June has officially arrived, and with it have also arrived the long, hot summer days that the South is known for. Thankfully, Tuscaloosa has plenty of things to help you make the most of this time! If you haven’t made any plans for this weekend, check out the options below to see how you can get a taste of what the city has to offer.
These aren’t the only ones open
Many local bars and breweries have reopened their doors to the public! Local hotspots like Loosa Brews, Innisfree, and Black Warrior Brewing Company are all open to customers this weekend. If you’re still looking to stay home, curbside pickup service is available from all three locations.
Get a Sweet Treat
Pick up some baked goods to enjoy this weekend! Tuscaloosa has a couple of standout options to satisfy your cravings. Edgar’s Bakery, Whimsy Cookie Co., and Mi Casita Bakery are a few excellent options if you’re looking to indulge in the sweeter side of things. If ice-cream is more up your alley, check out Las Piñas behind Bowlero.
Experience the Outdoors
If you’re interested in spending some time outdoors, Tuscaloosa has some beautiful parks for you to enjoy. Lake Lurleen and Lake Nicol are two local hotspots that have so much to offer. Enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking only a short drive from the city!
Take a Class
For our older readers looking to stay in this weekend, The University of Alabama’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, or OLLI, is offering classes on a variety of subjects. With topics including architecture, international relations, and retirement, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Visit their website to learn how to sign up for one this weekend!
Stay Home
Still not comfortable leaving the house just yet? No worries! You can experience some of Tuscaloosa’s most historic locations thanks to virtual tours from the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society. Check out the Battle-Friedman House, The Old Tavern, and more from the comfort of your own home!
Sometimes the weekend is the perfect time to indulge in some self-care. Treat yourself to some Salt Soaks from Left Hand Soap Company and wind down. Scents like lavender or rosemary mint are guaranteed to help you relax. Salt Soaks are available online for shipping or pick up.
Summer is in full swing and the city of Tuscaloosa has plenty of opportunities waiting for you to enjoy this weekend! Can’t decide what to do? Don’t worry, we’ve already made the search simple for you with exciting options listed below.
The River Market
The Tuscaloosa River Market is back open on Saturdays from 7 AM-12 PM! Visit the open-air market on Jack Warner Parkway to choose from a selection of vendors with farm-fresh produce, dairy products, and so much more. Enjoy a cup of coffee, sample life-changing lotions, and check out the handmade jewelry! Curbside service is also still available during this time, and orders can be placed online.
Dining Out
We are so excited to share that multiple local restaurants have reopened their doors to the public with dine-in options! Central Mesa, DePalma’s, Rama Jama’s, and Evangeline’s are now open for both dine-in and takeout. Whether it’s with a Depalma’s Deluxe Pizza or Evangeline’s Shrimp and Grits, you deserve to treat yourself with a phenomenal meal to end the work week!
Enjoy Live Music
Rhythm and Brews is now open with live performances weekly! The Brick and Hubba Show will be performing on Friday, and Jason Miller takes the stage Saturday night. Visit the Rhythm and Brews Instagram page for more information and updates posted daily.
Relax and Pamper Yourself
The perfect way to ease tension and loosen up this weekend is to attend one of Tuscaloosa’s fantastic spas to let go of this week’s stresses. Shine Facial Bar is offering your first facial free, along with many discounted membership options. Another option, located in the heart of downtown Tuscaloosa, is Chancee’s spa. They offer 10% discounts to all students and teachers with proof of an ID. If you want a hands-free option, Chancee’s has you covered with aqua massages, infrared saunas, and solar therapies!
Try Something Brand New
Founded in 2017 as a food truck, Reggae Flava LLC has taken the Tuscaloosa food scene by storm with its unique flavor, delicious gourmet Jamaican cuisine, and variety of Caribbean dishes. Reggae Flava is now a Veteran-owned and family-owned restaurant located in Downtown Tuscaloosa. The menu has a variety of options from curry chicken and brown stew pork to oxtail and curry shrimp. Vegetarian or Vegan? No problem! There are options available for you as well.
Staying in? Support the Bama Theatre from your living room couch!
If the restaurants, spas, and bars don’t appeal to you quite yet, we’ve got the perfect entertainment for you! The Bama Theatre is teaming up with Magnolia Pictures and the Arts Council to offer streaming opportunities from the comfort of your own home. When purchasing any of the streaming options on their webpage, 50% of the proceeds will go directly to the theatre and you will have a new movie ready to watch at your fingertips.
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.
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.
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.