sweet pea: A whole new world.

A typical Tuscaloosa weekend: Fried Friday, Target, Buffalo Phil's, Parade, Gallettes, Hokkaido, Pepito's, ATM, Innisfree...sound familiar? Especially once you've been here awhile, you get into a rut. Everyone's strolling along doing the same old thing, and the routine gets dull. But there's hope...I went exploring this weekend, and now it's time for SHOW AND TELL!

Moe's Original BBQ just opened downtown on University. Honestly, this is the best BBQ that I've ever had. And coming from Memphis, I know good BBQ! They serve up a mean pulled pork sandwich on a toasted bun, sweet baked beans, vinegar-based slaw, cinnamon banana pudding, and BUSHWACKERS! They've created a half-bar/half-restaurant atmosphere, so even if you aren't hungry, Moe's is a fun place to sit around and catch up with friends. Put this at #1 on your list of things-to-do in Tuscaloosa!

This is Allie, my roommate and bestie. She's landed lead roles in a few UA Theatre shows, including Joan in Saint Joan, which I had the pleasure of seeing this weekend! The UA Department of Theatre & Dance produces incredible performances like Dance Alabama!, Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre, Shakespearean plays, Steve Martin comedies, and musicals like Candide and Hair. You've got to broaden your horizons one day. Become a culturally-literate member of society, and GO SEE A SHOW. Student tickets are inexpensive, and you'll be glad you went!

NORTHPORT: Although it's an easy 3 minute drive from campus, you'll never see a student in Northport. WHY? It's beautiful! Main Street is the perfect amount of quaint yet still sophisticated. Northport is the perfect little town with a lot to give. Here are a few jewels I discovered on my Saturday afternoon with Mommy and Mark:

Melina's Creole Dining is an elegant, fine dining restaurant located in historic downtown Northport on Main Street. Melina's opened in what used to be The Globe building about 6 months ago and is already booming with business! Each menu brings together French, Spanish, and Italian tastes, creating a selection unique from anything else in the area. Our table enjoyed Creole Seafood Gumbo, Crabcakes, Melina's House Salad with a house made caramel vinaigrette, Grillades & Grits, Chicken Creole, and Fallen Angel Chocolate Torte (to die for). We were even visited by the chef herself whose sweet charm and delightful disposition added to the wonderful ambience. There is also a full bar and a ladies' lounge where cocktails and appetizers are enjoyed after a long day at work...for those of you that have jobs :). The owner is bringing coupons and gift certificates to all the sorority houses this month...can you say Girls Night Out?

Antique shopping is way more fun than it sounds. Walking up and down Main Street, we must have poked our heads into at least five antique stores...and surprisingly, none of them smelled funny.

The 5 & dime was closed sadly, but it's a cute little place filled with old trinkets that all have good stories behind them.

Nothing compares to City Cafe, not even Rama Jama or the Waysider (no offense). It's worth the extra few minutes to get your fix of REAL home cookin. You'll be sure to hear a "Y'all come back now, ya hear?" as you leave. :)

Northport prides itself in its well-preserved Civil War history.

Northport is home for the Kentuck Festival of the Arts, an annual two-day celebration hosting a variety of artists. The Kentuck Festival is nationally recognized for its quality and diversity and features arts and crafts demonstrations, blues and folk performances, food vendors, and art for sale. The Kentuck Festival is October 16th & 17th this year, but the Kentuck Museum and Gallery are open year-round.

(Pottery by Neely Portera, Delta Mu Alumni Advisor)

The Kentuck Museum hosts cultural events throughout the year including ART NIGHTS, which always blend the three greatest gifts from God: art, music, and food!