The T-Town Edition
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in and around the Tuscaloosa and Northport area! While we had one of the most beautiful fall seasons, the leaves have now fallen and there’s a slight chill in the air. We now turn to some of our most beloved holiday events of the year. In this edition, we’ll share a few of our favorite festivities, so get your scarves, grab your friends and family, and get ready to have a magnificent time!
Tuscaloosa Tinsel Trail
benefiting Tuscaloosa’s One Place
Beloved by all, the Tuscaloosa Tinsel Trail has become a hallmark of the holiday season in West Alabama. Nearly 200 festive trees, combined with the ice skating rink at Government Plaza, allow anyone who visits the opportunity to create traditions that make you feel right at home. Feel the joy of the holiday spirit and select your favorite trees as you stroll through Government Plaza. The Tinsel Trail runs through January 17th.
Check out all of the fun activities taking place along the trail and learn more here!
Location: Government Plaza – 2106 6th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Parking: Free parking is available on-site in the City’s parking deck.
Holidays on the Plaza
ice skating fun and more
Skate the night away and cherish this delightful cold weather with your friends and family in style. Whether it’s your first-time skating or you’re a seasoned professional, you’re bound to have a blast out on the ice as you overlook the Tinsel Trail – all located within Government Plaza. We are so thankful that the City of Tuscaloosa hosts this for all to enjoy this time of year!
For more information, hours, and tickets, click here.
Tip: Don’t forget to bring socks for the skates that are provided.
Location: Government Plaza – 2106 6th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Parking: Free parking is available on-site in the City’s parking deck.
45th Annual West Alabama Christmas Parade
super heroes celebrating Christmas
The 45th annual West Alabama Christmas Parade is happening at 6:30 pm on Monday, December 6th. This parade, put on each year by the Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority, is one of the biggest Christmas parades in the state! Get bundled up and prepare for an amazing parade through Downtown Tuscaloosa. This year’s grand marshals include Jheovanny Gomez, Nancie Blewitt, and Pam Parker.
A tree lighting ceremony will take place on the steps of the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse prior to the parade at 5:15 pm.
To get all the details, visit their website here!
To view the parade map, click here.
Dickens Downton
a victorian Christmas celebration in historic downtown Northport
Dickens Downtown is hosted by the Merchants of Historic Downtown Northport, and it is a FREE family event celebrating the Christmas spirit and the joy of giving. At 5 pm on December 7th, attendees can expect live caroling performances, Father Christmas, snow machines, a tree lighting, and live artist demonstrations. In addition, excerpts of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens will be read at Shirley Place and hundreds of people will be dressed in Victorian-era costumes inspired by the popular novel.
For more information about Dickens Downtown, check this out!
Location: Main Avenue in Historic Downtown Northport
Hotel Capstone’s Jingle Bar
a hotel bar filled with the Christmas Spirit
Get toasty with the elves at Hotel Capstone. Join them for a SELFIE-worthy explosion of Christmas decor, elf-approved holiday cocktails, and magical moments with friends! Book your office party or just grab a group of loved ones for a festive evening of holiday cheer! This will be open until January 2!
For more information visit here.
Check Out These Additional Events!
| – Dec. 5 at 3 pm: Tinsel Trail Pet Night – Dec. 10 at 6 pm: Tinsel Trail Family Night – Dec. 10 at 7 pm: Alabama Choir School Winter Concert, Moody Music Bldg. Purchase tickets here. – Dec. 12 at 2 and 6:30 pm: The Nutcracker, presented by the Tuscaloosa Community Dancers at the Bama Theatre – Dec. 13 at 7 pm: Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra Annual Holiday Concert, UA School of Music. Purchase tickets here! – Dec. 16 at 6 pm: Movie by Moonlight Drive-In, supporting DCH Foundation. Learn more here. |
Day by day it seems that Tuscaloosa is growing with new restaurants and shops. Making plans is getting easier and easier with so many exciting businesses and activities that fill our community. Bored of your usual mundane weekend plans? Fear not, because below are just a few of some of the newest businesses in town that could very well be your next favorite!
