Our four legged friends are the best, and here in Tuscaloosa, we have tons of places where dogs are welcome and often the guest of honor. Here are some of the best dog-friendly spots in town for the next time you need a day out with your pup!
As one of Tuscaloosa’s hottest hangouts, Innisfree is always guaranteed to be a good time! What makes it even better though is its dog-friendly environment. You can’t go to “the Free” and not run into a four-legged friend hanging out on the patio! It’s the perfect place to go if you want to have a day out with friends, and since dogs are the best friends you can include them in your outing to Innisfree. If you’re looking for a great atmosphere for both you and your dog, grab your pup and head to the Free!
This dog park opened just a few years ago at Munny Sokol Park and at the time was the most requested PARA amenity by Tuscaloosa natives! Since its opening, the park has been a mega success and is a great place to let your dog run and play in a safe environment. The park features three separate areas: a training pen, a small dog pen, and a large dog pen. There are large grassy areas for the dogs to run wild and a small muddy area that is perfect for dogs who love to get a little messy!
The best exercise partner anyone can ask for is a dog! That’s why The Riverwalk is the perfect place to go to bond with your pup. Your dog will never complain about exercising with you and will make it fun for you! There are a few park areas along the trail equipped with gazebos and benches for you and your dog to take a break and rehydrate if needed. Keep your dog and yourself in shape and hit the trail at The Riverwalk!
Black Warrior has some of the best brews in town and welcomes dogs any time of the day! The friendly service and great atmosphere at Black Warrior is a hit among Tuscaloosa natives and their pets. You and your dog can enjoy the atmosphere from the patio, or from the upstairs area where games such as corn hole, shuffleboard, and darts are available. You can also take your dog in the fall and watch the Tide compete on one of the flat screen TV’s with your best friend alongside! What could be better?
They say a dog is a man’s best friend, and who better to go fishing with than your best friend? At Lake Lurleen State Park you can take your pup and fish along Lake Tuscaloosa! If fishing isn’t your thing, you can hit the trails for some hiking. Your dog will be in heaven with all the sticks he’ll find lining the trails that will make for perfect chew toys! You can also rent a canoe and let your pup float across the lake with you for some much-needed relaxation. If your dog loves the outdoors, Lake Lurleen State Park will be his perfect playground!
Written By: Bailee Kennamer
Photo By: @elsiemae_the_acd on Instagram
It seems like every weekend is packed with events in the One and Only Tuscaloosa and this one will be no different! Start your weekend this Thursday at the Druid City Music Hall as they play host to Dwight Yoakam! Dwight is an American singer-songwriter and actor, most famous for his pioneering country music. Popular since the early 1980s, he has recorded more than twenty-one albums and compilations, charted more than thirty singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, and sold more than 25 million records. He has recorded five Billboard #1 albums, twelve gold albums, and nine platinum albums, including the triple platinum This Time! This show is one you won’t want to miss!
The following day doesn’t feature a legend but a rising star. Michael Warren will be playing Friday evening at the weekly Live at the Plaza Summer Series! Michael Warren hooked his fans early and continues to make them proud to support him as he climbs the ladder to stardom. Originally from Hoover, AL, Michael wasted no time working towards his musical dream. In 2005, he was honored with an invitation to perform in a nationally televised UNCF fundraising concert. In 2006, he went overseas to Germany on a USO tour to play for our front line troops on leave from Iraq! He also won the 2007 BAMA Award for best singer/songwriter and has just released his second full-length CD entitled “Race to Beat the Sun”. With this level of trajectory, you should head to Michael’s free show this weekend before he starts making you pay!
Also on Friday is the Green Scene Summer Movie Series featuring WALL-E! This free community event provides an opportunity to educate citizens on the importance of keeping the community clean and litter free and encourages environmental stewardship while enjoying a popular children’s movie on a big screen! Guests will receive a free bag of popcorn and refreshments provided by Coca-Cola Tuscaloosa. This event is geared toward families with children not in school during the summer as it begins at 1 PM. Also, note that this weekend WALL-E will be there live and in the metal!
All weekend long you can catch “Ragtime” at the Bean-Brown Theatre! A brief description of the play is as follows: The hope and promise of the American dream are coursing through the veins of turn-of-the-century New York City in this 1998 Tony Award-winning musical. The inspiring stories of an upper-class wide who unexpectedly becomes a single mother, a determined Jewish immigrant, and his daughter, and a daring, young Harlem musician are masterfully woven together as the original melting pot is on the verge of boiling over! Weekend showtimes can be found on Theatre Tuscaloosa’s website.
