The Ultimate Tuscaloosa Guide

    As of right now I am about to start my junior year here at The University of Alabama. I have spent the past two years growing my master list to all the best spots in "Title Town", and I believe it is finally time to share for all the visitors and new students coming into the best college town in the world!

I am going to be dividing this up into three sections: EATS, SHOPPING, and ACTIVITIES


EATS

    When it comes to breakfast I have one suggestion and one suggestion only. Babe's Doughnuts. I can't rave about this place enough. It is the best little hole in the wall on the corner of Greensboro Ave and University Blvd and their food is absolutely unbeatable. Give me a bacon potato bowl anyway of the week and it is over. 

    As for brunch/lunch my favorites are Forte, located in The Alamite hotel, has delicious beignets and Five Bar, downtown, known for having only five items on the menu but all of them hit the spot. And, huge tip the first twenty-five people on Wednesdays get a $5 burger ;). 

    Finally dinner, nothing compares to Depalmas. Spinach fettuccini with chicken and alfredo sauce. I am salivating just thinking about it. It is by far my favorite Italian food I have ever had. Another Tuscaloosa staple is Chuck's Fish. It is a must stop when you are in town. A bit more pricey but the sushi and seafood gumbo is delish! And for a sweet treat after Moonshot Creamery down on the river is literally unbeaten. It is newer in town but their instagramable vibe and delicious flavors makes me feel like they are here to stay.

SHOPPING

    Now, onto my favorite thing to talk about, SHOPPING! My obvious number one pick is swag. My second home. We have so much more than sorority gear (but we also have the cutest greek goodies), but we have all things Alabama, home, and gift as well! People travel from all over for their dose of swag and we love that. When it comes to the classic "Bama girl style" my favorite boutiques are The Pants Store ($-$$), Golden Hanger ($), Lucca ($), Dukes ($$$), Effies ($$), Part Two ($$), and Palmer ($$-$$$). 

    I'm also a big vintage girl so when it comes to general and Bama vintage pieces here are my favorite local vintage sellers; Alabama Vintage (storefront), Roll Tide Vintage (online), and Hat City Vintage (online). 

    My last couple of suggestions are just little random sprinkles of fun around Tuscaloosa that I love. First is Twice as Nice on University, a more upscale consignment store where some of our pricer boutiques will take their back stock if it doesn't sell! You just have to search and you will always find something amazing there! If you are for any party planning essentials and gifts for you or the kids Confetti in Northport, it is a bit farther away from campus but the best place for party supplies.

ACTIVITIES

    Tuscaloosa is full of fun annual or even weekly events and activities! My favorite weekly event here in T-Town is our farmers market every Saturday at the River Market, full of local vendors and delicious snacks it is literally the perfect morning trip! Another one of my favorite annual events we do is in the spring, the Druid City Arts Festival, artists from all over AL (and more) come and gather in Government Plaza and set up booths showcasing their work! There is a live band/performer and tons of food trucks too! Almost any weekend you can find a vintage market somewhere in town! Vendors (like the ones I mentioned above) and more come set up with their best of the best vintage, you will never run out of things to see. Druid City Pride is also a great yearly event held in town! While pride is usually celebrated in June, we celebrate it a bit later in October to avoid the dangerous Alabama heat lol. Full of all things love and celebration, pride is great. Finally, Live at the Plaza is my favorite summer event held here in Tuscaloosa, every Friday in June and July there is a giant concert with a stage and sponsors and food trucks with local bands and everyone is out on picnic blankets and folding chairs and it is cool to see the other side of town that isn't just college kids!

    These are my top picks in Tuscaloosa but I could go on for hours about all my favorite spots in town and there is constantly new places opening up that I am more than willing to try! Let me know in the comments anything I missed or your recs!!

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