Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa is a city of over 100,000 people (2020) in Metropolitan Alabama and home of the University of Alabama. == Get in == Birmingham Airport serves a majority of residents and students. It is about an hour's drive north east from Tuscaloosa, an hour and a half going the speed limit. === By plane === Birmingham International Airport, 5900 Airport Hwy, Birmingham, +1 205 595-0533, Email: info@flybirmingham.com. The closest airport with commercial airline service is in Birmingham, 60 miles north-east of Tuscaloosa. It is Alabama's largest airport serving the Greater Birmingham area and surrounding Southeastern cities. More than 160 arrivals from and departures to major cities throughout the United States are offered daily. 1 Tuscaloosa Regional Airport, 7601 Robert Cardinal Rd, ☏ +1 205 349-0114, fax: +1 205 349-0124. 3 miles from downtown. No scheduled services. === By train === Amtrak serves Tuscaloosa with its once-daily Crecent service between New York City and New Orleans. Both north- and southbound trains arrive early afternoon. 2 Tuscaloosa railway station, 2105 Greensboro Ave (one mile south of downtown). (updated Apr 2021) === By car === Tuscaloosa can be reached going north or south on I-59 and East or West on I-20. === By bus === Greyhound 2520 Stillman Blvd, +1 205 758-6651, Greyhound Package Express: +1 205 758-6653, Greyhound Charter: +1-800-454-2487. Hours of operation are subject to change. Please call to verify hours before making travel arrangements. M-F 7:30AM-6PM, Sa 7:30AM-5PM, Su 7:30AM-9AM, 1:30-5PM, closed on holidays. === By boat === Tuscaloosa is located on the Black Warrior River. It can be traveled upon from the Tombigbee River. == Get around == The best way to get around the city is by car. === Taxis === Northriver Taxi Service, +1 205-886-0916 === Limousine Services === Ambassador Limousine Service Inc., +1 205 556-5466 Crown Sedan and Airport Service, 521 30th Ave. Northport, ☏ +1 205 758-3875, info@crrowndriven.com. M-F 9AM-5PM. Crown provides luxury sedan service throughout the area and also provides private or shared ride to and from the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport. (updated Feb 2023) Premier Limousine, +1 205 345-0733. === By bus === The Tuscaloosa Transit Authority Phone number: +1 205-343-2300. The main transit stop is the Intermodal Facility Terminal, 601 23rd Ave. Tuscaloosa Transit Authority offers the following trolley services: University Shuttle - Operates along University Blvd. between the Intermodal Facility Terminal and University of Alabama V.A./University Mall == See == 1 Denny Chimes. Capital Park. 2 Bryant-Denny Stadium. 3 President's Mansion. Gorgas House. The Colliseum. 4 Moundville Archeological Park, ☏ +1 205 371-2234, moundville@bama.ua.edu. Moundville Archaeological Park is located 14 miles south of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on Highway 69 South. The park is open daily from 8AM to 8PM. The Museum is open from 9AM to 5PM year-round. This 320-acre park includes nature trails, Indian Villages, and a museum. An internationally known National Historic Landmark, Moundville contains 20 prehistoric Indian mounds and an archaeological museum which displays some of the finest Mississippian-era artifacts ever found in North America. Self-guided tour handouts are given to each visitor free of charge. A complete tour of the park will last 2-3 hours. Tour guides are available with advance notice at a reasonable price. Guided tours last about two hours. 5 Paul W. Bryant Museum (Bear Bryant Museum), 300 Bryant Dr., ☏ +1 205 348-4668, toll-free: +1-866-772-BEAR (2327), fax: +1 205 348-8883, bryant-info@ua.edu. Celebrate more than 100 years of Crimson Tide football revealed through photographs, uniforms, and sports memorabilia. Adults $2, seniors and children $1. 6 Alabama Museum of Natural History, ☏ +1 205 348-7550. Tu-Sa 10AM-4:30PM. The Museum is on the corner of Sixth Avenue and Capstone Drive on The University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa. Experience the natural diversity of Alabama through exhibits from the Age of Dinosaurs, the Coal Age, and the Ice Age. View extensive collections of geology, zoology, mineralogy, paleontology, ethnology, history, and photography. See the Hodges meteorite, the only meteorite know to have struck a human. Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, ☏ +1 205 507-2252, toll-free: +1-888-286-8762. Tour the Visitor Center/Museum and Factory in this state of the art automotive manufacturing facility. This factory located in Tuscaloosa County manufactures the 2nd generation M-Class and the newest members of the Mercedes-Benz line, the R-Class and GL-Class using Mercedes-Benz U.S. International’s original production system which is a combination of American, Japanese, and German automotive best practices. Visitor Center/ Museum M-F 9AM-5PM, closed Sa Su and Holidays. 7 The University of Alabama. The University of Alabama, also known as Alabama, UA, or Bama, is a public coeducational university located in Tuscaloosa. Founded in 1831, UA is the flagship campus of the University of Alabama System. Within Alabama, it is often called the Capstone. UA is the senior doctoral university in the state. Today, it is one of the state's three major research universities. Alabama offers programs of study in 12 academic divisions leading to bachelor's, master's, Education Specialist, and doctoral degrees. The only publicly-supported law school in Alabama is at UA. Other academic programs unavailable elsewhere in Alabama include doctoral programs in anthropology, library and information studies, music, Romance languages, and social work. == Do == See a University of Alabama football game. Game Day on the Quad is a not-to-be missed event; among a sea of crimson-clad fans, the smell of hamburgers, hotdogs and barbecue waft from many tents. Saying a heartfelt "Roll Tide" might even earn you a lunch. Or, you can just shout "Roll Tide" into the crowd, and hear the enthusiastic response. 1 Lake Lurleen State Park, 13226 Lake Lurleen Rd, ☏ +1 205 339-1558, toll-free: +1-800-252-7275. Coker. Lake Lurleen State Park is located 9 miles northwest of Tuscaloosa. It is a perfect site for family outings and overnight camping trips. This lake has 91 campsites, picnic areas, beach area complete with a bathhouse and park store, and over five miles of hiking trails. Canoes, fishing boats, and paddle-boats are also available for use on the lake. The Links at Tuscaloosa, 1800 Links Boulevard # 7501, ☏ +1 205 247-9990, tuscaloosa.golf@lindseymanagement.com. Golf course. University of Alabama Golf Course, 15th St, Lighted driving range. River Road Park East and River Road Park West are connected by the Riverwalk Path. They overlook the Oliver Lake segment of the Black Warrior River along Jack Warner Parkway. Both parks have an abundance of grills, picnic tables, and benches. River Road Park East can be found at the bottom of Hackberry Lane. It features an overlook pier. a separate fishing pier, and a pavilion with eating tables and an extra large grill. River Road Park West features a large elevated gazebo. The whole area is very well lit after dark with modern traditional style street lamps. == Buy == A Bear Bryant houndstooth hat == Eat == Hooligans Located 515 15th St has the best burgers in the area, and at a bargain. Also serve Mediterranean food. Gyros, wraps, hot wings, top notch hummus, babaganoush, and more. It’s eclectic in choice and delicious in taste, no matter the order. Thai Basil Sushi II, 1402 University Blvd. Formerly Surin, this is a Thai restaurant and sushi bar chain on the strip. Quick grill A small kiosk in front of Publix on the strip. Greek food is their concentration (lamb, falafel, hummus, etc.), but you can also get everything from French fries to chicken. They're open very late. Full Moon barbeque Located off of 15th Street, this restaurant provides BBQ that is out of this world. Try the fried green tomatoes or one of the several baked potatoes that are the size of a small football. Lai Lai, 1205 University Blvd, ☏ +1 205 345-2472. Located on the Strip. Great take-out Chinese food as well as some authentic Chinese specials at very good