Beautiful Gardens of Tuscaloosa Alabama

I am often asked what I feel is best college town I have seen while traveling the USA. There can be absolutely no other answer then Tuscaloosa Alabama, home of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide.

Who among you can say you have never heard of Paul(Bear)Bryant, or the phrase "Roll Tide"? Before I wax on about "The Crimson Tide" let me give you a little background info on the city of Tuscaloosa itself.

The first white settlers who came to the general area of Tuscaloosa were Thomas York and his family in 1816. Tuscaloosa itself would not be founded until 1825. With the University founding following soon after in 1831.

Before you decide that you don't really care to travel to Tuscaloosa just for a college, let me assure you there are other things to entertain you while you visit.

One of the USA's most important prehistoric Indian settlements is located just 15 miles south of Tuscaloosa. Moundville Archaeological Park. Tannerhill State park is also close by and offers restored 19th century buildings, the pre-Civil War Tannerhill Iron Works and also a once-a-month flea market. Certainly something to travel for.

If you want something a bit more contemporary I recommend Mercedes-Benz US International Visitor Center and Factory Tour. The only Mercedes-Benz factory outside of Germany, right here in the good old USA. You can chose to tour the manufacturing plant, or see exhibits on the history of Mercedes-Benz.

The next choice for the USA traveler would be tour the beautiful and historic campus of the University of Alabama. There are 1,000 acres of inspiration, facilities, and tree lined paths. Making UA one of the most beautiful campus settings in the USA.

After all that inspiration, I recommend you travel on over to Dreamland Bar-B-Que. This restaurant opened its doors in the USA in 1958. People still come from all over to eat pit-cooked ribs with Dreamlands special sauce.

How can you travel the USA and not stop at the quintessential American college town?