The City of Tuscaloosa has a plethora of activities to do and places to enjoy, but there are a few incredible local gems that are just waiting to be discovered! So, what hidden treasures are the locals not telling you about? We pulled together a list of spots around Tuscaloosa that you may not have heard of and could potentially become a regular part of your rotation! These suggestions range from delicious food and drink destinations to quiet spaces to relax and unwind for a bit.

      1. Kentuck Art Center

For those who are looking to explore the fine arts side of Tuscaloosa, the Kentuck Arts Center is a local spot that more people ought to be aware of! Located off-campus in Northport, the Kentuck Art Center is a collection of many different artists and creators exhibiting their work for anyone to see and learn about. Kentuck’s mission is “to perpetuate the arts, engage the community, and empower the artist” and is open all year long for anyone!

      2. Catfish Heaven

Named for their delectable catfish offerings, Catfish Heaven is a fish lover’s dream! Fried and prepared fresh daily, Catfish Heaven is a local restaurant that has been serving up savory catfish and irresistible hot wings since 1993. For over 25 years, the brothers that opened Catfish Heaven have been making this delightful and delicious destination in the Historic West End of Tuscaloosa a local favorite! Catfish Heaven’s dining room is currently closed for safety due to COVID-19, but they are still offering take-out orders for anyone looking to expand their list of go-to restaurants in Tuscaloosa!

      3. Cravings

As a spot filled to the brim with a diverse collection of drinks, beers, wines, and more, Cravings is a must for anyone looking to expand their drink repertoire. In addition to drinks, Cravings is also a good place for a bite to eat! There is an offering of snack foods, deli favorites, and an incredible breakfast offering for everyone to enjoy. Not to mention they serve unbelievable Detroit and Sicilian style pizza that will turn you into a regular customer in no time. Visit Cravings to discover new drink favorites and see if it becomes one of your new go-to spots in Tuscaloosa!

      4. Ernest & Hadley’s

Ernest & Hadley’s is a charming local bookstore located a few blocks away from Downtown Tuscaloosa just waiting to be discovered. This bookstore is filled with popular picks, classical favorites, and even highlighted works from local Alabama writers! In addition to being a store, Ernest & Hadley’s regularly hosts events that are open to any and all visitors, so be sure to check online ahead of time for more information. Currently, Ernest & Hadley’s is operating with safety in mind and is allowing only five (5) patrons at a time and even has a curbside pick-up option available for anyone who would prefer not to enter the store!

      5. Ruan Thai

Since 1991, Ruan Thai has been serving up fresh and savory authentic Thai food to students and locals alike with their extensive menu of delectable offerings. Ruan Thai offers both a lunch and dinner menu and even has dedicated portions of its menu for its sushi dishes and curry specials. Due to COVID-19, Ruan Thai is currently available through curbside pickup and through the delivery service, Crimson 2 Go. This locally-owned, authentic Thai restaurant is located on the Western end of the Strip and is the perfect local option for authentic Thai food in Tuscaloosa!

 

      6. Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center

The Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center is a place for fans of fine arts and culture to explore and for everyday adventurers to discover! It is home to a rotating lineup of galleries that exhibit the thought-provoking and insightful power of the mediums of the fine arts. Not only is the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center a delightful spot to immerse yourself in fine arts and culture, but it is also a stop on the Civil Rights Trail of Tuscaloosa! In addition to visiting the resident exhibit, this center is an important site to learn the history behind it as it pertains to the City of Tuscaloosa as a whole.

 

      7. Catch 22

If you are looking for a bar to hang out and enjoy outstanding cocktails at the end of a long day, Catch 22 is the place for you. As the home of house drink specialties galore, including pickle-, cucumber-, and even pepperoncini-infused vodka, this bar is known for creating a unique flavor in each creation. Located in Downtown Tuscaloosa on 6th Street, this is a great place for anyone looking to unwind with some boutique cocktails and refreshing favorites! Additionally, Catch 22 has recently extended their outdoor patio to accommodate social distancing requirements and create a safe environment for customers!

 

      8. The Oasis

Located in Cottondale is a restaurant named The Oasis, offering a welcoming and Southern environment with the delicious food to back it up! The Oasis is famously known for its savory burgers and their incredible appetizers, including jalapeńo poppers, fried pickle spears, and fried mushrooms. The Oasis is truly a hidden gem for eating and may soon become one of your regular food spots in town! In order to accommodate the COVID-19 situation, The Oasis is currently only able to offer pick-up orders that can be placed at the restaurant.

