the local joint

Mobley & Sons - Canterbury Clothiers

2010-04-08T12:37:00.000-07:00

Mobley & Sons is a men's fine clothing store. I had a suit custom fitted in store a couple of years ago. Quality makes a huge difference and Mobley & Sons has been in the fine clothing business for 40 years and has been kept in the family. They are available for consults and fittings in store.

They are located at 1657 North Mcfarland

205.345.7929

WWW.MOBLEYANDSONS.COM

Canterbury Clothiers is the women's fine clothing. They offer some unique and fashionable women's clothes. The stores are attached.

Caleb O'Connor - Portraits of the artist

2010-04-01T06:05:00.000-07:00

CALEB O'CONNOR - THE ARTIST

I got a chance to visit Caleb's studio at the University of Alabama were he is currently working on a series of paintings for the new federal building. The series of paintings will tell the history of Tuscalooosa and Alabama. It is pretty powerful to think that these paintings will be in the building for the next couple hundred years. He is currently working on them in a studio on campus.

Caleb | The Artist

Born and raised in Hawaii, Caleb O’Connor moved to Baltimore, Maryland to attend the Maryland Institute College of Art, which has one of the top ranked painting programs in the nation. Caleb studied under the renowned painting professors Israel Hershberg, Mark Karnes, Barry Nemett, and Raul Middleman. During his senior year of college in 2001 he had his first solo exhibition at Gallery K in Washington D.C. Since then, he has shown in many galleries both nationally and internationally. Shortly after graduating with a BFA he taught an advance drawing course at the Delaware College of Arts and Design and painted portrait commissions of families from all parts of the world.

The Local Joint Getaway Weekend - Chattanooga

2010-03-25T06:05:00.000-07:00

We are embarking on a new idea. Once a quarter we will be traveling to places within 4 hours driving distance from Tuscaloosa. Our goal is to find the best local joints the city has to offer and bring the findings back to you. So when you want to getaway for a couple days you can check out our write ups and it will help you plan your getaway weekend. We will not feature chain restaurants but only places that are truly unique to that city.

Our first city is Chattanooga distance from Tuscaloosa about 3 hours.

I fell in love with Chattanooga. They have designed the city to be super friendly to guests. We easily could have spent a couple more days exploring this great city. The city really feels small, cozy, and clean.

The first plus about the city is the public transit. IT'S FREE. All we had to do was park at our hotel and we could ride free all day everyday downtown. The drivers were all amazing, helpful and friendly.

We did do a couple tourist things while there. We took the incline ride to the top of lookout mountain. While the view was amazing the ride was over rated and I guess i expected more at the top of the mountain. The lines were long and I would have rather just drove up the mountain. Live and learn. I would probably have gone to ruby falls instead.

You can walk everywhere in Chattanooga - below is a picture of the walking bridge that connects the city across the river.

The Good Dog is a fantastic local joint serving the dog any which way. We created our own dogs. The design and layout of this place was truly unique and creative.

Klumpies Ice Cream shop was a true favorite of the locals the line was a mile long. They make every waffle cone fresh. You might want to get their early so you don't have to wait in the lines.

The Aquarium was truly amazing. The price is a little steep at $25 per person but def. worth every penny. They have two buildings to experience. I personally liked the 2nd building because of the hands on interaction. You were able to pet sting rays - which feel like sponges with slim. The kids will love this place.

I am not over-exaggerating when I say that I had the best breakfast of my life in Chattanooga. Aretha Frankensteins was out of this world awesome. Every bite was cherished and Melissa and I couldn't believe our taste buds. Everything about this place i loved. If you go to Chattanooga and don't eat here you are out of your mind. This is the true local joint. They converted an old house filled it with things they bought off ebay and gave it a great name. Aretha's I love ya. We loved it so much we are ordering the pancake mix online.

The Public House offers fine dining with a comfortable atmosphere. We were able to sit outside on a couch and enjoy a leisurely meal. Located just off market street by warehouse row. This place is worth the visit.

If you are a coffee drinker make your way to Rembrandts Coffee House. Located in the Bluff View Arts District. Grab a cup and then tour the local artist galleries.

We stayed in the Chattanoogan which was 4 star all the way. The location was perfect. With kids i would recommend the Choo Choo Chattanooga - where you stay in old box cars.

If you have a sweet tooth you must stop by the Chattanooga Cupcake. The key lime cupcake was legendary. The best cupcake in the world. This place knows how to do one thing really really well.

For lunch we had 212 Market - which was a green restaurant. Their produce is mostly organic and from local farmers. Talk about supporting the local.

