Birmingham Visitors Guide Fall/Winter 2009

2009 Tourist Guide

Fall & Winter

Tuskegee Airmen Exhibit Page 32

2009

Celebrating the Year of Alabama History

Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau www.inbirmingham.org

Hoover A l l Sta r Att r act i ons Barons Baseball

Hoover, Naturally.

Where you can wander leisurely along gloriously petal strewn paths; walk down the aisles of stores and shops; and stretch your legs along the longest free flowing river in Alabama.

Regions Charity Classic Golf RV Park Great American Cross Country Race Cahaba River Trails Hydrangea Festival Patton Creek Lee Branch SEC Baseball Championship Tournament Moss Rock Preserve Moss Rock Festival Bluff Park Art Show Riverchase Galleria Robert Trent Jones Golf Aldridge botanical Gardens

Hoover, Alabama - Marketing Department 205.444.7588 - hooveral.org

Upper Cahaba Birding Trail

Birmingham’s Colorful History

B

irmingham has been through a lot for a city so young. Unlike many older cities, Birmingham, now in its 138th year, is still in the stages of

becoming.

Local historians divide the city’s history into six epochs. The first, from the 1830s to the late 1860s, was a time when the area we now know as Birmingham was called Elyton and was just a small pioneer farm settlement. It was not a town of any consequence at the time--the great Alabama cities were Mobile, Selma and Montgomery.

The second period, from about 1870 to 1880, was a time when railroads and land barons built a town they called Birmingham, named after England’s industrial giant. Formally incorporated in 1871, the new town became a commercial hub, with railroads crisscrossing throughout the community.

The young city sprang up, thrived and grew

so quickly that many observers said it happened “just like magic.” Soon the nickname the “Magic City” was applied to Birmingham.

It also was a time when older Alabama cities began to resent the growth and success of their neighbor to the north. The city’s detractors, and there were many, started referring to the city as “Little Birmy.” Their scorn subsided somewhat when the town was nearly wiped out, first by a cholera epidemic and then by economic depression.

The natural abundance of coal, iron ore and limestone, however, assured the resurgence of the little boomtown, and Birmingham moved into its third epoch with vitality. The mining and metals industry brought other businesses with it, but the controlling influences belonged to wealthy industrialists from the North.

The fourth distinct period began with the Depression and ran through the late 1950s.

During this era of wartime economy and shaky post-war recovery, the city suffered greatly.

Not a single major commercial building was built from the 1920s until the early 1960s.

The decade of the 1960s and early ‘70s was the fifth epoch. It brought events that would forever change the image of the city, turning a permanent global spotlight on race relations in Birmingham. This was the historic era of police dogs and fire hoses, of the bombed-out 16th Street Baptist Church and other horrors. (See page 42 for more information on Birmingham’s Civil Rights District.)

By the mid-1970s, the growing influence and reputation of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and the strength of a thriving business/healthcare economy ushered in the sixth epoch. Commercial construction drastically changed the skyline of the city, making it broader, more spectacular. Affluence and education brought with it more cultural and recreational opportunities. Birmingham was growing up.

Downtown Birmingham Business District

2

Birmingham Tourist Guide

Photo courtesy of the Birmingham Public Library Archives

The Birmingham We Are Today

M

olded by the ups and downs of its colorful history, the Birmingham we know today is a Southern city that is—all at once—young, traditional, vibrant, classy, complex and, some even say, exotic. The eccentricities of the South and of Southerners have been widely noted in film and literature…and we rather enjoy them all.

It has been said that Birmingham is the last major Southern city in America. That is because it is impossible for this city to become like every other place. While the city continues to grow more sophisticated in big-city ways, its people also treasure the charm of the smalltown South.

Birmingham is a distinctive and comfortable place to visit and live. You can enjoy asparagus salad with roasted pecan dressing at an elegant dining room for lunch, and look forward to supper at a café serving country-fried steak and butterbeans. The audience at the symphony concert will discuss college football games coming up the next day. And the highbrow patrons at the Charity Ball will be elbowto-elbow the next morning with other workers on a Habitat for Humanity home.

