Reviewed by: Gabby Gervais
How to make the most of a solo day in Tuscaloosa
Reading time: 3 minutes
Now that Valentine’s day has passed, it calls for some you time! Keep reading to find out how to spend the perfect solo day in Tuscaloosa.
Morning Plans
Monarch Espresso Bar
Now that you’ve woken up from a full night of rest, it’s time to get some fresh coffee at Monarch Espresso Bar. Located near Government Plaza, Monarch offers teas, specialty coffee, yummy breakfast foods and much more. This cozy spot will make you and your stomach happy.
- Location: 714 22nd Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 7AM-5:30PM | Saturday, 7AM-3PM | Closed Sunday
- Website
Riverwalk
After you’ve got some work done, you can head over to the Black Warrior Riverfront and take a walk along the river. Get some fresh air and listen to your favorite songs or your go-to podcast. Spanning over four miles, the pathway has plenty of benches, gazebos & hammock-friendly trees for quick breaks and picnics.
An Afternoon Downtown
So Cal Cantina
It’s time for a quick lunch break now that your walk is finished. Downtown Tuscaloosa offers many different restaurants for whatever you’re in the mood for. So Cal Cantina just opened in October. Hailing all the way from Miami, they serve Southern California-inspired street tacos and a variety of other innovative Cali-Mex bites. We would recommend the long beach and surf tacos.
- Location: 2308 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 3401
- Hours: Sunday-Monday, 11AM-10PM | Tuesday-Thursday, 11AM-12AM | Friday-Saturday, 11AM-2AM
- Website
Tuscaloosa Med Spa
Now that your stomach is full, it’s time to treat yourself and relax with a massage. Tuscaloosa Med Spa offers Deep Tissue, Sports, Hot Stone and Reiki Massages for either 30, 60 or 90 minutes. This blissful experience will have you leaving refreshed and carefree.
- Location: 1718 Veterans Memorial Pkwy Suite C, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 10AM-6PM | Closed Saturday and Sunday
- Website
Tuscaloosa Civil Rights Trail
Looking to feed your mind? Explore the Tuscaloosa Civil Rights Trail, and learn about the history of the place you call home. They offer self-guided tours with a brochure for small groups, as well as a guided tour for bigger groups. This experience is FREE, so step into the past and learn about the events surrounding “Bloody Tuesday”, “Stand in the Schoolhouse Door” and so much more.
A Night Out
The Baked Bear
After a long day, all you want is something sweet. Stop by The Baked Bear for the yummiest treat. Original-recipe ice cream sits at the heart of each one of their sandwiches, which are held together by fresh-baked cookies and brownies. Some of their delicious ice creams include blackberry crumble and caramel pretzel fudge.
- Location: 1800 McFarland Blvd. E Suite 207, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 12-10PM | Friday-Saturday, 12-11PM
- Website
Bama Theater
Wind down the night with a show at the historic Bama Theater. The theater just finished renovations in October but was originally opened in 1938. Managed by The Arts Council, it is occupied almost 300 days per year, the theatre is a cornerstone of cultural activity and community events in Tuscaloosa.
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