Lauren Minto - Interior Designer

2010-03-05T08:41:00.000-08:00

I love Lauren's work. I got the chance to go in some of the house's she has done the design for and take pictures recently. Lauren not only is a local interior designer but also owns Penage Inc. an amazing store downtown Tuscaloosa. Below is Lauren's biography, and here is the link to the website CLICK HERE

After graduating with a B.S. in Interior Design from the University of Alabama, Lauren Minto began her career in design in 1981. Her dream of opening her own interior design studio was realized when she opened Penage in 1996.

Like fingerprints, no two clients are alike and she enjoys working with clients on an individual level to refine the decorative concepts they envision. Defining every detail is important so she collaborates with them throughout the entire process.

Lauren is just a phone call away, so call her at 205.339.3310 to schedule a consultation today

The Orange Crate

2010-02-27T07:44:00.001-08:00

When we moved into our new house our kitchen desperately needed an island. We went in the Orange Crate not really knowing what to expect and we were blown away. The quality is unbelievable. They have so many custom pieces that you cannot find anywhere else. We bought an unfinished island and stained it ourselves and we love it. Our neighbors came over and they went and bought an island as well. We couldn't be more happy with our purchase. In fact whenever we need furniture the Orange Crate is where we go first.

The Orange Crate brings you top quality, solid wood furniture that you can customize for any home decor. The Orange Crate specializes in unfinished furniture that you can stain or paint, or let the Orange Crate crew custom finish your furniture in the color of your choice. Our quality furniture will fit right in with the other furniture you already have.

The name Orange Crate came from stories of the owners grandfather telling about people that would use orange crates as furniture during the great depression.

Phone: 205-349-2815

Email: orangecratefurniture@gmail.com

501 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd

Hours of operation: Tuesday through Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm

Tuscaloosa Flower Shoppe Winner Is...

2010-02-23T05:31:00.000-08:00

The winner of this weeks give away is...The Whitakers.

Thanks to everyone who entered and keep on entering each week.

Tuscaloosa Flower Shoppe

2010-02-12T06:01:00.000-08:00

Flowers capture beauty they are all so unique and their color is like none other. There is nothing quite like flowers to brighten up someone's day. The tuscaloosa flower shoppe does flowers well. Whether you need to send flowers to someone special, find the right flowers for your wedding day, or just get some flowers to liven up a room - you need to stop by the flower shoppe.

They have several options available as well as chocolates, balloons, and stuffed animals.

The Tuscaloosa Flower Shoppe is located on University Blvd right down town.

2208 University Blvd

205-758-3065 or 205-861-7760

www.tuscaloosaflowershoppe.com

This weeks giveaway is a flower arrangement or a snack basket arrangement.

Just leave a comment below to enter the giveaway and please include name and email.

Carpe Vino

2010-02-06T05:48:00.000-08:00

This is a unique shop in downtown Tuscaloosa right off of 4th street. I have been so impressed with the look and feel of Carpe Vino. They offer a large variety of affordable wines. This feature is just in time for valentines day. What a perfect romantic evening.

"Surprise is usually the first reaction when a passerby wanders into Carpe Vino. A wide-eyed face, followed by a comment to the tune of "I had no idea this was here." are not uncommon spectacles to the employees of Tuscaloosa's most eclectic wine shop. But that's just it: eclectic.

The shop is designed to cater to the mass at random in the fashion of class and trend. From those who are well versed in the wine world to the shopper who cannot tell a chardonnay from a cabernet, the knowledgeable staff will make suggestions that do not disappoint. Just a first glance tells you that this is not your average T-town shop.
Chandeliers made entirely out of wine stems, giant glowing red orbs and warm spotlights illuminate the abundace of wines from all over the world; a tasteful selection displaying an array of choices from Europe, New Zealand and Australia, South Africa, South America, and of course Washington, New York, Oregon and California.

We also have $2 Saturday mimosas.

An assortment of Tuscaloosa's wine enthusiasts gather on:

Thursday and Friday nights (6:00 - 8:30) for a tasting of five to six staff selections from the store.

The tasting is $5, but free if a participant chooses to purchase a bottle of wine.

On Friday nights, there is live music from various local musicians."

-William, Carpe Vino

Unfortunately we can't do a giveaway for this post but feel free to leave a comment below. We hope you will take advantage of this unique shop. Enjoy.

The Winner of the F.I.G. giveaway is....

2010-02-03T09:20:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who entered this weeks drawing. You can register each week and you can win multiple times a year so keep on entering. You can also follow our blog and receive updates when we have new posts.

Congratulations to Melissa Rogers! You are the winner of the F.I.G giveaway.