It is diversity that is Birmingham’s greatest strength and strongest appeal. The city is a spectrum of attitudes and cultures, all a part of the exoticism that is the South.

Contents 04 06 24 44 50 53 56 58 80 85

Information Central Lodging Attractions Shopping Arts Antiques Entertainment Dining After Dark Outdoors

94 Golf 101 Events On the Cover: See page 32 for information Published by CityVision, Inc. 205.595.0809 This Tourist Guide is printed on 20% recycled (10% Post-consumer waste) paper using only soy-based inks.

Our printer meets or exceeds all Federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) Standards and is a certified member of the Forest Stewardship Council.

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

3

information central Tourist Information Downtown Visitor Center The Birmingham Shop 2200 9th Avenue North 205-458-8000 800-458-8085 Airport Visitor Center Lower Level 205-458-8002 Vulcan Park and Museum Visitor Center 1701 Valley View Drive 205-458-8000

Helpful Information Area code: 205

Altitude: 620 average feet; ranging between 538 and 1,200

Area: 3,358 square miles – Metropolitan Statistical Area – Jefferson, Blount, St. Clair, Shelby and Walker Counties

Population: Metro – just over one million

Churches: More than 1,300, all major denominations

Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce: 205-324-2100

Television Stations: 7 commercial, 3 independents and 1 public educational station, several cable stations.

Weather: 205-945-7000

Radio Stations: 14 AM

Birmingham Fun Line: Weekly events update, 205458-8000

stations and 18 FM stations.

Also, 1 Spanish station.

Travelers Aid Society:

Newspapers: One daily (The

Library: 205-226-3600

Birmingham News, morning) plus weeklies and monthlies.

Convention and Visitors Bureau: 205-458-8000; 800-458-8085

CAP (City Action Partners) Got a flat? Lock your keys in the car? Mon-Fri, 7 am to midnight; Sat 11 am to 7 pm.

205-251-0111 (downtown only)

Uh-oh. Now you’ve done it.

And just when you were on your way to McWane your brain at McWane Science Center. There are those keys just dangling from the ignition. Be thankful that CAP is downtown and to the rescue. Those handsome young men in uniform riding bicycles all over town are useful as well as cool. They are the City Action Partnership (CAP) patrol.

CAP service area is downtown from 11th Avenue North to 5th Avenue South and from 22nd Street to 16th Street North, more or less.

To summons free assistance or for helpful information, call CAP headquarters at 205-251-0111 (unless you locked your cell phone in the car too), or visit their Web site at www.capisdowntown.com

Birmingham Tourist Guide

205-558-2222

Birmingham International Airport: 205-595-0533

Call A Cap

4

Better Business Bureau:

205-322-5426

Parks: 205-254-2391 (city), 800-252-7275 (state) Laws to know: Use safety belts. Turn on headlights during rain. Drinking age 21.

Liquor sales at package and grocery stores after noon Sundays.

Emergencies— for emergencies call 911

Accessible Transportation

Jefferson County Wheelchair Accessible

w Max Vip w Clastran w Buzz-A-Bus w Fresh Air w J&B Passenger Service w Special Needs Transportation

205-521-0101 205-325-8787 205-879-3438 205-744-7475 205-781-5702 205-821-3736

Ground Transportation Airport Express American Cab Co Birmingham Door To Door Executive Shuttle Network (eShuttle) R. C. American Cab Yellow Cab

205-591-7770 205-322-2222 205-591-5550 205-702-4566 205-960-1114 205-252-1131 or 328-4444

Rental Car Agencies Acclaim Auto Rental Acton Limousine Coach

205-663-5024 205-408-7723

Affordable Limousine, LLC Alamo Rent A Car Ambassador Limousine Avis Rent A Car Birmingham Limousine Budget Rent A Car Burkes Brothers Classic Limousine Service Camelot Limousine Bus Charters & Tours Carey Limousine

