Visiting Brown County for the weekend. Looking for tips!

[Kalico13]

Hi there! My boyfriend and I are coming in this weekend to stay. Our cabin is somewhere off SR 46 a little closer to bloomington apparently close to the "X"Trail, whatever that may be. We're bringing out bikes, fishing poles and two person kayak. We plan on getting a one-day fishing pass probably on Sunday when we take to kayak out to Lake Monroe. Anywho.... I'm pretty much asking for advice here.

I've been looking at the map and Moores Creek looks like that's the closest to our cabin and maybe it would be good to launch in a creek first. Are kayaks allowed? Can we put it in on the boat ramp there? Are we allowed to fish off the kayak (catch and release)? Swimming is allowed I'm assuming? If any one knows, that would be great. I've been researching a lot, but want to make sure.

Also.... if anyone has any tips for our vacation, I would really appreciate it. I've been looking at the movie in the park in Bloomington. Maybe eating breakfast or dinner at The Story Inn or The Artist Colony Inn? Do some site-seeing and shopping one day.... Any advice?? Thank you so, so much in advance! -Kelly

[CaptHook]

Not sure that I can help too much but will offer out this advice. Try and keep your kayak in the idle zones. The lake can get pretty rough as there are some pretty large boats out there that put out some sizable wakes. I might suggest launching on the north side of the causeway by PleasureCraft Marina. That entire area is idle zone and we see a lot of kayaks and people fishing in there. Also see people swimming off of their canoes and kayaks there so you should be good to go with that. Should be one of the safer areas for you too.

Have a great vacation! My wife and I will certainly be out there.

[Kalico13]

Thanks! That is a pretty good tip.... lol. Now that I check out the Creek and Marina, that's probably a much better idea. Does anyone know anything about this Fairfax Beach?

[Bear Necessities]

Fairfax beach is very nice, can get busy though, I like privacy my self getting as far away from people as possible  , if you launch at Cutright and go to your right, north/east there are a lot of nice small coves and beaches back in that direction to explore and like CaptHook said that whole side of the lake is no wake zone so no worries about huge waves tipping you over!

There is also a little store at pleaser craft marina next to the launch ramp at Cutright that has things to drink, eat, ice, fishing stuff ect ect......

Keep an eye open for Bald Eagles; they are a beautiful site to see! 

[Kalico13]

Wow! Thanks so much! Sounds like that's where we'll be going!    If it's not a bother, a couple other questions.... I was looking into visiting the Farmer's Market in Bloomington Saturday morning. Is that a good one? Is there one in Nashville (as I think we'd rather spend more time there than in the "big city")? Also, I was looking at maybe brunch at The Story Inn. Has anyone eaten there?

[CaptHook]

If you have ever visted Nashville, you know it can be pretty crowded on the weekends. Never been to Nashville during the week though. Great place especially if you don't mind the crowds. With regards to eating at The Story Inn, go for it! Back in the days when I was on my motorcycle every weekend, I would eat there at least 2-3 times a month. Burgers were always good there.

[Kalico13]

Hm, cool! I hope it's not too crowded, but oh well. Guess we'll just coop up in the cabin and stick to fishing! Well, thanks everyone for the tips!!! I'm sure it'll be great!   

[ralph9cooper]

Bloomington is a beautiful place for tourists. Your idea of fishing really sounds great. I think it is quite late to give suggestions. Still if you visit Bloomington again, it will help you. As you say you are planning for a movie then i will suggest you for The AMC Theater. And for dinner you can go to Lennie's or Hinkle's Hamburgers. These are some of the good restaurants in the city. You can also tell us about your experience there on your last trip. I am looking forward for it.