Tuscaloosa is the pride of West Alabama beckoning visitors with the lure of outdoor activities, arts, and culture, plus the calling card of the University of Alabama. Football may be the reason for your visit, but a fabulous sampling of Southern foods will bring you back. Dig into some of the South’s best barbecue at Dreamland or savor both food and atmosphere at River restaurant. Shop for antiques and relics or invest in some official UA gear at The Supe Store; there are boutiques, galleries, bars, and fancy eateries spread throughout the city for everyone’s pleasure. Meander down University Boulevard where you can duck in and out of live music venues, grab a signature Yellow Hammer drink at Gallette’s or choose a high-end meal at Half Shell Oyster House. You’ll find shopping along the way as well as several Civil Rights Trail markings. With 100 Things to Do in Tuscaloosa, AL Before You Die as your guide, explore the myriad of museums like the Paul W. Bryant Museum and the Alabama Museum of Natural History. Hit the water or the trails at Lake Lurleen State Park or catch the next concert at Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater. It is impossible to include all the opportunities Tuscaloosa has to offer within these pages, but it’s a mighty decent start. Travel writer and native Alabamian Becky Beall has been visiting Tuscaloosa for over 40 years. Sharing her love of all things Tuscaloosa, complete with game day pageantry, timeless traditions, loads of history and hidden gems, prompted the writing of this book. As a youngster, she fell in love with a sport…and a team…and that is where her love of Tuscaloosa and that famous ROLL TIDE battle cry originated.

From its white, sugar sand Gulf Coast beaches to the sparkling lights and excitement of big cities to peaceful landscapes and breathtaking mountain scenery, this state truly is Alabama the Beautiful. In 100 Things to Do in Alabama Before You Die, author Mary Johns Wilson captures that beauty, making it easy for travelers and locals alike to experience the state’s best restaurants, shops, museums, venues, sports, and more. There’s the obvious, such as the annual Iron Bowl football game between the University of Alabama and Auburn University. There’s the lesser known, like the Aliceville Museum that tells how the tiny town was home to the state’s largest World War II Prisoner of War Camp and housed thousands of Rommel’s German troops. There’s the quirky, including the Boll Weevil Monument in Enterprise—the world’s first monument to an insect. There’s the belly-filling, such as Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q in Decatur and Jesse’s Restaurant in Magnolia Springs near the coast. Spending a day on the Civil Rights Trail in Birmingham or at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery is a meaningful way to encounter the painful and powerful history. Local author Mary Johns Wilson ties the lessons of history to the promise of the future woven throughout the state she loves. Hit the road and use this book as your guide to discover all Alabama has to offer and learn why it’s such a sweet place to call home.

From a hip urban downtown brimming with arts and culture, to endless recreational opportunities, Rockford, Illinois, might be the coolest place you never anticipated. Just eighty miles northwest of Chicago, you’ll find world-class botanical exhibits, a thriving arts scene, and an impressive dinosaur named Jane. And with 100 Things to Do in Rockford Before You Die as your guide, you’ll discover all of the exciting places and events that make Rockfordians proud. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore miles of trails in the Winnebago County Forest Preserves or Rock Cut State Park. Water sports abound, like boating on the majestic Rock River or standup paddleboarding on tranquil Pierce Lake. Thrill seekers can catch air by wakeboarding or BMX racing. Bringing the kids? Soak up the sun at Magic Waters Waterpark, or soak up the science at the Discovery Center Museum. Don’t forget your appetite! Included you’ll find recommendations for more than fifty unique, locally owned restaurants from high-end dining to trendy brew pubs to iconic joints that residents love. Local author and architect Tamara Gaumond’s unique appreciation for the city comes through on every page, and even longtime residents will find something new to do among her suggestions. With her insider tips and itineraries, you’ll want to join her in catching the Rockford vibe.

Athens, Georgia, is simply a classic. From the birthplace of higher education to the magnetism of Athens-born rock bands like B52’s and R.E.M., every corner of the city is saturated with rich culture, good eats, and bustling gatherings. And with 100 Things to do in Athens, Georgia, Before you Die as your guide, you’ll have all of the locals’ tips for exploring the best the city has to offer. Stroll through the inspirational North Campus of the University of Georgia, where in 1785, public higher education was born. Walk through historic homes that have withstood wars and the steamroller of time. Eat a blue-plate special built by a James Beard Award-winning chef, and then cruise from one home-grown brewery to the next on the Athens Beer Trail. Live music and local musicians crank up the nightlife in many of the theaters and bars. Natural beauty blooms at the State Botanical Garden and the North Oconee Greenway welcomes cyclists and walkers from sunrise to sundown. A team of locals, Judy and Len Garrison encourage you to let this book introduce you to the uncharted adventures and to the familiar celebrity that is Athens. Whether a weekend or a lifetime, these experiences connect you to the energy and passion of the Classic City.

Since the inception of the Alabama football program in 1892, Crimson Tide has claimed 14 National Championship titles, all of which are explored in this guide. The book zeros in on critical moments, such as when running back Mark Ingram became the first Alabama player to win the Heisman Trophy in 2009, despite the team being led to six championships from 1958 to 1982 by the celebrated coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, as well as key figures from the college's history. This updated version includes highlights from the 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2015 championship seasons.

Amazing Alabama: A Potpourri of Fascinating Facts, Tall Tales and Storied Stories chronicles a brief history of the state, famous personages associated with Alabama, a discussion of state firsts, unique occurrences, antiquated laws and other fascinating topics.

100 Things Cardinals Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the ultimate resources guide for true fans of the Arizona Cardinals. Whether you're a die-hard booster from the days of Jake Plummer or a new supporter of Carson Palmer, these are the 100 things all fans need to know and do in their lifetime. It contains every essential piece of Cardinals knowledge and trivia, as well as must-do activities, and ranks them all from 1 to 100, providing an entertaining and easy-to-follow checklist as you progress on your way to fan superstardom.