The summer season of open roads and clear blue skies is quickly approaching. The time is now to relax, explore, and treat yourself. This year, try something different: a staycation! Now more than ever is the perfect time to experience Tuscaloosa as if you were a tourist in your hometown. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to plan the perfect Tuscaloosa staycation for you. After all, having an excellent staycation in Tuscaloosa is simple with all of the amazing stops just outside your front door!

9 A.M.: Breathe Easy

The greatest way to truly feel out of your mundane routine is to get some much-needed pampering at a spa. Tuscaloosa has several great spots ranging from the pinnacle of luxury, to more cozy and affordable that can give you that all so needed feeling.

Across the river, Spa Belle La Vie is a luxurious oasis for self-indulging in some elaborate pampering. They have facials, massages, and therapies like seaweed wraps and salt scrubs designed to wash away all your stress and give you a renewed, relaxed state of mind.

Chancee’s Spa is a hidden gem on the south side of downtown that is tucked away in a quaint brick home. The wellness spa specializes in massages and facials that are much more affordable for those who want to treat themselves without having to break the bank.

2 P.M.: Check-in

The next step in planning a staycation is finding the perfect getaway. Tuscaloosa has a couple of standout options that can serve as your home away from home.

Located on The University of Alabama’s campus, Hotel Capstone is a historic, full-service hotel within a short drive from downtown. Great dining is just outside your door with a contemporary restaurant and lounge on-site for your convenience. Legends Bistro offers a diverse menu with affordable options for even the most discerning of palates.

The Embassy Suites Hotel is minutes from Capitol Park and Murphy African American Museum. The suite-style lodging and luxurious bar/lounge give the hotel a sense of comfort and hospitality. The indoor pool and Side by Side restaurant all contribute to why this hotel would be the perfect place for a staycation.

4 P.M.: Explore

Our city’s natural beauty offers a wide range of places and hidden gems to enjoy the great outdoors during your staycation.

Just 20 minutes outside of town is the grand dame of lakes –Lake Lurleen. Take a quick drive out and explore the rustic beauty of the woods with the shimmering waters gracing the shorelines and beaches. The park features more than 23 miles of multi-use trails that are open to both hikers and mountain bikers. The park also features a Nature Center, fishing, facilities, and paddle boats.

While a popular hangout for students, there’s no denying the beauty found up along the cliffs of Lake Nicol. The lake is left open to explore with meandering paths along the cliffs and the open waters to canoe or swim around. It can feel like a totally different world far from any civilization without having to go too far from home.

7 P.M.: Dinner

There’s no better way to end a day in Tuscaloosa than at one of the city’s locally-owned restaurants.

Depalma’s is a Tuscaloosa gem with Italian pasta classics as well as pizza and calzones on the menu. For an appetizer, be sure to try their stuffed mushrooms or breadsticks! For now, you are able to take all of these delicacies straight to your hotel room to feast in peace!

If you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, Avenue Pub is just around the corner! Kick back, grab a drink on tap, and be sure to enjoy some phenomenal pub food like the iconic Thai Nachos or the Bacon Burger.

10 P.M.: Drinks 

After dinner, Tuscaloosa has many local breweries and bars where you can grab drinks.

Loosa Brews is a locally-owned bar and retailer that has been specializing in quality craft beer since 2014. They offer 63 taps and have a full-service arcade, including a large number of classic arcade machines and pinball machines.

Black Warrior Brewing Company is another great downtown option for after-dinner drinks. The brewery and tap-room have been a staple in Tuscaloosa since 2012 and serve their own beer and wine creations.

Tuscaloosa is slowly beginning the process of reopening its doors! Throughout the painfully long and rather bizarre weeks of quarantine, the city of Tuscaloosa has continued to show resilience through these trying times. Several retail and service businesses are back open at 50% capacity. Some hours will be altered, and safety precautions will slightly differ from place to place. Our local businesses are ecstatic to welcome you back and to safely begin interacting with you when the time is right.

 

Due to the fluidity of the situation, many businesses have new operating hours for the time being. It’s always a good idea to call ahead and double-check their hours and safety guidelines before driving directly there. You also have access to the business’s social media platforms to stay informed of all sanitary precautions, new business hours, and other adjustments that might need to be made due to the pandemic.

