The Fourth of July is (almost) here! Time to enjoy the long weekend of burgers and hot dogs on the grill, sunshine, music, boats, fireworks, bonfires, friends, and family! While this year may look a little different, this holiday can provide some much-needed relaxation from the mental stresses of daily, routine life, especially in 2020. Not sure how to spend your weekend in the one and only Tuscaloosa? No worries, we have gathered some ideas below to help you make the most of Independence Day weekend.
Sparks Fly
It wouldn’t be a Fourth of July celebration without fireworks, and the City of Tuscaloosa is putting on a show that is viewable from downtown at 9 p.m. this Saturday! Free parking is available for all viewers at the Tuscaloosa amphitheater and the Intermodal Facility parking deck. Be sure to tune in to local Tuscaloosa radio stations to listen to live music accompanying the spectacular show. The Tuscaloosa fire department urges leaving the performances to professionals.
Wide Open Spaces
Another major component of celebrating the Fourth is basking in the glorious summer sun. Tuscaloosa is the perfect place to relax in the great outdoors with so many beautiful lakes, rivers, and parks. Lake Tuscaloosa has everything you need for a traditional family lake day, whether you boat, fish, or swim. You and the entire family are bound to have an unforgettable Fourth celebration at this local hangout. Another option is Lake Nicol, a man-made lake with a slew of trails that meander to captivating Cliffside views. These ledges make for a perfect spot to get away from it all in under a 15-min drive. Take in the picturesque waters on a paddleboard or admire the serene views while hiking in one of the most secluded and naturally beautiful places in the city.
Picnic Like a Pro
If you aren’t up for this adventure, pack a bag and enjoy a picnic on the captivating campus of The University of Alabama! Waitr also has offered a 50% off delivery special this weekend! Take advantage of this phenomenal deal and order from your favorite local restaurants! Whether you choose a juicy burger from Rama Jama’s, the game-changing wings from Catfish Heaven, or an unforgettable Chipotle Marinated Pork Tenderloin from Southern Ale House! For dessert, check out The Whimsey Cookie’s adorable and delicious Fourth of July Cookie Set.
Cool Down
If you need a cool down from the Alabama heat, stop by Las Piñas on McFarland Blvd for some homemade ice cream, chili powder popsicles, or fresh street corn! This family-owned business brings a modern twist to the classic ice cream shops. They serve 100% homemade frozen treats and snacks with the combination of Mexican and American flavors! If snow cones are more your style, Summer Snow is the perfect spot for you! With over sixty flavors to try, this shaved ice shop has proven itself as a staple within this community.
It’s safe to say that Tuscaloosa is a big city, and like any busy area, there are so many unique areas that make it special. With so many different sides to explore, we wanted to take you on a virtual tour and highlight everything that this city has to offer. Join us as we guide you through Tuscaloosa and show you what makes our city the One and Only!
Downtown
Downtown Tuscaloosa is the perfect area if you’re looking to shop, eat, or just hang out! With a variety of different local businesses to explore, the area is a hub for entertainment.
Shop: The Pants Store is one of the best downtown destinations for men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. With name brands like Carhartt, Steve Madden, Quay, Yeti, and more, you’re sure to find something stylish at an affordable price. Find the Pants Store on University Boulevard and get shopping!
Eat: Located on Greensboro Avenue, Central Mesa is the downtown destination for Mexican food with a unique twist. Their dishes include hot chicken tacos and spinach and mushroom quesadillas, but more traditional salads and sandwiches are also on the menu. Central Mesa also has a wide selection of beverages, including specialty cocktails and happy hour specials.
Hang out: If you’re looking for a spot to grab a drink and relax, look no further than Tavern 1831! Situated just off of University Boulevard behind Depalma’s, Tavern 1831 offers a variety of craft beer, mixed drinks, seltzers, and specialty shots. There’s never a cover charge, so feel free to stop in and cool off with one of their daily happy hour specials!
By the River
The Black Warrior River is one of Tuscaloosa’s most scenic locations. Whether you’re looking to get active or simply visiting for the beautiful views, this local favorite has something to satisfy everyone.
Eat: River is one of Tuscaloosa’s best fine-dining establishments. Located on the banks of the Black Warrior River off of Jack Warner Parkway, River serves steaks, seafood, salads, and more. They also offer deals on wine, draft beers, and specialty cocktails during happy hour. If you’re looking to enjoy fine dining with beautiful riverfront views, River is the perfect spot!
Shop: If you’re looking for the latest in women’s fashion, stop by Market House Boutique! With an array of women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories, you’re sure to find something for your next night in or out. Market House Boutique offers more than just clothes; pick up something for your home while you’re there!
Hang out: The Riverwalk is the perfect place to spend a summer evening in Tuscaloosa! Located off of Jack Warner Parkway, The Riverwalk is a paved walking trail that spans over 4.5 miles of the southern bank of the Black Warrior River. Walk along the path, take a jog, or sit on a bench and take in the spectacular views!
Off the Beaten Path
Being in the city is great, but there are just as many places to explore that are only a short drive from the main part of Tuscaloosa!
Eat: Nick’s in the Sticks has been family owned and operated since 1953, and it’s fair to say that this local favorite is a hidden gem. Nick’s in the Sticks is best known for their delicious steaks, giant onion rings, and their famous drink, The Nicodemus. Visitors love the restaurant’s atmosphere and high-quality service. Don’t forget to bring a dollar to sign and add to the collection on the restaurant’s ceiling!
Hang out: Tuscaloosa has tons of parks that are situated on the outskirts of town. Hurricane Creek Park is one of these! Located off of Old Birmingham Highway, this spot is a local favorite for outdoor activities such as swimming and hiking. If you’re feeling bold, try kayaking down the creek, or feel free to simply relax on the banks and take in the park’s natural beauty!
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.