At loose ends in Tuscaloosa
August 18, 2005 9:58 PM Subscribe
Tell me what to do in Tuscaloosa, AL. I'll be there for grad school orientation next week and while my days are full, my wife and I would like to get out and have some fun in the evenings.
Are there any hot spots close to campus? Anything we really shouldn't miss while we're there?
Are there any hot spots close to campus? Anything we really shouldn't miss while we're there?
I live in Montgomery and have been to Tuscaloosa several times. Aside from checking out the campus itself, I'm afraid there just isn't a whole lot to do. Most of the restaurants that I encountered were of the franchise/chain variety. I've heard that there is a very good Italian restaurant in town, but I can't be sure of the name. It's probably either DePalma's or Mr. G's. There's a mall or two, but if you're over seventeen, I don't see them being of much interest to you. I'm sure there are bars but I don't drink, so I never paid much attention.
Now, thirty or forty miles to the west of Tuscaloosa (almost to the Mississippi line), you'll find a town called Carrollton and in this town you might just be able to see a ghost. The Reader's Digest version: In the 1800s, a man was trapped in the court house, terrified of a lynch mob outside. He pressed his face against a window. Lightning struck. The likeness of his face was burned into the window for all eternity.
Or so the story goes. Read the linked page for more info. I've never seen it, myself, and so remain skeptical.
There's also some other info on the linked page that you might find of use. Also, you might want to take a look at Weird Alabama, a publication dealing with... well, what the title indicates.
And of course Birmingham will be less than an hour away. If you think you'd be interested in exploring it, let me know and I'll pass along some recommendations.
Finally, if you can make it down to the Montgomery area - about a two hour drive - I'll be glad to show you the House of Crosses and take you for a drive down Seven Bridges Road.
posted by Clay201 at 12:59 AM on August 19, 2005
Now, thirty or forty miles to the west of Tuscaloosa (almost to the Mississippi line), you'll find a town called Carrollton and in this town you might just be able to see a ghost. The Reader's Digest version: In the 1800s, a man was trapped in the court house, terrified of a lynch mob outside. He pressed his face against a window. Lightning struck. The likeness of his face was burned into the window for all eternity.
Or so the story goes. Read the linked page for more info. I've never seen it, myself, and so remain skeptical.
There's also some other info on the linked page that you might find of use. Also, you might want to take a look at Weird Alabama, a publication dealing with... well, what the title indicates.
And of course Birmingham will be less than an hour away. If you think you'd be interested in exploring it, let me know and I'll pass along some recommendations.
Finally, if you can make it down to the Montgomery area - about a two hour drive - I'll be glad to show you the House of Crosses and take you for a drive down Seven Bridges Road.
posted by Clay201 at 12:59 AM on August 19, 2005
The Alabama tourism department is running a promotion focusing on the food of the state. As part of it they released a list of 100 must have dishes in the state. I've never been to Tuscaloosa but when I was in Alabama in June I ate at several places on the list and was pleased with them all.
The full list is here (warning: the webpage doesn't like Firefox for some reason) and in Tuscaloosa they suggest:
59. Chicken Wings - Bob Baumhower's Wings Sports Grille - Tuscaloosa
60. "Hoppin' John" - Cypress Inn - Tuscaloosa
61. Pork Ribs and White Bread - Dreamland - Tuscaloosa
62. Roasted Red Pepper Soup and Lasagna - Cafe Venice - Tuscaloosa
63. Sweet Potato Fries -E.J.'s Wings & Things - Tuscaloosa
posted by smash at 5:58 AM on August 19, 2005
The full list is here (warning: the webpage doesn't like Firefox for some reason) and in Tuscaloosa they suggest:
59. Chicken Wings - Bob Baumhower's Wings Sports Grille - Tuscaloosa
60. "Hoppin' John" - Cypress Inn - Tuscaloosa
61. Pork Ribs and White Bread - Dreamland - Tuscaloosa
62. Roasted Red Pepper Soup and Lasagna - Cafe Venice - Tuscaloosa
63. Sweet Potato Fries -E.J.'s Wings & Things - Tuscaloosa
posted by smash at 5:58 AM on August 19, 2005
You could try to seek out one of my coworkers, who will also be at said orientation (well, presuming from your userinfo that you're doing the online library science program). Sorry--that's all I've got.
posted by box at 6:00 AM on August 19, 2005
posted by box at 6:00 AM on August 19, 2005
I second Dreamland.