 

There are several restaurants opening back up that have been taking the necessary precautions to protect their employees and customers throughout these past several weeks. For example, Buffalo Phil’s is now open, just in time to kick off your weekend with some amazing wings. The staff has been working diligently to provide a safe space to serve their customers while abiding by social distancing guidelines. If you are looking to steer clear of the college crowd, Buddy’s Rib & Steak in Northport is now open at 50% capacity. Another excellent restaurant that has reopened its doors is Central Mesa! Check them out to try some of their new menu items, like the pan-seared salmon with Spanish rice (pictured).

 

Bars are also taking appropriate steps to slowly adjust to the new normal. Loosa, for instance, is not allowing customers to sit at the bar or move around tables. There is plenty of outdoor and indoor seating to provide a safe place to enjoy one of their 63 taps, packaged beers, and wines. If getting out to have a drink doesn’t appeal to you, that’s alright because Loosa still has fantastic to-go options. Black Warrior Brewery is enforcing similar guidelines as well. The bar service has been replaced by table service. Additionally, they are following all CDC and state guidelines to operate safely! If you are comfortable going out at this time, please wear a mask and respect social distancing guidelines.

 

If the restaurants, bars, and breweries aren’t calling your name just yet, there is plenty more to get into this Memorial Day weekend! We have some phenomenal places here in T-town where you can spend time with friends and family while enjoying the great outdoors. With Lake Tuscaloosa, Lake Nicol, Lake Harris, the Riverwalk, Snow Hinton Park, and Capitol Park, just to name a few, you have no excuse to binge-watch your weekend away.

 

This is the light at the end of the tunnel for the community of Tuscaloosa as we begin to navigate our way through these unprecedented times. It is important to remember that each and every one of us are coping with COVID-19 in a different way. Respect how others are choosing to protect themselves and their loved ones. Ironically enough, social distancing is an opportunity for us to come together, while apart, and unite as a community.

During this time of fear and uncertainty, the kindest side of human nature can prevail. To provide some light relief in these difficult times, we’ve compiled a list of positive stories in our very own Tuscaloosa. Let these stories serve as a reminder of the strength, resilience, and kindness of our community.

LEND A HAND

University of Alabama students are using their extra time this semester to help others. UA junior Michael Arundel organized Leave It To Us, a nonprofit organization that helps senior citizens practice social distancing by using volunteers to go grocery shopping for them for free. The nonprofit was originated in Arundel’s hometown of Chicago and has recently expanded to Tuscaloosa and Birmingham. Those interested in volunteering for either the Tuscaloosa or Birmingham chapters of Leave It To Us can go to https://www.covidseniorshoppers.com/.

LOAVES AND FISHES

Loaves and Fishes food distribution program, which is overseen by Grace Presbyterian Church, has been helping hungry people in the Tuscaloosa area every month for more than 20 years. Social distancing requirements may have changed the interaction in the program, but not its outcome. Sheppard and her team of volunteers passed out between 300 and 400 bags of food on Tuesday. To help ensure that enough food and resources exist to help those in need, anyone wishing to donate can visit https://www.gracetuscaloosa.org/ and donate to either the church or directly to the Loaves and Fishes program.

FINANCIAL HELP FOR WEST ALABAMA SMALL BUSINESSES

This week the Chamber of Commerce announced more than $140,000 has been dispersed to more than 60 West Alabama businesses. That money can be used for several things such as rent, insurance, and other needs to help keep these businesses open despite struggles faced by COVID-19. Small business owner Audrey Vermilyea, of Monarch Espresso Bar, says “it’s been a huge help. It has been very encouraging”.

FREE LUNCH

American Lunch, a nonprofit organization, is in front of FIVE every day at 11 AM giving out lunches to anyone at NO cost. To support their cause and stay up-to-date on what they have been doing, check out their Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/americanlunch1/.

FREE OIL CHANGE FOR DCH EMPLOYEES

Auto Tech and Tires is offering free oil changes for DCH Tuscaloosa and DCH Northport employees in the month of April. You can set up an appointment by calling (205)248-7695 or online at https://autotechandtires.com/.

HELPING SERVICE WORKERS IN TUSCALOOSA

Every Monday for the next five weeks, several organizations will come together to feed dozens of service workers in Tuscaloosa. They will be feeding families from 11-1 PM at Beulah Baptist Church. The meals are for individuals who did not have time to plan for the negative financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This program is funded primarily through donations if you’d like to help. For more information or to donate, call Earnestine Tucker at 205-345-0201.

BLUE, THANK YOU

Last Thursday night the city of Tuscaloosa joined the national #LightItBlue movement to honor frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tuscaloosa City Hall, the Tuscaloosa River Market, the Downtown Intermodal Facility and the fountain at Alberta Park were all proudly lit with blue lights.