F.I.G. Tuscaloosa Restaurant

2010-01-25T06:39:00.000-08:00

Food Is Good at F.I.G. If you have not experienced the food at F.I.G. you are missing out. This is truly a great local joint. The staff is incredible. They take pride in how their food tastes, and their presentation. This is cooking at it's best.

F.I.G. caters all occasions and they do a knock out job at it. Our Church caters food nearly every week for dinners.

"FIG is dedicated to providing our customers with the finest and freshest foods. We support fair trade and organic growers whenever possible. We are dedicated to our community and the people that make Tuscaloosa such a wonderful place. Every decision at FIG is a reflection of our commitment to quality and principle. We want to provide you with healthy food that is cooked with southern pride and served with southern hospitality."

F.I.G. is open Monday thru Sunday 10:00am - 9:00pm

They are located at: 1351 McFarland Blvd - Tuscaloosa, Al - 35406

Phone: 205-345-8888 Website: www.figintuscaloosa.com

THIS WEEKS GIVEAWAY:

F.I.G. has gone above and beyond for this weeks giveaway. They are giving away a Fillet Mignon dinner for 2 on Valentines Night. Just leave a comment below and you are entered to win.

Heritage House Winner Is...Hillary

2010-01-25T06:31:00.001-08:00

Our Heritage House giveaway winner was - Hillary. Congrats!

Remember to enter our giveaways all you have to do is leave a comment below the post. It can be as simple as - sign me up. Be sure to leave your name as well.

HERITAGE HOUSE COFFEE

2010-01-15T09:18:00.000-08:00

This weeks give away from Heritage House is a Pound of coffee - choose from any of there flavors. Even if you don't drink coffee this would make a great gift for the coffee drinker in your life. Just leave a comment below to enter.

I can remember as a kid my dad drinking coffee and i said to myself "I will never drink that stuff." Now I drink my words. Heritage House serves some mean coffee and tea and other speciality drinks. They have a cozy environment and great staff. The front of the shop is a gift shop and the back has a seating area. I also love that they sell local art on their walls. Heritage House embodies what it means to be a local joint. So if you need a caffeine fix, looking for art, just want to find a place to read your book - Heritage House is your joint.

They are located on the corner of Mcfarland and Watermelon rd. next to the winn dixie.

STORE HOURS:

Monday - Friday 7:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday 8:00am - 4:00pm

www.heritagehousecoffee.com

Solo Blog Winner

2010-01-12T10:40:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Bethany winning the gift from Solo Boutique.

We are going to be featuring several new stores in the month of Jan. So keep commenting to register for our giveaways.

SOLO BOUTIQUE

2009-12-10T06:25:00.000-08:00

Solo Boutique is an amazing and unique clothing store. The clothes they carry can't be found anywhere else in Tuscaloosa. Tara the owner has done a great job in creating a store that brings New York fashion to you. Now you don't have to take a trip or order online you can visit the store and try it on yourself just miles from your home. If you have a special event coming up, need a new outfit, or have someone special to buy for visit Solo Boutique. They are located in the same building as Bow Regards on McFarland just before Indian Hills.

"Solo has a large selection of must-have trends to compliment your wardrobe. These trends include an extensive line of designer clothing and accessories, inspired by the latest runway fashions. You are guaranteed an outfit for every occasion and every look. It's a place to find something fresh, fun, different and special. Whatever your mood may be, we can match it. "

Hours:
Monday-Friday: 10-6
Saturday: 10-4
Address:
1520 McFarland Boulevard Suite E
Tuscaloosa , AL 35406

Phone numbers:
Store: 205.366.1299
Fax: 205.366.1251
E-mail Us:
Tara@SoloBoutiqueinc.com

THE GIVEAWAY THIS WEEK IS HANKY PANKY'S. JUST LEAVE A COMMENT TO ENTER IN THE GIVEAWAY. THIS WOULD BE A GREAT GIFT AS WELL.

Winner of the Therapeutic Professional Group

2009-12-10T06:17:00.000-08:00

Kortnie is the winner of the Therapeutic Professional Group. Thanks everyone for entering. We have a new give away starting today from Solo Boutique so be sure to comment to enter that drawing as well.

Therapeutic Professional Group

2009-12-03T05:43:00.000-08:00

The Therapeutic Professional Group is comprised of 5 licensed massage therapist. They offer a wide variety of massages including: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Prenatal, Salt Glow and Aromatherapy massage. They have an amazing building that is beautifully decorated and creates a relaxing environment.

There hours of operation are by appointment only. And they have gift certificates for friends and family. I can't imagine a better gift then to give an hour massage to someone you love.

