A Tuscaloosa agency received state-wide accolades for its many contributions to the post pandemic rebound of travel and tourism in Tuscaloosa County.
Visit Tuscaloosa, the destination marketing organization charged with promoting Tuscaloosa, Northport, and Tuscaloosa County, won the Alabama Tourism Department’s Tourism Organization of the Year for 2023. The award was presented on Aug. 28, 2023 at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear during the Alabama Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
Visitors spent $895 million in Tuscaloosa County during the 2022 calendar year, a 19.5% increase from the previous year. In the 12-month period ending in August, hotel revenue was up 10.5% over the previous year.
Kelsey Rush, president and CEO of Visit Tuscaloosa, attributed the award and recent tourism success to daily efforts by the agency and collaborating partners to enhance Tuscaloosa’s public image as a dynamic place to live, work, play, and visit.
“I am beyond excited for Visit Tuscaloosa to be recognized with this prestigious award. Our team is passionate about sharing the spirit of Tuscaloosa County and work day-in and day-out to create a harmony of quality of place for our visitors and quality of life for our residents,” said Rush. “I am proud of our team and their efforts that led to this award, as well as the partners that help make Tuscaloosa the community that it is.”
According to the Alabama Tourism website, this is the first time Visit Tuscaloosa has won the Tourism Organization of the Year award, which has been given annually since 1998. In 2007 and 2011, when the agency was known as Tuscaloosa CVB, it was recognized for the Tourism Partnership of the Year. Jasmine Rainey, who currently serves as Director of Tourism, was given the Rising Star award in 2019.
Visit Tuscaloosa’s diverse efforts include bringing association meetings and conferences to the area, facilitating large group tours, providing support to large gatherings such as reunions, recruiting athletic events, and developing new experiences that enhance the experience economy for both residents and visitors.
In 2022, Visit Tuscaloosa hosted or contributed to 94 events, up from 55 the previous year. In 2023 the agency has already hosted the inaugural Tuscaloosa Restaurant Week and will bring Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest back to downtown on October 28.
The agency also dedicates time and resources to raising Tuscaloosa’s visibility, appealing to leisure travelers, meeting and event planners, and potential economic investment, among others. Interested parties can learn more about Tuscaloosa County, its events, things to do and attractions by following Visit Tuscaloosa on social media or signing up for their newsletter at visittuscaloosa.com.
Traveling is tricky when you have to avoid gluten.
Sometimes it can take hours of research and pluck the fun of spontaneity right out of the day when exploring a new city.
I get it, and I want to help solve that for your visit to Tuscaloosa.
As a resident with Celiac, I want to walk you through the best gluten-free options T-Town has to offer to make your dining experience a wonderful part of — if not the best part of — your visit!
Also, you probably already do this, but no matter how well I know the restaurant and their staff, I communicate my dietary restrictions with our server every time, just in case there are any menu updates or ingredient substitutions the kitchen is working with for the day.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff.
Start Your Day Right
A hearty breakfast is the best way to kick off your stay in Tuscaloosa. Another Broken Egg Cafe offers many selections, but my hands-down favorite are their lemon blueberry goat cheese pancakes, made gluten free, with hot cups of rich coffee while enjoying a morning on the porch overlooking the Black Warrior River is hard to beat. While their online menu makes you wonder if I’m lying, be sure to ask for the GF menu when you get there. The servers are always happy to go over the selections with me.
A relative new-comer to the Tuscaloosa scene, Just Love Coffee Cafe has some tasty womelettes (omelettes cooked in a waffle iron) to choose from. They have a gluten friendly disclaimer prominently displayed on their overhead menu, but they always double check and use a clean machine when I’ve let them know I’m celiac.
Looking for a great cup of coffee and something light like granola? Monarch Espresso Bar’s homemade granola is perfect in a bowl with your favorite way to enjoy coffee. These folks understand gluten free. We’ll catch up with their other local business for dessert!
Do Break for Lunch
Antojitos Izcalli consistently ranks at the top of the lists for best Latin food in Alabama for good reason. You absolutely can’t go wrong with their authentic Mexican tacos, sopes and cold horchata.