We want to genuinely thank you for assisting in keeping Tuscaloosa safe while continuing to show appreciation for your community. To help with the scenery, here are some downloadable Tuscaloosa Zoom backgrounds to help you stay #TtownStrong wherever you may be: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/z4edmej2kqu96ii/AADckj_9I76Li0tzstx35Q-ia?dl=0.

Visit Tuscaloosa continues to monitor the rapidly changing situation related to the spread of COVID-19. We understand that concerns for health, safety, and the impact on meeting attendance, among other issues, affects our community. Our main priority is the health and safety (physically, economically, and socially) of the residents and visitors of the Tuscaloosa community.

According to the City of Tuscaloosa, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from getting sick:

We encourage all travelers and attendees to follow the guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

We want to encourage residents of Tuscaloosa to continue supporting local restaurants while maintaining safe social-distancing practices. The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama has compiled a spreadsheet of independent & local restaurants offering take-out, drive-thru, & delivery options. Find the list here, and check back as this spreadsheet continues to grow: tuscaloosachamber.com/support-local

Latest News

Follow these links for real-time updates and information:

On March 12, the Southeastern Conference announced the suspension of regular-season competition for teams in all sports on SEC campuses, as well as SEC championship events, until March 30. This includes all SEC events at Texas A&M University. To learn more, visit rolltide.com.

On April 2, the Governor of Alabama announced a statewide stay-at-home order. This went into effect on Saturday, April 3 at 5:00 P.M. The new order allows people to travel to obtain necessary supplies, including food, medication and equipment needed to work from home, and products needed to maintain safety, sanitation and essential maintenance of a home or residence.

Health Authorities and Academics

Looking for more information? Here is a shortlist of trusted resources.

 

To ensure the health and safety of residents in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, bars, restaurants, and breweries have stopped serving food or drink on-site for one week, but many are still open for take-out only. With UA closing its doors for the spring semester and canceling May graduation, local businesses need support now more than ever.

The City of Tuscaloosa and the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama have worked together to come up with a plan that supports local businesses. We know that some people are not comfortable with leaving their home right now. Here are some ways you can help at varying levels of comfort:

● Purchase gift cards to use when the coronavirus is no longer a concern
● Order take out or delivery through the restaurant or business itself or through a service like Crimson2Go, where you have the option of ‘no contact delivery’
● Write reviews if you’ve had a positive experience
● Share posts on social media
● Shop online if a local business accepts online orders
● If your income hasn’t been affected by the coronavirus consider donating to a
a local business that could need it
● Tip generously
● If you are a business with employees working extended hours, consider bringing in meals from a local restaurant

If there’s one thing we’re certain of in these unprecedented times, it’s that residents of Tuscaloosa come together when faced with hardship. We choose to live here for many reasons both quantifiable and intangible and will always support our community.

Show us how you’re supporting local businesses by tagging #TuscaLocal on social media and visit ​https://tuscaloosachamber.com/support-local/​ for updates and a list of local businesses that could use your help.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:
Barrett Elder, Marketing & Communications Director
Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports
205-391-9200
belder@visittuscaloosa.xyz

TUSCALOOSA TOURISM & SPORTS JOINS WITH “AMERICAN LUNCH” TO SUPPORT HOSPITALITY PARTNERS

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports (TTS) announced today it has formed a partnership with Chuck’s Fish/FIVE Bar to distribute free lunches for local hospitality workers. The American Lunch food truck will distribute free lunches every Monday through Thursday in front of FIVE Bar and in front of Chuck’s Fish on Fridays. American Lunch will be providing meals starting at 11:00 a.m. each day until they run out of food. TTS will provide a donation to support the truck during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic.

“We are not content to sit on the sideline during the pandemic,” said CEO Don Staley. “We saw what American Lunch is doing last night on WVUA-23, and immediately thought this would be a perfect way for TTS to really get in the game.”

“We are thrilled to find a way to give back to our community, and especially our hospitality workers, who have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic, said Staley. “An unfortunate side effect of socially isolating and putting our trips on hold is the damage it does to our hotels, restaurants, bars, and others in the hospitality industry.” Staley added, “During the pandemic, our team at TTS will continue to stand by our mission – to enhance the quality of life for all Tuscaloosans.”

Erin Barfield, Manager of Chuck’s Fish & FIVE Bar told Staley, “I am so excited to partner American Lunch with Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports and think ensuring we reach the hospitality workers is so crucial!”