We have tons more going on so check out our great upcoming events, and follow us on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements and events. Tell your friends and we can’t wait to see you around the One and Only Tuscaloosa!
It’s going to be another great weekend in the One and Only Tuscaloosa! You can kick your weekend off this Friday at The University of Alabama as they host the inaugural Alabama Blues Weekend! Between July 8th and 9th, you can catch both concerts and masterclasses and even participate in sessions. The Live at the Plaza performers, Birmingham Seven, and others will be participating in the weekend event! Proceeds from the weekend will benefit Alabama Blues Project, an awesome non-profit organization preserving Blues music through interactive programs, after-school camps, clubs and advanced ensembles, reaching over 400 students annually from ages 6 to 18!
Also on Friday is the Green Scene Summer Movie Series featuring Finding Dory! This free community event provides an opportunity to educate citizens on the importance of keeping the community clean and litter free and encourages environmental stewardship while enjoying a popular children’s movie on a big screen. Guests will receive a free bag of popcorn and refreshments provided by Coca-Cola Tuscaloosa! This event is geared toward families with children not in school during the summer as it begins at 1 PM!
Saturday night the place to be is the Bama Theatre! Comedian Relly Rell will leave you in stitches as he performs his stand-up act! The show will be hosted by “The Undisputed King of Underground Comedy” Mo Williamz and will also feature Brittany Escobar and Whodi! There will not only be comedy, but music too! Catch Zo, Merk, and CJ Da Don with a bow on top by DJ John Doe. Starting at 7 PM, you won’t want to miss out on the fun!
Saturday is filled with great events. Across downtown at Grace Aberdean Habitat Alchemy will be the second annual Puppers & Pride! Between 10 am and 5 pm you can get your dog washed at this donation only Dog Wash! All donations will go to Druid City Pride and they guarantee each pup will leave smelling fresh and clean!
Wrap up your weekend with some rock as Rod Stewart performs at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater! The British rocker will bring down the house with songs like Maggie May and Da Ya Think I’m Sexy! Stewart has had six consecutive number one albums in the UK and his tally of 62 UK hit singles includes 31 that reached the top ten, six of which gained the #1 position! Not only is he a good singer, but a knight too! He was knighted in the 2016 Birthday Honours for services to music and charity.
We have tons more going on so check out our great upcoming events, and follow us on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements and events. Tell your friends and we can’t wait to see you around the One and Only Tuscaloosa!
In a unanimous vote, the Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports Commission voted to approve the hire of Don Staley as the President & CEO of Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports. Staley returns to the organization where he once served as the executive director of sports and after a three-year stint in the same role for the City of Foley.
While Don Staley is the newest hire for Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports, he is no stranger to the company. Staley worked as the Executive Director of Sports for Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports between 2010 and 2014. In this time, he developed a sports foundation from start up to merger with the Tuscaloosa Convention and Visitors Bureau that created the Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports Commission.
Besides leading the day-to-day operations, Staley will be charged with helping to create an experience-based economy for Tuscaloosa as part of Mayor Walt Maddox’s four-year plan for the future. Board chairwoman Lesley Bruinton said Staley is an excellent choice.
“Don’s vision for selling Tuscaloosa, his experience in sports tourism and as Division 1 soccer coach, made him the top contender for the job,” said Bruinton. “I am excited to have him to return to this organization and this community to promote Tuscaloosa.”
Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Staley earned his bachelor’s degree in General Studies – Sports Management in 1992. After beginning his career as the head soccer coach at Radford University, Staley moved to Tuscaloosa in 1994 to become the Head Soccer Coach at the University of Alabama. While at Alabama, Staley became the 5th coach in NCAA soccer history to reach the 300-win mark. Because of his success on the pitch, Staley earned SEC Coach of the Year twice, as well as twice more in a different league.
The opportunity to return to Tuscaloosa was an offer Staley couldn’t refuse.
In a meeting with the staff, Staley mentioned “I’m thrilled to return home to lead this outstanding organization” and that “Tuscaloosa is a dynamic and vibrant community that once you take it in, it never leaves your heart.”
Staley will start July 10th.