If you have never had a massage you need to head over to the Therapeutic Professional Group. Massages can reduce stress, increase circulation, release muscle tightness, diminish aches and pains.

Here is the contact info for the massage therapist:

Jamie Brownlee: 205-292-8077 or 205-750-2473

Chancee Terry: 205-344-3443

David E. Johnson: 205-310-8622

Amy Stiles: 205-792-8407

Mona Spencer: 205-394-0622

They are located at: 2901 7th Street Tuscaloosa, Al 35401 [near capital park]

THIS WEEKS GIVE AWAY IS AMAZING! LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW AND YOU ARE ENTERED FOR A ONE HOUR MASSAGE.

Bow Regards Winner

2009-12-03T05:40:00.000-08:00

Pleased to announce that the Bow Regards - 'Elf On The Shelf' winner is Amy Jo. Congrats to Amy Jo.

If you want to win a give away from one of our upcoming stores all you have to do is leave a comment with your name under the post.

PENAGE GIVE AWAY WINNER IS???

2009-11-26T05:16:00.000-08:00

The Penage Give Away winner is Julie Burroughs. Congratulations Julie - I will send you details on how to get your prize.

Everyone you have 5 days left to enter the Bow Regards give away by commenting under their post. The comment can be as simple as - enter me! and then your name.

How to comment.

2009-11-24T19:10:00.000-08:00

I have heard several people have had trouble leaving a comment under the posts to be entered into the giveaways. So here is a step by step process:

1) Under the post it will say COMMENTS in yellow writing.

2) Click the word Comments

3) Under the comments left will be a blank white space Titled: Post A Comment

4) Type your message include your name at the end of the message

5) Below the white box there is a comment as section with a pull down menu if you have one of the accounts select that or Select Anonymous post if you don't have a profile account.

6) Click the Post Comment button - you may have to hit it again.

+ Note: if you leave an anonymous comment please put your name in your message.

Hope This Helps.

Bow Regards

2009-11-23T19:19:00.000-08:00

Bow Regards is a fun unique gift shop in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The shop is so fun and creative. Just about every item in the store can be personalized which makes the experience personal as well. They have several sections of the store: the baby section is my favorite. Bow Regards is a great Tuscaloosa Local Joint! The staff is great and they take pride in the store and what they sell. You can get your item specially wrapped as well - "The gift wrap is what makes our shop unique! We take pride in making sure the wrapping looks just as cute as the gift that is inside!" So whether you are shopping for a gift, your child, the holidays, your home, or you just want to go snoop around and see what's new - Bow Regards is your place.

Bow Regards was generous enough to give an 'An Elf on the Shelf' for the giveaway. Elf on the shelf is the newest rage with families with kids.

TO REGISTER IN OUR GIVEAWAY AND WIN AN ELF ON THE SHELF JUST LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW WITH YOUR NAME.

Following and Give Aways

2009-11-19T06:21:00.001-08:00

I am thrilled at how many people have been stopping buy the local joint site and getting to know the local businesses here in Tuscaloosa. Here is how you can be a part of making this a huge success and bringing more attention to buying local.

Spread the word - If you are on facebook put it as your status that you registered for a free giveaway on the local joint.

Follow this blog - On the right side of the blog click follow and you will get updates on when we have a new post.

Comment on the posts & win - All you have to do to win a giveaway is comment below the post. You can win multiple times in a year so keep commenting. And this is for everyone it doesn't matter if you know the owner, know me, or have never been to the store. We do giveaways so people can experience the store firsthand. So comment and win.

Penage - The Local Joint

2009-11-16T18:34:00.000-08:00

I loved photographing Penage. Their store has so many unique pieces and textures. It is a family business that has amazing service and great relationships with their clients. I have been in some of the homes that Lauren Minto has done the interior design for and I was blown away at her work.

They’ve been offering decorative accessories for the home since 1996. Over the years, styles have changed, but Penage always offers the latest trends in lamps, furniture, picture frames, candles and more.

So whether you are looking to add a few unique pieces to your home, shopping for a loved one or you are looking for a interior designer - you need to contact Penage.

The store is located downtown Tuscaloosa on 6th Street.

Retail Store Hours:
Tuesday - Friday: 10am to 4pm
Saturday - Monday: Closed

PENAGE IS HAVING A STORE WIDE SALE STARTING NOVEMBER 24th to DECEMBER 11th WHERE EVERYTHING IS 20% OFF.

LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW AND YOU WILL BE ENTERED TO WIN THE GLASS PIECE FROM PENAGE.