American Lunch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that delivers hot meals to people in need. The meals, which are grab-and-go sack lunches to limit the spread of germs, are served during the week from a mobile food truck in the community. American Lunch operates in five locations across Alabama including Athens, Birmingham, Destin, Mobile, and Tuscaloosa. More information about the American Lunch food truck, including volunteer opportunities, is available on their website at americanlunch.org.

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Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports (TTS) will be temporarily closed through April 30. TTS is closely monitoring the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak and are taking specific guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and our local & state governments. Because we deeply value the health and wellness of our visitors and staff, we have decided to close our doors to the public.

We will still be available via phone and email to assist you with your needs. Below is a list of email addresses to reach all of our employees.

This continues to be a fast-moving and evolving issue, and we are working diligently to take the steps to protect our clients and staff. Thank you for your understanding as we continue to monitor developments and navigate through these challenging circumstances.

For more information about Coronavirus prevention, visit: https://www.tuscaloosa.com/covid19

General Information info@visittuscaloosa.xyz
Stan Adams sadams@visittuscaloosa.xyz
Bill Buchanan bbuchanan@visittuscaloosa.xyz
Naytalia Douglas ndouglas@visittuscaloosa.xyz
Barrett Elder belder@visittuscaloosa.xyz
Jamie Hoven jhoven@visittuscaloosa.xyz
Loretta Jones ljones@visittuscaloosa.xyz
Sarah Elizabeth Oms soms@visittuscaloosa.xyz
Jasmine Rainey jrainey@visittuscaloosa.xyz
Don Staley dstaley@visittuscaloosa.xyz

The City of Tuscaloosa has been very proactive to protect the community against the threat of COVID-19. While traveling may be on hold for some, our residents have the perfect opportunity for a staycation! SEC opening weekend for UA baseball has been canceled, but there are still plenty of other things to do this weekend for a Tuscaloosa staycation!

 

Friday 3/13

Don’t let Friday the 13th get in your way of a good night! Rhythm and Brews is hosting cover band, ‘Get Sideways’ Friday night. Come rock out and get a little sideways! If you’re looking for something to do with the entire family, Victory Blessing Christain Center is hosting Family Fun Night at 6:30 p.m. Come out and enjoy food, board games, and fellowship.

 

Saturday 3/14

It’s Pi Day and you don’t have to be a math wiz to take advantage of sweet deals. All Fired Up is a paint pottery studio that is fun for all ages. Get creative, and a free slice of pie while supplies last when you spend $20 or more.

 

Sunday 3/15

Drop into All Fired Up anytime from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday to create an Easter clay imprint. Imprints are $18 and for children 3 and under.UA students are officially on spring break, take advantage of the stillness of the city and take back your favorite restaurants. Visit Buffalo Phil’s on Sunday, where you can get a $2 mimosa, $3 bloody mary, $3 champagne, or $5.50 Philibuster.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TUSCALOOSA- In the interest of the safety of its citizens, Mayor Walt Maddox has canceled all city group events through March 31. Following the Mayor’s lead Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports has canceled all of its March sporting events, as well as the Druid City Arts Festival (DCAF) scheduled for April 3 & 4. This is a strategic move executed to get ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports will faithfully follow the City’s directions.

At the end of March, the City will reevaluate for events scheduled in April and beyond. This has been a rapidly evolving situation, and we honor and respect the City’s decision. We are committed to doing our part to help protect our staff, attendees, and fellow Tuscaloosans.

“TTS understands the gravity of the situation for all the artists, musicians, organizations, and businesses involved in creating our incredible product. We are extremely disappointed to cancel an event that thousands have enjoyed the last ten years,” said Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports CEO Don Staley. “But this is merely a temporary setback for our organization. We will work hard to bring unique events to Tuscaloosa, and we will continue to promote and develop local tourism and sporting events to stimulate Tuscaloosa’s economy, and enhance the quality of life for all Tuscaloosans.”

Tuscaloosa, AL – In order to ensure safety for the Tuscaloosa community, Mayor Walt Maddox announced the cancellation of all city events for the remainder of March. This includes all public events hosted, permitted or on property owned by the city.

This does not include meetings crucial to the city’s operations and will be open to the public in accordance to state law.

At the end of March, the city will reevaluate for events scheduled in April.

Event hosts will be able to request a refund of their deposits and rental fees or may choose to reschedule for a later date. City officials will be contacting them directly.

For any questions, call Tuscaloosa 311. Visit Tuscaloosa.com/COVID19 for updates.

