1. Tuscaloosa Amphitheater

Located next to downtown Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa Amphitheater is the perfect venue to see some of your favorite major artists. You better stick around to see artists such as Kings of Leon, Kenny Chesney, Dave Matthews Band or John Legend performing this summer and upcoming fall.

2. Miss Dots

Miss Dots is the place to go for refreshing frozen screwdrivers or margaritas and home-cooked southern comfort food. The atmosphere is always upbeat and this family-owned restaurant has the BEST customer service.

3. The Riverwalk

If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Tuscaloosa, The Riverwalk is your next destination. This trail follows the Black Warrior River and is covered in wildlife.

4. Summer Snow

When it's hot in Tuscaloosa, it's REALLY hot, so the best place to rehydrate yourself is Summer Snow. This little business is located off University Blvd and can serve up a real mean snow cone.

5. Taco Casa

If you're friends with a native Tuscaloosan, then you'll learn everyone from Tuscaloosa is a die-hard Taco Casa fan. Not only is it a local fast food restaurant here, the goal of this place is to deliver their customers cheap, fast Mexican food.

6. "The Cliffs" at Lake Nicol

If you're one to be adventurous, you have to visit The Cliffs. This spot is a secret gem of Tuscaloosa and can give you that adrenaline rush if you aren't too afraid of heights.

7. Dreamland BBQ

Dreamland BBQ was founded in Tuscaloosa in 1958 and has since created a national reputation for some of the best BBQ. There's nothing else like it.

8. Quick Grill

This unique shack is located right on The Strip and easily accessible for your late night cravings. Quick Grill is home of the infamous Messy Fries which is a new twist on your regular take on french fries — they are covered in cheese, beans, beef and ranch dressing

9. Yellow Hammers

If you don't know what a Yellow Hammer is, then you aren't doing game days right. This tropical drink is a tradition to have on game days here. There is pineapple juice, orange juice, amaretto, rum and vodka in this fun drink.

10. Rounders

On any given night, Rounders is the place to be. There is a constant crowd, great music, light shows and fog machines. This club-like bar has two main attractions — the rooftop and the Boom Boom Room. The rooftop always has a DJ or a band performing while the Boom Boom Room is famous for its extremely loud EDM music, strobe lights and overall club-like atmosphere.

11. Lake Tuscaloosa

Right in the heart of Tuscaloosa, you can go boating, lie out, or fish on the beautiful Lake Tuscaloosa. Later in the evenings, the sunset over the lake is one of the most amazing sites you can see here.

12. Crimson Tide football

I mean, how can we ignore the elephant in the room? Alabama football is the greatest thing to love about Tuscaloosa. Enough said.

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