Dollar Rent A Car Enterprise Rent A Car

Hertz Rent A Car Larry’s Limos National Car Rental Royal Transportation & Booking Agency

205-251-5466 205-591-4395 205-987-5466 205-592-8901 205-822-8600 205-322-3596 205-324-9677 205-525-1721 205-591-5959 or 322-8810 800-800-4000 205-592-4559 or 591-1927 205-591-6090 205-999-4201 205-592-7259 205-929-3904

Hospitals with Emergency Rooms Birmingham VA Medical Center 700 19th St. S, 35233 205-933-8101

Princeton Baptist Medical Center 701 Princeton Ave SW, 35211 205-783-3000

Brookwood Medical Center 2010 Brookwood Medical Center Dr., 35209 205-877-1000

St. Vincent’s Hospital 2800 8th Ave South, 35205 205-939-7000

Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital 1720 University Blvd, 35233 205-325-8100 Cooper Green Mercy Hospital 1515 6th Ave South, 35205 205-930-3200

Trinity Medical Center 800 Montclair Road, 35213 205-592-1000 UAB Medical Center West 995 9th Avenue SW, 35022 205-481-7000 UAB University Hospital 1802 6th Ave S, 35233 205-934-4011

St. Vincent’s East 50 Medical Park East Dr., 35235 205-838-3000 The Children’s Hospital of Alabama 1600 7th Avenue South, 35233 205-939-9100

Veterinary Emergency Hospitals Alabama Veterinary Specialists 3783 Pine Lane SE, Professional Building 200 Bessemer, 35022 205-481-1001

Emergency and Specialty Animal Medical Center 2864 Acton Road, Birmingham, 35243 205-967-7389 or 205-251-5696

Pet Vet Animal Hospital 2021 Kentucky Avenue Birmingham, 35216 205-824-2077

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

5

Tutwiler Apartments eventually became today’s Tutwiler Hotel

Lodging key to amenities

6

Free Local Phone Calls

Gift Shop

Spa

Kitchenette

Dry Cleaning Service

Valet Service

Fitness Center

Laundry

Meeting Space

Extended Stay

Voice Mail

Room Service

Airport Courtesy Van

Complimentary Breakfast

Pool

Fax & Copy Service

Lounge

Restaurant

Suites

Business Center

Pets Allowed

Birmingham Tourist Guide

Photo courtesy of the Birmingham Public Library Archives

Lodging 1. Ace Motel 4539 Bessemer Super Hwy, Brighton 35020 205-428-1421 / 32 rooms 2. Adam Inn 300 10th St N, Birmingham 35203-2543 205-328-8560 / Fax: 205-328-8598 182 rooms

3. Aloft Hotel Birmingham at Soho Square 1903 29th Avenue South, Homewood 205-874-8055 / 111 rooms www.aloftbirminghamhomewood.com 4. Alta Vista Hotel and Conference Center 260 Goodwin Crest Drive, Birmingham 35209-3702 205-290-8000 / Fax: 205-290-8001 www.altavistahotel.com / 180 rooms

5. American Interstate Motel 5921 1st Ave N, Birmingham 35212-1607 205-595-4609 / 29 rooms 6. America’s Best Inns & Suites Birmingham Airport 5101 Airport Highway, Birmingham 35212-3046 205-592-6110/Fax: 205-591-5623 www.americasbestinns.com / 143 rooms

7. America’s Best Inns & Suites Parkway East 9225 Roebuck Parkway East, Birmingham 35206-1510 205-836-5400 / 800-237-8466 Fax: 205-833-4561 www.americasbestinns.com / 89 rooms

8. America’s Best Value Inn – Irondale 1813 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham 35210-2031 205-956-3650 / FAX: 205-951-5892 www.bestvalueinn.com

9. America’s Best Value Inn - Leeds 1093 Higrove Parkway, Leeds 35094 205-702 2700 / Fax: 205-702 2700 / www.bestvalueinn.com / 42 rooms

