There’s a part of Tuscaloosa that you’ve probably never gotten to know. It’s called North River, and although it’s just as much a part of Tuscaloosa in terms of city boundaries, sometimes it’s considered a separate entity. As both a North River native and a UA student, I feel like I can see why the part of Tuscaloosa over the Black Warrior gets overlooked as a place to visit on a daily basis.
It’s easy to feel like you live in a bubble whenever you’re on campus. Everything you could possibly need is within walking distance, for the most part, so why leave? North River requires a car trip, but I promise you will make it a part of your social circle once you visit. The area has great food, awesome coffee shops and some beautiful places that embody the natural glory of Sweet Home Alabama.
Here are five places in Tuscaloosa you never knew existed – and they’re just a five-minute drive over the Black Warrior.
Heritage House Coffee & Tea: If you’ve never visited Heritage House, then you are truly missing out on a slice of life. The business opened more than 20 years ago and has been serving the best coffee and treats in Tuscaloosa ever since. Just recently, the business moved to a location closer to campus. It’s bigger, warmer and even more welcoming. With a huge counter of freshly baked muffins, croissants, cakes and other treats to eat, dozens of coffee beans to choose from, specialty drinks to warm up on a cold day and daily lunch/dinner specials, Heritage House is the perfect little coffee shop to write your English paper or to meet your best friend. It’s is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day except Sunday and is located at 700 Town Center Blvd., right off of McFarland. You’ve got to stop by to find your new favorite study spot!
The Anchor Boutique: Formerly called Bag 101, The Anchor is North River’s most stylish boutique for girls of all ages. The store carries trendy, yet affordable accessories and gifts, from tassel necklaces and Southern Charm jewelry to the new Sadie Robertson stationary line. The Anchor has accessories perfect for a gameday or a more formal event along with practical items like stylish luggage and candles. All items are carefully selected to reflect the Tuscaloosa community’s taste, so there is certainly something there for everyone. Located at 312 Merchant’s Walk right off of McFarland, The Anchor is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Lake Nicol State Park: Just over the Rice Mine Road spillway is Lake Nicol, one of the most beautiful, picturesque areas of Tuscaloosa. If you’re looking for a place to hike, relax by the lake, take photos of some beautiful views or even stand under a waterfall, Lake Nicol should be your destination. The lake is natural, unlike Lake Tuscaloosa, and it’s a bit further off the beaten path. Take a picnic and some friends with you one warm Saturday this spring and enjoy the fresh air – you will not be disappointed. To access the lake, take Rice Mine Road over the spillway and continue to Lake Nicol road. Turn right onto Old Watermelon Road and then take another right onto Nicol Park Road. The area is well signed, and it’s easy to find great trails and lake access points! The park opens every morning at sunrise and closes each night an hour after sunset.
City Café: This 20-year-old establishment can be found right in the heart of downtown Northport (Granted this is not technically Tuscaloosa, but it’s very close by!). City Café is a staple for breakfast and a traditional meat-and-three lunch. If you’re looking for really great made-from-scratch southern cooking, then you need to try this place! It’s consistently busy and filled with regulars who swear by its food. You need to try City Café during your four years at UA. It is open from 4 a.m. – 2 p.m., all week and located at 408 Main Ave., in Northport.
Sokol Park: When warm weather rolls around, you’ll want to grab some friends and take some pretty spring pictures. You know, when you stand in a field of flowers beaming happily? Sokol Park is the perfect place to do that and more. Located on Old Colony Road, Sokol is a huge park with miles of trails, massive fields and beautiful natural surroundings. In the fall, it hosts an annual carnival complete with bright lights, midway games and a Ferris wheel. The rest of the year, the park is perfect for a nice walk or an outdoor study session. It is open every day, so if the Quad is getting too crowded for your taste and you want to lay on the grass and read for chemistry, Sokol is the place to go.