The T-Town Edition

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in and around the Tuscaloosa and Northport area! While we had one of the most beautiful fall seasons, the leaves have now fallen and there’s a slight chill in the air.  We now turn to some of our most beloved holiday events of the year. In this edition, we’ll share a few of our favorite festivities, so get your scarves, grab your friends and family, and get ready to have a magnificent time!

Tuscaloosa Tinsel Trail
benefiting Tuscaloosa’s One Place

Beloved by all, the Tuscaloosa Tinsel Trail has become a hallmark of the holiday season in West Alabama. Nearly 200 festive trees, combined with the ice skating rink at Government Plaza, allow anyone who visits the opportunity to create traditions that make you feel right at home. Feel the joy of the holiday spirit and select your favorite trees as you stroll through Government Plaza. The Tinsel Trail runs through January 17th.

Check out all of the fun activities taking place along the trail and learn more here!

Location: Government Plaza – 2106 6th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Parking: Free parking is available on-site in the City’s parking deck.

Holidays on the Plaza
ice skating fun and more

Skate the night away and cherish this delightful cold weather with your friends and family in style. Whether it’s your first-time skating or you’re a seasoned professional, you’re bound to have a blast out on the ice as you overlook the Tinsel Trail – all located within Government Plaza. We are so thankful that the City of Tuscaloosa hosts this for all to enjoy this time of year!

For more information, hours, and tickets, click here.
Tip: Don’t forget to bring socks for the skates that are provided.

Location: Government Plaza – 2106 6th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Parking: Free parking is available on-site in the City’s parking deck.

45th Annual West Alabama Christmas Parade
super heroes celebrating Christmas

The 45th annual West Alabama Christmas Parade is happening at 6:30 pm on Monday, December 6th. This parade, put on each year by the Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority, is one of the biggest Christmas parades in the state! Get bundled up and prepare for an amazing parade through Downtown Tuscaloosa. This year’s grand marshals include Jheovanny Gomez, Nancie Blewitt, and Pam Parker.

A tree lighting ceremony will take place on the steps of the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse prior to the parade at 5:15 pm.

To get all the details, visit their website here!
To view the parade map, click here.

Dickens Downton
a victorian Christmas celebration in historic downtown Northport

Dickens Downtown is hosted by the Merchants of Historic Downtown Northport, and it is a FREE family event celebrating the Christmas spirit and the joy of giving. At 5 pm on December 7th, attendees can expect live caroling performances, Father Christmas, snow machines, a tree lighting, and live artist demonstrations. In addition, excerpts of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens will be read at Shirley Place and hundreds of people will be dressed in Victorian-era costumes inspired by the popular novel. 


For more information about Dickens Downtown, check this out!
Location: Main Avenue in Historic Downtown Northport

Hotel Capstone’s Jingle Bar
a hotel bar filled with the Christmas Spirit

Get toasty with the elves at Hotel Capstone. Join them for a SELFIE-worthy explosion of Christmas decor, elf-approved holiday cocktails, and magical moments with friends! Book your office party or just grab a group of loved ones for a festive evening of holiday cheer! This will be open until January 2!

For more information visit here.

Check Out These Additional Events!

– Dec. 5 at 3 pm: Tinsel Trail Pet Night
– Dec. 10 at 6 pm: Tinsel Trail Family Night
– Dec. 10 at 7 pm: Alabama Choir School Winter Concert, Moody Music Bldg. Purchase tickets here.
– Dec. 12 at 2 and 6:30 pm: The Nutcracker, presented by the Tuscaloosa Community Dancers at
the Bama Theatre
– Dec. 13 at 7 pm: Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra Annual Holiday Concert, UA School of Music.
Purchase tickets here!
– Dec. 16 at 6 pm: Movie by Moonlight Drive-In, supporting DCH Foundation. Learn more here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

STAN ADAMS PROMOTED TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SPORTS FOR TUSCALOOSA TOURISM AND SPORTS

Tuscaloosa, AL – President and CEO Don Staley has announced the promotion of Stan Adams to Executive Director of Sports for Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports (TTS) effective immediately.  Adams, who has been with the organization in a full-time role since 2017, most recently held the position of Director of Sports.

