Tuscaloosa Area Guide

Arts and History

• The Moundville Archaeological Park: Located just 8 miles south of the Retreat, it is considered to be the best example of the Native American Mound Builders in the country. This active archaeological park was inhabited from around A.D. 1000 until A.D. 1450. You will find wonderful nature trails, an informative museum, and many mounds. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours at the park when you visit.
• Kentuck Art Center
• Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
• Paul W. Bryant Museum
• Children's Hands On Museum
• Capitol Park
• Mercedes-Benz US International Visitor Center & Factory Tour
• Tuscaloosa Federal Building & US Courthouse
• Murphy-Collins House & African American Museum
• Tuscaloosa Transportation Museum
• Gorgas House Museum

Recreation

• The Bobby Miller Recreation Center: Fitness Room, Basketball Court, indoor pool, and much more!
• University of Alabama Arboretum: Only a ten minute drive east of UA's campus, the Arboretum has walking trails through native woodlands, various gardens, and more!
• Walk, Jog, or Run: This site shows the various running routes we have in Tuscaloosa that will take you past historic or scenic spots.
• Black Warrior Riverkeeper: Information about boating and other recreational activities on the Black Warrior River!
• Redline PowerSports: Interested in renting Jet Skis or Boats for your Lake Rental? Visit Redline PowerSports!

Shopping

• Tuscaloosa River Market: Pick up some fresh produce and see some local craft vendors.
• University Mall: Shop through a wide variety of retail locations for gifts, fashion, food, and more! 
• Midtown Village: With over 60 businesses including restaurants, shops, and spas, there is something for everybody at Midtown Village! 

South Tuscaloosa Restaurants (Less Crowded)

• Japanese Steak & Sushi Restaurant: Our very favorite restaurant in Tuscaloosa is located right down here by us. It is the Japanese Steak & Sushi Restaurant. We have several others in town, and across the country that we have eaten at, but we all agree that the best one is the one closest to us! Be sure to ask for a member of the owner's family and let them know that you are staying at the Bama Retreat. I taught their children!
• LaGran Fiesta Mexican Restuarant
• Lee Palace Chinese: Right next door to Dickey's Barbeque in the Winn-Dixie Shopping Center.
• Walton's: For something fast, try them out. They have the best chicken fingers in town, and everything else on their menu is fabulous too! When they take your order, tell them the owner gives all Bama Retreat guests a 10% discount!

Downtown Tuscaloosa Restaurants

• Mugshots: Fabulous gourmet burgers at a budget price and great atmosphere! We eat here often. They are right downtown on Greensboro Ave. Be sure to try the Blue Cheese Burger - Kim's favorite!: 
• River: We love them when we want a special dinner out.  An urban dining experience in the heart of Tuscaloosa on the banks of the beautiful Black Warrior River.  Amazing selections of specially curated seafood, steak, and more! 
• Half Shell Oyster House 
• Dreamland BBQ 
• The Avenue Pub 
• The Waysider
• Nick's in the Sticks
• Rama Jama's
• Chicken Salad Chick
  

Football and UA

• Alabama Football Gameday
• Bryant-Denny Stadium Tour Requests: Book a tour and see Bryant-Denny behind the scenes!
• UA Virtual Campus Tours: This is the best way to see UA's campus from home!

Tuscaloosa

• Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports Commission: Visit this site to find out more about Tuscaloosa, request a visitor's guide, and learn about upcoming local events!
• Tuscaloosa Events: Details on local events in the Tuscaloosa-Northport area. 
• Joyride - Take a tour or get picked up in a golf cart shuttle to get around Campus and Downtown!