A continued review from “A Journey In Tuscaloosa”…

Editor’s Note: This post has been updated due to closures and new openings.

So Alabama has sort of become my second home since last year….I know, of all the states in the U.S., ya girl ended up in Alabama, not LA, not the CHI, not MIA, not NYC, but Sweet Home ALABAMA! — I guess I should count my blessings though because I’m still not too far away from the family in Texas.

Let me start by saying, “Forget all the stereotypes you may have heard growing up and don’t think that 1 person represents all people.” — There may be parts of Alabama that is still very….ummmm….Confederate and Country, but other parts of it are a little more open. (And I hate to say this, but there is still the mindset that “women should not be working in business with men” and at times I’ve faced scrutiny over it. Although, this can happen anywhere, not just Alabama….Can’t I be a woman and not be harassed by “professional” men I work with?!)

Anyway, let me not bore you with business talk, let’s discuss all the things you can do and see between Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. — Yes, there are more cities in Alabama, but I’ve only explored the two, bare with me folks.

TUSCALOOSA - Tuscaloosa is what I like to consider a secluded city. Everything you need is there, but you’ve got to look for it or know people who know how to find it. Nonetheless, here’s what you can do besides watch the games.

For the Foodies - I’m getting impressed with what I’m finding here and there and all of you should know by now….I’m a pretty good eater.

• Burgers: Downtown Tuscaloosa has become a great hub for good eats. The common favorite is Avenue Pub. Next is a new small eatery called Jack Browns.

• There’s a new Jamaican restaurant called, Reggae Flava, on 4th street that you should consider dropping in on (UPDATE: No longer operating). A Mexican place called Jalepenos Downtown has great street tacos and margaritas. Several brunch places such as, Brick & Spoon (pretty good mimosas and by request, they made the Michelada drink I like), and 5 Bar (great coffee, just add a little Irish Cream if you really want to get your weekend started) are also downtown along with many other choices for food right within walking distance of one another. Check out Cravings when you’re here, it’s like a 1 and done stop shop for food, drinks, and snacks. For the evening, see about Depalma’s Italian Cafe, their stuffed mushrooms are amazing! A little further on the outskirts, River is a nice place for a quiet evening dinner, see Yancey for your drinks. And there is a new little ice cream shop called, Las Pinas, that makes the Mangonadas I’ve come to LOVE while living in Texas and I’m so happy that I can find it here too. If you want to try more different cultural flavors and a fan of Indian food, check out Sitar. There is so much more this town offers, just venture out and look or ask around.

For the Relaxers - If you identify with the “Caterpillar” from Alice in Wonderland (my favorite character aside from the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat), there are a few places you can relax at (hookah or cigars) to puff some smoke.

• (Update: No longer operating. The city is strict in these types of business, but there is a hookah bar outside of downtown). Big Daddy’s is the hot spot for hookah and is also a pit stop for Mediterranean food and an after hours slow down.

• There’s also a few “toned down” bars where you can enjoy a classic cocktail, my suggestion, Session . If you are the wine and cheese type, a brand new hot spot called The Wine Market is perfect to relax and enjoy some reds. Brown's Corner has come back to play and is located upstairs of Half Shells restaurant. So Cal is a another Mexican restaurant, but the newest feature is upstairs and is separate business from the restaurant called, The Cocktail Collection. The cool element about this place is the door into the bar is a retro soda vending machine that requires a code. Don’t worry they alway share the newest code on their instagram.

For the Party-Goers - Speaking of cocktails, there are PLENTY of bars around town to keep you entertained. I mean this IS a college town. Just go on Google and search “Bars near me” and I guarantee at least 10 will pull up. Choose whichever one is more your speed. Lounges and clubs are around, again, pick your preferred scene.

Shopping - Ummmm…go to Birmingham.

(I feel like the City of Tuscaloosa should have an online directory to let people know about places and events. — Hey Mr. Mayor! Call me, I won’t charge too much!)

BIRMINGHAM - Here’s little history, had certain forefathers decided differently about what to do with Birmingham, it would have been like Atlanta today. But, don’t dismiss what this city offers, the culinary scene is much to be discussed as with the nightlife.

For the Foodies - I’m still exploring the food scene in Birmingham, there is more than I expected in this city. You’ve got your full service restaurants, your coffee houses, pick up and go places, and many patio dining options.

• A few places I recommend are, McFly’s Bird Shoppe, Five Point House and Oyster Bar, Black Market Bar and Grill, Jim n Nick’s BBQ, Chez Fonfon, The Wine Loft, and Golden Age Wine.

For the Relaxers - Pick your poison. You can stop in at a lounge, bar, or restaurant early before it starts to get busy and just wind down with your thoughts.

For the Party-Goers - The hot spots are a little spread out, but not too far out. There are little groups of places that are within walking distance of each other depending on what side of town you’re in.

• So far I’ve been to 3000, Hush Lounge, Safe House, Urban Smoke, Collins Bar, Queenspark, and there is a rooftop lounge I can’t remember and another place I went to that I cannot recall the name of at this moment, I’m pretty sure I’ve been to more places. — I am a firm believer of FUN is what you make of it, so I always enjoy my time out no matter where it is.

Shopping - You’ve got The Summit and Riverchase Galleria (P.S. - Hey Riverchase, your website needs an upgrade). Both are filled with well known retailers and plenty of places to take a break and eat.

Between the two cities, it’s about a 50 minute drive depending on where you are going, so what you may not be able to find in one, you can find in the other. I think my next choice will be somewhere in the middle of the two areas to cut down on the trip to and from.

For more detailed reviews of where I’ve been, check out my GOOGLE pages.