(although I miss when their menu ONLY consisted of Ribs, Wonderbread and beer)
posted by kuperman at 6:08 AM on August 19, 2005
(although I miss when their menu ONLY consisted of Ribs, Wonderbread and beer)
posted by kuperman at 6:08 AM on August 19, 2005
Response by poster: Wow Box, what are the odds? Yeah, I'm going for their online MLIS masters program. Small world.
posted by cosmicbandito at 6:20 AM on August 19, 2005
posted by cosmicbandito at 6:20 AM on August 19, 2005
Food.
Besides the extremely necessary gluttony that are the Tuscaloosa barbecue shacks, you could head out of town for some of the true deep south.
Head down to Moundville and see the Indian mounds, then on to Eutaw. See Kirkwood mansion in Eutaw then head out through the spanish moss covered back roads to Greensboro or Demopolis. The Black Belt is the real life remnants of the Gone with the Wind days. All that fake-me-out imagery that is supposed to represent the south in hollywood movies, well you really do find shambling heaps of plantations complete with Baby Janes living in them and sheriffs with mirrored sunglasses glasses and tobacco stains on their shirts who refer to you as "boy."
Eutaw also has a miserable greyhound track and a restaurant called the Cotton Patch. You will be required by law to participate in Bama football, the punishments are to horrid to describe here, but the upside is that good food and large quantities of cheap beer will be provided.
If you must escape the madness that is University Mall and McFarland Boulevard and "old times not forgotten" is not your cup of sweet tea (most iced tea is assumed sweetened unless you specify against) you could head to Birmingham for actual art museums ad cultural events or across the line to Meridian and tour the Peavy guitar and amp factory.
Warning: There is something akin to cocaine in Taco Casa's beef burritos that once you have eaten one of the things, you will not be able to resist them. They are sealed tightly in plastic immediately upon preparation, which keeps every bit of flavor and steam down in it's juicy, yummy, cheesy core. Specify level of spice (mild through extra hot) and quantity, this number will increase as you become acclimated to the Tuscaloosa climate.
posted by Pollomacho at 6:21 AM on August 19, 2005 [1 favorite]
Besides the extremely necessary gluttony that are the Tuscaloosa barbecue shacks, you could head out of town for some of the true deep south.
Head down to Moundville and see the Indian mounds, then on to Eutaw. See Kirkwood mansion in Eutaw then head out through the spanish moss covered back roads to Greensboro or Demopolis. The Black Belt is the real life remnants of the Gone with the Wind days. All that fake-me-out imagery that is supposed to represent the south in hollywood movies, well you really do find shambling heaps of plantations complete with Baby Janes living in them and sheriffs with mirrored sunglasses glasses and tobacco stains on their shirts who refer to you as "boy."
Eutaw also has a miserable greyhound track and a restaurant called the Cotton Patch. You will be required by law to participate in Bama football, the punishments are to horrid to describe here, but the upside is that good food and large quantities of cheap beer will be provided.
If you must escape the madness that is University Mall and McFarland Boulevard and "old times not forgotten" is not your cup of sweet tea (most iced tea is assumed sweetened unless you specify against) you could head to Birmingham for actual art museums ad cultural events or across the line to Meridian and tour the Peavy guitar and amp factory.
Warning: There is something akin to cocaine in Taco Casa's beef burritos that once you have eaten one of the things, you will not be able to resist them. They are sealed tightly in plastic immediately upon preparation, which keeps every bit of flavor and steam down in it's juicy, yummy, cheesy core. Specify level of spice (mild through extra hot) and quantity, this number will increase as you become acclimated to the Tuscaloosa climate.
posted by Pollomacho at 6:21 AM on August 19, 2005 [1 favorite]
Oh, and don't be fooled by the amateurs at Dreamland, there is far better.
From the Hospital on Bryant Drive turn left onto McFarland (heading away from the mall). Past the Indian Hills Country Club (which is on the left) and an Alabama Credit Union branch office on the right, you will come to a light for Watermelon Road. Take a left onto Watermelon. Less than a mile down the road on the left you will see what appears to be a garage that is on fire in the back yard of a house. Park in the back. Go into the garage. Eat. Die happy.
I hope you aren't vegetarian or an observan Jew or Muslim, because it's going to be a long couple of years there.
posted by Pollomacho at 6:34 AM on August 19, 2005
From the Hospital on Bryant Drive turn left onto McFarland (heading away from the mall). Past the Indian Hills Country Club (which is on the left) and an Alabama Credit Union branch office on the right, you will come to a light for Watermelon Road. Take a left onto Watermelon. Less than a mile down the road on the left you will see what appears to be a garage that is on fire in the back yard of a house. Park in the back. Go into the garage. Eat. Die happy.