“Since Stan’s return to Tuscaloosa, he quickly made his professional mark in sports tourism locally, regionally, and nationally,” said Staley.  “He is a bright star in our profession because of his dedication to his career, and TTS and West Alabama are very fortunate to have someone of his caliber promoting our destination.”

The announcement came after TTS’ executive committee for the board of directors approved the request by Staley.  Adams began his career in the sports tourism industry as an intern for TTS in 2015.  Upon graduating from The University of Alabama with a master’s in sports management, he joined the Wicomico County, Maryland team as a sports marketing representative in 2016.  In 2017 he returned to TTS as the sports sales manager.  Adams is also a young professional member with Sports ETA, the sports events and tourism industry’s association that provides essential resources for sports commissions, sports destinations, sports event owners, and industry partners.

“I want to thank the TTS board of directors and Don Staley for having the confidence in me to take this next step in my career,” said Adams.  “Tuscaloosa is home for me – it’s where I went to school, started my career, and found my fiancé.  I look forward to continuing the success we have had at TTS and taking our organization to new heights through sports tourism.”

Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports’ mission is to promote and develop local tourism and sports industries to stimulate Tuscaloosa’s economy and enhance the quality of life for all Tuscaloosans. TTS generates lodging, dining, shopping, and entertainment revenue for the City. TTS is a destination marketing organization that promotes tourism to leisure travelers, conferences, conventions, sporting events, and more. To learn more, go to visittuscaloosa.com.

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We get it, putting together an itinerary can be overwhelming with vast options to select from.  And in Tuscaloosa, the tide rolls all year long with things to do, people to see, and places to be!  So, we want to share Tuscaloosa itineraries to help.  Up first, a 48-hour, fun-filled schedule that offers you a taste of all things Alabama.  While the itinerary below would be best suited during a non-football weekend, you can certainly hit these spots while in town for a football weekend, too!  Either way, this itinerary is pretty legendary…

Day 1

8:30 am – There’s nothing like specialty coffee and doughnuts to kickstart your day! Babe’s Doughnuts serves unique donuts such as Heath Bar donuts, fruity pebbles, and even rich red velvet, yum!  They also have stellar breakfast wraps.

9:30 am – Now it’s time to learn about Alabama football. Roll Tide! The Paul W Bryant Museum exhibits artifacts and memorabilia that trace their long history. The museum includes state-of-the-art displays enhanced by videos highlighting great players, plays, and games, and is open Tuesday – Sunday.  Members and children under 5 are free. Non-member admission for an adult is $5 and children (K-12) are $3.

11:00 am – If it’s a nice day, stroll down Paul W Bryant Drive after exiting the Bryant Museum.  Walking out the door, you’ll be greeted by Sewell-Thomas Stadium, Coleman Coliseum, the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility, and more.  It’s the heart of Alabama’s athletic facilities.  Continue west down Bryant Drive as you make your way towards Rama Jama’s – the perfect bama-fied restaurant for lunch. Rama Jama’s is a sports-centric bar and grill for American eats including all-day breakfast, sandwiches, and shakes. We’re talking about the Large Touchdown Burger Platter, an 8oz burger with a fried egg, choice of hash browns or french fries, and a drink.

1:00 pm – Now let’s head for the Quad!  As you walk from Rama Jama’s hit up Bryant Denny Stadium, the Walk of Champions, the legendary Coaches Walk, and Tuska.  This whole area offers many Instagram-worthy photo opps!  As you mosey on to the Quad, which is also home to our beloved Denny Chimes, you’ll find a 22-acre quadrangle in the center of UA.  Take time to soak up the sun and explore that area of campus. Surrounding Denny Chimes you’ll find hand and footprints of past Alabama team captains in the concrete.

3:30 pm – Another classic part of an “Alabama Gameday” experience is Gallettes. You must try one of their famous gameday Yellowhammers! The atmosphere is easygoing and it’s a refueling hang out spot loved by locals and visitors alike.

