Tuscaloosa may not be at the top of your list for a winter wonderland, but it’s truly a wonderful place to while away the winter season! Gameday crowds are gone, the best attractions are still open, and the city is abuzz with cultural events and seasonal activities to help you banish the winter blues. If you spend your winter stay at WestGate, you’ll be right in the heart of all the action as you relax in luxurious comfort just steps from the U of A campus.
- Basketball Games
Winter is the season for spectacular showdowns at Coleman Coliseum. The U of A boys play regular home games through early March, giving you plenty of opportunities to catch some courtside action. The team (and crowd) have their own unique cheers and gameday traditions, so you can experience a whole new taste of your favorite college team!
- Cultural Events.
Tuscaloosa isn’t all sports, all the time – there’s also a vibrant cultural and artistic scene that puts a unique spin on winter events. One of the biggest seasonal events is WAMA Fest, or the annual Tuscaloosa Heritage Festival, which happens this year on February 6th and includes a full day of live music, performances, and cuisines that celebrate the cultures of our sister cities. You can also catch some live and local tunes at Druid City Music Hall to fill your season with some sweet southern soul.
- Uncrowded Campus Tours.
Winter is a wonderful time to tour the campus. It’s not peak season for prospective students or gameday travelers, which cuts down on the crowds of curious campus-goers. Booking a tour now means you’ll have more opportunities to ask questions and stroll at your own pace as you soak in the stunning scenes and rich history of the iconic college campus. Of course, it’s not just the campus…
- Shorter Wait Times
The Paul W. Bryant Museum, Gorgas House, the President’s Mansion – these must-see attractions can be mighty hard to access during the busy season. Winter is the best time of year to visit if you don’t want to wait in long lines and crowded rooms to view these historic spots. You’ll also find it easier to visit the town’s best restaurants without needing a reservation – it’s the same delicious food with half the fuss!
If you visit early during the season, you can experience our version of a winter wonderland at the city’s annual holiday creation. Formerly known as Holidays on the River and held in the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, the public ice skating rink and winter activities are now held at Government Plaza from early December through late January. It’s just $15 for a daily pass that also includes your skate rental!
- To Relax and Rejuvenate
Of course, you don’t have to fill your Tuscaloosa trip to the brim with busy activities! If 2021 was a hard and hectic year, you can spend some time this winter season relaxing and rejuvenating for a better 2022. The Tuscaloosa Riverwalk offers a soothing and scenic stroll along the stunning Black Warrior River where you can shop at a local farmers’ market, visit a museum, or indulge in a picturesque picnic on the grass.
Ready to enjoy a wonderful winter getaway? Book your winter trip to WestGate today!