There have been some incredible weekends in Tuscaloosa recently and this one is no different! Kick your weekend off at Green Bar this Thursday as they play host to “The Hollows”! When the first notes reach your ears, whether from a sweet and breezy mandolin, a whiskey-tuned banjo, or an unrepentant guitar, it will seem to you that the sound of The Hollows is uniquely New York: a contradictory, harmonic melting pot that takes all of its roots, twists them around, and produces something else, something new. This scruffy ensemble of multi-instrumentalists might just as soon swap glockenspiels, trumpets, and harmonicas as plug in a squawking electric guitar or an airy, spacey synthesizer. The result is a veritable junkyard of instruments and musical personalities, a carnival on wheels, a one-man band in six bodies that owns the stage with all the mobile, rhythmic ease of a seasoned railroad gang!
Keep the music going this Friday at the Government Plaza in downtown Tuscaloosa for “Live at the Plaza” featuring Tarred & Feathered! A perfect event for families and friends alike, it will be complete with great music, delicious food, and tasty drinks! Tarred & Feathered is a cover band made up of old buddies who love playing live music together and have unique ways of covering the old & new favorites with a raw but full sound. With three-part harmony, they ensure their covers never fall flat!
Get ready to rumble on Saturday as the Druid City Dames host their first ever home bout in Tuscaloosa! Roller Derby is surely a sight to see and if you’re unfamiliar with it, here is a brief description: Roller derby is a contact sport played by two teams of five members roller skating in the same direction around a track. Gameplay consists of a series of short matchups (jams) in which both teams designate a jammer who scores points by lapping members of the opposing team. The teams attempt to hinder the opposing jammer while assisting their own jammer—in effect, playing both offense and defense simultaneously. Head out to the Super Skate on McFarland Blvd and watch the ladies of Druid City Dames as they look to take down the Southern Harm Derby Dames!
If roller derby isn’t quite your cup of tea, you can catch Tyrese as he performs at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater! In 1998, his self-titled album went platinum with the singles Nobody Else, Lately, and Sweet Lady, earning him his first Grammy nomination for the Best R&B Male Vocal Performance! He became busy with TV and film roles before releasing other popular albums in between 2002 and the present. He is also an accomplished author, and will be releasing his third book soon! This soul filled Amphitheater is the place to be this Saturday so don’t miss out!
Finally, wrap up your weekend with Band of Brothers Brewing Co. as they host “Trucks by the Tracks”! All of the local food truck favorites like Local Roots, Archibald & Woodrow’s BBQ, SouthFresh Mobile Catfish Kitchen, Pastor’s Kitchen, Get Mix’d and more! great beer, live music, and good company – who could ask for more?
We have tons more going on so check out our great upcoming events, and follow us on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements and events. Tell your friends and we can’t wait to see you around the One and Only Tuscaloosa!
Originally a Japanese specialty, Sushi has made its way across the oceans and is now one of the most popular dishes all over the world! Because the one and only Tuscaloosa is always up with the times, it holds many amazing restaurants to enjoy the raw fish specialties. From seafood restaurants to authentic Japanese grills and actual sushi restaurants, you have the choice and you can’t really go wrong! Still, we would like to introduce the following restaurants as an inspiration for a destination the next time you’re craving some sushi (which could be at any moment)!
Chuck’s Fish
Located in the heart of downtown, this restaurant is the local expert when it comes to seafood in Tuscaloosa! For more than ten years, their dishes are all made with locally caught fish from the Gulf of Mexico! Their sushi is guaranteed to be fresh and delicious which makes them one of the best in town! The variety is striking and so is the taste: Fabulous creations a la carte or even individually made for you! If you take a seat at the sushi bar, you sit by the source and can even chat along with their sushi masters! The atmosphere in the main restaurant is worth a visit just as well because sushi also makes a perfect starter for your main dish!
Hokkaido Japanese Steak & Sushi Bar
On the edge of Tuscaloosa’s Midtown Village waits another sushi gem: The Hokkaido Steak and Sushi Bar. As a local single business, it puts its focus on the perfect overall dining experience. While their live cooking is definitely a highlight, we put the focus on their fabulous sushi: Fresh, creative and delicious. Choose from a large variety of sushi classics or the so-called chef’s selection that provides exciting creations with anyone’s favorite ingredients. Beautifully garnished, that sushi is perfect for having a nice dinner with friends or your partner. But they also have great offers for lunch!