6:00 pm – Who’s hungry for steak? One of Tuscaloosa’s beloved local gems is Nicks in the Sticks. With traditions like their famous “Nicodemus” and pinning dollar bills to the ceiling, this classic joint is almost always packed out, so come a little early and enjoy yourself.  Our mouths are watering just thinking about that filet wrapped in bacon and their dinner rolls.

8:00 pm – Now you’re ready for some live music, right? Temerson Square is a tremendous place to scout out local, live music! From country to rock and alternative, there will be such a wide variety of music.  You’ll have many options to end the night with in this area.



Day 2

7:30 am – If you enjoy a good run or walk, hit up the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk or campus – or both!  There’s something so motivational about running along the Walk of Champions. It’s like you can feel the presence of legends right there.

9:00 am – Another incredible breakfast joint is The Waysider.  You feel like you’re at home the moment you step in – much like how legendary Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant felt when he at there, too. Their customer service always guarantees a happy visit, too. Be sure to check out the homemade biscuits and beignets or their incredible sugar-cured ham!

10:30 am – Now it’s time to buy some Alabama swag.  Check out the University’s Supe Store to find some of the best Bama gear.  Speaking of Alabama swag, another spot to explore (if you didn’t yesterday) is The Strip.  While it’s home to many bars and restaurants, there are a few other spots you can purchase gameday attire.

1:00 pm – Lunchtime (so much food!) Local Tip: Innisfree goes far beyond a bar. They have some of the most delicious grub that never fails to surprise people! For example, the secret menu item is the Irish Gold Chicken Fingers, which are out of this world. On gamedays, this spot is packed with fans as the bar boasts many TVs, making it perfect to keep up with all-things sports.

2:30 pm – Now it’s time to explore the beautiful and revitalized area of Downtown.  If you have the kiddos with you, the Children’s Hands-On Museum is a great place that allows little ones to explore, create, and discover! There are also a plethora of storefronts, eateries, and attractions to entertain those of all ages.  Some long-time retail spots downtown include The Locker Room, The Pants Store, and The Shirt Shop.

4:30 pm – Before heading to dinner, you might want to take a quick break in the downtown area.  If you’re looking for a park, head over to Government Plaza.  Need a quick drink, a solid charcuterie board, or something sweet?  Check out The Wine Market.

6:00 pm – It’s dinner time! Baumhowers Victory Grille is one of those places you can’t miss while in town. If you’re an avid Alabama fan, you’ll probably recognize that name.  Alabama football legend Bob Baumhower is the owner of this local spot and the restaurant is home to the weekly radio show “Hey Coach with Nick Saban” during football season!


8:00 pm – There’s nothing like ending the day with drinks at a friendly, homey brewery. We have two local breweries in town that both offer wonderful atmospheres. But if Black Warrior Brewery and Druid City Brewing Company aren’t your style, don’t fret, our website can help with that.  Fun fact: Druid City is famous for their wall-art and it’s not uncommon for you to see art featuring legends like Coach Nick Saban or Bear Bryant.  It’s another perfect spot for a selfie in T-Town. For a starry night, Hotel Indigo’s The Lookout Rooftop Bar is a beautiful place to admire the city from above with a beautiful view of the Black Warrior River.

While Tuscaloosa offers a unique blend of sports, history, outdoor adventures, music, and food for every palate, we hope that you enjoyed this “Alabama” themed itinerary featuring legendary history, popular gameday spots, and just all-around one-of-a-kind experiences that only Tuscaloosa has to offer.  Stay tuned for more!

Ready to plan your trip? Request a free Visitor’s Guide by clicking here!

Tuscaloosa’s food truck scene has certainly evolved over the past few years, and we’re totally here for it!  Whether you’re attending a local festival, exploring The University of Alabama’s beautiful campus, or simply frequenting some of our neighborhoods, it’s likely you’ll see a food truck out and about. If you’re like us, there’s just something special about a delicious meal cooked to perfection and served with a smile and at the convenience of “on-the-go”.  Today, we want to share six local food trucks that you can find hitting the streets of T-Town.

