Summer is officially here, and there’s no better place to spend it than Tuscaloosa! With a variety of local businesses ready to help you make the most of these long, hot days, there’s always something to explore. Check out these options and make the most of your summer in the One and Only Tuscaloosa!
Refreshing Treats
Snow Cones: Snow cones are some of the best summer treats around! To help you battle the heat, stop by Summer Snow. This shaved ice shop on University Boulevard has been serving the Tuscaloosa community since 1988, and their unique assortment of flavors is sure to satisfy any palette! Try the refreshing pink lemonade, or let your taste buds escape to a tropical paradise with coconut. Summer Snow is iconic to the city of Tuscaloosa, so come prepared to enjoy all that this local favorite has to offer.
Ice cream: If ice cream is more your speed, stop by Ingram Farms to grab a scoop or two! The produce stand is located a short drive from Tuscaloosa in Northport. Ingram Farms offers a variety of flavors of Mayfield and Blue Bell ice cream as well as local creations, including specialty blends such as orange pineapple. Don’t forget to pick up some locally grown fruits and veggies while you’re there!
Milkshakes: Rama Jama’s is known for its burgers and hot dogs, but did you know that they also offer milkshakes? Located conveniently near The University of Alabama’s campus, Rama Jama’s has been a part of Tuscaloosa’s restaurant scene for decades. Their milkshake selection includes flavors such as caramel, cherry, strawberry, and Oreo, just to name a few. Stop by today and enjoy a cold treat from this uniquely local spot!
Water you waiting for?
Paddleboarding: Water sports are a great way to catch a break from the summer heat. If you’re interested in getting active, try paddleboarding! Tuscaloosa Paddleboarding offers board rentals at the docks by Riverwalk Condominiums and at Lake Nicol Park. Boards are just $20 an hour, but daily rates and group rates for parties of four and over are also available. Call ahead to make a reservation today!
Fishing: Fishing is a popular activity that the whole family can enjoy this summer. Luckily, Lake Tuscaloosa is only a short drive from the city, meaning the perfect fishing spot isn’t far from home! Bass, sunfish, crappie, and more populate the lake’s waters. Stand on the shore, perch on the lake’s cliffs, or take a boat out on the water and see what you can catch!
Swimming: Swimming is one of the first summer activities that come to mind, and Hurricane Creek Park is the perfect place to take a dip! Located off of Old Birmingham Highway, this spot is a Tuscaloosa favorite for outdoor activities of all kinds. Along with swimming, visitors can hike, kayak, or simply sit along the shore and enjoy the park’s unspoiled natural beauty.
Summer Nights
Dinner: Located on the banks of the Black Warrior River, River is perfect for a delicious dinner in a beautiful setting. Located a short drive from downtown along the Riverwalk, River’s menu includes steaks, seafood, salads, and flatbreads. Check their website for their happy hour menu, which offers deals on wine, draft beers, and specialty cocktails. Whether for a nice family dinner or a romantic evening out, River is the perfect spot to spend a summer evening!
Drinks: If you’re in the mood for a laid-back and fun atmosphere, look no further than Loosa Brews! Doubling as both a retail store and a full-service bar, Loosa offers dozens of local craft beers and mainstream favorites on draft. Bring quarters and enjoy some friendly competition with their wide selection of arcade and pinball machines! If you’re looking to stay in, call and order a growler or choose from their wide selection of packaged beers and wines.
Get ready for crystal clear skies and sunny days this weekend in Tuscaloosa! Now is the perfect time to explore the unique, local gems of this incredible city. Whether you are savoring brunch at a local cafe, capturing a captivating view of Black Warrior River, or rocking out to some live music at your favorite bar, this town has what you need to make this weekend unforgettable.
