with long hair and a hat sings passionately on stage, with another vocalist behind and an audience in the foreground.

Plan a Getaway With Lauren Daigle and Vrooman Mansion in IL

Grammy-winning artist Lauren Daigle is moving on up in 2020. Since the release of her debut album, Look Up Child , she has sold out nearly 70 performances, and is now embarking on her first arena tour. She brings “The Lauren Daigle World Tour” to Gro… Read more
Close-up of a snow leopard's face with piercing eyes and distinctive fur markings.

Get Up Close and Personal at the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, IL

Get up close and personal with your favorite animal at the Miller Park Zoo ! Located in downtown Bloomington, IL , you will find many interactive activities and exhibits for people of all ages. Although the Zoo’s exact origins remain unknown (the mas… Read more