prices. Also serves bubble tea/boba. Mugshot's A great restaurant bar and grill with famous hamburgers. Try their best burger, the McDonald. City Cafe in Northport, 408 Main Ave, ☏ +1 205 758-9171. Northport. Fried green tomatoes, okra, yams, barbecue, beef stew. Pick your vegetables and your meat, a huge meal for under $6. There's normally a long line during lunchtime, but don't let that fool you. A free table becomes a free for all, so be aggressive. Sweet tea flows freely. Also, don't forget to check it out for breakfast. Dreamland BBQ, 5535 Fifteenth Ave E, ☏ +1 205 758-8135. Known nationwide, Dreamland is a must if you're looking for cuisine that is uniquely Tuscaloosa. Be prepared though--the original location only serves ribs, slices of white bread, and banana pudding, but boy is it good! The Cypress Inn, 501 Rice Mine Rd N, ☏ +1 205 345-6963. Located near the Black Warrior River. From the open air porch looking out over the landscaped entrance and the river to the outdoor dining area, every detail here is designed to make your dining an experience, not just a meal. The menu consists of fresh fish, steaks, pastas, and homemade desserts. Great place for banquets. Buffalo Phil's, 1149 University Blvd, ☏ +1 205 758-3318. Located on the strip and right next to campus. Buffalo Phil's has world-famous buffalo wings and chicken fingers and provides a quaint atmosphere. Buffalo Phil's has been a presence on the strip for more than twenty years. Great drinks, great food. Swen. Chinese food, located in the Strip area. == Drink == Many of the popular bars in Tuscaloosa are not true bars, but are instead restaurants that serve more alcohol and less food as the night goes on. Since they are not classified as bars, people under 21 may be allowed in, though they typically will be turned away after 10:00pm (when it becomes too crowded for the staff to keep track of who is underage). They may also ask people under 21 who are already present to leave at 10:00. The Strip, a row of bars and shops along University Dr. just off campus. The Houndstooth is a sportsbar that was once voted by Sports Illustrated as the number one college sports bar in the nation. Gallete's doesn't have a sign on the front, and is one of the most popular student bars around. The Strip is geared more towards University of Alabama students due to its proximity to campus. Downtown - Tuscaloosa's downtown bar scene includes establishments around the corner of 4th Street and 23rd Avenue including Rhythm and Brews and Mellow Mushroom. Just a block southwest of this area around the corner of 6th Street and Greensboro Avenue you'll find Mugshots, Innisfree Irish Pub, and Catch 22. == Sleep == Microtel Inn & Suites Tuscaloosa/University of Alabama, 1417 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, ☏ +1 205 553-4095, fax: +1 205 553-4096. Near University of Alabama campus, rooms include in room coffee maker, hairdryer, iron and ironing board along with Flat Panel HDTVs. Hotel Capstone, 320 Paul Bryant, ☏ +1 205 752-3200, toll-free: +1 800-477-2262. The Hotel Capstone, Tuscaloosa, Alabama is on the University of Alabama's Tuscaloosa campus and offers 8,300 sq. ft. of meeting space. Best Western Catalina Inn (Northport), 2015 McFarland Blvd E, ☏ +1 205 339-5200, toll-free: +1-800-528-1234, fax: +1 205 330-1335. 37 rooms with King or Double size beds. Each room is equipped with cable TV including Showtime. They offer special rates for tour groups, senior citizens, government and corporate emplopyees. Small pets allowed at Manager's discretion. Complimentary Continental Breakfast, 24-hour restaurant adjacent, seasonal outdoor pool, playground, free parking, non-smoking facilities, children under 12 free with adult. Best Western University Inn, 3801 McFarland Blvd E, ☏ +1 205 556-9690, fax: +1 205 556-9690, +1-800-235-7282. 