Just remember, there are many more food trucks in Tuscaloosa than the ones we’re covering, especially depending on the time of the year (ie: football season – roll tide!).

  1. Catch a Taste

Serving with love and devotion to make great food is the goal of this food truck. It’s nearly impossible to leave this place without a smile. They move around day-to-day, so you can click here to view their schedule. Whether you’re looking for a beef wrap combo or a wing platter, you will be more than satisfied as soon as you catch a taste.

  1. Bean Me Up Scottie

This little gem is relatively new to town, but word travels fast when the food is incredible. This organic eatery has unique delicacies like vegan cupcakes, mac and cheese burger, and the classic BLT sandwich. All of their meat is plant-based for those vegetarians and vegans out there. With deserts like Zucchini bread and banana nut bread, this place can cure just about any craving! Their schedule will be posted soon on their Facebook page.

  1. Cheese Louise

This local gourmet grilled cheese food truck specializes in, none other than, spectacular sandwiches. They have earned quite the reputation around town and have lived up to the hype. This place puts a bit of a spin on the American icon. Just imagine, you order the Macdaddy, which is filled with Colby jack cheese, bacon, and chipotle sauce on freshly toasted white bread. Yum!! For the full menu and more details check out their website here.

  1. Little Poblano

Hungry for tacos and tamales in Tuscaloosa? This Poblano food truck has just what you want to satisfy even the deepest hunger. They offer an incredible chicken roasted in an orange tinga sauce, guacamole, pickled red onion, marinated cabbage, and house crema. And if that’s not your style, the classic quesadilla never disappoints with chicken tinga, cheese, and roasted poblanos. For more information on Little Poblano click here.

  1. Big Tasty

One of the more classic food trucks that roam T-Town is Big Tasty, serving a wide range of hot dogs and hamburgers. They offer quality services that go a long way to ensuring that your order is to perfection. Not to mention the rave reviews they receive about their customer service going above and beyond. If hamburgers and hot dogs aren’t your thing, they also serve a mouth-watering wing combo, served with a side and a drink. For more details check out their website.

  1. Urban Cookhouse

When the official food truck of Urban Cookhouse roams Tuscaloosa, we all know what that means… it’s time to grub! They’re serving up your favorite UC Classics, now on the go! Check out their website to find our next stop! Whether you’re craving something healthy like Berry Good salad and wrap or something hardy, Applewood bacon, avocado, lettuce, and tomatoes with aioli on toasted white bread, you’re sure to be satisfied with all the variety of options here.

Blenz Bowls

A smoothie bowl concept that has everyone talking on campus! Their specialty is healthy, happy, good food because the fuel we put in our body matters. Blenz Bowls tries to bring us the best fuel available and we think it’s pretty good! They can typically be found on campus Monday through Friday during the school year and actually have a storefront location in the Student Center as well. Check out their Instagram page for current locations or visit their website today!

Archibald’s Food Truck

Arguably some of the best wings in West Alabama, the Archibald’s Food Truck can often be found around the community and at several local events! They are a locally owned barbecue food truck but their business (Archibald & Woodrow’s BBQ) has been around for over 60 years now. They were established in 1962 and is now being run by the third-generation! Over the years, the meat and sauce has stayed the same. Check out their Facebook page or their website to learn more.

June 19 marks an incredible milestone for black liberation. Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. It commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas – two months after the Confederacy had surrendered.  This was also about 2 ½ years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in the Southern states.

 

We are encouraged to recognize today as an opportunity to listen, learn, and act as we fight for progress and equality within our very own community. With the help of some of our employees, we have compiled a list of five ways you can celebrate Juneteenth in Tuscaloosa this year!

 

  1. Educate Yourself

One of the very best approaches to fully understand what Juneteenth means is to simply spend time listening and learning. We have the emerging Civil Rights Trail that collects, preserves, and tells the stories of the important struggle for civil rights in Tuscaloosa. The trail, museum, and other resources represent the historical honesty necessary for our community to prosper. Enjoy the summer sun and immerse yourself in the rich civil rights history of this city with this walking trail.

