Maximize Your Bye Week in Tuscaloosa County: A Weekend Itinerary
Tuscaloosa is known for its vibrant game day atmosphere, but when the Alabama Crimson Tide takes a bye week, it’s the perfect opportunity to maximize your bye week in Tuscaloosa County and explore the city and its surroundings without the usual game-day hustle. Here’s a weekend itinerary with things to do in Tuscaloosa to help you make the most of your time.
Friday Night: Dinner and Drinks
Start your weekend with a delectable dinner at The Sanctuary on 25th. This unique spot offers a delightful blend of Southern and contemporary cuisine, with a menu that promises to impress. Enjoy a relaxed yet elegant dining experience inside the former church renovated by local entrepreneurs Matt and Nikki Ray. This new Tuscaloosa gem is perfect for unwinding from the workweek.
Live Music and Drinks
After dinner, head over to Alcove or Loosa Brews to continue the evening. Alcove offers a fantastic selection of craft cocktails and a lively atmosphere, while Loosa Brews features a wide range of local and regional beers. Both are great spots to enjoy some drinks and soak in the local nightlife.
Saturday: A Day Full of Fun and Flavor
Start your Saturday with a scrumptious breakfast at Ben’s Bread. This beloved bakery and café is renowned for its fresh, artisanal bread and hearty breakfast options. Whether you’re craving a classic breakfast or something a bit more unique, Ben’s Bread has you covered. If you happen to meet owner Ben Rosairo, ask him to share a bit of his story. You’ll be even more impressed with your already delicious breakfast!
Oktoberfest at Druid City Social
After breakfast, make your way to Druid City Social for Tuscaloosa’s Oktoberfest, running from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, September 21. The event promises a full day of family-friendly fun with delicious food, engaging contests, and a variety of beers. It’s the perfect way to spend a few hours soaking up the festive atmosphere.
Don’t miss out on:
🍺 Stein Hoisting Contests
🐶 Dachshund Races
👗Costume Contests
🍻And, of course, the amazing brews!
Explore the Outdoors
If you prefer a change of pace, consider a scenic walk or bike ride along the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk. This beautiful trail offers five miles of stunning views of the Black Warrior River, public art and a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
For a more laid-back afternoon, head to Lake Tuscaloosa. You can spend some time on the water or relax at The Captain’s Club, where you can even rent a boat for the day! Captain’s Club has you covered on all the yummy, fresh boat snacks inside their cozy market!
Shopping and Dining in Downtown Tuscaloosa
If you’re in the mood for shopping, Downtown Tuscaloosa is the place to be. Explore the unique boutiques and shops, and then treat yourself to a delightful dinner at one of the area’s popular spots. For a more upscale dining experience, check out Depalma’s, Chuck’s Fish, or Forte Cuts and Cocktails. For a more casual vibe, Decades Pub and Grub, Jalapenos Downtown, and Heat Pizza Bar are great choices. Good luck getting into any of these spots on a home day weekend! Enjoy the shorter wait times while you can!
Sunday: A Relaxed Start
Breakfast at Big Bad Breakfast
Wrap up your weekend with a hearty breakfast at Big Bad Breakfast. No, this establishment is not named for the Alabama Crimson Tide, but it could be! Known for its Cathead biscuits and classic breakfast dishes, this spot is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Our big, bad team will be ready suit up next week…so for now just enjoy your Big Bad Breakfast!
Campus Drive-Through
Before you head out, take a leisurely drive through the University of Alabama’s campus. On a quiet Sunday, you can appreciate the beautiful architecture and green spaces without the usual game-day crowds. Stop and take photos in front of the newly named Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. You won’t have to worry about long lines to snap a selfie with the coaches statues either! The Randall Welcome Center is a new attraction this year, one you certainly won’t forget. Stop in for a deeper understanding of how special Tuscaloosa County and the University of Alabama truly are.
Looking Ahead
With the Crimson Tide enjoying a well-deserved rest this week, they’ll come back refreshed and ready to take on the Georgia Bulldogs on September 28. Use this bye week to explore, relax, and enjoy everything Tuscaloosa has to offer.
Remember, these are just a hand full of them countless incredible experiences our community has to offer! We hope you’ll come back and check some more off your list! As always, Roll Tide Roll!
Thank you to our partners at Sanctuary On 25th for sponsoring this content!