When I want a light but filling lunch, I head to Hooligans for their Greek salad with grilled chicken. The Alhaija family has been serving their American-Mediterranean mix to Tuscaloosa for more than 20 years. They’re happy to accommodate but remind them no pita.
Sometimes nothing hits like sushi, and Ichiban Japanese Grill is THE place to go. Their online menu even includes a box on each item to let them know your dietary needs. Owner Hiu-Tung is likely the first person to greet you at the counter where she rolls the sushi and makes some great suggestions. If you like a little heat, you can’t go wrong with the spicy escolar and the Adam rolls.
Even chains like Mellow Mushroom and Five Guys are upping their game in the gluten aware department. Both of these restaurants have local management that get it and regularly take the extra precautions to deliver a safe dining experience.
Enjoy Local Taps
As the popularity of craft beer breweries and taprooms grow, Tuscaloosa is not being left behind. Loosa Brews is the best place to find something for everyone’s taste, and they have dedicated gluten free tap lines with a cider and a mead always ready to go.
Delight in Dinner
A great option for a delicious dinner or a special occasion is DePalma’s Italian Cafe. Don’t be dismayed by their online menu; the servers and management are wonderful about walking you through menu options and accommodations to make your meal gluten free. Pesto stuffed mushrooms and the gorgonzola steak melt with a delicious glass of wine.
For more casual dining, Mr. Chen’s offers authentic Chinese cuisine with all of its salty spiciness and robust flavors. Check with your server if your favorite dish can be made adjusted and enjoy! We love to split gluten free versions of the cumin lamb and basil chicken.
Dessert Is Back
Moonshot Creamery (same owners as Monarch Espresso Bar) does gluten free so well without needing to ask, that it made me tear up on our first visit. Fresh ice cream scoops with each dip to avoid cross contamination, clearly stated safe flavors on a handout at the counter, and a gluten free cone option to boot — do NOT miss these guys and their amazing flavors!
I confess that I have not made it to Forté yet, but I have it on good authority from Chef Jacob Stull himself that they take care of their gluten free guests. Friends have raved about the Noel soufflé and the chocolate marquise paired with one of the restaurant’s own craft cocktails for a special treat.
Late Night Bites
There’s no excuse to sleep on the late night scene in Tuscaloosa. SoCal Cantina keeps tasty drinks and tacos flowing until the early hours. And if you’re really craving a pub favorite, grab the carne asada fries. Everything is gluten free except the burrito tortillas, and they don’t go in the fryer.
What about Groceries?
My happy place is often in the kitchen, cooking seasonal ingredients plucked from markets and shops local to the regions I visit. If you’re staying in a short-term rental while visiting Tuscaloosa and plan to do some of your own cooking, Manna Grocery & Deli is a great one-stop shop for many gluten free and natural items you might need. They also stock meats and vegetables from local farms if you miss the farmer’s market on Saturday mornings.
Enjoy your stay in Tuscaloosa, and let us know how we can help!
A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:
I moved to Tuscaloosa in 2009 and was diagnosed with Celiac in 2012. I love to travel and try new foods along the way, and I know firsthand how those two things don’t always get along.
I want to welcome you to our city and offer some friendly help on the best gluten-free options T-Town has to offer to make your dining experience a wonderful part of — if not the best part of — your visit!
Also, no matter how well I know the restaurant and their staff, I communicate my dietary restrictions with our server every time, just in case there are any menu updates or ingredient substitutions the kitchen is working with for the day. Be sure to speak up for yourself and welcome to Tuscaloosa! – ELISA JOHNSON
Thank you to our partners at Westgate Luxury Condominiums for sponsoring this content!
Thursdays in Tuscaloosa will have added flavor in September with music and food trucks congregating on Government Plaza for “Lunchtime Live!”
This lunch and music in the park fall series is free to attend for both residents and visitors. Guests are encouraged to bring their own outdoor chairs or blankets and enjoy live music and lunch in downtown’s inviting green space. Food trucks will make a variety of menus available for purchase or guests may bring their own sack lunch.