10. Anchor Motel 4121 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham 35222-1918 205-595-6157 / Fax: 205-595-6157 / 24 rooms 11. Anchor Motel Eastlake 8420 First Avenue North, Birmingham 35206-2704 205-833-3414 / 28 rooms 12. Apex Motel 1900 33rd Avenue North, Birmingham 35207-3338 205-328-0080 / 28 rooms 13. Bama Motel 6712 First Avenue North, Birmingham 35206-5016 205-833-7141 / 20 rooms 14. Baymont Inn & Suites Birmingham/Vestavia 1466 Montgomery Highway, Birmingham 35216-3607 / 1-877-BAYMONT (229-6668) / Fax: 205-822-9421 www.baymontinns.com / 123 rooms

15. Best Western Carlton Suites Hotel 140 State Farm Parkway, Birmingham 35209 205-940-9990 / 800-213-0079 Fax: 205-940-9930 www.carltonsuiteshotel.com/ 102 rooms

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

7

Lodging 16. Best Western Gardendale 842 Thompson Street, Gardendale 35071-4602 205-631-1181 / Fax: 205-631-1066 www.bestwestern.com / 59 rooms

24. Clarion Hotel & Conference Center 5216 Messer Airport Highway, Birmingham 35212-3033 205-591-7900 / Fax: 205-591-6004 www.clarionhotel.com, 197 rooms

17. Best Western Hotel & Suites 5041 Academy Lane, Bessemer 35022-5250 205-481-1950/Fax: 205-481-2597 www.bestwestern.com / 70 rooms 25. Cobb Lane Bed and Breakfast 1309 19th Street S, Birmingham 35205-4801 205-918-9090 / www.cobblanebandb.com 7 rooms 18. Birmingham Marriott 3590 Grandview Parkway, Birmingham 35243-1929 / 205-968-3775 800-228-9290 / Fax: 205-968-3742 www.birminghammarriott.com / 295 rooms

19. Birmingham Motor Court 1625 Third Avenue West, Birmingham 35208-4205, 205-786-4397 / 19 rooms 20. Birmingham’s Rodeway Inn & Suites Hotel and Conference Center 260 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham, AL 35209-4793 205-942-2041 / Fax: 515-474-5318 Sales Dept.: 205-588-4988, www.rodeway.com

21. Brookwood Medical Inn 2022 Brookwood Medical Ctr Dr, Homewood 35209-6808 205-877-1780 / 25 rooms 22. Budget Motel 1548 Bankhead Hwy W, Birmingham 35214-4847 205-798-8444 / 30 rooms 23. Budget Motel Bessemer 3010 9th Avenue N, Bessemer 35020-3546 205-428-9888 / 35 rooms

8

Birmingham Tourist Guide

26. Comfort Inn & Suites Colonnade 4400 Colonnade Parkway, Birmingham 35223 205-968-3700 / Fax: 205-968-0997 www.comfortinn.com/hotel/al203 / 67 rooms

27. Comfort Inn & Suites Trussville 4740 Norrell Dr, Trussville 35173-2634 1-800-4-choice / Fax: 205-661-3646 www.choicehotels.com / 66 rooms

28. Comfort Inn – Birmingham Airport 4965 Montevallo Rd, Birmingham 35210-2418 205-957-0084 / 800-4CHOICE Fax: 205-314-2400 / www.choicehotels.com 83 rooms

29. Comfort Inn Bessemer 5051 Academy Lane, Bessemer 35022-5250 205-428-3999 / Fax: 205-428-8053 www.choicehotels.com / 59 rooms 30. Comfort Inn Fairfield 6400 Kelco Place, Fairfield 35064-1828 205-780-5155 / Fax: 205-780-2855 www.choicehotels.com / 79 rooms

See fold out map in back of guide for locations

GOLF WORTHY OF THE PROS. PAMPERING DESIGNED FOR A DIVA. At Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa, serious play meets exceptional service, creating an unrivalled escape. Enjoy stunning views as you play the world’s third longest course. Afterward, the spa awaits, ready to immerse you in an indulgent experience. Then dine on our sophisticated Southern cuisine. Sink into luxury with the savvy service that has SM

earned our AAA Four-Diamond rating. UNIQUELY RENAISSANCE.

