Things to Do in Tuscaloosa

After working for decades as a successful oil executive, National Senior Games gold medalist Homer Brown decided to shift gears, opening BumperNets in 1999 to promote his beloved sport of table tennis to the masses. Nestled within the Riverchase Galleria Mall, Brown’s well-stocked, interactive emporium lets visitors hone their ping-pong or pool skills under the tutelage of a trained professional, or master the finer points of team management at the foosball table. Homer and his knowledgeable staff help guests deck game rooms in felt-clad pool tables, glittering pinball machines, and skee-ball alleys for rental or purchase, and can assist with onsite assembly.

All Fired Up’s owner, Noelle, opened the small pottery shop as a wholesome place where families could come together to create art and bond in a fun, supportive environment. She and her helpful staff aid in the creation and kiln firing of one-of-a-kind dishware, piggy banks, and ceramic socks, with occasional pop-ins from her wayfaring sister and store manager Laura. The sturdy shelves lining each wall of the cozy shop brim with unglazed porcelain, dozens of paint colors, and an array of inspirational stamps, stencils, and design books. In addition to scheduled pottery wheel lessons led by Laura herself, All Fired Up fuels creativity through children’s art classes, summer camps, and birthday parties.

The skilled teachers at Yoga Bliss guide students through three levels of instruction: level-one classes, which cater to beginners, and levels two and three, which concentrate on building strength and endurance with challenging handstands, arm balances, and chakra folds. A fundamentals class, beneficial for beginners and veterans alike, emphasizes proper alignment and incorporates props such as blocks, blankets, and rubber chickens. The studio's temperature can dial past 80 degrees during hot-yoga classes to help muscles melt into deep, healing stretches.

A hardwood maple skating rink shines beneath the glow of neon lights at Funtime Skate Center. In the middle of the rink, a checkered zone invites beginners to get a feel for their wheels as experienced skaters make laps around the rink's outer edge. The rink also does double duty on select days, hosting the Tragic City Rollers as they slingshot and skate their way toward victory and the pride that comes with never wearing shoes. In addition to skating and snacking at the on-site Funtime Café, the center houses four party rooms primed for birthday parties large or small. And, on Friday and Saturday nights, cosmic lighting and sound effects transform the facility into a world of wonderment and gossip-worthy handholding.

Along Stepping Stone Farm's 130 acres of pastures, trails, and tree-studded hills, owner Courtney Huguley provides opportunities for students to hone horsemanship skills and connect with natural surroundings. During lessons, Courtney and assistant instructor Melissa Croxton teach students the basics of saddleseat riding, a traditional English style from which many other methods have originated, including jousting with swimming noodles. Once students gain comfort and confidence during private lessons, the instructors introduce them to group lessons with up to four other riders to master walking, trotting, and synchronized neighing.

Weeklong summer camps are also available for younger riders. During these sessions, each camper is assigned to one specific horse, learning responsibility and companionship.

Co-owners Cindi and Barbara put their 57 combined years of fitness passion to use by helming a team of expert instructors and stocking their bright, sunlit studio with cutting-edge equipment. During cycling sessions, instructors help students torch calories and tone muscle groups atop state-of-the-art RealRyder stationary bikes, which behave like real bikes by leaning into turns and cowering at the sound of thunder. They also work to enhance cores with brand-new Reformer machines in guided sessions for individuals or partners.