National coffee day is here, and the one and only Tuscaloosa has no shortage of local spots to stop in and grab a cup to celebrate. No matter what type of atmosphere you’re looking for, Tuscaloosa has plenty of unique coffee shops to satisfy that caffeine craving.

 

Edelweiss

Located on Temerson Square, you can find Edelweiss tucked humbly in between the lively downtown bars. The quaint German café opened its doors in 2007 and boasts some of the best pastries in town, made fresh every morning. They also feature lunch specials, which are served Monday through Friday and are changed monthly. Stop in for breakfast, lunch, or even just a coffee and a traditional German pastry.

 

Monarch

One of the newest additions to Tuscaloosa’s growing coffee scene, Monarch opened its doors earlier this year and has already established itself as a local hotspot downtown. The community-powered coffee shop was founded by two UA alumni with not only a passion for a good cup of coffee but also a love for Tuscaloosa and its people. Even before opening its doors in 2017, Monarch was backed by the community through a Kickstarter campaign to help fund startup costs and make what was once a dream a reality. Although new to town, Monarch embraces the diversity of Tuscaloosa with an inviting, ‘come as you are’ atmosphere where all are welcome.

 

OHenry’s

Dr. Henry Bright founded OHenry’s Coffee in Downtown Homewood, AL in 1993, completely unaware of the landmark he just established. 17 years later, OHenry’s has grown to 5 locations and boasts over 30 different types of coffee. The Birmingham-based icon opened the doors of its new Tuscaloosa location last year and it has quickly become a favorite of both college students and locals alike.

 

 

Heritage House

As the original coffee house of Tuscaloosa, Heritage House has been serving up fresh baked goods and café breakfasts and lunches to its customers since 1994. The local favorite has seen three different owners and has grown just as much as the town itself, with a new location opening its doors at Riverfront Village last year. The easygoing rustic atmosphere makes this gem feel like a place of refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, somewhere to warm your heart and also fill your stomach.

 

Written by Katy Aspinwall

Buckle up for another exciting weekend in Tuscaloosa! The entertainment kicks off with local favorite, CBDB, returning back for a homecoming party. These purveyors of joyfunk got the wheels turning in Tuscaloosa and will be playing at Druid City Music Hall on Friday night. In case you were unaware or in need of something to do on Saturday, football is back in Tuscaloosa! The Alabama Crimson Tide is taking on the Ole Miss Rebels Saturday night, hoping to improve to 5-0 for the second consecutive season. If your weekly dose of Bama football isn’t enough, Alabama volleyball takes on Missouri Sunday to conclude this weekend’s festivities.

 
Want to start the weekend on a high note? Look no further than Druid City Music Hall on Friday night as CBDB brings their progressive rock sound to where it all began, right here in Tuscaloosa! CBDB has shared the stage with a variety of acts including Blues Traveler, Tim Reynolds, Umphrey’s McGee, Moon Taxi, The Revivalists, among many others. The band, consisting of Cy Simonton, Kris Gottlieb, Glenn Dillard, Paul Oliver, and Mike Sinopole, has been touring all over the country and will assuredly bring the heat to a hometown show. Joining them is special guest Tesheva who will start the tunes at 9:00 pm. Doors open at 7:30 pm and tickets can be purchased online as well as at the box office.

 
Alabama returns to action under the lights of Bryant-Denny as they go up against the Rebels of Ole Miss. This highly anticipated matchup is sure to bring some excitement as Alabama continues to roll through the schedule. Ole Miss enters the contest off of a bye week at 2-1 with victories over South Alabama and Tennessee-Martin, while the Crimson Tide is coming off a walloping 59-0 victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores in Nashville. You can also enjoy events like the Elephant Stomp, the Walk of Champions, and check out the Bryant Museum or grab a “Yellowhammer” at Gallettes while you’re in town for the game! Kickoff is set for 8:00 pm so be sure to pace yourself throughout the day. Alabama enters the matchup as a 28 point favorite.

 
Saturday also has events for the kids! A great way to get out of the sun is by taking your young ones to the Children’s Hands-On Museum for the Kid’s Tailgate Party. The event lasts from 10 am – 4 pm and allows children to participate in activities such as creating a mascot mask and decorating a spirit cookie. This is the perfect opportunity to make gamedays fun for the entire family!
Conclude the weekend by witnessing high caliber volleyball as Alabama takes on Missouri at 1:00 pm at Foster Auditorium. Alabama (12-4) enters the contest after a thrilling win against Arkansas on Wednesday night. The action starts at 1:00, but make sure to arrive early to grab a bite to eat from the concession stand or snag a picture with Big Al!

 

We have a ton going on throughout the fall months and are excited about the upcoming holiday season. Give us a follow on our social media pages (@visittuscaloosa) for more announcements and future events. Tell your friends and we can’t wait to see you around the One and Only Tuscaloosa!

 

Written by Will Wyatt