Monday, March 20, 2023

Things You Can Do and See in Tuscaloosa Alabama

Tuscaloosa Alabama

 

Tuscaloosa Alabama is an inviting town and an excellent place to live. It's the home of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and offers plenty of exciting things to do. Enjoy exploring its many parks and the remnants of the former state capitol building. Additionally, there's a riverwalk that runs alongside the Black Warrior River.

The Waysider

The Waysider in Tuscaloosa Alabama is an old home-based business that serves delectable southern specialties. With a cozy at-home atmosphere and ideal for family breakfasts or simple meals, The Waysider has become a beloved spot among both locals and travelers alike. This restaurant is renowned for its superior biscuits and cured country ham with eggs. Plus, they serve bottomless coffee. Alabama fans must stop at this iconic restaurant. The menu offers a simple but delectable selection of southern specialties such as steak with eggs (any way you want it), biscuits, gravy, and pancakes.

One of the main attractions at The Waysider is a two-seater table where Alabama legend Paul "Bear" Bryant would sit when he came for breakfast. This spot was preserved when the restaurant underwent renovation and marked so fans could always locate it easily. Another reason The Waysider is popular with Alabama football fans is that it serves as a place to relive memorable Crimson Tide moments. Walls are covered with Daniel Moore prints of Alabama football history, and many customers spend hours at the small restaurant reliving their favorite memories.

The dining room at The Waysider in Tuscaloosa is no larger than an average living room and filled with daily residents who have made it part of their routine. The small space creates an intimate atmosphere, reminding visitors of what it used to be like to have breakfast with their parents. Many Alabama football legends have dined at The Waysider over the years, such as Big Al, Paul "Bear" Bryant, and Nick Saban. Smelley holds The Waysider in high regard as an integral part of Alabama football lore, something she cherishes. A photo of Steadman Shealy - their starting quarterback during the 1979 national championship season - hangs proudly in her restaurant's back room. Smelley and her family are avid admirers of Daniel Moore's paintings of Alabama football players. The wall behind them is covered with these works, which Smelley says provide a special game day experience.

Rama Jama’s

Rama Jama's has been a local Tuscaloosa institution since 1996, serving up breakfast food and burgers along Bryant Drive beneath the majestic shadow of Bryant-Denny Stadium. Owner Gary Lewis and his staff are renowned for their friendly service, while the restaurant boasts an impressively low turnover rate. The menu here features Alabama-themed dishes, from breakfast items to milkshakes. But it's the burgers that have made this establishment a beloved fixture on game day. For 21 years, founder Lewis has been flipping burgers and greeting customers at Rama Jama's. He says it's an effective way to build relationships with his loyal customers, whom he hopes to carry on that tradition with the new owners - a former golf pro and PGA Hall of Famer from New York City.

One of the most beloved dishes is the national championship burger and BLT, featuring 17 strips of bacon on the burger and 17 ounces of meat on the BLT. Although it may seem overwhelming, trust us - it's delicious! The menu offers other popular UA dishes like green fried tomatoes and cheese fries, as well as the signature Yellow Hammer drink which has become so popular that the bar must mix thousands of gallons every week. Tuscaloosa's iconic eatery and must-try before or after you visit the University of Alabama. Whether you're here for a weekend football game or just a casual breakfast, don't leave without experiencing its delicious cuisine!

On the ledge outside the restaurant, there's a photo from 1942 - an iconic moment in its program's history. Michael Heborn, who purchased the business from Lewis in 2017, said it is a picture that will never be removed. With the change of ownership, Rama Jama's will be expanding their game day offerings with outdoor seating. On Sundays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and on other nights until 8 p.m., patrons can enjoy outdoor dining under the stars! Hebron said he plans to carry on Lewis' traditions, including the iconic "Rammer Jammer" fight song. Both Hebron - a New York City resident and the University of Alabama graduate - and his daughter are proud alumni.

Lou’s Gifts & Interiors

Tuscaloosa Alabama may be best known for its 16 national championship titles in football, but it's also a charming college town with small-town charm and an amazing array of unique boutiques. A quick drive across the Black Warrior River or a leisurely walk past Bryant-Denny Stadium will show just how much this classic college town has to offer. Sydney Powers, a University of Alabama graduate, and the home-based business owner saw an untapped niche for an interiors and gifts store in her hometown - so she took action to make it happen. With help from her mother and some luck, Sydney was able to open this gyroscopic gift shop that sells everything from homemade jams and sorority gifts made right here in Alabama.

The store is situated in a large white brick building with an eclectic, whimsical, and welcoming aesthetic. Here you'll find an impressive selection of innovative products sure to please even the most discriminating shoppers. The top-selling item is the Star-Mole LED light - it may not be one of the pricier items in the store but it's definitely essential for anyone wanting to add some ambiance to their space.

River Market

Tuscaloosa Alabama is home to numerous businesses and restaurants. It also draws tourists with four parks and nature trails. Furthermore, Tuscaloosa makes for an excellent place to live, offering lofts and renovated warehouses in abundance. If you're searching for something exciting to do over the weekend, The River Market has plenty of options. This outdoor farmer's market is open year-round, rain or shine, and always draws a crowd. At its 140 vendors, shoppers can find everything from plants and baked goods to meats and seafood. As the largest market of its kind in the region, this place is a popular destination for those seeking locally produced food items.

In addition to shopping, the River Market hosts several special events. It can accommodate seated banquets for up to 400 guests or auditorium-style affairs with up to 800 attendees. The River Market is a sought-after venue for weddings and other special events. Situated right on the Black Warrior River, it can be rented year-round. The market is operated by the City of Tuscaloosa and its staff places great emphasis on safety and cleanliness. Alexis Clark has served as Operations Manager for four years; she's a graduate of The University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in music administration. She enjoys giving back to the community by supporting local businesses. As she says, "This is an opportunity to make a difference and witness its results."

Support your community by buying locally made products at the River Market. Here, you can find honey from nearby bees, homemade cookies, jewelry made by artisans, and more items created by talented individuals. It is an ideal place to support local artisans! River Market is not only a shopping paradise, but it also hosts several events throughout the year. One such occasion is its Farmer's Market which takes place each Saturday from 7 am to noon. The market is an ideal spot for a picnic, with vendors selling local foods and beverages. Furthermore, it's the perfect place to pick up gifts and flowers for someone special.

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