This Tuscaloosa newbie has some of the best cut for their tenders. From the outset, 100% all-natural premium tenderloins have been the building block for the entire menu. The Grocery’s time-tested recipe has become a household favorite, locking in flavor with southern-style buttermilk marinade, and lightly breaded by hand with every order. The Grocery also features 24 rotating craft beer taps, premium wines, house-made cocktails and delicious southern street-style food.
2230 University Boulevard Tuscaloosa, AL
Monday – Saturday 11am-2am
Sunday 11am-10pm
Walk-On’s is a place where over-the-top enthusiasm and culture are the daily norm. What sets them apart is their authentic, mouthwatering Louisiana cuisine prepared fresh and from scratch in the kitchen. And whether you’re there for dinner with the family, date night, cocktails with the girls, or to watch a game on the big screen, they’re always happy to share that Louisiana culture with us through their indescribable cooking.
675 Skyland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa, AL
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11 am- 11 pm
Friday and Saturday: 11 am- 12 am
This particular restaurant and bar celebrate the past decades of music and memories. The menu consists of incredible pizza, fresh sandwiches, and several appetizers. Once you step foot through the door of Decades it feels like you are walking through influential and classic periods of time when music was beyond iconic.
2314 4th St, Tuscaloosa, AL
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11 am- 11 pm
Friday, Saturday: 11 am- 1 am
Sunday: 11 am- 4 pm
Who would have thought Tuscaloosa Glamping would ever exist?! It’s just like camping, but with a little glamour in the details. But it doesn’t stop there. You can add-on air conditioning, gourmet s’mores, inflatable paddleboards, and even have your furry friend join you on the adventure! There are a couple of different levels to glamping, sometimes it is a simple sitting at a campsite admiring the fire. Other levels include the addition of amenities like a comfortable platform bed with memory foam mattress, tastefully appointed linens and decor, and more!
tuscaloosaglampingco@gmail.com
205.861.6086
The trend of house plants has taken over, and we’re not mad about it. That’s why House Plant Collective is off to a grand start… because who doesn’t like plants? If you are the minority that doesn’t like plants, they also have pots, baskets, gifts, and accessories! This business initially began by selling online, but then HPC shifted into pop-up events in a converted school bus. By the end of 2020, it was expanded into a brick-and-mortar store for all of us to enjoy!
410 Queen City Ave., Tuscaloosa, AL
Monday-Saturday: 11am-6pm
Sunday: 12pm-5pm
Magnolia Soap & Bath has plant based ingredients in every recipe and can appeal to everyone in your family! Their bath products range from soaps, shower steamers, bath bombs, body butter, scrub, and shower oils. As if that’s not enough, they also sell products for the home, pet care, and accessories. Even the men have their fair share of high-quality products like beard oil, beard balm, deodorant, beard comb, and a variety of soaps with more masculine scents like mechanic, woodsman, and tobacco bay leaf just to name a few. You don’t want to miss out on all this store has to offer!
1800 McFarland Blvd. E, SUITE 216 Tuscaloosa, AL
Monday – Friday: 11am – 4:30 pm
Tuscaloosa is located in the heart of West Alabama, and in the South, which means our warm weather season is around for a bit longer! Although this community has an abundance of adventurous outdoor attractions, sometimes, you just need indoor options to beat the heat. Whether it’s an ice cream shop or a trip to the bowling alley, we’ve got just what you need to enjoy Tuscaloosa… a bit on the cooler side.
Las Piñas is a family-owned business that is excited to bring a new modern concept of ice cream shops. Serving 100% homemade frozen treats and snacks with the combination of Mexican and American flavors makes Las Piñas a great spot to cool you off and cure your cravings.