This recently opened restaurant is already known for its unique theme: Rock ‘n Roll and sushi seem strange together, but turn out to be a great combination! Besides the obvious, the music, the theme also shows out in the interior: Industrial chic with decorations like KISS posters, guitars and a showy red bar! You surely have never enjoyed sushi in an ambiance like that. The dishes themselves are also included in the theme, as they can be found under names like Green Day Roll, Rolling Stones Roll or Bob Marley! There’s only one way to find out what’s hiding behind these names!
Surin of Thailand
While a name like “Thailand” is not screaming sushi at first, this restaurant does indeed have a fantastic sushi menu! Located at the edge of UA campus next to the strip, it is perfect for both lunch and dinner. The menu provides anything a sushi lover could ask for: Maki, Nigiri, Sashimi, classic rolls, special rolls, all with a focus on traditionally fresh or smoked fish. And you should definitely try out their wakame (seasoned seaweed) that is extraordinarily tasty! Surin also runs Midnight Sushi, where you can get your favorite rolls for just $1! Be prepared to wait though, as the line often wraps around the building for a seat!
A short drive across the river on the edge of Tuscaloosa, you can find the probably most unique sushi restaurant where classic or ordinary go out the window. If you are tired of the classics and are adventurous enough to try something really different, Maki Fresh is your place! To mention only some of their creations: You can go for their vegetarian Blazer rolls with sun-dried tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, asparagus and more. Or have you ever had a salmon roll with green apple and goat cheese before, or tried a California roll spiced with wasabi aioli? You see, it is adventurous but sure to be a hit if you love sushi!
Last but not least, this is a great pickup place we have to recommend. OEC Express is located at the Meadowbrook Shopping Center on McFarland and fairly inconspicuous from the outside. Inside is the real treat: terrific sushi for one of the best prices in Tuscaloosa! If you order your food in the shop, it will take ten minutes at most until you get it. You can also call in advance or order online, so you just have to step in and grab your sushi for lunch or dinner. No problem if you want to dine in as well since they also have a few tables to sit and eat inside!
Written By: Katharina Horvath – Intern
Father’s Day is fast approaching and if you’re having trouble thinking of the perfect way to celebrate your dad this year, we’ve come up with a few suggestions we hope will help.
1. Golf at Ol’ Colony Golf Course
What dad doesn’t love to golf? This Father’s Day hit the course with your dad and relieve a little stress. Spend the day bonding over 18 holes, and learn some pointers from the old pro. If 18 holes sounds like a bit too much, you and your dad can choose to enjoy 9 holes, or just a basket at the driving range instead. Either way, golf is a great excuse to spend time with your dad and pick up a few tips to improve your game.
2. Take a shot at Tuscaloosa Shooting Sports
Tuscaloosa Shooting Sports just opened in 2015 and has been a hit with Tuscaloosa’s residents ever since. The facility features driving ranges from 50 to 300 yards and 20 covered shooting positions. If this isn’t enough, there is also four handgun bunkers with two metal targets. Whether your dad is an expert with a firearm or just beginning, the range has everything he needs to sharpen his aim. This is the perfect way to enjoy a little friendly competition with your dad this holiday.
Let your old man take a break from the grill this Father’s Day and head over to The Avenue Pub for a meal cooked up by the experts. The Avenue Pub’s Bacon Burger has made headlines all across the state of Alabama and it will definitely entertain your dad’s taste buds this weekend.
With the relaxed atmosphere, delicious food and endless beer list, your dad will savor the opportunity to let someone else work the grill and pour the beer,
4. Fish for dinner at Lake Tuscaloosa
Lake Tuscaloosa is home to hundreds of aquatic wildlife and the perfect place to cast a line this Father’s Day. You and your dad can look for a secluded spot along the banks of the river or rent a canoe, kayak or even a pontoon boat to float in while you hunt for some dinner. Take your dad and take a break from the city crowds this holiday, and enjoy a peaceful afternoon catching fish and floating along.
5. Take a flight at Loosa Brews
Let your dad be the beer enthusiast that he is and take him for an enjoyable evening at Loosa Brews. He can choose from over 60 craft beers, most of which are brewed in Alabama. If he’s in the mood to try several he can order a flight, and if he really wants to heighten the experience, he can indulge in some competition with arcade games such as pinball, ring toss, and ping pong. At the end of the night, after he beats you in all the arcade games, you can reward him with a growler of his favorite beer.
