Easing back into normalcy means an increase in new businesses opening! With Tuscaloosa’s vibrant culture and its positive go-getter inhabitants, it’s no wonder why new businesses want to set up shop in this growing community! New locations are opening almost monthly, so let’s take a look at a few highly noted, tasty options: 

 

Urban Bar and Kitchen
Ever wondered what would happen if minimalist boho met industrial design? Well, Urban Bar and Kitchen can show you exactly that while dishing up some of the tastiest new treats in town! Located in Tuscaloosa’s historic downtown district – UBK is a cultural epicenter showcasing unique roots, authenticity, & bold flavors. Looking for a place to enjoy social hour, hand-crafted cocktails, and artfully curated playlists? Look no further! Head to UBK now at 2321 University Blvd to check it out!

 

PJ’s Coffee
Tuscaloosa sure loves its java and newcomer, PJ’s coffee, is here to show T-town what it’s got! PJ’s Coffee utilizes only the top 1% of specialty Arabica beans, sourcing 14 origin coffees from Ethiopia to Honduras, Columbia to Nicaragua- ensuring the best beans for its customers! The new location just opened its doors to the public and is ready to showcase its huge array of beverages! Want to visit? Head over to 1201 University Blvd to give it a try. 

 

Fuku Ramen 
What do soup and noodles have in common? They’re both good for the soul! Fuku Ramen knows exactly how to dish up traditional Japanese-style ramen. Opening earlier this year, Fuku Ramen hosts a variety of different ramen, rice dishes, and bubble teas that will be sure to make your taste buds dance! Located in the Midtown Shopping Center, Fuku is a perfect lunch or dinner spot with your friends. Check it out now and tell us what you think!

 

Grocery Brewpub
The Grocery Brewpub is Birmingham’s “one-stop brew shop” but will soon be a hit in Tuscaloosa too! With 84 rotating craft beer taps, premium wines, house-made cocktails, and delicious southern street-style food, The Grocery Brewpub has enough to satisfy even the pickiest beer connoisseur. Plus, did we mention this brewery is pet-friendly! That’s right, you can enjoy an ice-cold one with your pup while winding down from a long day’s work! The Tuscaloosa location is expected to have its grand opening at the end of March so mark your calendars!

 

Walk-On’s
Months after rumors began, Baton Rouge’s Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux officially announced it will be landing a franchise in Tuscaloosa! The Walk-On’s will be an 8,000-foot-square restaurant at 675 Skyland Blvd., in the old Kmart lot. What makes Walk-On’s special is its authentic, mouthwatering Louisiana cuisine prepared fresh from scratch. Set to open in the next couple of months, Walk-On’s will surely be a hit in the Tuscaloosa bar and bistro scene!

 

Looking for a new place to visit with your friends and family? Give some of the options above a try and let us know what you think!
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
This weekend in Tuscaloosa is filled packed with all kinds of entertaining, safe options for event life. While edging back into everyday life might not be an option for everyone, our city has options that are enjoyable for all! From live music to virtual plays, there is so much to take in this time of year. Check out some events that we found to add a little bit of spice to your weekend! 
Live Music 
Concerts are back but are looking a little different this year! Catch Alabama native Charlie Wilson this Thursday, Jan. 28th, at The Lookout Rooftop at Hotel Indigo. Join for happy hour for fun drink specials before catching the show! Remember- The Lookout Rooftop is smoke-free and pet friendly so your furry friend can groove out with you!
Country music artist, Frank Foster, is playing live at Druid City Music Hall this Friday, Jan. 29th. Live music is slowly creeping back into the normal scene here in Tuscaloosa but we should state that this show is being held at a limited capacity. Nevertheless, grab a buddy, mask up, and enjoy the show!  For more information regarding the show and COVID procedures, you can visit Druid City Music Hall’s website here
Virtual Season at Theatre Tuscaloosa
Tired of watching the same movies on replay? Thanks to Theatre Tuscaloosa, you can catch a recording of some of the theaters greatest hits in the comfort of your own home! Friday, Jan. 29th, is the last day you can watch the theater’s virtual performance of You Can’t Take it With You- a madcap comedy about two very different families connected through an unlikely marriage. Virtual tickets can be purchased on Theater Tuscaloosa’s website
UA Volleyball 
The University of Alabama’s volleyball team takes on the South Carolina Gamecocks this Friday and Saturday, Jan. 29th-30th, at home. Want to see the Tide roll in person while maintaining social distance measures? Tickets will be available in the North lobby of Foster auditorium 1.5 hours prior to the start of the match. For online ticket sales and more information regarding the match, you can visit Alabama volleyball’s website
Puzzle Master at CHOM
The Children’s Hands-On Museum is hosting a Puzzle Master event Saturday, Jan. 30th. Puzzle-solving and brain teasers are a great way to keep your little ones entertained while creating family fun memories! With a mission of a dynamic learning experience that stimulates curiosity and creativity, CHOM is a perfect weekend day trip for all ages!  
There is one thing we all miss from years past and that is attending events with our friends and family. As we slowly inch into the New Year, Tuscaloosa is offering a variety of different experiences that are exciting for all ages! Let’s take a look at what’s coming up this weekend.
Iron Bowl 2.0
It doesn’t get much better than another Crimson Tide versus Auburn Tigers game down-home in Tuscaloosa. The University of Alabama’s gymnastics team faces Auburn at 7:30 p.m. this Friday, Jan. 22, at the Coleman Coliseum. Want to see the Tide roll in person while maintaining social distance measures? Tickets will be available in the lobby 1.5 hours prior to the start of the meet. For those who can’t attend or are taking health precautions, be sure to grab your favorite snack and tune into the SEC Network to watch the Tide turn! 
You still can’t get enough Tide action? Good news- The University’s women’s basketball team will challenge the Auburn Tigers this Sunday, Jan. 24. The start time is scheduled for 1 p.m. CST. Those who wish to cheer on the Tide, face mask-clad, can purchase tickets in the Coleman Coliseum lobby prior to the start of the game. Of course, if in-person events are not yet in your comfort zone, you can always show your support from home and tune in to ESPNU from your couch!
Tuscaloosa Farmers Market
Get your weekend fix of artisan bread, farm-fresh vegetables, and fabulous finds from your local small business owners at this weekend’s farmers market. The Tuscaloosa Farmers Market takes place this Saturday, Jan. 23, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Don’t feel like leaving the warmth of your vehicle but want to still indulge in uniquely local goods? Curbside delivery is an option for a limited time. Remember, you can’t buy happiness but you can buy local! 
Dino-Mite at CHOM
Lions, Tigers, and Dinosaurs? Oh My! Head over to The Children’s Hands-On Museum to learn about one of the world’s most fascinating wonders- dinosaurs! Hatching your own dino egg and digging for fossils is a great way to promote education in your little one while also creating fun memories with your family. With a mission of a dynamic learning experience that stimulates curiosity and creativity, CHOM is a perfect weekend day trip for all ages!  