The month-long series is a collaborative effort between Visit Tuscaloosa, the City of Tuscaloosa, The Arts Council and the Tuscaloosa Downtown Merchants Association. It is made possible by the Alabama Tourism Department Event Legislative Grant and the support of Representative Bill Lamb.
“We are very grateful for Representative Lamb’s support through the Alabama Tourism Department’s Event Legislative Grant program, which made this new lunch and music series possible,” said Kelsey Rush, president and CEO of Visit Tuscaloosa. “Visit Tuscaloosa takes great pride in partnering with community organizations and groups as we all work towards enhancing quality of life for residents and quality of place for visitors.”
Lunchtime Live! kicks off with an extended program on Sept. 7 in partnership with the City of Tuscaloosa’s annual United on the Plaza event, an event designed to allow City employees to celebrate their involvement and commitment to the United Way of West Alabama. Music will begin at 11 a.m. with Sounds of Joy (Arc of Tuscaloosa) performing from 11 – 11:30 a.m. The Locked Band will follow around 11:45 a.m., until the event concludes at 1 p.m.
The three following Thursdays, music will begin at 11:30 a.m. and continue until 1 p.m. The full music lineup is:
- September 7: The Locked Band
- September 14: The Vuorovesi Trio Featuring TSO musicians & UA faculty
- September 21: The Uri Band
- September 28: Tyler Sellers
Visit Tuscaloosa has named Chelsea Barton-Kelly the new marketing content manager, effective August 30, 2023.
Many Tuscaloosans will recognize Barton-Kelly from her 12 years of service to WVUA 23, where she served as lead reporter and anchor. As part of her role at WVUA, she mentored dozens of students who went on to careers in media and communications.
Barton-Kelly has been an active member of the Tuscaloosa community since moving to the area in 2011. She currently serves on the board at United Cerebral Palsy of West Alabama and the Tuscaloosa Police Athletic League. She is an active member of Junior League of Tuscaloosa and was named to the Tuscaloosa News’ 40 Under 40.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chelsea to our Visit Tuscaloosa team,” said Kelsey Rush, Visit Tuscaloosa president and CEO. “The time and effort she invested in Tuscaloosa during her tenure at WVUA has her well positioned to promote our community and the unique stories of the people who make it special.”
During her time as a broadcast journalist, Barton-Kelly delivered coverage of major events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and response, and the April 27, 2011 tornado that caused extensive damage and tragic loss of life. Along with demonstrating poise and integrity as a journalist, she engaged thousands of viewers and found enjoyment sharing uplifting stories from the community.
“My favorite stories to tell involved people overcoming challenges and lifting each other up,” she said. “This is a special place because of the people those stories featured. I’m really looking forward to sharing that warmth with a new audience in this role.”
As marketing content manager for Visit Tuscaloosa, the community’s destination marketing organization, Barton-Kelly will contribute to the organization’s advertising, media relations, content creation and digital presence. These efforts will focus on strengthening Tuscaloosa’s tourism brand to enhance quality of life, increase overnight visitation, tourism expenditures and tax revenue.
Born in Marion, Ala., Barton-Kelly attended Judson College and received a bachelor of arts, with honors, in English and journalism in 2010. She has been married to her husband, Hayden Kelly, for almost two years.
Oktoberfest returns to Tuscaloosa on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 with a 5k run benefiting the American Cancer Society and a German-themed festival featuring food, drinks and family-friendly entertainment.
Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest, presented by Visit Tuscaloosa, will occur 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Druid City Social (301 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401). The traditional tapping of the keg will kick off programming that also includes a dachshund race presented by the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter, steinholding contest and a variety of live music, including a performance by German band Oompah-Calypse, and more.
“Visit Tuscaloosa is thrilled to host Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest alongside Mercedes-Benz U.S. International and their 5k race,” said Kelsey Rush, Visit Tuscaloosa president and CEO. “We understand our community desires more events, and given the connection to Mercedes as well as our Sister City in Schorndorf, Germany, we feel confident this can become an annual festival our community looks forward to each year.”
