If you haven’t heard of the latest real life gaming experience, you might still be locked in a room and need to solve that puzzle. Breakout games take role-playing to a new level by putting you inside the action instead of sitting back to watch. They present you with a puzzle to solve, a key to find, clues to follow, and all kinds of twists with the pressure to break out in time. Breakout Tuscaloosa features several different themed rooms each with their own unique mystery, theme, and skill level needed to break out. Each room is locked; the clocks are set to 60 minutes, and its up to you to work together to find your escape. Not everyone makes it out or succeeds so be ready to put your intelligence to the test to prove you really can make it out in time.

Breakout Tuscaloosa isn’t limited to just mystery rooms, you can take part in the scavenger hunt games of Breakout Expedition. Taking the game outside, you will use your list of clues to run around town to gather as many items as you need to gain the highest points and win. If you’re looking to prove you really could have survived all those thriller movies, or just want to show off your Sherlock skills, Breakout Tuscaloosa is willing to put them to the test. Breakout Tuscaloosa is open to anyone 12 years old, as long as an adult accompanies anyone under 14. It’s the perfect chance to bond with friends, coworkers, or just get out of the clique dinner and movie night. Breakout Tuscaloosa can be found at 2310 14th Street, adjacent to the Jemison Mansion, open Thursday through Sunday. For more information check out their website at breakouttuscaloosa.com

*Photo credit breakouttuscaloosa.com

One and Only: The Tuscaloosa Public Library 

The Tuscaloosa Library has always been dedicated to serving its city in their collective pursuit of knowledge and culture. The library had a soft-spoken start. Founded as a refuge for people to gather under the passion of reading, the first public library was born out of citizens donating from their collections. It wasn’t until the 20s did the city actively try to form a Library system. It grew from a small office in the basement of City Hall to a system serving West Alabama. Most remember the days when the Library was anchored inside the Jemison Mansion. The grand dame of antebellum mansions in Tuscaloosa, served as a cultural hub for the city, with shelves stocked with books, and rotating exhibits on the arts. The needs of the growing city soon demanded more room, and the response came out in the current main branch being built in the 70s along the Black Warrior. Today several renovations have kept the original philosophy of the library alive in a digital age. Currently, it offers eBooks, eMagazines, DVDS, music, and several modern services along with the classic selections of books.

The library openly welcomes children with its wide array of services and events. Legoland is open to all ages to come create and build with Legos at the library every Thursday. They offer online digital pop-up books, and creative writing classes to get teens interested in expressing themselves through poetry on Wednesday. For those who part with their books, tucked away on the side is the Friends of the Library Bookstore. They started as a garage sale and evolved into a used bookstore for the people. Most are sold simply for $1-3 and are open to donations. It’s the perfect spot for someone who wants a book with some extra love in between the pages. The Tuscaloosa Library offers everything for people who enjoy stories. The Tuscaloosa Library has something for everyone– movies, magazines, digital libraries, and even a classic book with faded pages. The library is still a cultural hub of activity for the Druid City.

Tuscaloosa Breweries

Hit up Downtown Pedal Tours and and take their Brew Pub Tour to all three one and only breweries!

 

Black Warrior Brewing Company

There’s a space in downtown where the beer flows, and a sense of community is brewed in a brick building along University Blvd. Black Warrior doesn’t just produce their fine suds, they house a place where people can recreate the fun of their childhood playing board games and their jumbo sized Jenga set. It’s a brewery with plenty of space to explore, play games, and really take time to break away from the daily routine and find some old fashioned fun. It’s where you’ll find a blend of beer and board games to embrace the freedoms of adulthood, with the comradery of tabletop games. Even if you’re not one to partake in their crimson ales, or IPAs, you can sample their root beer, and be reminded of the rich flavors that come from home brewed treats. Black Warrior reflects its namesake by being a calm watering hole, open to all, and flowing freely in Tuscaloosa and through the great state of Alabama.

 

Druid City Brewing Company

Under the crescent moon, mimicking T-Town’s Moon Winx Lodge along University Blvd, is a cozy and friendly place you end up feeling more at home in than anywhere else. It’s not a grand, elaborate space, decked to the nines with over the top distractions, but a charming place to enjoy great music and even better brewing. Druid City is a place to enjoy fine ales and artists alike. You’ll never know what incredible chalk drawing will find its way above the bar, one that will surely flood your Instagram with likes. Live music can be found filling the space with good vibrations with their Live at the Brewery events. When music isn’t being played, comedy fills the air with laughter. Druid City hosts other wonderful events from video game competitions to trivia nights. Druid City easily feels like the best of both going out, and staying in.