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!

Now that it is wintertime and the blistering Alabama heat is on vacation, it can be tough to find ways to stay warm! Finding a way to stay active and social while staying warm and staying safely distanced is a monumental task, so we decided to help out! Below, we have compiled a list of activities for staying warm around Tuscaloosa while still being safe. While visiting the following locations and businesses, be sure to wear a mask and practice safe social distancing while you keep warm!

No Snow, Just a Cup of Joe

A classic way to get warm throughout wintertime is a nice, warm cup of delicious coffee! A coffee shop is versatile in what you are able to order, from black house coffee for the seasoned veteran to hot chocolate for the kids! A new coffee spot in town that has just recently opened up is Just Love Coffee.

Just Love Coffee’s grand opening is this weekend! After a very successful soft opening, Just Love is ready to open its doors for all of Tuscaloosa to enjoy and is ready to brew up some hot (and cold) coffee. In addition to coffee, Just Love also offers a number of different food items ranging from avocado toast, to sandwiches, to delectable waffle creations! Stop by the coffee shop in Downtown Tuscaloosa to warm up with a delicious cup of coffee!

Get Comfy Between the Book Covers

A perfect activity for sitting around and enjoying the heat of the indoors is curling up and enjoying a good book. In addition to staying warm, a book is a great way to travel to new worlds and exciting places while staying safely within your own home! To find your new favorite book or to rediscover an old favorite, stop by Ernest & Hadley’s near Downtown Tuscaloosa!

Ernest & Hadley’s is Tuscaloosa’s premier local bookstore that is based on sharing the wonderful activity of reading with all its visitors! In addition to providing new and old favorites, this bookstore does Tuscaloosa and West Alabama proud by featuring books written by local and statewide authors and books centered around Alabama culture! Stop by the bookstore this weekend to pick up a set of books to enjoy by the fire or under a cozy blanket!

No Brrrrr’s, Just Brews

An activity that applies well to summertime and wintertime is visiting the incredible breweries around town. The breweries of Tuscaloosa are a great way to enjoy company with friends indoors while staying distanced and safe. Two of the best locations in Tuscaloosa to visit for beer and other drinks are Black Warrior Brewing Company and Druid City Brewing Company!

Black Warrior Brewing Company is a local Tuscaloosa brewery with a wide variety of evergreen and seasonal beers for all to enjoy. There is plenty of space indoors to enjoy a brew with friends and stay out of the harsh winter cold! Druid City Brewing Company is Tuscaloosa’s first brewery and serves up one of the greatest porters in the Southeast. If you’re hoping to stay downtown, Cravings is home to a massive variety of beers, wine, and other beverages (including hot beverages) where almost anyone can find something they will love!

December has arrived in Tuscaloosa and there are tons of fantastic things to do all around town to safely celebrate the holiday season together with friends and family! Don’t let the chilly temperatures deter you from all there is to do safely around town! From art shows and exhibitions to holiday celebrations, this upcoming weekend is full of holiday cheer and good times. See below for a list of a few local happenings around town perfect for family get-togethers, date nights, or more!

