This beautiful camp truly embodies the motto "God's Backyard," and has since ~1947. Camp McDowell…read moreis a ministry of the Episcopal Churches in the Diocese of Alabama and is open to all! With over 1,140 acres and 834 beds, McDowell is one of the largest Episcopal Camp and Conference Centers in the U.S. It borders the edge of the Bankhead National Forest in Winston County, Alabama, and consists of breathtaking canyons, waterfalls, forests, and is known as the "Beautiful Queen of Clear Creek." Lodging ranges from group cabins such as Martha's Cabin, to the rustic cabins on the "boy's side" of camp beside the steps down to Clear Creek, to the hotel-style double rooms at Miller's Commons and the even bigger, newer cabins at Bethany Village. Camp is home to a wide range of programs year-round! Our Episcopal Diocesan Council meeting is held here every Feb., and is attended by over 400 delegates, and the dedicated staff runs the entire 4+ day event better than a well-oiled machine! There are live music performances, "special session" camp weeks for those who are differently abled, various church's retreats and learning opportunities at "Mark's Farm." Amenities include a camp store, a swimming pool, a covered basketball/gym with a stage, where we used to hold camp dances, at least one full service commercial kitchen, outdoor grills, a soccer field, tons of hiking trails, two chapels, a beautiful old bell that would be rung every morning around 0600 when I was a "midget camper," a multi-purpose field, an art studio, a fully functional animal farm, a produce farm, a nature center a welcome center, softball field, rowboats and canoes, among many, many more. There are also challenge ropes/obstacle courses, an amphitheater, picnic tables, various playgrounds, fire pits, word burning fireplaces with cut wood available to burn, and a fully accessible St John's swimming pool complex in Bethany Village! Dining is available at Stough Hall, served family style, or more often, buffet style. Doug Carpenter Dining Hall in Bethany Village would be lovely for a wedding reception and can seat 500-700 based on the table configuration. Eppes Hall is where we grew up eating and can seat up to 200 people. Again, grills, and covered grill areas are sprinkled throughout camp. Also, common use refrigerators are available, especially in the lodging in Miller's Commons. Among the biggest draws at camp are the swinging bridge over Clear Creek and the beautiful cross, and the fun short hike to arrive at the base of the cross! There truly is something for everyone at Camp McDowell. I highly recommend the camp for attending group sessions in the summertime, or renting whatever type of facility you desire for a best friend's/girl's getaway weekend, the lodging on All Saint's Road is primarily 4 double rooms that share a common living room/full-service, fully stocked kitchen with refrigerator, fireplace, and beautiful large back porches with rocking chairs. If you get the opportunity to visit Camp McDowell absolutely do! If you would like to send a person to summer camp, nearly all, if not all Episcopal Church's in AL offer scholarships - that's how I got to go to my first summer camp at Camp McDowell, thanks to my church at the time, The Church of the Nativity in Huntsville, AL!

If you love nature and lots of outdoor activities this is the perfect place to visit. There are a…read morevariety of lodging options and outdoor activities to choose from. I had the pleasure of visiting with a large group and had a wonderful time. The staff were very friendly and there's plenty of meal options available. The prices are very reasonable and the scenery was amazing. I would recommend.

Every thing I ask for was fulfilled exactly like I asked for. Some of the things that I didn't ask…read morefor were done, which made it turned out extremely well super satisfied.

This ymca is amazing,Good service nice people good people at the front desk and good equipment. You…read morehave to people to play basketball with and you have staff to help you with anything you need. They also have power ad and protein shakes and bars to snack or drink.

Amazing gym facility for kids, but make no mistake - this isn't an advanced version of a playground…read morewith gymnastics equipment, this is a real thing. 5-years old children already have 1 hour classes and they are busy during most of that time. So kids who aren't into sports or don't have a lot of practice may not like this place, but those who are physically active and want to achieve more would enjoy it. In addition to regular classes, this place also has summer camps and parents night-outs, though I'm not sure if they are for everyone or only for those who attend regular classes.

This YMCA is the best one in Tuscaloosa. It is clean, never crowded and the staff is friendly.read more

I have been associated with the Central Branch YMCA since college, where I worked in the after…read moreschool program. Since that time, I have volunteered at the Y teaching classes and helping with fundraising, as well as calling the Y my home gym. The staff take excellent care of each member and make you feel as though it's not just a gym, but a personalized experience. The Y opened their new building a few years ago, with the latest gym equipment, amazing group fitness classes and a beautiful childcare area. I highly recommend becoming a member here, where you will not just be a number on a membership list. I can't imagine working out anywhere else! They are my Y family.

My daughter surprised me for my birthday and Mother's Day with this experience. I thoroughly…read moreenjoyed it. Ranks as one of my best days. The staff was friendly and explained everything very well, then if we needed anything or had questions all we had to do was ask. I highly recommend this place for anyone wanting to spend quality time with family or friends and let your creativity shine. I will be going back. I'm hooked!

I've been here a handful of times now and it's so fun! As a not so good at arts person, it was easy…read moreto create some cute pieces here! My friend reserved a table for a group of us, which gives you a time slot to work on your craft. When you are done, they fire it for you, then contact you when it is ready to be picked up. They have such a wide variety of pottery pieces to choose from as well as many paint options and tools. Each paint option was labeled with a number and had a tile showing how the color would end up looking after the firing process, because the wet paint itself is a lighter/different color. Every employee I encountered was a delight, and so helpful. They walked you through the process and helped me with any paint questions I had. I also discovered they have stencils and things like that! There's a big parking lot in the back, or a few spots out front, easy for pick ups. Great experience for any type of outing, and it is family friendly. It's not the biggest space, so I do recommend booking a table. All of the pieces are labeled with a price that comes off in the kiln, and there's a wide range of price ranges for any budget. Some really cute items to choose from. Will be coming back :)

I have been taking groups camping for years. I met Luke Milam and discovered Apologia Outdoors…read moreearlier this year and could not be more pleased. I have been on 2 trips with Apologia and will continue to use them for every camping trip I take from here on out. Their knowledge of the outdoors and ability to teach survival skills has made our trips both fun and unique. The most important element in my opinion is that they use God's creation to teach the truths about who God is and the reality of His tremendous Gospel. I cannot reguard this ministry more highly and look forward to many more trips with them.

From the owner: Apologia Outdoors commits to having exceptional stewardship of God's opportunities and resources to…read moreequip God's people to build His church through outdoor ministry. Our definition of outdoor ministry is: "Using creation as a tool to reach people for Christ." Apologia Outdoors exposes the worldly misconception about possessions through wilderness experiences. God taught His people to pack light for maximum effectiveness. It is remarkable how much people enjoy outdoor experiences with so few material belongings. God's create is a natural setting to teach a counter cultural worldview that we need very few material possessions to enjoy a Godly life. Apologia Outdoors designs its trips to equip God's people to share Christ's love in word and deed. This is done by using creation as a stage to provide the necessary raining for individuals and churches. Apologia Outdoors views every believer as a missionary, and our passion is to evangelize the world by growing world-changing leaders. Even after the trip is over, it is our intent that these missionaries nurture disciples that nurture disciples. It is Biblical for every believer to show leadership in fulfilling the Great Commiss

Such a loving and wonderful place that teaches piano, guitar, drums, and voice lessons. Mr. Baldwin…read moreand his staff really care about these kids and lift up there self esteem so they believe in themselves. Currently they are preparing for their Camp Kids Groove summer camp that starts July 9th-20th; 8am-3pm. Check out their Instagram page as well! It's really brought out the best in my daughter.

From the owner: A great culture for young people to learn the essentials in piano, guitar, voice and drums.read more