 

Band of Brothers Brewing 

Across from the iconic Drish House is the newest in Tuscaloosa’s rising affection for local brews. Band of Brothers has been an essential part in the transformation of an area into a rising scene in the development around town. All this attention and meteoric rise can’t distract from the fact their brews are simply some of the best. Their batches of beer are made right in front of you, live music fills the air, classic games like Rock’em Sock’em robots await you, and its all under one roof. Everything about Band of Brothers feels authentic and true to the local environment. There’s a sense of camaraderie when you arrive that you instantly want to join, and this band of brothers easily welcomes you to join in.

Delicious and fun, brunch brings us together like no other meal. Its’s one of the few occasions that alcoholic beverages for breakfast aren’t just acceptable but encouraged. Mimosa, anyone? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite places in the #OneandOnly Tuscaloosa to enjoy those laziest of weekend meals, when breakfast and lunch blur into one indulgent feast.

 

1. 301 Bistro, Bar, and Beer Garden:

Located at 301 Greensboro Ave in the charming, historic L&N Train Station (circa 1912), 301 Bistro provides the perfect atmosphere to enjoy brunch on a Sunday afternoon. Every Sunday, 301 Bistro offers a New Orleans Jazz Brunch from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Their beer garden is also dog-friendly, so bring your fury friend and enjoy 301 Bistro’s great brunch menu.

 

2. Another Broken Egg:

Start your day off overlooking the beautiful Black Warrior River while enjoying delicious handmade biscuit beignets, gourmet omelettes, and six selections of eggs benedict. Located at 1650 Jack Warner Pkwy NE, Another Broken Egg serves breakfast and brunch options daily from 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

 

3. Avenue Pub:

A relaxed, contemporary pub located at 405 23rd Ave in downtown Tuscaloosa, serves brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. They also host “Live Music Sundays” from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Some of their brunch options include: Chicken Biscuits & Gravy, Huevos Rancheros, $5 Double Mimosas, and $7 Thick & Spicy House Made Bloody Mary’s.

 

4. FIVE Bar:

Featuring live jazz music, a Bloody Mary bar, and $3 mimosas; it doesn’t get any better at FIVE Bar. Located in downtown Tuscaloosa at 2324 6th Street in an industrial-chic tavern, FIVE offers brunch on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Jazz Brunch menu includes chicken and waffles, a breakfast cheeseburger (complete with a fried egg), crab cake benedict, shrimp ‘n’ grits, and the FIVE burrito.

 

5. Side by Side:

Located at 2410 University Blvd, The Side by Side Restaurant is a contemporary style restaurant that takes a modern approach to blending Southern, French, and California-styles of cooking, set against the backdrop of downtown Tuscaloosa. Serving Sunday brunch from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., Side by Side offers live jazz music and a create your own Bloody Mary & mimosa bar.

Written by: Adrian Gee, TTS Public Relations Intern

Whether you’re looking to get outside for an adventure, for a relaxing time on the water, or you simply want to stay cool amidst the rising Alabama heat index and stifling humidity this summer, Tuscaloosa is home to many large bodies of water. Lake Tuscaloosa is the largest and is often taken advantage of in the summer for recreational activities such as swimming, boating and fishing. With newly available watercraft rentals, Lake Tuscaloosa is now more accessible to the public than ever before.

The construction of Lake Tuscaloosa was finished in 1970, the lake built as a reservoir for the rising population of Tuscaloosa. According to the City of Tuscaloosa’s website, the 5,885-acre reservoir holds approximately 40 billion gallons of water and can provide close to 200 million gallons of safely withdrawn water a day. The lake is Tuscaloosa’s primary source of raw water for human consumption.

Home to many residents of the city, Lake Tuscaloosa boasts magnificent houses on large plots of privately owned land. Despite the privacy of much of the land surrounding the lake, the city has several public boat ramps and put-ins, such as Binion Creek Landing Park in Northport and Sharpes Landing, located north of the city. There is also a public boat landing off of New Watermelon Road called Rock Quarry Park Boat Landing. Pontoon boat rentals are available seven days a week at Smith’s Marina, and the Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority now rents canoes, kayaks and paddleboards for visitor fun.