General admission tickets for Oktoberfest are $10, include a special edition commemorative stein, and will be available beginning Sept. 1 at TuscaloosaOktoberfest.com. Children 12 and under get in free.
Multiple craft breweries will be on hand to make a diverse selection of beers available for purchase. Additional vendors will sell German food, pretzels, desserts, soft drinks and more.
VIP tickets also will be for sale for $75, featuring a package that includes food, access to indoor restrooms and tvs broadcasting college football, special seating for the dachshund race and three beer tickets. Two hundred VIP tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis.
The 5k race is presented by Mercedes-Benz U.S. International and will start at 9 a.m. from downtown Tuscaloosa. Registration is available at a $45 early bird rate until August 20 and includes race entry, a race t-shirt, a commemorative beer stein exclusive to race participants, free admission to the Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest and a free beer (for runners 21 and older).
Visit Tuscaloosa will continue to provide additional updates on vendors, activities, and more at TuscaloosaOktoberfest.com and through social media. Businesses or organizations interested in partnering may send inquires to info@visittuscaloosa.com or call 205-391-9200.
And we don’t mean that team in Georgia. As we roll into the dog days of summer, make the most of them with your favorite pup. Of course Tuscaloosa has the standard drive thru treats with two Dairy Queens for pup cups and three Starbucks for puppuccinos, but there’s plenty more for you and your four-legged friend to take in together.
Shop for Treats
If you’re in town for a visit, it’s helpful to know where you can shop for essentials and treats with your bestie. The Tuscaloosa area has two Tractor Supply Company locations in addition to PetSmart, Petsense, Pet Supermarket and Pet Supplies Plus storefronts. Many of the stores carry local collegiate themed pet apparel, toys and accessories to be ready for your own walk of champions. Pick up a new toy or travel water bowl before heading to the parks!
“Ruff” around Outside
The Will May Dog Park, located in Sokol Park, is a great place to socialize for everybody. Featuring two play areas, one for small breeds and another for large, this shady spot is a great place to run off-leash.
If your furry friend loves the water, Hurricane Creek Park is where you need to be. The sandy beach is a great place to wade in, or you can take the trails to venture a little further down the stream for another swimming hole to splash around in.
Quad-Paws on the Quad
Take your buddy on a tour of The University of Alabama then make the most of the main quad’s open space. There’s usually more than a few pups chasing a soccer ball, catching a frisbee or enjoying a picnic in front of Gorgas Library.
Pubs and Pooches
Bring together two of your favorite things — a nice, cold beer and your pup. Good Dog Park & Bar lets well-mannered pooches and their humans in with a day pass to run, play and lap up the fun. They also offer daycare services if you have some daytime appointments that aren’t suitable for your pup to join.
Many establishments with patios allow your good boy to join you while you enjoy a meal or a beverage. Some of the best pubs include Loosa, Druid City Brewing, Innisfree, Avenue Pub or Heat Pizza. Or pick up Full Moon BBQ or Taco Casa before heading to the Riverwalk or Lake Nicol for an evening picnic topped off with a walk before heading to your home for the night.
Let Your Sleeping Dog Lie
The whole pack is sure to stay in comfort while visiting Tuscaloosa. Many hotels around town allow pets to accompany you for your stay. Be sure to check out Hotel Indigo, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn and Residence Inn for availability. Tuscaloosa has a growing list of short-term rentals that also allow the four-footed family members to join the vacation.
Don’t get caught in the summer doldrums. The long days of summer beg you to come out and play, and the sites of Tuscaloosa and surrounding county offer all you need to make the most of them.
Need a little inspiration? Keep reading and check out our Instagram guide for more ideas! When you post that selfie from your own adventure, let us know with #VisitTCL.
Make a Splash
The lakes of Tuscaloosa County offer hundreds of acres of water to swim, paddle, fish, tube and race around. Lake Tuscaloosa offers all the excitement of open water for wakeboarding, jet skiing and tubing to beat the midday heat.