118 rooms with Showtime. They offer rooms and suites with microwaves and refrigerators. Complimentary Breakfast Buffet, complimentary USA Today, meeting room, outdoor pool, jacuzzi, fitness center, safe deposit boxes, photo copy service, valet laundry service, RV and truck parking. Children under 12 free with adult. Located next to O' Charley's. Budget Inn, 2600 McFarland Blvd, ☏ +1 205 339-3900. Commercial rates. Microwave & refrigerator. Cable TV and truck parking. SureStay Hotel By Best Western Tuscaloosa, 4700 Doris Pate Dr, ☏ +1 205 556-3232, fax: +1 205 556-7797, +1-800-228-5150. At exit 76 on Interstate 20/59 in East Tuscaloosa. Next door to Cracker Barrel, this property offers free deluxe continental breakfast, outdoor pool and interior corridor. Additional amenities also include; free local calls, free USA Today, in-room workspace, in-room coffee, hair dryers, irons and boards. Pet charge: 10.00/night – must sign pet policy on arrival. Winner of Choice Hotels Prestigious Gold Hospitality Award. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Tuscaloosa, AL, 4801 McFarland Blvd E, ☏ +1 205-462-7823, fax: +1 205 345-9940, +1-800-456-4000, cx_tusc@countryinn.com. On I-20 & 59 at exit 73 (McFarland Blvd, East). Has an outdoor pool, fitness center, meeting room to accommodate up to 15 people, business center, two phone lines with data ports, celebration & whirlpool suites including microwave, refrigerator and full kitchen available. Courtyard by Marriott, 4115 Courtney Dr, ☏ +1 205 750-8384, fax: +1 205 750-8389, +1-800-321-2211. From I-59 east/west - take exit 71A, turn left at first traffic light onto Skyland Blvd. Turn left (behind LoneStar) onto Old Greensboro Rd, then first left onto Courtney Drive. Courtyard is on the right. Amenities include: rooms and suites, nine King Jacuzzi rooms, in-room coffee service, exercise room, meeting room, Courtyard Cafe serving breakfast daily, fax and copy service, lounge. Fairfield Inn, 4101 Courtney Dr, ☏ +1 205 366-0900, fax: +1 205 366-0967, +1-800-228-2800. Off I-20/59, close to many area attractions and restaurants. Guest room amenities include: Work desk with lamp, data port phones, CATV/Satellite TV, all-news channel, in-room coffee, iron and ironing boards, hair dryers, and complimentary continental breakfast. Hampton Inn (Interstate), 6400 Interstate Dr, ☏ +1 205 562-9000, toll-free: +1-800-HAMPTON (4267866), fax: +1 205 562-9859. Located off exit 77 (Cottondale Exit) on the east side of Tuscaloosa with convenient access to major municipal, industrial, residential and business districts. Located near Ruby Tuesdays and Pizza Hut. Amenities include: Free Continental Breakfast bar, Free USA Today, Monday-Friday, Free local calls, Full cable TV with HBO, outdoor pool, interior corridors, in-room coffee and special rates for AAA and AARP members. Hampton Inn (University), 600 Harper Lee Dr, ☏ +1 205 553-9800, toll-free: +1-800-HAMPTON (4267866), fax: +1 205 553-0082. Located off US Hwy 82, Campus Drive Exit, adjacent to the University of Alabama and D.C.H. Regional Medical Center. This property is next to Bob Baumhower Wings Sports Grill. Amenities include: Free Deluxe Continental Breakfast Bar, offered every morning in the lobby from 6-10AM. Free USA Today, Monday-Friday, Free local calls, Full cable TV with HBO, outdoor pool, interior corridors, in-room coffee and special rates for AAA and AARP members. Hilton Garden Inn, 800 Hollywood Blvd. +1 205-722-0360 Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 1120 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, ☏ +1 205 464-4000, toll-free: +1-877-477-4674. 109 rooms. 4-story hotel with 20 suites. Interior access, rooms have micro-fridge, coffee maker, iron, ironing board, desk with data port with High speed internet access. Complimentary continental breakfast. On site fitness center. Outdoor pool. Red Roof PLUS+ Tuscaloosa - University, 4810 Skyland Blvd, ☏ +1 205-614-9646. Light breakfast. $73 (Oct 2022). LaQuinta Inn, 3920 McFarland Blvd E, ☏ +1 205-861-2500, fax: +1 205 758-0440, +1-800-531-5900. Daily complimentary continental breakfast. 1 Ramada Tuscaloosa Alabama, 631 Skyland Blvd E (off I-20/I-59 at Exit 73), ☏ +1 205 759-4431, fax: +1 205 758-9655. == Stay safe == The Tuscaloosa Metro is relatively safe. The southern and eastern/Alberta City areas of Tuscaloosa are some of the most crime-ridden. == Go next == Birmingham (Alabama)