 

      9. Innisfree’s Lucky Lunch

I know what you’re thinking. “Everyone knows about Innisfree…”. Although that may be true, many regulars and first-time visitors alike don’t know about the spectacular meat and three meals available from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. With classic options like chicken parmesan, chicken tenders, or country fried steak you can experience irreplaceable southern cooking right in Downtown Tuscaloosa! The meat + three meal also falls under $10, so Innisfree is easy on your bank account, too. 

 

      10. Van de Graaff Park

Whether you’re looking for your next nature adventure, picnic spot, or photoshoot set this local treasure has it all. Fish, hike, or camp on the gorgeous acres of Van de Graff with its breathtaking parks and large ponds stocked with freshwater fish! Along the way, you can also find a section of Alabama’s oldest iron bridge crossing over Mill Creek. This local’s secret is nestled in Northport. Revel in nature’s beauty and enjoy some fresh air at Van de Graaff Park. 

 

Written By: Will Baggett

Edited By: Jamie Hoven

  1.  Brunch at 301 Bistro

With its distinctive charm, specialty cocktails and mouthwatering cuisine, 301 Bistro is sure to be a hit with your mom this Mother’s Day! The renovated train station offers an eclectic vibe with fresh, locally grown food options that combine the flavors of German, Southern, and Creole cuisine. On Sundays, the bistro features a jazz trio, “The Voodoo Saints,” and a special brunch menu that offers exclusive items such as shrimp-and-grits, French toast, and mimosas! This Mother’s Day let your mom take a break from cooking and let the masters at 301 Bistro take over.

  1. Exploring at Lake Lurleen State Park

After your mom enjoys brunch at 301 Bistro, take her over to the 250-acre man-made lake located just on the outskirts of Tuscaloosa where she can enjoy the sweet heat of an Alabama spring. After all the time she spends indoors cooking and cleaning up after the family, she is guaranteed to enjoy some much needed time outdoors. Lake Lurleen State Park offers paddleboat and canoe rentals as well as numerous hiking trails and swimming areas certain to provide just the adventure your mom is looking for this weekend.

  1. Tour the Tuscaloosa Museum of Art

If your mom isn’t so much a fan of the outdoors and prefers the splendor of art and history, the Tuscaloosa Museum of Art is the way to go this Mother’s Day. The art begins with the exterior of the building that portrays unique architecture designed to resemble a Japanese temple. Inside, your mom can find a large variety of collections featuring themes from the American Revolution and Civil War. The museum offers one of the greatest private collections of American art, and the best part of all- it’s completely free to tour. So if you’re looking for a splendid and inexpensive way to impress your mom this Mother’s Day, there’s no better place than the Tuscaloosa Museum of Art.

  1. Mani-Pedi at the Village Nail Bar

Let’s be honest, all our moms deserve a little pampering, especially on Mother’s Day. Village Nail Bar is the latest hit in Tuscaloosa for all who love a good Mani-Pedi. While there, your mom can enjoy a glass of wine or champagne while the pros at Village Nail Bar work on glamming her up. Your mom is guaranteed to be feeling like the queen she is while receiving a hand and foot massage during her Mani-Pedi services. If that doesn’t seem like enough, your mom can take it a step further and enjoy a luxurious facial before she leaves. So if your mom needs a little indulgence and a lot of relaxation, Village Nail Bar is the place to take her this holiday.

  1. Dinner on the Town

Your mom probably cooks dinner almost every night so on Mother’s Day let someone else do the cooking, and take her out to one of Tuscaloosa’s treasured restaurants. If your mom is interested in an upscale place that also offers an exciting atmosphere take her to the locally renowned restaurant, Chuck’s Fish where she can enjoy a delicious seafood entrée. She can sink her teeth into one of the astonishing dishes such as parmesan-crusted grouper or blackened fish tacos. She can finish off the meal with one of Chuck’s signature cocktail like a Crimson Mule or Strawberry Manhattan. If your mom prefers a quieter restaurant with a classier atmosphere, she will certainly enjoy one of Tuscaloosa’s newest culinary treasures, River. This restaurant is surrounded by the beautiful views of the Black Warrior River and features family recipes made from locally grown ingredients your mom is sure to savor. She can relish the southern cuisine from appetizers such as smoked catfish dip, or enjoy the splendid flavor of a flat iron steak. Dinner at one of these amazing restaurants is sure to bring your mom’s special day to a flavorful end.

Written By: Bailee Kennamer – Intern