Lake Harris offers a popular swimming hole with a chute to ride below the dam for a little extra excitement, and while motorized boats are allowed on Lake Nicol, it’s the most popular spot around for kayaks, SUPs and canoes.
If you prefer streams to lakes, Hurricane Creek Park has plenty of shallow wading and rope swings at nearly every swimming hole. It’s also a great place for a kayak as you wind your way to the Black Warrior River.
Drop a Line
While the midday belongs to the thrill seekers on Lake Tuscaloosa, the quiet of morning and evening goes to the anglers. There are plenty of bass to be had for the taking along the shaded shores as you quietly drift with the waters.
The Black Warrior River offers plenty of large species, including gar, bass, crappie and catfish, that can easily be found below the dams for fishing closer to town. But if you want to see the most diversity that the Black Warrior has to offer nearby, the Blue Creek Public Use Area holds the beauty of quiet marshes, a deep stream’s delta and the wide open access of the river — perfect for kayak fishing or a motorized boat.
Take a Hike
Together, all of these waterways offer more than 300 miles of shorelines to be explored and trails winding around most. Within the city limits of Tuscaloosa and Northport, river walks hug both the north and south banks of the Black Warrior with benches, playgrounds and picnic tables along their pathways.
Lake Lurleen State Park has the most comprehensive trail system nearby with trails set for hiking, running and mountain biking. Sokol Park has a run of trails for feet, bike tires and horse hooves that wind the ravine and skirt the park within city limits. However, if you need a purpose to your hike, Bowers Park has an intense disc golf course to leave you feeling challenged among the trees.
We’re just scratching the surface of the many ways you can find yourself enjoying the outdoors while in and around Tuscaloosa. Enjoy the adventure ahead!
Thank you to our partners at Westgate Luxury Condominiums for sponsoring this content!
Tuscaloosa Restaurant Week, presented by Visit Tuscaloosa and Townsquare Media, brings six days and nights of exclusive menu items, special discounts and a fleet of food trucks, June 25-30 at participating locations across the Tuscaloosa area.
Many of the Druid City’s most talked-about restaurants will offer special selections and discounts on local favorites beginning Sunday, June 25. The week will culminate Friday, June 30 at Government Plaza, as Food Truck Friday joins Live at the Plaza featuring Cotton Mouth Creek and CashBack.
The public can find more information, including special offers, and additional restaurants can register to participate at TuscaloosaRestaurantWeek.com.
“Visit Tuscaloosa is excited to launch Restaurant Week 2023. We have a diverse culinary scene in Tuscaloosa that we are eager to help promote,” said Josh Rivers, Director of Community Development at Visit Tuscaloosa. “Our restaurants have talented chefs who do an amazing job developing creative and delicious dishes. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to indulge in this event and experience some great pricing options.”
With nearly 200 options to eat out, Tuscaloosa offers innovative creations alongside favorite staples that can satisfy the cravings of virtually any palette. Tuscaloosa Restaurant Week events will highlight many of the unique locations and talented individuals who are committed to the Druid City’s food scene. The event is hosted by Visit Tuscaloosa and participating restauranters, with media considerations provide by the Tuscaloosa Thread and Townsquare Media’s eight live and local radio stations.
“As Tuscaloosa County’s destination marketing organization, Visit Tuscaloosa is constantly seeking new ways to share the qualities that make our community a dynamic place to live, work, play, and visit,” said Kelsey Rush, president and CEO at Visit Tuscaloosa. “Through destination promotion, we get to shine a light on the many individuals and businesses that make our community so unique and the launch of Tuscaloosa Restaurant Week enhances our ability to increase those efforts.”
Diners can find a list of participating locations and their special offerings at TuscaloosaRestaurantWeek.com. New options will be added as they are confirmed leading up to the event and additional information will be share via the Visit Tuscaloosa social media channels.
Restaurants who wish to participate but have questions may contact Josh Rivers at 205-391-9200.