They are located at 2003 McFarland Blvd. E Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday: 12 (noon) – 8 pm
Friday – Sunday: 12 (noon) – 9 pm
Another way to escape the humidity is taking a trip to Bowlero. This reinvented bowling alley includes dining, sports, entertainment, and recreational games. They also have incredible food and drinks, as well as an electric atmosphere and service. What are you waiting for? Grab your best friends and join the (air-conditioned) party at Bowlero!
They are located at 2001 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday: 5 pm – 12 am
Friday: 5 pm – 1 am
Saturday: 12 (noon) – 1 am
Sunday: 12 (noon) – 10 pm
If you’re a fan of the arts, you’ll love the Paul R. Jones Gallery. The Paul R. Jones Collection of American Art at The University of Alabama includes one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of 20th-century African American art in the world, grown over decades by the one and only Paul Raymond Jones.
They are located at 2308 6th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 9 am – 5 pm
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Situated in a quaint and cozy historic home, Ernest & Hadley Books is Tuscaloosa’s Indie Bookstore that’s located in the heart of downtown Tuscaloosa. This store strives to provide a unique selection of new, used and rare books, and other creative materials from local, regional, and international sources. If you have a deep love of books and wish to share that passion with others, this store is perfect for you. With a village approach, they provide space for book clubs to meet, authors to hold book signings, and even artists to exhibit their craft!
They are located at 1928 7th St. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Closed Sunday
What many may not realize is that Tuscaloosa and surrounding communities, like Northport, offer several uniquely local spots to shop. Whether you’re looking for back-to-school clothes, home decor, a night-out-on-the-town or gameday attire, or just simply want to visit some charming local boutiques, we think you’ll find this information worthwhile!
Throughout the community, you can find a plethora of shopping options. However, for our purpose today, we highlight some specific areas and a few of the locations you will find!
Have a favorite spot that we missed? Come join the conversation on our social media!
Lavish is a female clothing and accessories store that has it all, and is just in time for rush and game days! This gold mine is full of unique tops, dresses, bottoms, and shoes. With this local gem, you don’t have to worry about boring pieces, because at Lavish they strive to be ahead of the fashion curve with beautiful lush clothing. This is a must-see in Tuscaloosa, especially if you need a new wardrobe to spice up the new school year.
Alumni Hall has everything you need to cheer on the Crimson Tide. They have it all: great brands, selections, and deals on The University of Alabama apparel, merchandise, and gifts. Official sideline clothing from Nike, fashion and accessories for the ladies and a great kids’ selection. It’s the ultimate place for UA students, alumni, and fans to shop. They also offer 10 percent off for students and military with valid ID.
Bama Fever is your one-stop shop for all things Bama, with options for men, ladies, and kids. They even have Crimson tide options for your car, home, and tailgate. This uniquely local gem will have you walking out of there with some serious school spirit! They can bring the Crimson Tide straight to your kitchen, bedroom, or both. Let your love for the Tide shine with keychains, buttons, wallets, and purses.
High Tide Sports, LLC offers gifts, accessories, and apparel for any and all of the sports fans in your life. This local gem is a popular shop for both Alabama and Auburn fans alike. They specialize in spirit jerseys, tees, and tanks and carry a huge variety of brands, designs, and colors. As a family-owned business, all of its items are competitively priced.
Pause Boutique is a local legend in Tuscaloosa. From girls to plus size this place has a little something for everyone. The unique jewelry, clothing, shoes, bags and hats, cosmetics, and miscellaneous items make Pause such a wonderful addition to this community. They are open Tuesday through Friday 11-7, Saturday 10-6, and closed on Sunday and Monday.
For those men looking for dapper clothing and accessories, The Locker Room is the place to be! From Bama gear to the finest footwear, this local treasure is truly one-of-a-kind. They also carry the highest quality clothing such as Peter Millar, which is the perfect combination of comfort with high-end style. They’ve got a whole new wardrobe just waiting on you, with hats, cups, a Bama-themed bow tie, and so much more!
