The Gorgas House, an antebellum attraction

Although the University of Alabama's campus has many scenic sites, the Gorgas House is my favorite by far. Even though I have never seen the inside, but plan on it soon, the outside is just beautiful. With a rod-iron wrap around staircase and two large front porches, one with tall columns and the other with three brick arches on the ground floor, it is easy to see why a lover of old architecture would be attracted to the historical site. Sitting across from the university's immense quad, the charming house is one of the campus's only buildings to have survived the Civil War. Once a dining hall for both students and faculty, the Gorgas House now serves as a museum. Designed by acclaimed architect William Nichols, the house only adds to the beauty of the University of Alabama's campus. Although once on the edge of campus, the Gorgas House now sits near the center in a very busy spot where it is admired by numerous passers-by everyday.

Tuscaloosa: Not Just Football

(Trent's first AL football game)

Although I have considered Montgomery, AL to be my local city for my entire life, Tuscaloosa is beginning to have a spot in my idea of locality as well. As a child of two die-hard Alabama fans, I have experienced the famous Alabama football gameday since I was about eleven years old. I still remember the first time I came...the Homecoming parade, the insane amount fans decked out in crimson and white, the overwhelming excitement as the Tide scored a touchdown (EVERY one...even when we were killing the opposing team). Basically, I fell in love with Tuscaloosa the first time I stepped on campus. I remember thinking it was one of the most beautiful places I had every seen...there's nothing like it. However, despite the numerous visits I made to the town, the quad and the area remotely surrounding the stadium were really all I associated with Tuscaloosa. Not until I moved here last semester did I realize that there is so much more to it.
As one who likes to support the "little guy" I am not a very big fan of chain stores and restaurants. So, within the first few weeks of moving here, two of my friends and I attempted to explore the city. With very busy schedules, we did not get too far. However, along the way, we did discover some pretty neat shops and restaurants. Effie's, Solo, Twice As Nice Consignment shop, and numerous antique stores are just a few favorite boutiques. The Globe, Cozy's (strongly recommended for any special occasions), and the Capture Studio Cafe are just a few of some great local restaurants... not to mention my absolute love....Hooligan's. As one obsessed with Meditteranean cuisine, I make a trip there at least one time a week to pick up some of their fantastic hummus and pita bread. The prices are phenomenal (perfect for any college student) and the hole-in-the-wall's food is excellent, from the lentil soup to the numerous wraps, to the vegetable omelet.
I have also recently discovered Tuscaloosa's support of the arts through a class here at UA. Just this week I paid a visit to Capitol Park downtown, the site of ruins of what was once the Capitol Building. The class also led me to the remarkable Bama Theatre, by far one of the most beautiful theaters I have ever stepped foot in.
Although many think of Tuscaloosa as just simply a grungy college town, I am quickly learning that it has so much more to offer.