| Check out our free interactive Birmingham vacation guide and discover Birmingham's biggest attractions, best restaurants and much more. If you've visited Birmingham before tell us your vacation tips and help other travellers enjoy great vacations in Birmingham. |
| Free Birmingham Holiday Guide |
|
Although Birmingham stands in the heart of the Deep South, it is not an old South city.Founded in 1871 at the crossing of two railroad lines, the city developed rapidly in the early 1900's as it became the South's foremost industrial centre.Iron and steel production were a natural for Birmingham, due to the large underground deposits of coal, iron ore and limestone.
As an industrial town, it suffered during the Depression, but after World War 2, it grew moderately and diversification started and the legendary iron and steel mills were gradually replaced by a workforce of medical and engineering professionals. |
|
 |
Bessemer - This small town was named after Sir Henry Bessemer, the English engineer who perfected the steel-making process.The Hall of History museum displays Native American artefacts alongside exhibits from the industrial pioneer years.
Moundville Archeological Park - The park preserves 20 earthen mounds, carpeted in lush grass, with the largest supporting a rebuilt Native American temple.An estimated 3000 people lived here on the banks of the Black Warrior river during the 12th Century.The on-site museum exhibits items found in burial grounds, including jewellery, ceremonial vessels and a few skeletons.
Vulcan Park - Vulcan is the largest cast metal statue in the world and the largest statue ever made in the United States.The park is a 10 acre green space mounting Red Mountain, with views overlooking Birmingham.
McWane Centre - Learn thorough adventure is the theme for this ventre.The museum offers a hands-on examination of the world around us in a renovated department store.It houses 150 000 square feet of educational science equipment and a 42 000 sq ft IMAX theatre.It shows our world in action and you leave with a different perspective. |
|
|
|
Hot and Hot Fish Club - 2180 11th Court, Located on the south side, this ever popular restaurant with the strange name specialises in local organically grown fresh food. The interesting decor is a cross between an art gallery and a farmhouse. Here the menu changes, but not the high standard of cooking and the brilliant wine list. Perfect for any occasion.
22nd Street Jazz Cafe - 710 22nd St South. This excellent restaurant is in the southside area and apart from the great food, as the name implies there is live jazz and blues most nights. Always a great vibe here and the food is good and prices are reasonable.
Bombay Cafe - 2839 7th Ave South. This popular restaurant is situated in the Forest Park area. The decor is British upper crust and is meant to resemble India under the Raj. Although you will find curries on the menu, this is definatly not a curry house. The speciality is fish done to perfection and the top cuts of meat are the only ones you will eat here. An upmarket evening will be thouroughly enjoyed here. |
|
|
The Nick - 2510 10th Ave S. This has a world-class reputation as one of the stops on the circuit for up and coming acts as well as musical entities with world-class followings.
Garage Cafe - 2304 10th terrace, South.The garage offers a courtyard covered in cascading wisterias, gorgoyles, French iron gates and a marble baptismal font and plays blues, soul and rock.
22nd Street Jazz Cafe - 710 22nd Str. An intimate setting for jazz and blues with a late night menu as well. |
|
Ruffner Mountain - This nature reserve is just 5 miles from the city centre and has over 10 miles of hiking trails which traverse the ridgetops and valleys with the trails ending in a spectactular view of the city. The forest provides a home for native plants and animals.
Oak Mountain State Park - Alabama's largest park, where visitors enjoy outdoor pleasures like golf, camping, sports boating,fishing, hiking and some of the finest mountain biking trails in the country.The park is also home to the Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
Sipsey Wilderness Area - The third largest national wilderness area east of the Mississippi. Located in Bankhead National Forest, it offers a primitive recreational experience with camping, horseriding and hiking, whose trails were created by the Native Americans who once lived here. |
|
McWane Science Centre - 200 19th St North. A great downtown hands on museum that is fun for kids and they learn without being aware of the fact. Explore space, make your own film or build a roller coaster. There is lots to explore here. An IMAX cinema, gift shop and childrens fave fast food gives them a real treat.
U.S. Space and Rocket Centre - A worthwhile day trip from the city in Huntsville (About 2 Hours away) Anything and everything related to space travel and exploration over the years. An IMAX cinema and trip to the nearby Marshall Space Flight Centre, where NASA is busy building a space station will thrill adults and kids alike.
Birmingham Zoo - 2630 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook, Always popular with the children this zoo covers a wide area and houses over 1000 species from all over the world. If you get tired of walking there is a train to transport you around the zoo. Overnight camping is also available and on certain days the zoo is lit up at night with half a million lights. |
|
|
|