Congratulations to our DV8 Salonspa Winner

2009-11-16T07:50:00.000-08:00

Jessica O. is the winner of the DV8 Mani/Pedi. All you have to do to register to be a winner on any of the blog giveaways is leave a comment. The comment can be as simple as - "I would love to win." And you are entered into our drawing.

Alabama Chiropractic & Spine Care

2009-11-13T15:22:00.000-08:00

About 3 years ago I threw out my low back. I felt kinda old and pathetic for 2 reasons: 1 I was only 25 years old and 2 I was playing kickball. That was the first time I saw a chiropractor - they adjusted me and gave me a lift to put in my shoe. Life has been so much better and pain free since. When we moved from Mi the dreaded thing is to find great doctors.

I absolutely love Dr. Lindsey and his whole staff. I was introduced to them through my photography business and I am proud to say he is my Chiropractor now. After I shoot a wedding I am in a huge need for an adjustment.

If you have back pain or feel a little out of whack I would def. check out Dr. Lindsey for an xray, adjustment, and therapy.

Call their offices today at:

205-339-0001

2315 Lurleen B. Wallace Blvd. (located one block south of mcfarland blvd)

Northport, AL 35476

www.alabamachiro.net

DV8 SALON SPA

2009-11-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Photos By: Eric Lee Photography

Robin Sullinger is the owner of DV8 SALON SPA in Tuscaloosa, AL. Robin was a huge help in getting Eric Lee Photography started. She is the definition of what a great local business owner should be. She cares about her clients, loves and invest in her community, and helps other businesses grow as well.

"Established in 2006 and WE pride ourselves on Customer Service. No fancy ads, no fancy words - just US!! Other Salons "bargains" and "coupons" - well let's just say - that's our EVERYDAY WAY!! We love our CLIENTS and really enjoy our PASSION!"

I have had the privilege of working with Robin and others at DV8 in a lot of different settings and they are amazing at what they do. They will travel to the bride on location and do makeup and hair - which is such a nice feature for brides.

There salon is top notch as well. I highly recommend you check out DV8 Salon Spa.

DV8 is also on facebook and updates their page with their current deals and prices

Check out there facebook page here: DV8 on Facebook

They are located on 15th street diagonal from central high school.

Call to setup your appointments today:

1012 15th St
(205) 345-1316

Email : dv8salonspa@bellsouth.net

DV8 IS GIVING AWAY A FREE MANICURE AND PEDICURE. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO TO WIN IS LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW AND WE WILL RANDOMLY DRAW A NAME AND CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN.

Congratulations to our Celbrations Bakery Winner

2009-11-10T07:45:00.000-08:00

Excited to announce that the Whitaker family are the winners of the 6" cake top from Celebrations Bakery.

Everyone keep posted we have several more giveaways coming.

CELEBRATIONS BAKERY - Northport

2009-11-04T06:35:00.000-08:00

I am huge on sweets. I love homemade cookies that are soft and packed with flavor. I love the smell of cakes and pies baking. So when I discovered Celebrations Bakery - I found a little piece of heaven in my soul.

I am featuring the Strawberry Cupcakes and Strawberry Cake. Let me just say that if you love strawberry anything you will flip when you sink your teeth into this cupcake. They are chilled in the fridge and have this topping on it that you can't get enough of.

Celebrations Bakery is a family owned and operated business. They have been serving Tuscaloosa for over 11 years. They are an award winning bakery and won the best dessert categories for "A taste of the town."

Celebrations Bakery is located in the shopping strip on the corner of Highway 69 and McFarland. Their building is between the subway and kmart.

VISIT THEIR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO ON THEM

www.celebrations-bakery.com

WANT TO WIN A 6" CAKE TOP FROM CELEBRATIONS??? ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS POST AND I WILL RANDOMLY SELECT A WINNER.

About the LOCAL JOINT - Tuscaloosa Local Businesses

2009-11-04T06:28:00.000-08:00

I love finding that special local joint that is unique to a certain city. The one's that have the best homemade pies, bbq, or the local artist, or handmade clothes. There is just something about local joints that are so good and right.

Local joints care about the community in a way that larger companies just can't. The owners know us, their kids go to local schools, and they live right next door.

I started a local photography business a couple of years ago here in Tuscaloosa. One of the hardest things is to get the ball rolling and get your name out there. This blog is all about helping local businesses get their names out there.

We don't just feature any business. They have to be doing things really well. Their products, and service need to be top notch. We want to help you discover the power and reward in buying Local. Our goal is to highlight the best LOCAL JOINTS that Tuscaloosa has to offer.

Shop LOCAL. Buy LOCAL. Be LOCAL.