The Tuscaloosa area is the newest addition to Alabama’s All-in-One Ticket program. This new program delivers multi-day passes to some of the best experiences in each given city or region, offering the convenience of a digital ticket while saving money on your next adventure.
Tuscaloosa is featuring a three-day multi-attraction pass that opens doors at four of the best museums in town and all of the adventures of a nearby state park. Discover what each of these family attractions hold for your visit to T-Town!
Alabama Museum of Natural History
Travel through eras of time in this fossil and specimen-rich venue. The many wonderful exhibits provide explorative learning opportunities for the curious and adventurous. Learn all about what Alabama looked like with each passing age and view natural wonders, like the Hodges Meteorite. If your timing is right, be sure to join one of the museum’s fossil expeditions for a small extra fee.
Gorgas House Museum
The oldest building located on The University of Alabama’s campus, the Gorgas House is one of only four buildings to survive the destruction of campus during the Civil War. Built in 1829, the Gorgas House has served many purposes in its nearly 200 years. Learn more about the family it’s named for through the 19th century artifacts held here.
Lake Lurleen State Park
Enjoy the outdoors at this 1,625-acre state park that offers nearly every type of fun to be had outside. Hike, bike, fish, swim and paddle your way around Lake Lurleen. Equipment is available for rent, and if you’re looking for the stars, enjoy one of the 91 campsites for excellent sky views and relaxation.
Moundville Archaeological Park
If you’ve visited the natural history museum, you’ve already met the animals of Alabama. Now move forward to when the area was first inhabited by people. One of the most significant Native American heritage sites in the U.S. Moundville Archaeological Park has a museum and trails to show you how this regions native peoples built a thriving city.
Paul W. Bryant Museum
No trip to Tuscaloosa is complete without paying homage to arguably the greatest coach in college football. Named for Coach Paul Bear Bryant, the museum houses thousands of pieces of memorabilia that tell the legacy of the Crimson Tide and those that have led the team throughout the years.
Make your plans to join us in Tuscaloosa and include the All-in-One ticket in your itinerary! You have three days to see all the sites once you start using it, and we’re sure you’ll find plenty more to keep you going while you’re here.
Thank you to our partners at Buffalo Rock Pepsi for sponsoring this content.
Not every city gives residents and visitors the space to choose their favorite beverage or try a new place while strolling the streets. But not every city knows how to roll like Tuscaloosa.
The City of Tuscaloosa’s weekend downtown entertainment district allows adults of legal drinking age to leave an establishment with their beverage. The DED includes Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre, Government Plaza, Tuscaloosa River Market, and the dozens of restaurants, bars, breweries and taprooms in between.
The Definite Dos to help you navigate your weekend fun:
1. DO keep the boundaries.
Know which area you can take your to-go beverage around. A city map provides the general outline of the district and street signs designate the area as well.
2. DO know the time.
The DED is only in effect on Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays noon to 9:30 p.m.
3. DO carry the right cup.
Make sure your drink is in the City-approved cup before leaving an establishment.
A few don’ts to keep you safe and your evening light:
1. DON’T carry your beverage out of the district or into your vehicle.
2. DON’T leave with any other type of barware or glassware.
3. DON’T’ carry more than one beverage out the door.
Finally, DO take advantage of all the great entertainment, shopping, dining and events that take place in the DED! Attend a concert in Government Plaza, take in First Friday Art Walk or maybe have fun with a progressive dinner at several restaurants.
You can keep up with events taking place downtown by visiting our Events Calendar at https://visittuscaloosa.com/events/.
Spring break is here, and it’s time to make the most of it! Whether you’re visiting from out of town or being a hometown tourist, there are plenty of activities in Tuscaloosa to meet your interests or pique a new one. We’re so much more than a college town — see for yourself!
Saturdays start at the River Market
Local vendors gather for the Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning to sell early spring vegetables, eggs, beef, flowers, cakes, soaps, fruits and so much more! Grab a breakfast burrito from a food truck and browse for fresh ingredients to host your own cooking challenge at home or snack on throughout the week.