The River Market
Visit the Tuscaloosa River Market Saturday for fresh, local produce and homemade goodies. Check out Savory Occasions table for warm bread pudding, or cool down with Tori’s Water Ice snow cones with flavors like tropical rainbow, green apple, cherry, pineapple, blue raspberry, and mango. Curbside pick-up is still available for select vendors. If you plan to attend, don’t forget your facemask! You will not be able to shop the market without it.
Live Music
Double down on tunes this weekend at Alcove International! Make plans Friday for the sweet sounds of SouthTown starting at 10 PM. They cover classic rock, blues, and dance songs. Saturday night get ready for some rock and roll performed by Non-GMO at 10 PM.
You can catch The Brick and Hubba Show at Rhythm and Brews tonight, and Carson Carlisle Saturday at 10 PM!
If you don’t feel like spending money, The Actor’s Charitable Theatre (ACT) will present a free concert in Capitol Park tonight at 7 PM! Come check it out for a night of live entertainment with your family and friends!
The Great Outdoors
Balance yourself and rent a paddleboard at Lake Nicol! What better way to soak up the rays? Tuscaloosa Paddleboard provides high-quality YOLO boards, and guaranteed fun. This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and simultaneously get in a great workout! Plus, the view is a spectacular bonus. If you’d rather stay on dry land, check out their local trails and explore the beauty that Tuscaloosa has to offer. Pack a lunch and a picnic blanket to make the most out of these warm summer days.
Try Something New
Grab your brunch crew and head over to Another Broken Egg to enjoy their brand-new menu! Start off with sweet beignets with orange marmalade sauce, and a refreshing summertime cocktail. The Watermelon Cucumber Cooler is the perfect treat for a beautiful weekend!
If you are craving something a little more Southern and traditional, we’ve got the perfect place for you! Mae’s Southern Café uses authentic family recipes for every dish. Need help deciding what to order? Mae’s is famous for their fall off the bone ribs, smoked for 3 hours, and worth every bite! You can’t complete a southern meal without Mae’s sweet tea. Brewed, steeped, and sweetened to perfection every time.
This Saturday marks the 28th annual National Trails Day! There is no better place to celebrate this holiday than Tuscaloosa. We encourage you to explore the beautiful local trails within our community. Lucky for you, we have listed below some of the many spots in Tuscaloosa to admire our city’s extraordinary trails.
Lake Lurleen
Lake Lurleen is a favorite of locals looking for relaxation and recreation alike! The park’s trails are open to hikers and mountain bikers, and the park offers 91 campsites for those looking for an extended stay. If that isn’t enough to draw you in, the park also boasts fishing, swimming, boating, and a beach. Whether it’s walking your dog among the shoreline or renting a kayak, Lake Lurleen truly has something for everyone!
Lake Nicol
About 20 minutes from Tuscaloosa lies another paradise for those looking to enjoy the outdoors: Lake Nicol. This local favorite offers a chance to get off the beaten path and explore the wonder of mother nature. The many species of birds that call the area home make for excellent birdwatching. Visitors also enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and picnicking on the shore.
Lake Harris
Located outside of the city, Lake Harris is an amazing way to spend National Trail Day. The park features high cliffs, two dams, swimming spots, and a beach. The park’s main hiking trail leads visitors across the lake’s two dams, and the lake itself is known for its bass fishing. Lake Harris is an excellent local spot for your next outdoor adventure!
Hurricane Creek
Hurricane Creek has been an important part of the Tuscaloosa community for decades. In fact, the park’s popular Eagle Scout Trail was planned and blazed by local scouts. Explore this local favorite by canoeing down the creek, traversing the park’s biking and hiking trails, or simply taking in the native plants and wildlife.
Van de Graaff Arboretum & Historic Bridge Park
Van de Graaff Arboretum and Historic Bridge Park is located in Northport, a short drive from Tuscaloosa. The historic 1882 King Bowstring Bridge is a focal point of the park, and there is also a short hiking trail for visitors to explore. Camping, fishing, and boating are offered, and kayaks and canoes are available to rent onsite seasonally.