And because we couldn’t just stop at five and leave out one of the best events of the entire weekend, we’ve added one more to the list.
6. Super Dad Day at Children’s Hands-on Museum
If you’ve got small kids and need a way to make Father’s Day special for both Dad and kids, this event is perfect. Take them to Super Dad Day where the kids can dress up in their favorite costumes, make gifts for Dad and meet Batman. This is the perfect event for Dad’s who just want to spend the holiday with their little ones.
Another great weekend in the works in the One and Only Tuscaloosa! Start off strong as we celebrate the triumphant return of the seminal garage, indie, country, punk, yet Alabama rock-n-roll collective, The Dexateens as they take the stage at Green Bar! The torch carriers of ‘Blue Collar Rock’ are proud to announce their first official release in over four years and their sophomore offering on Cornelius Chapel Records, the label started by the band and run by extended band family. The ‘teens are proudly contrived of a cabinet maker, a carpenter (or two at times), multiple restaurant and bar employees, and one full-time Drive-By Trucker!
The music continues into Friday as Live at the Plaza returns this week with Justin Oliver! Oliver is a Tuscaloosa native and rising star that competed in the television series “American Idol” in 2012. With his R&B/Soul single “Bipolar Love” on iTunes, you can expect government plaza to be filled with some great music! Along with Live at the Plaza comes an entertainment district, incredible food trucks, and its pet and kid friendly! What more could you ask for in an event?
Right down the street Band of Brothers Brewing Co. is boiling up some Crawfish! The Crawfish Boil will start at 7 PM with Tekknology serving up some jams to go with your supper! Band of Brothers always has fun with their events and this should be no different! Enjoy some great brews, tasty food, and smooth tunes as you wrap up your Friday in style!
Of course, it’s not a successful weekend in without visiting the Farmers Market at the Tuscaloosa River Market! Opening at 7 am, it provides fresh fruit, vegetables, grain and more! Accompanied by lovely live music you can stroll through the market, or grab some freshly brewed iced tea to cool off. Local food vendors like bakeries and others also offer a nice range of snacks. The Farmer’s market is the perfect place to kick off a relaxed Saturday or to buy the ingredients for next week’s meals!
Father’s Day is this Sunday! What better way to spend it than with your kids? If you have young ones, SuperDad Day at the Children’s Hands-On Museum is the perfect event! Your kids can meet Batman, wear their favorite superhero costume, and even make a great gift for their dad! All activities are included in admission so once the kids are in they can have fun with all the awesome activities CHOM has planned!
We have tons more going on so check out our great upcoming events below, and follow us on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements and events. Tell your friends and we can’t wait to see you around the One and Only Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa has no shortage of shopping venues. Everywhere you look there’s a store trying to stand out and show you how unique it is. While that is not always the case, Tuscaloosa is home to some incredibly unique stores! We’ve compiled a list of some unique stores that you can only find in the One and Only Tuscaloosa! Here are the top five One and Only stores downtown.
1. Cravings
Cravings is Tuscaloosa’s favorite specialty food and drink store. It is owned by a New Orleans native and therefore offers a lot of Cajun inspired cuisine that is made fresh daily. The store offers specialty groceries like candy, bagels, homemade marinades, etc. You can purchase items to take home or you can enjoy the items from the dining area inside. Cravings is the only store in downtown Tuscaloosa where you can go and find an entire wall dedicated to selling craft beer from all across the country. You can go in and create your own six-pack, or choose from over two-hundred wines made to fit any budget. Cravings also sells unique specialty items such as wine ice cream and fresh made-from-scratch quiche, tuna salad, crawfish tail rolls, pasta and more! Cravings has a reputation of rotating stock and accepting customer requests joyfully. This is the best place to go if you’re looking to pick up drinks and a quick dinner that are little different from the norm!
Located in a historic building in downtown Tuscaloosa is West Alabama’s largest craft mall, the makers market. The store is locally owned and operated and is the perfect place to go if you’re in search of homemade goods and décor. It offers all sorts of craft goods from jewelry, furniture, home décor, clothing and so much more. The best part about this store is that everything in it is handmade by people in the community. Decorated with its antique hardwood floors and original brick walls the venue alone will have you in the mood to shop from the moment you walk in. This store embodies the phrase, “shop local” and that’s exactly what you’ll be doing when you visit the makers market!
