Hurricane Creek Park
Floating down a nice stream is an effective way to both cool off and relieve the stress caused by exams and summer classes, and Hurricane Creek Park is a conveniently located place to do it. The park is open from dawn to dusk, and it is located only 15 minutes away from campus. So you can put on your Chacos, rent a floating vessel of some sort from the UA Outdoor Recreation Center and paddle your worries away.
Alabama Splash Adventure
Located 46 minutes away in Bessemer, Alabama, is Alabama Splash Adventure, a combination theme and water park. The park is hailed as one of Alabama’s leading tourist attractions. For adults 18-54, tickets are priced around $30, but group discounts are offered if reservations are made in advance. It has 21 different attractions, making it an adventurous way to escape the heat. It opens for the summer on May 26. Check the website for hours of operation.
Ingram Farms
Though summer does mean an increase in heat and sweat, it also means a great deal of delicious fruits and vegetables are in season. Ingram Farms offers fresh, locally grown produce as well as a wide variety of ice cream flavors that are sure to lift the spirits during a blistering afternoon. Ingram Farms Market is located at 1196 Union Chapel Road in Northport. It operates seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Lake Lurleen State Park
Lake Lurleen is a beautiful spot to cool off in the great outdoors. It offers activities such as fishing, swimming and paddle boating. Plus, there is a beach perfect for spreading out a towel and working on that summer tan. If you are interested in working out over the summer, the park is home to more than 23 miles of trails for hiking, running and biking. So, it would be ideal for a scenic run and then a dip in the water for a refreshing recovery. It is open from 7 a.m. until sundown every day of the week and can be found at 13226 Lake Lurleen Road in Coker, Alabama, a mere 12 miles north of Tuscaloosa.
The Tuscaloosa Museum of Art
The Tuscaloosa Museum of Art acts as an air conditioned oasis that offers a rare look at incredibly valuable works of art created by famous artists. Boasting around 1000 pieces of art, the assortment accumulated by Jack Warner is considered one of the most impressive private collections of American art. It features the work of well-known names like Mary Cassatt and George Luks, and admission is free of charge. It is located on 1400 Jack Warner Parkway NE and is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m.