Whittle down your TBR
If your idea of an escape is into the pages of a good book, there are some wonderful places to grab the latest release or have fun hunting the stacks for a classic. In addition to Tuscaloosa’s Barnes & Noble storefront, check out the Friends of the Library Bookstore located on the side of the main branch and Ernest & Hadley Booksellers, who frequently host author events.
Camp under the stars
Tuscaloosa has some amazing camping opportunities to get you outside and looking up. National, state and local parks offer low-cost camping along the water with the comfort of being close to town if you forget the marshmallows. Get outside at Deerlick Creek, Van de Graaff Arboretum or Lake Lurleen State Park.
Flex your creativity
Get messy making your own masterpiece! Kentuck Art Center offers art workshops year-round for all ages; make some family memories learning How To Draw Caricature. Or head to the Art Garage for open play art sessions or ready-to-go creative boxes to take home. Both have spring break kid camps available.
Get outside
There are so many great ways to get outside around Tuscaloosa, but it’s hard to beat a few hours slinging plastic on the disc golf course at Bowers Park. Or if a scavenger hunt is more your cup of tea, take a Monster Walk downtown and along the River Walk. There are plenty of spots to stop for a tasty treat or delicious lunch along the way.
Live it up downtown
Speaking of downtown, Tuscaloosa’s is not to be overlooked. Shops, boutiques, galleries, too many delicious restaurants to name and some of the best craft beverages you’ll find anywhere entice the senses to linger here.
Gather your tribe
After you take in one of Tuscaloosa’s spectacular sunsets, get together with friends and family for good times and a little competition at Civil Axe Throwing, Bowlero or Shindig Family Entertainment Center. If you have energy to burn, UpSurge Trampoline Park makes an exciting way to use it up. And if you want to test your mettle as a team, always check out Escape Tuscaloosa for the challenge.
Thank you to our partners at Buffalo Rock Pepsi for sponsoring this content.
Valentine’s Day is here and the best news is that Tuscaloosa offers all you need to bring the woo! These five date ideas give you the setting to bring the romance. Combine a couple of them or use it as a springboard to customize a special treat for your Valentine.
1. The Pampered
Massaged Life & Wellness Academy
Book a couple’s massage to enjoy each other’s company in a peaceful, completely relaxing environment that invites you into rest together. This family-owned massage school provides full massage services at two price points – student provided or professional – allowing this to fit into anyone’s budget. Be sure to book two appointments when you schedule a couple’s massage.
2. The Hands-On
Crimson Kitchen – A Valentine’s Cooking Class
Partner with your sweetie to learn new cooking techniques and recipes. You’ll enjoy plenty to eat and have recipes to take home to repeat the experience again later. This is an advantage of living in a college town! Crimson Kitchen is a part of The University of Alabama’s Dining Services.
3. The Classic
There’s no going wrong with a romantic dinner at one of Tuscaloosa’s long-standing romantic traditions. Be sure to make your reservations soon, and if you’re looking for a quiet dinner, book early in the evening.
4. The Adventure
Take your love’s breath away with a spectacular sunset from Lake Nicol’s cliffs. Woo them with your attention to details by packing a picnic, a blanket, and if you want it to be a surprise, their walking shoes. You won’t have to walk far though. Just at the top of the trail is a ledge to watch the sunset’s colors do their magic. To the left is a bench, or turn right for a little more rugged walk further out.
5. The Escape
Pull out all the stops to give them the “wow!” Tuscaloosa’s newest boutique hotel offers a Valentine’s Day special for a king standard room that includes a $100 food/drink credit to the in-house Forté restaurant or rooftop bar, Valentine’s basket in the room and breakfast for two. Everything you need in one package!
Whatever date matches you and your sweetheart’s style, don’t forget to include the traditional Valentine touches. For local flowers and chocolates, swing by Tide Wholesale Floral Company to build your own bouquet and hand select your sweets at Peterbrooke Chocolatier.
Thank you to our partners at Wilson Hospitality for sponsoring this content.