The owners of Black Warrior Brewing realized they needed more space for their storage. Because of the lack of convenience stores in downtown Tuscaloosa, they turned the front of their new establishment into an incredible one stop shop! They realized there was no place in the area where people could go to get their quick necessity items such as snacks, drinks, sunscreen, toiletries, etc. So Black Warrior Brewing decided to help the public out and open T-Town Market. Thanks to this market you can now skip a few Walmart trips and find all of your day-to-day necessities such as toothpaste, deodorant, snacks, coffee and so much more right in downtown Tuscaloosa. The market also offers grilling supplies like charcoal and locally farmed meats and veggies from time to time. In this case, you can avoid the dreadfully long lines of the supermarket and just make a quick trip to T-Town Market and they will set you up with everything you need for your summer party.
Lou and Company is the perfect little gift shop for any occasion. Started by a University of Alabama alumni, the store features gifts, party favors, sorority items and home décor pieces for every occasion. The local One and Only shop is named after the owner’s goldendoodle, Lou, who often greets shoppers at the door upon arrival. The store is home to elegant, high-end gift and décor items that are otherwise hard to find in the area. Most of the items in the store can only be found online. Luckily for us, Lou and Company has hooked us up, and given us a place to find these specialty gifts right in the heart of downtown. Whether you’re looking for baby gifts, wedding gifts, housewarming gifts or just looking to treat yourself, this shop is the best place to go for any celebration.
The Shirt Shop is a staple and one of the most familiar shops in Tuscaloosa. The historic building is packed full of name brand apparel such as Vineyard Vines, Fish Hippie, Elan and Peter Millar making it one of Tuscaloosa’s best shopping venues. The one and only shop even started its own clothing line called “Elephant Wear” that features products branded with a distinctive game day elephant. The Elephant Wear line is one of the most popular staples among University of Alabama students on game day. This store is always trending in Tuscaloosa and is the perfect place to go if you’re looking to stock your wardrobe with special occasion attire and UA apparel.
Written By: Bailee Kennamer
We’re gearing up for another great weekend in the One and Only Tuscaloosa! Kick your weekend off a little early and join a family fun night of local and nationally acclaimed tap dancers this Thursday! “Tap into the Night” is produced and directed by Gregg Russell, emmy nominated choreographer and founder of L.A. based Tap Sounds Underground. Gregg has worked with such stars as: Bette Midler, Gene Kelly, The Nicholas Brothers, Michael Jackson, Gregory Hines, and Kenny Ortega. It’s not every day that you can watch world class tap dancing in Tuscaloosa which makes this a program you shouldn’t miss out on!
Friday night you can catch “Mulan” by the Actor’s Charitable Theater! The Summer Camp program will be presenting this play all weekend long at the Bama Theater! For those who haven’t seen the famous Disney movie, the story starts soon after the Huns have invaded China, and it is up to the misfit Mulan and her mischievous dragon sidekick, Mushu, to save the Emperor! Defying the village matchmaker, Mulan takes up arms and disguises herself as a boy in order to spare her father from having to serve in the army. As the great battle with the Huns approaches, Mulan must choose between revealing her true identity as a girl or saving all of China with her clever plan.
Kick off your Saturday with the Tuscaloosa Farmers Market! Located at the beautiful Tuscaloosa River Market, you can find anything from the famous Chilton County peaches to freshly brewed iced tea! Musicians sit propped up against the door, playing guitars as you walk in and put together a great atmosphere as you shop for your produce. Additionally, local Food Trucks, bakers, artists, and craftsmen gather here to sell their gourmet grub, fresh-baked yeast rolls, homemade jams and jellies and hand-carved cutting boards. Popular summer foods include tomatoes, Chilton County peaches, squash, corn, and local honey!
You can wrap up your weekend with Band of Brothers Brewing Co. this Saturday as they welcome Earl Guitar Williams & The Juke Band! Known in and around his hometown of Bessemer, Earl Guitar Williams is no stranger to blues lovers. He is recognized for the electrifying sound of his guitar and harmonica. Earl discovered his interest in music at the tender age of seven, and crafted his own guitar by using a cigar box, broomstick, and fishing cord. This marked the beginning of Earl’s musical career. At the age of nine Earl became a regular fixture on the porch of Mr. Gip, now a backyard juke joint in Bessemer, Al. Earl currently plays in numerous venues and with various blues artists!
We have tons more going on so check out our great upcoming events, and follow us on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements and events. Tell your friends and we can’t wait to see you around the One and Only Tuscaloosa!