 

  1. Support Black-Owned Businesses

Another incredible way to celebrate this holiday is to support all of the amazing black-owned businesses right here in Tuscaloosa. Want to branch out and try something new? Check out Reggae Flava’s delicious, gourmet Jamaican cuisine! They also have fun drinks like the Frozen Pina Colada or the Blue Coconut Rum Runner. If your appetite is far from adventurous, check out the local staple Catfish Heaven. Although their dining rooms are closed, now is the perfect time of year to grab some wings to-go and enjoy the fresh air! For all black-owned businesses in town check out Young Tuscaloosa’s list!

 

  1. Listen and Learn

We really wanted a full collaboration for this blog, so some of our TTS family joined in on the conversation. So why is it so important to celebrate and recognize Juneteenth? According to Naytalia Douglas, our director of first impressions, any part of American history, good or bad, deserves to be recognized because it helps teach the future generation how to evolve as an entire community. Loretta Jones, our expert accountant, also shared advice for someone who wants to learn and better understand the meaning behind Juneteenth. Her suggestion is to “research, ask questions, and do not be afraid to empathize with the people around you.”

 

  1. Celebrate

Don’t miss out on all of the Juneteenth celebrations this year! There is one at Snow Hinton Park from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday. This free event, organized by West End Pop Up Festival, will feature food, music, and vendors. There is also a free family-friendly event in Kentuck Park, located in Northport, from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday. This celebration will include free food, inflatable bounce houses, games, activities, and a live radio broadcast by 105.1 The Block.

 

  1. Take Action

It is important to take time to learn about Juneteenth, but the holiday represents much more than education. Juneteenth represents the power of change. Educating yourself on our nation’s history can only take you so far. It’s the tactical actions that make a real difference! One way to embody the spirit of Juneteenth is to volunteer online with the United Nations and its “Let’s Fight Racism” initiative. Put your skills to work for a great cause. There are a plethora of ways you can volunteer, whether it be writing an article, developing a communications strategy, or even designing an infographic.

 

If you or your family and friends participate in a Juneteenth celebration here in Tuscaloosa, be sure to tag us in your photos!  We’d love to share them.

National Travel and Tourism Week 2021 (May 2-8) spotlights the collective strength of the U.S. travel industry.

 

This National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), there is more reason than ever to celebrate the collective strength of the U.S. travel and tourism

industry and its dynamic workforce.

 

The 38th annual NTTW, taking place May 2-8, recognizes the Power of Travel and the critical role our industry will play in bringing back our vibrant

communities, restoring the economy, rebuilding our workforce, and reconnecting America.

 

Prior to the pandemic, the travel industry was a powerful economic engine, supporting jobs and driving local economies in every pocket of America. The industry had experienced 107 straight months of growth, generated $2.6 trillion in economic output, supported 17 million American jobs, and delivered a $51 billion trade surplus to the U.S. Unfortunately, that strong growth trend plummeted last year due to the pandemic. Travel spending in the U.S. declined 42%, costing the economy $1.1 trillion, while hard-working Americans supported by travel made up a staggering 65% of all U.S. unemployment. Here in Tuscaloosa, travel spending went from $697 million in 2019 to $450 million in 2020. However, Tuscaloosa—and the travel industry—is resilient.

 

While we faced extraordinary challenges in the past year, our industry united like never before, lifted each other up, aided one another, and devoted ourselves fully to the task of supporting and restoring all sectors of travel. This year’s NTTW is an opportunity to turn the page to a new chapter in our industry’s story and celebrate its collective power by spotlighting the innumerable ways travel will drive recovery, bring Americans together again, and help define our country’s path forward.

 

Tuscaloosa is participating in NTTW by incorporating the Power of Travel content into all of our social media platforms for the week.

 

From the Civil Rights Trail to The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa’s travel and tourism industry contributes so much to our local economy and our community’s unique character. From all of us at Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports, we are so excited to share the full power of our industry—and the strength and spirit of Tuscaloosa—this NTTW.