Fishing is allowed on the lake, and although the fish forage is limited, fisherman can catch a variety of bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, and more. In addition, Lake Tuscaloosa is visually pleasing, the flat of the water contrast to the jagged cliffs and towering greenery surrounding it.

Take the time this summer to enjoy all the lake has to offer. Make sure to visit the one and only Lake Tuscaloosa.

For more information on the lake’s history, visit the City of Tuscaloosa’s website. For more information on watercraft rentals, visit tcpara.org.

Hidden amidst the countryside of Duncanville, Alabama is what could be called water skier heaven, but what skiing aficionado Lyman Hardy named LymanLand USA when he built the lake more than 20 years ago. The glassy, blue-green dyed water of the nearly half mile long lake hosts a variety of water ski events and tournaments each year. After visiting more than 20 ski lakes across the nation, Hardy determined how he wanted his lake built: eight feet deep, as narrow as a football field, and with small islands on each end to prevent wake water from upsetting skiers when the boat makes its turns. LymanLand draws hundreds of skiers from across the nation to compete against other professional and nationally ranked skiers in the perfectly crafted aquatic arena.

This month, LymanLand will host the American Water Ski Association’s 2016 Southern Regional Championships from Wednesday, July 20 through Sunday, July 24. The event is open to the public, persons and their pets (leashed, of course) allowed. Competing skiers will trick ski, slalom, and perform jumps in hopes of breaking both personal and national records.

LymanLand is located at 15865 Waterski Lane, just off Highway 82, southeast of Tuscaloosa.

For more information about the event, call Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports Commission’s Brandt LaPish at (205) 391-9200 or visit usawaterski.org and download the guide for the 2016 championships.

Written By: Karley Fernandez, TTS PR Intern

Black Warrior SUP Championship on Lake Nicol

Serene waters surround the city of Tuscaloosa and its county. Lake Tuscaloosa is the largest in the county, Lake Lurleen is a man made oasis, and then there is Lake Nicol. This Cliffside lake is more secluded, and off the beaten path than its commercialized neighbor. It’s not overflowing with eco-tourists and families trying to beat the Alabama heat; It’s simply calm waters and picturesque cliffs tucked underneath towering pines. Despite being only a short drive from civilization, natures take over of the lake gives it that secluded, and far off feeling found in the outskirts. The cliffs stand tall over blue waters, with winding trails leading to them. The waters gently wave with the blue skies shining above. Lake Nicol even hosts an island near the southern tip, offering a truly disconnected environment to freely row and paddle about.

The Black Warrior SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) Championship will be one of those rare times the lake is given the spotlight. These six to three mile courses starts early in the morning, with three races planned, and a one-mile fun race open to anyone. If you’re worried you’ve missed your chance, you can still register to compete in the races, and take in this hidden gem of waters and cliffs. The guests and traveling athletes will convene over its calm water and collectively find the beauty hidden by this lake. People will gather and watch the paddleboards glide over the lake and absorb the tranquility and uninhibited natural wonder of Lake Nicol as the Champions are crowned. The competition benefits the American Heart Association and certainly helps your own. Getting outside and being active over cool waters will bring a benefit only found in the great outdoors. While Lake Tuscaloosa and Lurleen sit pretty as the top bodies of water in the county, by the time the excitement dies down, and the day starts to close, Lake Nicol will be wearing a new crown in the eyes of the people. If you want to get out, explore the natural beauty in town, and take part in this exciting and fun filled race, you can register through PaddleGuru. The one-mile fun race is $20.00, the 3-mile race is $30.00, and the 6-mile race is $40.00. if you feel The American Heart Association deserves more, you’re welcome to add a donation along with the cost. The Race takes place July 16th at Lake Nicol.

 

Shark’s

Founded in Tuscaloosa, and expanding beyond our city limits, its not hard to see why. Shark’s fried chicken, ranging from tenders to liver and gizzards, you’re bound to have some of the best fried chicken in town. Accompanying the chicken, the sides share the same range of usual suspects to oysters and hush puppies thanks to their seafood faire. They are spreading their fried love in Birmingham, and soon beyond that.