I hope you aren't vegetarian or an observan Jew or Muslim, because it's going to be a long couple of years there.
posted by Pollomacho at 6:34 AM on August 19, 2005
I work at the University of Alabama...
The Dreamland in Tuscaloosa still has no menu, dont be fooled by the franchises. but Pollomancho is right, Archibald's is awesome, some of the best barbeque in the south in my experience, his directions are good, but it is much easier but a little less rewarding to go to Woodrow's, which is the same family and same recipe downtown on University.
Nicks in the Sticks is a cool place (really old steak place, a few miles west on 15th street in the sticks, order a Nickodemus, its not on the menu but flammable), the Moundville park is pretty cool (about 10 miles south of town on highway 69). The Bama theatre is pretty cool and usually has a pretty interesting movie playing. Depalmas is good Italian. the Cypress Inn is good nice local type food.
There is a cool exhibit at the alabama museum of natural history this month on campus (not far from the main library) but i cant remember what it is and their website is out of date. The riverwalk is nice. Downtown northport has some cool shops and art places.
also a hot blonde girl is throwing a party at my house 10PMish friday the 19th (1017 queen city ave). Weds night is half price wine and pizza at cafe venice (if you do this, get there early or wait long) also, here is my rundown of tuscaloosa bars and stuff
posted by yeahyeahyeahwhoo at 7:39 AM on August 19, 2005
The Dreamland in Tuscaloosa still has no menu, dont be fooled by the franchises. but Pollomancho is right, Archibald's is awesome, some of the best barbeque in the south in my experience, his directions are good, but it is much easier but a little less rewarding to go to Woodrow's, which is the same family and same recipe downtown on University.
Nicks in the Sticks is a cool place (really old steak place, a few miles west on 15th street in the sticks, order a Nickodemus, its not on the menu but flammable), the Moundville park is pretty cool (about 10 miles south of town on highway 69). The Bama theatre is pretty cool and usually has a pretty interesting movie playing. Depalmas is good Italian. the Cypress Inn is good nice local type food.
There is a cool exhibit at the alabama museum of natural history this month on campus (not far from the main library) but i cant remember what it is and their website is out of date. The riverwalk is nice. Downtown northport has some cool shops and art places.
also a hot blonde girl is throwing a party at my house 10PMish friday the 19th (1017 queen city ave). Weds night is half price wine and pizza at cafe venice (if you do this, get there early or wait long) also, here is my rundown of tuscaloosa bars and stuff
posted by yeahyeahyeahwhoo at 7:39 AM on August 19, 2005
Fun in Tuscaloosa is a bit of an oxymoron. At least this was true when I was a student there about 12 years ago. I agree with the dreamland bbq suggestion, people seem to love it (I'm a vegetarian and only sampled the bread). Also, do visit the Cypress Inn for dinner.
Evening fun in tuscaloosa seems to center entirely around the greek scene with NOTHING else going on. Not my kind of thing; I transfered after a semester.
posted by necessitas at 7:49 AM on August 19, 2005
Evening fun in tuscaloosa seems to center entirely around the greek scene with NOTHING else going on. Not my kind of thing; I transfered after a semester.
posted by necessitas at 7:49 AM on August 19, 2005
It's been 15 years since I lived in Alabama (Anniston, at that, but made trips to Tuscaloosa). From what I remember, Dreamland BBQ was the stuff -- though now I wish I had had the opportunity to experience Archibalds. Man, they have great BBQ in that state.
And I know it's more than your typical evening out, but Birmingham has some great culutural attractions -- both local and touring. If concerts are your thing there are tons of venues in B'ham, and lost of acts make that their one stop in the state.
Another road trip idea, sorry... But the Alabama Shakespear Festival boasts one of the best collection of Shakespearian actors in the country. It's a terrific space, they put up amazing works, and they have a surprisingly strong national reputation. My wife's a theare professional at Cornell and the university routinely raids that place for its staff.
posted by herc at 8:18 AM on August 19, 2005
And I know it's more than your typical evening out, but Birmingham has some great culutural attractions -- both local and touring. If concerts are your thing there are tons of venues in B'ham, and lost of acts make that their one stop in the state.
