In November, my mom and sister came to visit me at college. After coming back from a tour my mom told me they had been to the Riverwalk, a place with a river designed for people to walk around and enjoy. In the many times my parents had visited me, it never occurred to me to take them to some places. Tuscaloosa has so much to offer and here is a list of things to do when you are in Tuscaloosa.

1. Go the Amphitheater

The Amphitheater is the venue for concerts and shows located in Tuscaloosa a few minutes from campus. This past year musicians like Dierks Bentley and John Legend came to Tuscaloosa and performed. IF you are looking for some music when you visit Tuscaloosa be sure to visit the amphitheater

2. Paul Bryant Museum

Paul Bear Bryant is the winningest coach in Alabama football history and this museum tells the story of how he brought Alabama to football relevance. Whether you are a football fan or not you will enjoy the stories of how Bryant got his nickname, the story of the Junction Boys and a look at all of Alabama’s sports memorabilia.

3. Lake Lurleen State Park

Named after the former governor of Alabama this state park is not only gorgeous but very relaxing. Facilities include a modern campground, activity building, picnic areas, play areas, pavilions, a beach and bathhouse, fishing piers, RV storage, boat rentals and boat-launch areas. At the state park there is a 250-acre lake and gives you the opportunity to rent boats, fish, set up for camp and to just enjoy the lake.

4. Mercedes Benz Factory

Tuscaloosa is famous for its Mercedes-Benz Factory and the company is one of the major providers of work in the area, the cars have been made here since 1999 and with over a billion dollars being invested in the plant it is about to get a whole lot bigger as well. Many students have the opportunity for an internship at the plant and it is great place to visit if you enjoy cars and assembly. A bonus if you are an Alabama fan, Nick Saban owns a share of it and his son works at the Tuscaloosa plant.

5. Tuscaloosa Museum of Art

The Tuscaloosa Museum of Art is the private art collection home to over 1000 pieces of work from 1775 onwards. A place designed for people who love culture and want to see different types of art, this is the place to be. According to the crazy tourist, the collection at the Tuscaloosa Museum of Art is considered to be one of the greatest art collections put together in America.

While we might know Tuscaloosa as a college town with the top football school in America there is so much more to do there. Tuscaloosa offers culture, history and visions of the future. The next time you are in Tuscaloosa and looking for some things to do be sure to check out these five places. A fun time can be promised and don’t forget to get some ribs or Steel City Pops during your visit. Ten out of ten would recommend getting the cookies and cream pop.