 

Buffalo Phil’s

A collegiate classic, this staple of the university atmosphere in town is the proud home of some of the best wings of West Alabama. Served under memorabilia and any sauce you choose, their chicken is hard to beat. No wing could be complete without proper sides, and Buffalo Phil’s certainly delivers. From curly fries to beer battered onion rings, you’re bound to find good company for these iconic wings

 

Five (Brunch)

Five Bar is known for its simplicity in a decadent environment. This mantra finds its way into their Sunday brunch special of fried chicken and waffles. The crispy, fall off the bone chicken meets the sweet and ample waffle with its golden syrup in a union so pure and star crossed its clear why it’s a favorite. The savory chicken skin with its crispy breading could be a meal all on its own. Bold and well seasoned, it’s the perfect yin to the yang of the sweet and heavenly waffles.

 

The Avenue Pub

This small industrial style space packs a big game when it comes to our food scene and it’s easy to see why. Their brunch special of fried chicken over oven fresh biscuits, or chicken bites battered in Black Warrior Brewing Company’s Brown Ale proves The Avenue Pub knows southern food. The chicken bites make a great introduction to the explosive flavor found in the pub, with the fried chicken and biscuits being at a level that could pose questioning of your love for your Grandmother’s kitchen.

Rama Jama’s

Every college town has that place that everyone has to eat before they graduate. Luckily for the University of Alabama, that list is nearly never ending with all of the incredible local restaurants surrounding Tuscaloosa. Even with so many options, there’s always been one that stands above the rest and it sits in the shadow of Bryant Denny Stadium. I’ve heard numerous different suggestions on what to try, including their “National Champ Burger” which boasts 16oz of bacon, one ounce for each Alabama Football national title! Regardless, it’s national hot dog month and I’m on a mission. Before you even walk in you can tell the place is special. This is no cookie cutter, brick and mortar restaurant. The white brick building is designed like no other location in town and you would be hard pressed to find similar architecture within 500 miles!

Stepping into Rama Jama’s is like stepping into a museum that just happens to serve incredible food. There is so much Alabama memorabilia packed into the diner, the owner has had to start hanging it from the ceiling! During my 30 minutes there I saw no less than 7 people taking pictures of the awesome things they found on the walls that reminded them of a piece of Alabama history!

I walked up to the counter to read the menu, which is written on three large chalk boards hung from the ceiling behind the register. I knew what I came for, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask the lady, “What are you famous for?” Without skipping a beat, I got back an excited, “What AREN’T we famous for?!” before she dove into her spiel about the National Champ Burger, their milkshakes, and of course their memorabilia! What really caught my attention was the fact that they’ve printed the names of famous visitors to the diner on the table right where they sat!

The place was pretty busy, but I took my order ticket and went to find a table. I wanted a table with a name of one of their famous patrons printed on it; I found just that with the table that Paul Finebaum had his name on! Within minutes my two hotdogs and a fry was sitting in front of me. A man who looked eerily similar to Nick Saban himself brought it out, but I’m not sure if that was real, or just the magic surrounding the café. My food was absolutely incredible and the experience was exactly how I anticipated as I daydreamed leading up to my pilgrimage! As National Hotdog Month rolls on, I highly recommend you put this place on your list! If dogs aren’t your thing, they serve their full menu all day so there’s something for everybody! Now that I’ve experienced Rama Jama’s I understand why it’s part of the Tuscaloosa bucket list and they definitely haven’t seen the last of me.

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Wrriten By: Barrett Elder, TTS Public Relations Intern

Alcove Tavern

Voted one of the best college bars in America by Men’s Health, This brick beauty serves as cozy relief from the noise and constant party found on the Strip. It’s a warm and welcoming place where people can break away from over the top bars and enjoy a nice brew under fine artwork and away from clouds of smoke. The owner made strides in declaring the pub smoke free in an effort to give guests a space where they can breathe easy. Guests can come and enjoy the clean air, and cold drinks inside or out on the patio. The charm and comfort of this downtown bar is a welcomed change of pace. Instead of a thousand big screens and music turned up to 11, it’s the perfect spot for friends to enjoy good conversation without leaving deafened by billboards top 10.

You wont be lost in this quaint bar, its just the right size to feel welcomed without being crowded when more than three walk in. sit inside under the exposed break, or out facing the street you’ll bask in the good music, and warmth that can only be found here along 22nd. People who come here always have something wonderful to say about its ambience. that its not too stuffy or divey, that its like a friends living room with an incredible bar. From Students to professionals in town, hardly anyone can leave without enjoying something found in this secluded spot. Its not just Tuscaloosa who enjoy the break away Alcove provides, Garden and Gun declared it one of the best “watering holes” in the secret south. Tuscaloosa Magazine deemed it the best bar for adults, and best beer selection. Its hard not to see why the world has fallen for this cozy tavern, as people are falling in love with it under their sword crossed crest.