 

Love is in the air! It’s almost Valentine’s Day- fresh flower deliveries, a fun night on the town, or maybe just a Netflix night in. Either way, we have some fun ideas for you to make sure you get the final rose this Valentine’s Day!

For the Foodies

Do you show love through food? Or maybe, you just love eating food. Well, do we have the perfect spots for you and your sweetheart to hit up this weekend! Everything from gourmet pasta to wine tasting, we got you covered! 

For the Adventurers

Are you the type of couple that can’t stand to be stuck inside? Maybe romantic candlelight dinners aren’t for you- and that’s perfectly okay! It’s always exciting to get outdoors to enjoy nature but what better way to do that than with the one you care for. And on Valentine’s Day nonetheless! Here’s what we’ve got in mind for you:

For the Singles

If you’re anything like me, you might be riding solo this Valentine’s Day. *Cue sad violin music* Hey, it’s all good! Pull the selfish card, make yourself your favorite meal, and pop on a little Netflix because this day is all about you! And let’s be honest, who loves you more than you? Here are some Valentine’s Day ideas that scream “I Am Single and I Love It”:
Whether you’re taking one for the team this year or are feeling lovey-dovey with your partner, this Valentine’s Day has opportunities for all kinds of enthusiasts. Don’t be shy! Message us on Facebook or Instagram to share with us how you spent your romantic weekend!
Written By: Olivia Nonnengard

Happy New Year! We are thrilled to welcome in 2021. Events are trickling in slowly, but surely as our city adapts to the new norms and you can find events for the whole family this weekend!

Tuscaloosa Farmers Market
Start your day off right with a cup of coffee and a basket of locally grown produce! The Tuscaloosa Farmers Market takes place on Saturday from 7 am until 12 pm. Featuring fresh, locally grown produce; grass-fed meats; unique artisan crafts; and an Alabama authenticity that cannot be replicated, the Tuscaloosa Farmers Market has something for everyone! Support your local farmers and artisans by shopping local.

Static Shock at Children’s Hands-On Museum
Looking for a perfect activity for your children (ages newborn to 13)? Look no further than the Children’s Hands-On Museum’s “Static Shock” event! Open from 9:30 am to 4 pm, CHOM offers three floors of fun with 26 unique exhibits to play in. This Saturday, children can experiment with static electricity, take on the circuit board challenge, and demo a Van de Graff generator! This event will be socially distanced and have a visitor limit.

Second Saturday Outdoor Music Series 
Round out your Saturday with some socially distanced live music! This event takes place at the Buddy Powell Pavilion from 1 pm until 4 pm with the lineup as follows…
1 pm: MHC & The Biscuit Cannons
2 pm: MarK Ultras Thought Police
3 pm: Susy & Andrew
The creators of this event series have asked people to please bring their own chair or blanket, wear a mask, and socially distance themselves!

We have a lot going on throughout the upcoming winter months and are excited to share more. Give us a follow on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements and future events. We can’t wait to see you around Tuscaloosa!

Whether you are a die-hard fan of golf or have never set foot on a golf course, golf is a peaceful activity that nearly everyone can enjoy! Not only is it the perfect sport for the Fall weather, but it is also a COVID-safe outdoor activity to safely enjoy with a close group of friends. We have gathered a list of four public courses located near or around Tuscaloosa that feature full 18-hole courses, as well as places for you to gear up before your round. Set aside some time to take a break and take a swing at some of the sensational and serene public golf courses around the City of Tuscaloosa! Some of these courses even have rentable clubs so call ahead to reserve them if you’re in need of a set. While planning your day on the links, as always, bring a mask along with you in case you will be indoors around others!

 

Hidden Meadows Golf Course

Hidden Meadows is a public golf course in Tuscaloosa that winds in and out of tree-lined fairways and a fairly-tricky terrain through and through. Although it may prove to be a test for players, this golf course is a beautiful setting to enjoy a pickup round of golf with friends on a peaceful weekend morning! This public course is located in Northeast Northport and features a Par-72 course with up to 6,828 yards of golf from its pro-level tees.

