When you're telling your out-of-town friends and family what's so special about Tuscaloosa, you probably mention some of the unique local businesses you have discovered and fallen in love with. You know, some of the places you go to for a distinctive gift that says, "This is from Tuscaloosa!" As if you weren't already proud of choosing a beautiful home from Tuscaloosa homes for sale, our local businesses are value added for the community.

Let's start with five businesses our real estate agents have found for you to love.

1. The Shirt Shop.
   Established in 1979, The Shirt Shop has never stopped selling great clothes that answer locals' needs for special occasions and Game Day apparel. It's the right place for finding traditional men's clothing — dress shirts, suits, slacks, casual wear, and sport coats — plus some women's and kids' clothing too. If you're looking for officially-licensed University of Alabama apparel, this is the place to find it. Show your support of the Crimson Tide by wearing apparel from the Elephant Wear line. Great stuff, and fabulous service too. Plus, there's a resident mascot named Charlie you'll want to get to know.
   
   
2. TuscNY. 229 McFarland Circle N, Tuscaloosa
   Okay, so you can get pizza on just about every block, right? Of course you can. It's assuredly hard for a pizza shop to stand out. That makes us ask, why is TuscNY so raved about? You can read all about it, but you seriously need to go there and try it out. How do the hand-tossed bacon chicken pesto ranch and the Detroit style Mama Mia strike you? Try 'em, we admonish. The pizza is hand built and lovingly prepared. New Yorkers say it rivals back home. Even non-fans of pizza sing the praises of TuscNY. Try it, and you'll keep going back.
   
   
3. Ingram Farms. 1635 Mcfarland Blvd. N, Tuscaloosa
   Ingram Farms Fruit and Vegetable Stand keeps locals plied with outstanding fruits and vegetables — some locally grown, but all of it, good quality. This is the place for tomatoes all year long, plus squash, okra, beans, peas, sweet potatoes, greens, peaches and strawberries in season. There's more — Mayfield or Blue Bell Ice Cream, plus staff can provide you with some recipes for an apple pie.
   
   
4. Lou and Company. 1922 University Blvd. Suite A, Tuscaloosa
   Do you have someone in your life who needs dorm bedding? Lou and Company can fix 'em right up. Whether it's a future member of the Crimson Tide (no, there is no official name for the individual student — they're just part of the CT) or it's for a high school grad headed for college out of state, the Dorm Shop is the place to go. There's also the Summer Collection, with a stunning Smiles for Miles Tote or distinctive Sunglasses, plus a cute pie Pink Rose Vine Tie Top Sleep Set; then there's Greek Living; Dorm Stuff; and the Wedding Register. You can't miss Lou and Company.
   
   
5. The Nut Shop. 1508 Greensboro Ave., Tuscaloosa
   Who doesn't enjoy a nice selection of assorted nuts, chocolate-covered pretzels, dried fruit, raisins, candies, and such? Visit The Nut Shop, and you'll get a clue of how attractive such an arrangement of tasty bits can be. Plus, there's something for everyone's taste in one of the shop's trays. They're perfect for a corporate gift, or a special remembrance for a birthday, a holiday, or an anniversary. Stumped about what to buy for an employee, a co-worker, a boss, or a client? We say nuts to (and for) all.

Tuscaloosa's businesses are waiting for you. Need more recommendations? Contact us today.