 

Written by: Deven Wilson, TTS Public Relations Intern

If you know of Tuscaloosa, you know someone whose got a story or two that took place in this one & only Locale. You can drive around the strip looking for a big flashy neon sign saying “ Gallette’s” you’ll be hard pressed to find it. This hole in the wall is hidden to outsiders inside the Campus Party Store building. You’d never guess such an innocent yellow brick building could hold so much fun. Once inside, you find yourself surrounded with all the makings of a iconic dive bar, without hipster touches of an intended atmosphere. No, this place is only organic in that its history and mixology have born a Drink so infamous, our you can find replicas throughout town. The Yellowhammer. You wont find them served in repurposed mason jars, you’ll find them in their bold yellow plastic cups will a hearty Roll Tide written across. These fruity drinks have a mild flavor, but pack a strong punch, one fitting the legends of the stadium that stands in the background of Gallette’s.

After a couple of Yellowhammers, or anything the bar tosses up, you’ll be bouncing along to the music that’s never too quiet. More than likely you will be taken by surprise when the song sung in that classic dive bar unison isn’t a Journey song, or even Sweet Home Alabama, but “ Dixieland Delight”. Gallette’s patrons will serenade you, not only with every single lyric known by heart, but their own additional ones that shows how deep local pride runs. It’ll seem like magic how each person of every creed comes together in this bar to boast and belt their Alabama pride with perfect tempo. You’ll soon find your self swept in a tide of pride, and a community you’ll grow all the more fond of. Whether you find your way to Gallette’s during its peak season of Fall, or in the Spring when practically half of the entire gulf is brought to their patio for Crawfish Boils; you can bet you’ll leave with more than a few tails and cocktails to rave about to anyone who mentions this one and only city.

Written by: Deven Wilson, TTS Public Relations Intern

Best places to Take Dad on Father’s Day

Grill Master Dad

Every Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day, your father is smoking, grilling, and mastering the BBQ Pit while everyone else waits patiently for his works of well seasoned art. He works hard to provide everyone with a savory, well smoked treat in the summer, so why not give him one in return. You may not be as good as he is on the grill, so trust the expert instead. Treat your father to the one and only Dreamland BBQ. Its trusted recipe for ribs, smoked meat, and banana pudding are a great way to treat the master. It may not be as great as his, but he knows he’s hard to beat. Dreamland is a close second to Dad.

Lumberjack Dad

Your dad is never home, because he’s out somewhere in the woods. Your dad made your bed frame, wardrobe, and first house. Your dads honeymoon idea was home depot. Your dad is short with words, and big on hugs. Your burly father doesn’t like frills and neither does the one and only Buffalo Phil’s. Located on the Strip, inside is a classic college burger bar. It doesn’t serve you small tapas underneath visit France posters. Its just good ole American food served under Alabama posters. Its no ritz, but your dad will like it that way.

Professor Dad

Your dad is the smartest guy you know. He tries to get you to use educational apps, build your stock portfolio, and learn mandarin. He gave you summer reading, well before school did. Most dads boast about their garage, your dad is more than proud of his library. His career is like chandlers, you don’t know what its called for the life of you, but you know its not for the weak minded. Your dad knows everything there is about the world, so why not bring some of it to him. Treat your father to something beyond the southern palate by taking him to the one and only Ruan Thai. Impress him by pre searching the correct pronunciation of their wonderful Eastern dishes, and the exotic flavors to be found in this little house on a hill. Your dad will love the break from burgers and BBQ and be delighted to see his child try something off the beaten path.

Stay at Home Dad

Your dad doesn’t commute to work, unless you count the walk from the bedroom to the living room. He saves money on gas, by only needing to the leave the house for groceries and supplies. He knows how to rewire the AC, and make enough cookies for Christmas. He can decorate a living room as well as he can grill a steak. Your dad has the role of two parents, but only gets one holiday. Your dad deserves something special he deserves the one and only Five Bar. Your dad will enjoy the fine style of this one and only eatery, and the delicious but short menu. let someone else cook for your dad, and trust it will match his cooking skills.