Cool College Towns: Tuscaloosa, Alabama

As told by Megan Smith who is currently a sophomore at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Do you want to write about your favorite college town? Email [email protected] for more details.

Getting there: Tuscaloosa is located in west-central Alabama. Whether you decide to drive or fly, Tuscaloosa offers beautiful scenery in surrounding areas and on the UA campus. Tuscaloosa does not have a local airport. So, if you decide to fly your way to the South, you must land in the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. Birmingham, which offers wonderful shopping opportunities and local history, is located only 60 miles away from Tuscaloosa, roughly 45 minutes to an hour long drive.

Places to Stay: There are many places to rest your head on and off campus. However, if you have a friend who goes to Alabama, stay with them in their dorm, or, if they’re in a sorority, their house.  Staying in these student filled areas is a great way to feel the spirit and youth of Tuscaloosa, where you’re most likely to hear a “ROLL TIDE!” on any late (or early) Saturday night.

If you need a hotel, these are great places to stay, and are located conveniently on campus…

• Crimson Inn Bed & Breakfast

• Hotel Capstone:  perfect walking distance from the Paul Bear Bryant Museum

• Feeling adventurous?  Campsites abound around the Tuscaloosa area, including Lake Lurleen State Park, only 14 miles from the University campus.

Getting around: Most of the campus can be navigated by foot. However, if you’re interested in quick transport, try the Crimson Ride, that operates the University campus. For the city of Tuscaloosa, and off campus try the trolley, which runs from 5am to 6pm. There are five fixed routes.

Things to do: There is no nightlife like Tuscaloosa nightlife. Whether you decide to hit the bar scene or strut down fraternity row you are sure to have a good time. The school is its own underground nightclub. It is thriving with youth, life, and the perfect Bama fans (students) that are present year round. (See restaurants/bars).

Be a student, hang on the Quad. The Quad, or center of University campus life and football, offers a virtual playground for students to hang out, play sports, or just “chill”. On sunny days, you are apt to see many students laying out, hanging out, or playing the ever popular game of football.

Moundville Archaeological Park is located conveniently close to campus. Over 800 years ago, Moundville was a large Mississippian society located on the Black Warrior River. The Park is covered in mounds, which you can climb, and take in the area.

Indulge in the man, the myth, the legend: Paul Bear Bryant, the hero of Alabama. Check out his museum (yes, his own museum) that regales the football hero and coaches own history.

The cliffs, a popular and absolutely breathtaking area, are located on Lake Tuscaloosa. These “cliffs” offer the nature lovers escape from the day to day and are open to visitors. However, it is illegal (if your caught) to jump off these large dives. Tisk, tisk to those who have tried…

Sporting events:

Football. The pride of the South. Saturdays in the fall are marked with tailgates, roll tides, and red. The whole town floods with Bama fans. If you decide to attend a game, sit in the student section, where the 18-21 bracket can be found literally painted in crimson and the Million Dollar band plays loud and proud. This is definitely the most popular activity in Tuscaloosa that will have you screaming “Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer Give em’ Hell Alabama!” after another football win. Other popular sports include Baseball, Basketball, Gymnastics, Cross Country, and Soccer. Visit the University of Alabama Athletics website for information on schedules and tickets.

Restaurants/Bars:

The Strip, a popular area on campus, is known for its bar and restaurant scene.

Restaurants:

• Full Moon BBQ- delicious BBQ, even better price. However, off campus.
• Buffalo Phil’s- The place to be during sporting events (if you don’t have tickets that is). Located conveniently on the Strip.
• Mugshots- Great Burgers and the best sweet tea the south has to offer.
• Bento- Where it’s all about the sushi.
• The Cypress Inn- Oh so fancy.
• The Waysider- A Tuscaloosa tradition

Bars:

• Copper Top
• Capones 4^th & 23^rd
• Harry’s
• Rounders
• Jupiter Bar & Grill
• The Red Shed
• Innisfree

Interesting facts about the town/campus:

• Upon arriving at the University, it is not hard to see that the Alabama campus is steeped in Southern heritage and history. The University, founded in 1831, takes you back to a time of Southern gentility itself.
• The President’s mansion, one of 7 building saved from Union troops in 1865, is a popular landmark. It is RUMORED that there is an underground tunnel, linking the President’s Mansion to Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library (located on the Quad). Now, how to prove those rumors…
• The Machine, a secret society of fraternities and sororities, has been in effect since 1914. Heavily determines SGA votes and positions.
• Alabama currently holds the SEC Championship for 2009 and the B.C.S. National Championship for 2010, making 13 national titles for Alabama. RTR!
• Check out the song, Dixieland Delight, which UA kids like to add some lyrics to. An example – “spend my dollar” (ON BEER!) which is normally heard after a Alabama football win, at any bar, fraternity party, or just any crazy student out on the town.

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