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.

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.

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.

The town of Brookside owns Five Mile Creek Canoe & Company, which works from a philosophy that nature is a splendor to be shared by all people. Five Mile not only grants access to a bonanza of camping and canoeing activities—such as bench pressing a canoe—it gives patrons the opportunity to control their own adventures. The campground presents enough activity opportunities to keep patrons busy throughout the day, including a playground, a 2-mile walking track, and a swimming hole.

When patrons want to set out on watery expeditions, they carry their own boats down to the creek and steer their vessels from beginning to end. After pushing past the shallow waters, canoes paddlers can traverse up to 26 miles of gently flowing creek lined on either side by a row of trees. These leaf havens obscure guests from the curious eyes of civilization, chipmunks, and Bigfoot's cousin, Steve. Before they hit the water, helpful staff members can give demonstrations to those with little paddling experience. They can also organize group floats for social paddlers.

Under the shadowy cover of nightfall, and by the flickering glow of a lantern, the Birmingham Ghost Walk weaves gaggles of ghost seekers through the city's spirit-populated historical sites. Tour leader Wolfgang Poe leads each march through time, beginning with a group-bonding ritual that tunes minds into the vibrations of Wolfgang's spirit guides. Winding toward the Alabama and Lyric Theaters, walks stop to discuss brothels, taverns, and townhouses long since gone, but not vacated by their former inhabitants. As the moon slinks behind clouds and shadows move into the shapes of embarrassing childhood nicknames, tour-takers shake off spine-tingling chills to finish the adventure at the Tutwiler Hotel. Cameras are allowed and, due to its dark themes and subject matter, the Ghost Walk gives itself a PG-13 rating.