With its distinctive charm, specialty cocktails and mouthwatering cuisine, 301 Bistro is sure to be a hit with your mom this Mother’s Day! The renovated train station offers an eclectic vibe with fresh, locally grown food options that combine the flavors of German, Southern, and Creole cuisine. On Sundays, the bistro features a jazz trio, “The Voodoo Saints,” and a special brunch menu that offers exclusive items such as shrimp-and-grits, French toast, and mimosas! This Mother’s Day let your mom take a break from cooking and let the masters at 301 Bistro take over.
After your mom enjoys brunch at 301 Bistro, take her over to the 250-acre man-made lake located just on the outskirts of Tuscaloosa where she can enjoy the sweet heat of an Alabama spring. After all the time she spends indoors cooking and cleaning up after the family, she is guaranteed to enjoy some much needed time outdoors. Lake Lurleen State Park offers paddleboat and canoe rentals as well as numerous hiking trails and swimming areas certain to provide just the adventure your mom is looking for this weekend.
If your mom isn’t so much a fan of the outdoors and prefers the splendor of art and history, the Tuscaloosa Museum of Art is the way to go this Mother’s Day. The art begins with the exterior of the building that portrays unique architecture designed to resemble a Japanese temple. Inside, your mom can find a large variety of collections featuring themes from the American Revolution and Civil War. The museum offers one of the greatest private collections of American art, and the best part of all- it’s completely free to tour. So if you’re looking for a splendid and inexpensive way to impress your mom this Mother’s Day, there’s no better place than the Tuscaloosa Museum of Art.
Let’s be honest, all our moms deserve a little pampering, especially on Mother’s Day. Village Nail Bar is the latest hit in Tuscaloosa for all who love a good Mani-Pedi. While there, your mom can enjoy a glass of wine or champagne while the pros at Village Nail Bar work on glamming her up. Your mom is guaranteed to be feeling like the queen she is while receiving a hand and foot massage during her Mani-Pedi services. If that doesn’t seem like enough, your mom can take it a step further and enjoy a luxurious facial before she leaves. So if your mom needs a little indulgence and a lot of relaxation, Village Nail Bar is the place to take her this holiday.
- Dinner on the Town
Your mom probably cooks dinner almost every night so on Mother’s Day let someone else do the cooking, and take her out to one of Tuscaloosa’s treasured restaurants. If your mom is interested in an upscale place that also offers an exciting atmosphere take her to the locally renowned restaurant, Chuck’s Fish where she can enjoy a delicious seafood entrée. She can sink her teeth into one of the astonishing dishes such as parmesan-crusted grouper or blackened fish tacos. She can finish off the meal with one of Chuck’s signature cocktail like a Crimson Mule or Strawberry Manhattan. If your mom prefers a quieter restaurant with a classier atmosphere, she will certainly enjoy one of Tuscaloosa’s newest culinary treasures, River. This restaurant is surrounded by the beautiful views of the Black Warrior River and features family recipes made from locally grown ingredients your mom is sure to savor. She can relish the southern cuisine from appetizers such as smoked catfish dip, or enjoy the splendid flavor of a flat iron steak. Dinner at one of these amazing restaurants is sure to bring your mom’s special day to a flavorful end.
Written By: Bailee Kennamer – Intern
The University of Alabama’s Million Dollar Band has been thrilling spectators for years! Starting way back in 1912 with just 14 members, it’s incredible to think that they have grown to 400 strong in just a short 104 years! Every time there’s a game at Bryant-Denny Stadium, they swarm the field from all four corners of the stadium before helping the crowd erupt in “Yay Alabama” as they march down the field. At halftime, they play everything from jazz to modern pop, and even bust out the dance moves in front of millions of fans each year!
Not only does the Million Dollar Band perform on Tuscaloosa Saturdays, but they often will travel with the football team across the country. Because of this, they have become known as the most televised college band in history! It’s easy to say that Saturdays wouldn’t be the same without the one and only Million Dollar Band. From songs like Basket Case to a rousing rendition Rammer Jammer, they are a #FallLoosa staple that you can expect to see or hear anytime you’re around campus on a game day weekend!
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.