First Friday & Art Night

First Friday is still rolling through the holiday season and will be hosted throughout Downtown Tuscaloosa on Friday, December 4th throughout the evening. The First Friday Art Walk is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to enjoy fabulous works of art with friends and family while enjoying the backdrop of Downtown Tuscaloosa. Visit the First Friday website to learn more about participating art studios and admission information!

Christmas Tree Lighting at the Courthouse

The annual lighting of the Tuscaloosa Christmas tree at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse will be happening the night of December 4th at 6 p.m. Information about the Christmas Tree Lighting Event can be found in their press release available here.

Super 7 State Football Championships

Friday will be the final night of the 2020 Alabama High School Super 7 State Football Championships, featuring the championship matchups of the 4A, 2A, and 6A divisions of high school football teams. These teams have battled their way to the opportunity for glory inside Bryant-Denny Stadium and will be giving it their all! For more information about the competing teams and ticket information, visit the Super 7 website specific to the Tuscaloosa event.

8×8 Holiday Art Show

This weekend, Tuscaloosa is home to the Fifth Annual 8×8 Holiday Art Show, an art show developed to support local Tuscaloosa-area artists. This art show has an interesting twist, however! All available artwork is required to be 8×8” and is sold at a retail price of $88! 100% of the proceeds go directly to local Tuscaloosa artists! This year’s art show will take place on the evening of December 4th and 5th and requires ticketed admission for entry – visit the ticket page of the 8×8 Holiday Art Show for more information. In addition to the in-person art show, the 8×8 Holiday Art Show will also be hosting a virtual marketplace where patrons can browse through art pieces and make purchases from the comfort of their own homes! 

We have a lot going on throughout the upcoming fall 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

This weekend is going to be one for the books in the One and Only Tuscaloosa. This Friday you can enjoy ice skating and music at Holidays on the River- 80’s Glow Night with DJ Chuckie. Dance/skate the night away with your favorite tunes. If this doesn’t satisfy your love for music, stop by Egan’s Bar for some live entertainment by Rev 662.

Also on Friday, the Cultural Collateral: Selections from the Permanent Collection art exhibition will be open. Come enjoy over 1,600 works from the 1950s of contemporary art by international, national and regional artists. If this isn’t enough, there is also an exhibit on the Bank of the State Tuscaloosa Bicentennial Exhibit Series: Civil War and Reconstruction. This exhibit highlights the history of the city and the changes that affected Tuscaloosa during and after the war.

On Saturday, Yancey Hill will be playing at Egan’s Bar. Enjoy a drink, socialize with friends and listen to some great music. For the kids, Children’s Hands-On Museum will be hosting Treble at the Museum. Come try a variety of instruments and jam with CHOM musicians. Join the fun and enable your child to cultivate a musical interest that could stick with them for a lifetime.

On Sunday, educators of pre-K to Grade 12 can enjoy 25% off most books, toys, games, movies, music and more at Barnes and Noble. There will also be a fundraiser for the American Heart Association at All Fired Up. Mention the 2020 Heart Walk at check out and 20% of the proceeds will go to the American Heart Association.

There is so much more going on in town so be sure to check out some of our great upcoming events and follow us on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements and events. Spread the news to your friends and family about the exciting things taking place in town and we can’t wait to see you around!

The holiday season is in full swing here in Tuscaloosa! This weekend you can enjoy live entertainment while you ice skate at Holidays on the River, experience Christmas Around the World at the Children’s Hands-On Museum, Bowl with Santa at Bowlero, and enjoy Tuscaloosa’s night-life with Christmas parties all over town!

A Kip Tyner Christmas

‘Tis the season of Christmas classics! Join City Councilman Kip Tyner this Friday for an evening of live entertainment and Christmas cheer, hosted by the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater and Holidays on the River. Come celebrate with family and friends while enjoying live performances, ice skating, music and more! You can buy tickets to ice skate at holidaysontheriver.com. This event will be fun for the whole family!

Christmas Around the World at CHOM!

On Saturday, find out how different cultures celebrate Christmas Around the World at the Children’s Hands-On Museum! There will be special games and crafts throughout the museum that explore different regions of the world. The Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa creates an environment where children can explore, design, and discover every time they visit. When you hear “hands-on,” they really mean it! Learning through play is what the exhibits are all about, and kids are encouraged to touch, feel, and play in the displays. Three floors of fun wait for families and offer newborns through 13 year old’s a space perfect for them.

Bowl with Santa

Bowlero is a new bowling ally in Tuscaloosa that features fresh lanes, a state-of-the-art arcade, a huge bar, and an incredible menu. This Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. you can enjoy all of the amenities Bowlero has to offer and meet Santa! Catch the man himself while he’s in Tuscaloosa to map out his route!

Christmas Parties in Tuscaloosa

If you’re in the mood to celebrate, you’re in luck! You can find Christmas parties all over Tuscaloosa, all weekend long. Here is a list of bars you can find them at:

Jingle Bar: Pop-Up Holiday Happy Hour Experience
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
1831 Christmas Party
Tab & the Mojo Rockin’ Country Christmas
Roxy’s Holiday Party

We have a lot going on throughout the upcoming fall 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!