In the One and Only Tuscaloosa, there are so many places to go and things to see. These 10 things are popular among the locals and won’t break the bank. So take a chance and try something new!

1. Children’s Hands-On Museum (CHOM)
This museum has been providing children with fun activities and events since 1984. There are three floors of fun for children of all ages. The Great Pumpkin Party and the Monster Walk Scavenger Hunt are two events that are happening soon. Admission is less than $10! CHOM is a great place to take the kids and enjoy a day of fun!

2. Paul W. Bryant Museum
This museum is a blast from the past! Check out over a hundred years of Crimson Tide memorabilia and football history. Visit the Paul W. Bryant museum to see what it takes to be “nothing but a winner.” Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children.

3. Arboretum
If you’re a dog lover then the arboretum is the place for you! The arboretum is sixty acres of the great outdoors. Check out the dog park, community garden, as well as the hiking trails. The best part is that it is completely free!

4. The Waysider
Take a trip to Paul “Bear” Bryant’s favorite breakfast destination. It truly is the breakfast of champions. The restaurant is packed with decades of Alabama memorabilia. The Waysider offers made-from-scratch biscuits and gravy all for just under $3!

5. Homegrown Alabama Farmers Market
Edit: We regret to inform you his event will no longer happen. If you are interested in farmers’ markets in Tuscaloosa then check out the Tuscaloosa Farmers’ Market at the River Market.

6. Babes Donuts
A family-owned breakfast, brunch and coffee business located in Downtown Tuscaloosa. The menu features gourmet doughnuts unlike anything else you’ll find in town. Flavors include: bacon maple, sourdough, Reese’s Peanut Butter, Heath Bar sprinkle, Captain Crunch, Fruity Pebbles, S’mores, red velvet, blackberry cream cheese and others. Seasonal offerings can range from King Cakes during Mardi Gras to candied blood oranges. Stop by and grab a treat for under $10.

7. Steel City Pops
Nothing is better than a Steel City Popsicle on a hot Alabama summer day. They have many flavors to choose from, so there is a flavor for everyone. Flavors include: Arnold Palmer, Bosc Pear with Honey, Champagne White Tea, Cinnamon Apple, Cranberry Orange, Lime, Plum with Rosemary, Pomegranate, Strawberry Fig, Strawberry Lemonade, Avocado, Buttermilk, Carrot Cake, Chocolate, Coconut, Coffee, Maple Bacon, Bourbon, Pumpkin, Toasted Marshmallow, Vanilla Bean. All popsicles are $4.49 and under.

8. Black Warrior River
The Black Warrior River is absolutely stunning and the perfect place to go on a hot summer day. You can cast a line and catch some fish or bring your own boat and cruise the water. The Black Warrior is also perfect for paddle boarding or just floating down the river. Don’t feel like getting in the water? That’s fine because the Tuscaloosa River Walk runs along the river and offers beautiful scenery. It’s the perfect place to get some exercise or take your dog for a walk.

9. City Café
For decades, locals and students alike have enjoyed the homemade cooking served up at City Café. At lunchtime, this restaurant is packed with locals stopping in for a tasty meal at a reasonable price. Stop in and enjoy a meat and three for under $10. You won’t be disappointed, it’s just like mama makes it.

10. Gallette’s Yellowhammer
Stop by Gallette’s and sip on a Tuscaloosa favorite. People from all over the United States have enjoyed Yellowhammer’s from the One and Only Gallettes while in Tuscaloosa. The Yellowhammer is a staple on gameday at the University of Alabama. Their yellow cup is a popular accessory for the Crimson Tide fans walking around the quad. Visit Gallette’s and try one for yourself.

Written by Rachel Horton

Our four legged friends are the best, and here in Tuscaloosa, we have tons of places where dogs are welcome and often the guest of honor. Here are some of the best dog-friendly spots in town for the next time you need a day out with your pup!

Innisfree

As one of Tuscaloosa’s hottest hangouts, Innisfree is always guaranteed to be a good time! What makes it even better though is its dog-friendly environment. You can’t go to “the Free” and not run into a four-legged friend hanging out on the patio! It’s the perfect place to go if you want to have a day out with friends, and since dogs are the best friends you can include them in your outing to Innisfree. If you’re looking for a great atmosphere for both you and your dog, grab your pup and head to the Free!

Will May Memorial Dog Park

This dog park opened just a few years ago at Munny Sokol Park and at the time was the most requested PARA amenity by Tuscaloosa natives! Since its opening, the park has been a mega success and is a great place to let your dog run and play in a safe environment. The park features three separate areas: a training pen, a small dog pen, and a large dog pen. There are large grassy areas for the dogs to run wild and a small muddy area that is perfect for dogs who love to get a little messy!

The Riverwalk

The best exercise partner anyone can ask for is a dog! That’s why The Riverwalk is the perfect place to go to bond with your pup. Your dog will never complain about exercising with you and will make it fun for you! There are a few park areas along the trail equipped with gazebos and benches for you and your dog to take a break and rehydrate if needed. Keep your dog and yourself in shape and hit the trail at The Riverwalk!

Black Warrior Brewing Company

Black Warrior has some of the best brews in town and welcomes dogs any time of the day! The friendly service and great atmosphere at Black Warrior is a hit among Tuscaloosa natives and their pets. You and your dog can enjoy the atmosphere from the patio, or from the upstairs area where games such as corn hole, shuffleboard, and darts are available. You can also take your dog in the fall and watch the Tide compete on one of the flat screen TV’s with your best friend alongside! What could be better?

Lake Lurleen State Park

They say a dog is a man’s best friend, and who better to go fishing with than your best friend? At Lake Lurleen State Park you can take your pup and fish along Lake Tuscaloosa! If fishing isn’t your thing, you can hit the trails for some hiking. Your dog will be in heaven with all the sticks he’ll find lining the trails that will make for perfect chew toys! You can also rent a canoe and let your pup float across the lake with you for some much-needed relaxation. If your dog loves the outdoors, Lake Lurleen State Park will be his perfect playground!

Written By: Bailee Kennamer
Photo By: @elsiemae_the_acd on Instagram