This Friday night, Dylan Scott is in town. This nationally known country star will be performing his ‘Causin’ A Scene’ tour at Druid City Music Hall at 8 p.m. If you’re looking for something a little more low-key Dave’s Crimson Bar is having a paint, sip, repeat night at 6 p.m. Embrace your inner Picasso while enjoying some drinks with friends.

 

Start your Saturday morning off early at 7 a.m., sampling some of Sweet Home Chicago jellies and jam at the Tuscaloosa River Market! Later in the day, you can participate in the Druid City Pride Poker Run starting at 4 p.m. The Poker Run begins at Icon, and then you head out to other checkpoints (The Gray Lady, Tavern 1831, Nocturnal Tavern, and Catch 22) where you will draw a playing card and enjoy some drinks! If you’re 21, head over to the website to register. Later in the evening, the Black Jacket Symphony is presenting Journey’s “Escape.” Enjoy all of the greatest hits at Bama Theatre Galleries at 8 p.m.

 

Sporting Events at The University of Alabama

University of Alabama gymnastics take on Georgia at 7:15 p.m. at Coleman Coliseum. Celebrate senior night and Big Al’s birthday. University of Alabama baseball takes on Lipscomb all weekend at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. Friday at 6 p.m. Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m. University of Alabama women’s soccer team takes on Tennessee at noon.

 

February 28th

– The University of Alabama Gymnastics team takes on Kentucky at Coleman Coliseum at 7:15 p.m.

– The University of Alabama Baseball team is taking on Harvard University all weekend long. Friday at 3 p.m. Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

– The University of Alabama Softball team has five games lined up this weekend. On Friday the Crimson Tide takes on the University of Tennessee at Arlington at 4 p.m. and University of Arizona at 6 p.m. On Saturday, Bama plays UT Arlington at 1:30 p.m. and Arizona at 4 p.m. Sunday, the women take on McNeese at 1:30 p.m.

February 29th

– The 9th Annual Chili Cook-off Fundraiser for East Tuscaloosa Community Soup Bowl is happening at Hargrove Memorial United Methodist Church Family Life Center. Tasting begins at 5:30 p.m. Cooks should prepare a large crockpot of chili and bring to the event by 5 p.m. Free admission! Cooks must pre-register. Everyone is invited to cook or taste or vote. Condiments and drinks provided. Donations are accepted and encouraged.

– Alabama Men’s Basketball takes on the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. Cheer on the Crimson Tide stating at 7:30 p.m., after all, it is fan appreciation night.

– Tyler Farr at Druid City Music Hall at 8 p.m. Grab some friends and enjoy some country music

– The 8th Annual Tuscaloosa African Film Festival at Central Highschool 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. The event will feature four acclaimed movies from the African continent and the broader African Diaspora – two feature-length films and two short films. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students with an ID and are available online at Brown Paper Tickets

– Bama Bourbon & Beyond at the Historic Drish House. Sample bourbons and other spirits from the Yellowhammer State and all over the Southeast served for a penny per pour. Enjoy a complimentary cigar, catered hors d ‘oeuvres, a live band, and much more!

– Celebrate Leap Day at the Children’s Hands-on Museum. Spend the extra day with your kids making crafts and competing in leaping challenges.

– The 2nd annual Wheelhouse Crawfish Boil starts around 2 p.m. and goes until 9 p.m. at Wheelhouse Sports Pub. $30 all you can eat, $10 for a single plate, and $5 doubles $10 domestic and Shock Top pitchers.

– The 3rd Annual Millennial Skate night at Super Skate is happening this weekend, with DJ Andy. Make sure you wear neon or white shorts, as they have installed black lights in for the event starting at 7 p.m.

– The Krispy Kreme doughnut challenge is happening this Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Government Plaza. The challenge benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama. The challenge is to walk or run a mile, eat a dozen doughnuts and then walk or run one mile to the finish line. Team up with friends or take on the challenge individually, kids can also participate in the challenge too, but don’t worry parents, and they only have to eat three doughnuts. Prizes will be given for the best team theme, best costume, and cash prizes will be given to the winners. Are you up for the challenge? Register here

March 1st

– Stephanie Kirkland x Sydney Gruber Pop-up Art Show. Join the artists for an afternoon of art, cocktails, and conversation from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Session Bar.

– The University of Alabama Women’s Basketball team has their Senior night this Sunday at 12:40 p.m. Make sure you go out and support the Crimson Tide as they take on Missouri.