Another road trip idea, sorry... But the Alabama Shakespear Festival boasts one of the best collection of Shakespearian actors in the country. It's a terrific space, they put up amazing works, and they have a surprisingly strong national reputation. My wife's a theare professional at Cornell and the university routinely raids that place for its staff.
posted by herc at 8:18 AM on August 19, 2005
Got to second Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Yes, it's a couple hour's drive to Montgomery, but this is truly a world class theatre, and I studied theatre in a lot of places in the world, but coming home to ASF was always a treat!
It is definitely a must do at least occasionally. More sights and divey food spots on the way there and back too.
Another great thing about Alabama is the thrift stores! Alabama Thrift Store in Alabaster (and it's better sister in Pell City) is a treasure trove of ironic tee shirts, tractor repair shop uniforms (complete with Cletus nametag), interesting books and Jimmy Swaggart albums.
In the warm months, there is boating. In the cold months (few as there may be) there is football and to a lesser extent basketball, not to mention killing things for sport (both summer [fishing] and winter [hunting]). Yes, hunting and fishing are big business. It can be thrilling and even rewarding (supplying your family with food) but most of all it can be relaxing (nobody says you have to succeed, after a couple of years I just quit trying and enjoyed the thrill of sneaking up on animals in their habitat to observe them).
posted by Pollomacho at 8:39 AM on August 19, 2005
It is definitely a must do at least occasionally. More sights and divey food spots on the way there and back too.
Another great thing about Alabama is the thrift stores! Alabama Thrift Store in Alabaster (and it's better sister in Pell City) is a treasure trove of ironic tee shirts, tractor repair shop uniforms (complete with Cletus nametag), interesting books and Jimmy Swaggart albums.
In the warm months, there is boating. In the cold months (few as there may be) there is football and to a lesser extent basketball, not to mention killing things for sport (both summer [fishing] and winter [hunting]). Yes, hunting and fishing are big business. It can be thrilling and even rewarding (supplying your family with food) but most of all it can be relaxing (nobody says you have to succeed, after a couple of years I just quit trying and enjoyed the thrill of sneaking up on animals in their habitat to observe them).
posted by Pollomacho at 8:39 AM on August 19, 2005
Response by poster: Thanks for reccomendations everybody...good thing the wife and I both like barbecue!
posted by cosmicbandito at 8:46 AM on August 19, 2005
posted by cosmicbandito at 8:46 AM on August 19, 2005
Go for breakfast at The Waysider. Do it!
Also, if you are into the arts at all, a visit to Northport, Ala., which is just over the river from Tuscaloosa (and more or less still Tuscaloosa) and check out the Kentuck Arts Center. And be sure to look at the giant fire ant sculpture in the back. The Globe is a popular restaurant there. Meanwhile, City Cafe there is a "meat and three" place that's a student favorite given that it's cheap and funky.
Oh, and the Bama Theater in downtown Tuscaloosa regularly shows independent and foreign films, as well as classic movies.
posted by raysmj at 10:30 AM on August 19, 2005
Also, if you are into the arts at all, a visit to Northport, Ala., which is just over the river from Tuscaloosa (and more or less still Tuscaloosa) and check out the Kentuck Arts Center. And be sure to look at the giant fire ant sculpture in the back. The Globe is a popular restaurant there. Meanwhile, City Cafe there is a "meat and three" place that's a student favorite given that it's cheap and funky.
Oh, and the Bama Theater in downtown Tuscaloosa regularly shows independent and foreign films, as well as classic movies.
posted by raysmj at 10:30 AM on August 19, 2005
Oh, and something to check out--won't take long, really--is the headquarters of the Gulf States Paper Company. Its Japanese garden and overall design is both nifty/funny and beautiful simultaneously.
posted by raysmj at 10:36 AM on August 19, 2005
posted by raysmj at 10:36 AM on August 19, 2005
This thread is closed to new comments.
There really IS stuff to do in Alabama, though some of it is pretty lame. DeSoto Caverns for example was a big waste of time. I didn't need the big pro-Christianity light show at the end of the tour, and it was a vandalized, overly humid, depressing journey through.
Roadside attractions are around if you're into that. When I'm there in November I'll be checking this out. I'm a bit weird though.
One thing you certainly CAN do in Alabama is antique hunt. There's so many antiques around that the prices are the lowest I've seen. Everything from extremely non-PC Black Samba dolls to civil war weapons can be found for reasonable prices.
If you talk to someone actually FROM Alabama, they'll tell you to take in a football game. As a non-sports-oriented Canadian that didn't much appeal to me.
posted by Kickstart70 at 12:03 AM on August 19, 2005