Fun Things to do in Birmingham, Alabama

Vacation in Alabama, a lot of Fun with True Southern Hospitality

Jul 29, 2009

Birmingham is a city attracts visitors because of it's southern charm and appeal. It's a city that keeps people coming back for more year after year.

Birmingham, Alabama is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It's a city full of history, charm, and southern hospitality. Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama, played an important role in the civil rights movements of the 1960's. Since then, the city has grown over the years, yet it has still been able to keep it's southern charm and small town feel. There are various things for guests to do when visiting Alabama, whether it's enjoying jazz music, eating in some of the fine restaurants, or taking in some of the rich history, there's bound to be something for everyone to enjoy.

Vulcan Park and Museum

The Vulcan statue sits atop Red Mountain and is a simple of Birmingham's past. The cast iron statue of Vulcan, the Roman God of fire and forge is the largest cast iron statue in the world. Visitors can not only enjoy the statue, but enjoy panoramic views of Birmingham from the top of Red Mountain as well. Guests visiting the Vulcan Center can enjoy interactive exhibits and displays that tell the story of the region's industrial growth and history.

The Sixteenth Street Baptist Church

Located on 16th Street and 3rd Avenue North the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church is a National Historic Landmark due to its role in the Civil Rights Movements of the 1960's. During the Civil Rights Movement, the church served as an organizational headquarters and people, like Martin Luther King Jr., frequently spoke there. On September 15, 1963, four members of the Ku Klux Klan planted 19 sticks of dynamite outside the basement of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. When they exploded at 10:22am that Sunday morning four girls, Addie Mae Collins, Carole Robertson, Cynthia Wesley, and Denise McNair, were killed and 22 more people were injured. The church had be preparing for its "youth day" and more than 8,000 people, both African American and White, attended three of the four girls' funerals.

Birmingham Zoo

Located in the heart of Birmingham, the Birmingham Zoo is home to more than 700 animals. Guests can visit the alligator swamp or head over to the aviary where colorful Parrots will land on their arm and sip nectar from a cup. The Birmingham Zoo also has a daily Sea Lion Splash Show, Rhino Encounter, and Camel rides for guests to enjoy. Visitors can also enjoy the carousel ride or the train ride available at the zoo.

American Village

Located minutes from Birmingham, American Village offers guest the opportunity to recreate the early American dream. The colonial style village sits on 113 acres and has costumed historical interpreters available to guide guests on an adventure back in time. Guests can march in George Washington's Army or fly a kite with Benjamin Franklin. They can also enjoy a colonial puppet show for some old-fashioned entertainment.

Dining in Birmingham

While there are plenty of types of food to choose from in Birmingham, most visitors long for a true southern style home cooked meal, like the kind the serve at the Irondale Cafe. Another perk of dining while in Birmingham is fresh Gulf seafood which can be found at restaurants like, Ocean, located on 20th Street or downtown at Fish Market which is grocery-restaurant. For those looking for some down home BBQ, a stop at Jim N' Nick's BBQ on 11th Avenue South is sure to prove worthwhile.

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