 

The Links AT Tuscaloosa

Characterized as “Affordable Championship Golf”, The Links AT Tuscaloosa Golf & Country Club is a great and affordable option for anyone looking to have a relaxing day on the course with a few friends! This course is a Par-71 with 6,195 yards of golf, located south of town near Lake Mimosa. The natural beauty of this course is what sets it apart from others, located right next to Mimosa Lake and featuring elevated areas for wonderful views. This course has its challenges but is considered to be enjoyable for golfers of every age and every skill level. So pull a group of close friends together and plan a trip over to The Links AT Tuscaloosa for an afternoon of driving and thriving on the golf course!

 

Tall Pines Golf Club at Woodland Forrest Country Club

The Tall Pines Golf Club is a Par-71 golf course located on the Southeast side of Tuscaloosa that features professionally-curated landscapes all along the course. It is open all year-round, so it is the perfect course to truly hone your golf skills while enjoying time with friends or family outdoors. In addition to its fine golf course, Tall Pines Golf Club has a regular rotation of food trucks and events available to its visitors, so be sure to check their Facebook page ahead of time to see what is being featured! Tall Pines Golf Club is not only a wonderful place to bring friends for a round of golf, but it also a fantastic course to enjoy a round of family fun!

 

Ol’ Colony Golf Course

The Ol’ Colony Golf Course is a Par-72 championship course located North of town that features up to 6,494 yards of golf for pros and beginners alike! The landscape of this course features Bermuda grass fairways and greens, with 25 acres of lakes that sneak up on you on several holes. This championship course has earned the title of “Best Public Course in Alabama” by Golf Digest and “Top 50 in the USA” by Golf Week and is sure to live up to the hype. This golf course features The Bounce Back Grille, a food concession available to golfers enjoying the course. Additionally, Ol’ Colony features a Pro Shop for all of your golfing needs, featuring: golf-appropriate clothing, top-tier equipment, and must-needed accessories

Before heading out to the links to enjoy a day of golfing, make sure to stock up on the right gear for the activity! Golf is an outdoor sport and many courses have dress codes, so it is important to be dressed in the proper attire before heading out to your tee time. Tuscaloosa is home to several retailers with a wide selection of golf-ready attire from dri-fit polos to athletic baseball caps, with many of them sporting Crimson Tide colors and logos. If you’re around downtown, you may want to swing into The Shirt Shop, The Locker Room, or Christopher Mobley to name a few of our great retailers. All located within one mile of each other either on University Boulevard or in Downtown Tuscaloosa, there’s no better way to feel better about your game than by simply looking confident while you’re doing it!

 

Written by: Will Baggett

Visit Tuscaloosa continues to monitor the rapidly changing situation related to the spread of COVID-19. We understand that concerns for health, safety, and the impact on meeting attendance, among other issues, affects our community. Our main priority is the health and safety (physically, economically, and socially) of the residents and visitors of the Tuscaloosa community.

According to the City of Tuscaloosa, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from getting sick:

We encourage all travelers and attendees to follow the guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

We want to encourage residents of Tuscaloosa to continue supporting local restaurants while maintaining safe social-distancing practices. The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama has compiled a spreadsheet of independent & local restaurants offering take-out, drive-thru, & delivery options. Find the list here, and check back as this spreadsheet continues to grow: tuscaloosachamber.com/support-local

Latest News

Follow these links for real-time updates and information:

On March 12, the Southeastern Conference announced the suspension of regular-season competition for teams in all sports on SEC campuses, as well as SEC championship events, until March 30. This includes all SEC events at Texas A&M University. To learn more, visit rolltide.com.

On April 2, the Governor of Alabama announced a statewide stay-at-home order. This went into effect on Saturday, April 3 at 5:00 P.M. The new order allows people to travel to obtain necessary supplies, including food, medication and equipment needed to work from home, and products needed to maintain safety, sanitation and essential maintenance of a home or residence.

Health Authorities and Academics

Looking for more information? Here is a shortlist of trusted resources.