When it comes to cuisine, the Southern States are known for many things, but vegetarian food is probably not one of them. The focus in food is surely set on the amazing barbecue, burgers, and chicken – justifiably. But as living vegetarian becomes more and more popular, it’s worth looking for options around town that accommodate that! Yet there is no dedicated vegetarian restaurant in Tuscaloosa, but there are some pretty amazing dishes in town that are live-saving for all vegetarians and also a delicious culinary experiment for anybody else. Go out and try these five terrific veggie dishes in Tuscaloosa:
Hummus at Glory Bound
Hummus has not only become a trendy dish throughout the last few years, it is also literally the perfect meal for your lunch – healthy, tasty and filling! At the cultish Glory Bound in downtown Tuscaloosa, hummus is one of the flagship dishes and definitely their specialty! The variety is striking: Choose your favorite hummus out of ten variants, for example, chipotle-lime, Mediterranean olive or spinach-pesto! Or take the hummus-trio and get any three tastes of your choice! Every hummus dish is served with unlimited delicious warm pita bread. The portions look overwhelming, but you won’t have a choice but eat it all in the end – it is simply too good.
Pasta at DePalma’s
Although their pizza and antipasti are pretty amazing as well, the most striking dishes at Tuscaloosa’s favorite Italian restaurant is their pasta! Many of them are also delicious vegetarian options! Dedicated meat free is, for example, the portabello mushroom ravioli, Mediterranean penne with olives, spinach angel hair, their very own DePalma’s pasta with artichoke hearts and much more! All these are so delicious, you don’t even realize or think about missing meat in them. One of the best parts is also the fresh garlic bread that comes with the pasta. So, drive downtown and spend an amazing and not-so-obviously-vegetarian dinner at DePalma’s!
Panini at Sweet Home Food Bar
The one and only Sweet Home Food Bar is always a good choice, no matter if you want to grab lunch, dinner or a leisure brunch on Sundays. You can also find a meatless dish at any time of the day there, but our focus lies on a dish that can be found in their afternoon menu: The Vegetable Panini. These Italian-inspired grilled sandwiches can’t be found at any corner – they should be, though! Sweet Home has a wonderful vegetarian Panini that is made with eggplant, roasted peppers, plenty of cheese and a balsamic dressing. One more delicious dish not only for full-time vegetarians. Be adventurous and try veggie!
Weekends are always packed with great events in the One and Only Tuscaloosa and this one is no different! Start your weekend off across the river at the Kentuck Art Center for their monthly Art Night! Their event is headlined by the opening of “Protègè” an exhibition of work by Bernard Wright, a student of the late internationally known folk artist, Jimmy Lee Sudduth. Along with art night comes pop-up shops in the Courtyard of Wonders, live music, a food truck, even cob oven pizza!
Art continues into Friday as downtown Tuscaloosa hosts the First Friday Art Walk! Local galleries, businesses, and restaurants are open as an event in the evening for the community to see what Downtown Tuscaloosa has to offer. Locations like Harrison Galleries, Grace Aberdean, and the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center will have art displayed, bands playing. Others like O’Connor Art Studios will be open to get a sneak peak at present works as well as allow you to see into the life of local artists!
Like every weekend, the Farmers Market will be taking place at the Tuscaloosa River Market Saturday morning! Vendors set up ripe red tomatoes and famous Chilton County peaches. Musicians sit propped up against the door, playing guitars as you walk in, and freshly brewed iced tea is for sale to help battle the heat! Additionally, local Food Trucks, bakers, artists, and craftsmen gather here to sell their gourmet grub, fresh-baked yeast rolls, homemade jams and jellies and hand-carved cutting boards. Popular summer foods include tomatoes, Chilton County peaches, squash, corn, and local honey!
This Saturday, Band of Brothers will be serving some incredible drinks and will be presenting Kat Taylor and JP Miller! Riding with her father on work trips, she belted out 90s country and cultivated a deep appreciation for the vocal talents of Martina McBride, Faith Hill, and Reba McEntire. Her sets incorporate classic rock favorites, current top 40, soul ballads, and country hits. Today, Kat Taylor’s song “Shame on You” has spent 6 weeks at number 1 on the new music weekly country main charts. This is one performance you don’t want to miss!
Finally, you can catch Annie all weekend at the Bama Theater. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC!