Best known for their Champion Football Team, Tuscaloosa, AL. is more than just great college of athletes and a renowned head coach. It's home to many locals and implants who decided not to leave. With major corporations like auto and coal mining plants to keep jobs afloat, I see much business growth here. In fact, Tuscaloosa was ranked in the November 2009 issue of Fortune Small Business as one of the "50 Best Places to Launch a Small Business". It’s also a good region for medical professionals, maybe I should nudge some of doctor friends to open their practices out here. I already noticed some areas where gentrification has begun, but you can still purchase a 3br ranch home for around 150k, there may be some renovations needed, but trust me, the contractors here won't break the budget.

Tuscaloosa reminds me of my own childhood town that was set away from larger cities and was basically it's own community. As a kid, I remember telling myself I was not going to be stuck in a townie mindset becoming a hostess at a pizzeria or a sales girl at the local retailer and living out my life comfortable staying in my tiny zone. No, I had bigger aspirations. Although, now my little home town where I'd used to walk to the corner store after middle school has exploded in population and added several major restaurants, stores, small businesses, and schools — So it's not as mundane as I remember it. Tuscaloosa is on the same track with an estimated 2019 population of 101,129, with high-rises being built and innovators wanting to bring more vivacious elements to the city, but the area is still great for those looking to groove into the simple life. There’s already a Home Depot and a Target so the basic necessities are available. The closest Whole Foods is about a hour away, BUT each Saturday the Tuscaloosa River Market hosts local vendors and their fresh produce — a personal favorite.

You may be wondering how I ended up out here. Well to put it simply, there was a need for me and I came and while here I began to do some research. What? You think I was going to sit here dwindling my thumbs waiting for entertainment to stroll my way? — Plus, there is a bit of a bargaining tool on the table for me to look into a program at the University…It also doesn’t hurt that their famed mascot is a sister representation of the National Animal of Thailand. The Elephant in my culture is celebrated for its incredible strength, durability, longevity, and symbolizes good fortune.

It's interesting and exciting to calculate the potential here. I was poked fun of when I wanted to see a movie at the local cinema and I was disappointed that you’re unable to pre-select the seats nor do the seats recline…yeah, talk about being pretentious. Diversity is dependent upon what area of town you're in and let's not forget, this is still Alabama, the mecca of the Civil Rights Movement, but Tuscaloosa has proven to be more open minded than other southern cities. Unfortunately, I still stick out like an outsider, but everyone I’ve met has been very sweet and welcoming. The closest major city is Birmingham (also where the closest airport is) with several suburban out-skirting cities so residents aren't closed off, they have options if they choose to take the ride. — Being in a car for up to a hour is a breeze for me and a great opportunity for day trips.

The nightlife in Tuscaloosa is one to be discussed. The downtown area is where much of the activities are outside of UA campus parameters — Unless you like being around college aged people, there is a lively strip of watering holes closer to the campus. There's a slew of bars and small eateries to delight in downtown, but I shall warn you, not all restaurants are open throughout the day. Many of them are only open for lunch and dinner rushes. You still have your usual franchises like Chick-a-Fila and Chipotle, but for more spots unique to Tuscaloosa, you'll have to wait until the golden hours start. I see this changing in years to come as the population grows and businesses have more motive to keep longer hours. Although, to my understanding, football season is when the town makes most of its profits.

With the wake of COVID-19 I saw a few places suffer and sadly some won't recover. Yet, the Phoenix raises from its ashes correct? One of my favorite bars called, Sessions, was still fairly new, only opening in late 2019 and I believe they are managing well. I've not been by there to chat up with the owner to see how business is — I'm hopeful. (I actually have not been out and about the town lately, because everything is so close quarters with students moving in and out from all over the place, I’m a little nervous to interact with people here.) A noodle place I liked called, Pho Town, ended up closing it’s doors well before the pandemic, I think it had much to do with not enough marketing and again, the lack of diversity in some areas. Maybe I'll open up a little bistro or social lounge of my own here, something to ponder on, but no hasty decisions during this time, I've still got seeds to plant elsewhere. 

Comfort Food: Mangos and Thai chili sauce dip 🌶

Chili Sauce Ingredients:
6-8 chopped Thai peppers
Hot chili oil
Grounded dried chilies
Crushed garlic
Sugar
Lemon juice
Fish/Oyster sauce
Cilantro (optional)

**Taper measurements to your liking**