 

Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports (TTS) will be temporarily closed through April 30. TTS is closely monitoring the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak and are taking specific guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and our local & state governments. Because we deeply value the health and wellness of our visitors and staff, we have decided to close our doors to the public.

We will still be available via phone and email to assist you with your needs. Below is a list of email addresses to reach all of our employees.

This continues to be a fast-moving and evolving issue, and we are working diligently to take the steps to protect our clients and staff. Thank you for your understanding as we continue to monitor developments and navigate through these challenging circumstances.

For more information about Coronavirus prevention, visit: https://www.tuscaloosa.com/covid19

General Information info@visittuscaloosa.xyz
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Tuscaloosa welcomes a variety of events this weekend. From now through Friday, May 31st, the Alabama Blues Project Art Exhibit features works by local artists at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center. County music fans will have something to really be excited about this Friday as Kenny Chesney’s Songs for the Saints Tour comes to the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. The show starts at 7:00 p.m. Saturday begins at the Childrens Hands On Museum celebrating S.S. CHOM-Parker Towing Family Day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. followed by the Druid City Dames roller derby bout at 5:30 p.m. at Super Skate. Saturday’s events wind up with Carson Carlisle performing at Rhythm and Brews.

Alabama Blues Project Art Exhibit

The Alabama Blues Project Exhibit runs May 22-31, at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It features paintings, jewelry, and crafts donated from local artists including Emily Pickert, Mojo Fabrics & Quilts, Bruce Andrews, and Kim Deals. All items are for sale, with the proceeds benefiting the Alabama Blues Project, a nonprofit organization aimed at promoting and preserving the Blues as a traditional art form with focus on Alabama’s musicians. Click here for more information, https://cac.tuscarts.org/

Kenny Chesney: Songs for the Saints Tour

Kenny Chesney is unarguably one of the top country music singers in the country. The winner of six Academy of Country Music Awards and eight Entertainer of the Year Awards brings world-class entertainment to Tuscaloosa’s Amphitheater, Friday, May 24, at 7:00 p.m. Chesney is a well-established country singer known for large-scale shows, playing in huge arenas to over a million people each tour. The 2019 tour takes a different route as it strives to bring more intimacy to the fans. Chesney wants this tour to have an “at-home-in-the backyard” kind of feeling. Tickets are still available at Ticketmaster.

S.S. CHOM Parker Towing Family Day

CHOM is the hands-on museum of Tuscaloosa, which allows kids to touch and feel moments from our history. It is a unique experience that kids will remember and enjoy. CHOM welcomes children of all ages Saturday, May 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will offer half price admission for the first 75 guests. CHOM invites you to try your hand at towboat duties, race balloon boats, trace the river highways of Alabama, and pilot The “Captain Tim Parker” towboat! Click here for more information http://www.chomonline.org/

Druid City Dames v. Tragic City Rollers Allstars

Druid City Dames Roller Derby is having a home bout at Super Skate. They invite you to come support Tuscaloosa’s very own roller derby team as they take on the Tragic City Rollers All-Stars, Saturday, May 25, at 5:30 p.m. Druid City Dames roller derby is an all-girls team with the aim of getting fit and building strong relationships while competing for one goal. Roller derby is one of America’s top growing sports and is booming here in Alabama with our local squad. For more information visit  http://www.druidcitydames.com/

Carson Carlisle

Carson Carlisle and his band are taking the town’s music scene by storm. Carson and company perform country and southern rock for fans in over 50 shows per year. A Tuscaloosa native and student at UA, he and his band and will bring their sound to Rhythm and Brews, Saturday, May 25. The show starts at 9:00 p.m.

In the Near Future

2019 Live at the Plaza

The fifth annual Live At The Plaza summer concert series is back for 2019! Live At The Plaza will offer free concerts every Friday night throughout June and July, featuring local bands as well as bigger name artists! The first concert is June 7, 6:00 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Government Plaza. For more information, and a list of artists, please visit the event page at https://visittuscaloosa.xyz/events/