Lou & Co. is a place that the ladies of T-Town cannot get enough of. For those rushing, they even sell bid day gifts that looked like they dropped down from heaven. They also sell wall art, pillows, plush throws, a pajama set in addition to the clothing. Lou & Co. is filled with unique and specialty items, often locally or artisanally sourced, and always thoughtfully chosen by the owner herself.
Bradley’s Market is a unique shop that has earned the love and appreciation of all of its customers. Their vast variety of items for sale is extremely unique, including seasonal goodies, home decor, florals, baby shower necessities, wellness products, wedding registries, and so much more. This unique local shop is the definition of class. Some of the fun items they have include Bees and Honey Puzzle, La Hammam Beach Towel, and a decorative Tuscaloosa Street Map!
Another incredibly unique shop in Northport is called Everlasting. From humble beginnings as a family-owned business, they bring their small-town charm for a fun shopping experience that feels as quality-driven as the products. With decorative accessories for your home, inspirational goods, original works from local artisans, handmade jewelry, and distinct gifts Everlasting has just a little bit of everything.
Are you looking for things to do when it’s raining in Tuscaloosa? You’ve come to the right spot!
1. Tuscaloosa’s Museums
Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum is one of the great museum options that we have in T-Town. Located at Tuscaloosa’s historic Queen City Park along the Black Warrior River, this museum is filled with knowledge and appreciation of our local and regional history and natural resources through exhibits, museum educational programs, and educational outreach efforts. For those interested in extinct animals, the Alabama Museum of Natural History is a perfect place to visit with its ancient fossils and many other exciting things to discover!
Did You Know: The University of Alabama actually oversees five museums in total, including the two mentioned above as well as the Moundville Archeological Park, the Gorgas House Museum, and the Paul W. Bryant Museum.
2. Art Galleries
We have some incredible and diverse art galleries in town that are definitely worth a visit. The Kentuck Art Center in Northport is an all-in-one museum, gallery, and event location. In the heart of downtown Tuscaloosa lies the Paul R. Jones Gallery, the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center, Harrison Galleries, and the Tuscaloosa Art Garage (great for the kiddos) – all great spots to explore on a rainy day. If you happen to be in town the first Friday of the month, be sure the check out the First Friday Art Walk, featuring these galleries and more!
3. Coffee Shops
What cozier place could there be to hide from a rainy day than a traditional coffee shop? The smell of coffee and pastries in the air, people reading the newspaper, studying or chatting steadily alongside a laid-back playlist…. sounds perfect to us! Tuscaloosa offers many such magical places. There’s so many to select from, you can’t go wrong. Just to get you started, check Turbo Coffee, Monarch Espresso Bar, Just Love Coffee, Heritage House Coffee & Tea, or Strange Brew Coffeehouse.
4. Brewery
Local breweries in Tuscaloosa are the perfect place to spend a gray afternoon among friends and one of America’s favorite drinks: Beer. Druid City Brewing Company, Black Warrior Brewing Company, and Loosa offer great brews and relaxed space to lean back and enjoy an ice-cold one on this dreary day. Looking for a glass of wine? Check out The Wine Market. How about a cocktail? Visit Session Cocktails.
5. Putt Putt Golf, Bowling, Arcade and more
Shindig Family Entertainment Center, Bowlero, and Crux Climbing are all excellent options for rainy days. This venues offer activities such as bowling, laser tag, arcade games, mini-golf, climbing, and a restaurant with a lounge! Forget about your worries and completely immerse yourself in all of the fun that these awesome places have to offer! Coming late 2023 – PopStroke! Soon you’ll be able to eat, drink, and putt next door to The University of Alabama Campus.
6. Tour Historic Homes
Historic Tuscaloosa works hard to preserve several historic homes located around Downtown Tuscaloosa. Tuesday through Saturday, guests can enjoy free tours of The Old Tavern, the Battle-Friedman House, and the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion. Additionally, people can tour the Murphy-Collins House and the McGuire-Strickland House by appointment and for special occasions.