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.
Bama Theatre
Construction started in 1937, with the Great Depression in full swing, President Roosevelt enacted the Public Works Administration; a government program that worked to increase employment, and benefit the community. Tuscaloosa took funds out of this program to build a theatre, a municipal auditorium and city hall. The complex would end up costing $200,000 (around 3.3 million today). The new complex was the first in town to have true air conditioning. On its opening day April 12th 1938, the University of Alabama’s Million Dollar Band and Disney characters joined along a grand parade. The First movie screened during the opening gala was Million Dollar Baby starring Katherine Hepburn, and Cary Grant.
The Bama Theatre rose in an era of streamline moderne, and atmosphere. David O. Whildin built the exterior of the municipal building in PWA Moderne. With simple lines, and roman inspired detailing with faux tapestries and a carved eagle over the City Hall entrance. The rounded façade was built with limestone and the panels above the windows are granite. Its Solid construction later let it to be designated a bomb shelter in the rise of the red scare in America. Inside, the theatre is designed on the Atmosphere style. Designed by Whildin to look like a Mediterranean plaza during the renaissance. Every element was designed by the architect, from the faux balconies to the ceiling lined with small flashing lights to look like a night sky. Navino Nataloni, a artist hired through the PWA to paint the murals, and took to create unique scenes as most simply painted local landscapes, while Nataloni painted to match the Mediterranean style instead.
A tidy, tan shop front in the heart of downtown Tuscaloosa hosts one of the world’s largest collections of 20th century African-American art. In 2008 the late Paul Jones donated more than 1,700 pieces of his Collection of American Art, valued at nearly $5 million, to the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Alabama and are on rotational display at the downtown gallery throughout the year.
Described as a civil rights activist, Paul Raymond Jones began collecting art in the 1960s when he noticed a shortage of African-American representation in public art exhibits. He collected pieces created in a variety of mediums and from more than 600 artists. Jones wanted his collection used for educational purposes, so his donation to the university has been incorporated to the school’s curricula as a means to promote artistic significance and cultural awareness. Some of the works are on display at galleries on campus and will be made available to other academic institutions and museums throughout the state.
The current gallery exhibit, “In Miniature,” showcases some of the smaller pieces from Jones’ collection and is on display until August 23, 2016.
The gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on the first Friday of each month from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The gallery is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Be sure to visit the one and only Paul R. Jones Gallery at 2308 6th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. For more information, contact gallery Director Karen Kennedy at (205)345-3038 or visit http://paulrjonescollection.as.ua.edu/ for more details.
Written by: Karley Fernandez, TTS Public Relations Intern
Looking for a weekend event that the entire family can enjoy? Live at the Plaza is just that. Due to last year’s tremendous success, the Tuscaloosa City Council approved the second annual Live at the Plaza concert series to be held every Friday night in June and July in the Government Plaza.
This concert series will run from 6 to 9 p.m. every Friday night and will feature live music from local bands. The Government Plaza, located downtown behind City Hall, provides the perfect family-friendly atmosphere to the Tuscaloosa community.
If live music alone doesn’t get you excited about this event; did we mention that these weekly concerts are free to the public? Yes, everyone can enjoy great local, live music for free. In addition to that, concert-goers are allowed to bring to alcoholic beverages to the events, but it can only be consumed during the time of the concert.
What makes this event truly unique is that it is really something for all ages to enjoy. Whether you are a kid, college student, middle age or a senior you’ll really enjoy this community-wide event.
The first event of the concert series kicks off this Friday, June 3, and will feature music from the Matt Jones Trio, a folk-rock band.
Furthermore, the June 10 concert will feature Lickety Split, a bluegrass band, and will play host to an open competition from the Black Warrior River Fiddle Fest. More acts are being scheduled and will be announced as they are finalized.
Bring your coolers and lawn chairs and join the #OneandOnly Tuscaloosa each and every Friday this summer at Live at the Plaza for great music and fun!
Written by: Adrian Gee, TTS Public Relations Intern