Nothing says spring has arrived quite like the chirping of songbirds and the first bright yellow daffodils. Tuscaloosa has especially beautiful springs with warm weather and all the beauty central Alabama has to offer. One of the best places to take in the sights and sounds of spring is the University of Alabama Arboretum. The trails are relatively level and it’s easy to make your excursion as long or as short as you like. After the chill of winter it can be nice to go outside and get your body moving.
The birds in the area agree— there’s few better times or places to observe Eastern bluebirds, phoebes, warblers, Summer Tanagers, woodpeckers, nuthatches, cedar waxwings, and even ruby throated hummingbirds. In addition to birding, you can also enjoy the beautiful native wildflowers along with ornamental plants, tropical plants, and even cacti!
Another time-honored sign of spring is the start of baseball season. The University of Alabama is initiating the season with a series of home games against Maryland Shore April 13-15. Get your peanuts and crackerjack and cheer on the Crimson Tide. It’s hard to beat enjoying the spring weather while taking part in a great American tradition. If you have grandchildren in the area a baseball game might be a wonderful way to spend time with them, too. Roll tide!
If you’d rather be the one playing the sports, Tuscaloosa has several incredible golf courses including Ol’ Colony, which has been rated in the top 50 golf courses in the nation. Before the blazing heat and bright sun of Alabama summers set in get out on the green. They have special Senior Green Fees Monday-Friday that include 18 holes with a cart for $43. The Night Range also opens up in the spring so you can enjoy the Driving Range.
The great outdoors isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. If that’s the case for you, you might enjoy An Evening of One Act Plays put on by the University of Alabama Theater Department. Each is a little different and the program promises laughter, tears, and unforgettable entertainment from April 6-11. Later in the month, Theatre Tuscaloosa is putting on Brigadoon at April 23-26. The cast is made up of students and teachers from the Shelton State Community college and promises to be an exciting production.
If you’re especially taken with the spring scenery, consider one of the watercolor painting classes offered by the Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority. Suitable for all skill levels, you’ll be taught step by step by an award-winning instructor. Next thing you know you might be painting as many flowers as you can find at the Arboretum. Water colors are especially portable, too, making it easy to take them with you to different locations to paint from life. Who knows, you might end up with an exciting new hobby!
There are so many wonderful ways to enjoy springtime in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We can’t wait to hear what you do to make this season special!