A part of the Resort Collection on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa · Birmingham, AL · For more information, please call 866.486.7677 or visit rossbridgeresort.com © 2008 Marriott International, Inc.

Lodging 31. Comfort Inn Homewood 226 Summit Pkwy, Homewood 35209-4732 205-916-0464 / Fax: 205-916-0298 www.ramada.com / 115 rooms

32. Comfort Suites Fultondale 1325 Old Walker Chapel Rd, Fultondale 35068-1659 205-259-2160 / Fax: 205-259-2170 www.choicehotels.com / 70 rooms

33. Country Inn & Suites Bessemer 4985 Academy Ct, Bessemer 35022-5250 205-481-0007 / Fax: 205-481-0070 www.countryinns.com / 66 rooms

34. Courtyard by Marriott Birmingham Downtown/UAB 1820 5th Avenue South, Birmingham 35233 205-254-0004 / Fax: 205-254-8001 www.marriott.com/bhmdw / 122 rooms

35. Courtyard by Marriott Colonnade 4300 Colonnade Parkway, Birmingham 35243-2399 205-967-4466 / Fax: 205-967-2499 www.marriott.com / 122 rooms

36. Courtyard by Marriott Homewood 500 Shades Creek Parkway, Homewood 35209-4418 205-879-0400/Fax: 205-879-6324 www.marriott.com / 140 rooms

10 Birmingham Tourist Guide

37. Courtyard by Marriott Hoover 1824 Montgomery Hwy S, Hoover 35244-1208 205-988-5000 / Fax: 205-988-4659 www.marriott.com / 153 rooms

38. Courtyard by Marriott Trussville 3665 Roosevelt Blvd, Birmingham 35235 205-661-2280 / Fax: 205-661-2281 www.marriott.com / 73 rooms

39. Days Inn Bessemer 1121 9th Avenue SW, Bessemer 35022 205-424-9780 / Fax: 205-424-9780 www.daysinn.com / 140 rooms

40. Days Inn Birmingham 905 11th Court West, Birmingham 35204-1806 205-324-4510 / Fax: 205-326-4360 www.daysinn.com / 106 rooms

41. Days Inn Fultondale 616 Decatur Highway, Fultondale 35068-0476 205-849-0111/Fax: 205-849-9367 www.daysinn.com / 98 rooms

42. Days Inn Galleria 1800 Riverchase Drive, Hoover 35244-1008 205-985-7500 / Fax: 205-733-8122 / 138 rooms

43. Days Inn South 1535 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover 35216 205-822-6030 / Fax: 205-979-5834 http://www.daysinn.com / 87 rooms

See fold out map in back of guide for locations

Meet in Alabama...

For Work or Play Luxury, Dining, Golf, Shopping, Spa. The Wynfrey captures it all with the essence of European Elegance and state-of-the-art amenities. A beautiful outdoor pool, world-class golf, luxury shopping, European spa, high-speed internet access and Shula’s Steak House. As Alabama’s Preferred AAA Four-Diamond hotel, personal service and personal comfort are uncompromised.

For work or play experience the elegance today.

Shula’s, one of the top five steakhouses in America,

provides an elegant white table cloth restaurant within a virtual museum of the 1972 Miami Dolphin’s historic season.

Shula’s

exclusively serves the award winning and famous “SHULA CUT” and is located in The Wynfrey Hotel.

205.987.1600 | 800.WYNFREY | Wynfrey Express Fax: 205.987.0454 www.wynfrey.com

Lodging 44. Delux Inn & Suites 7905 Crestwood Boulevard, Birmingham 35210-2698 205-956-4440 / Fax: 205-956-3011 / 77 rooms

50. Embassy Suites Riverchase Galleria (Opening December 2009) 2960 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover 35244 www.birminghamhoover.embassysuites.com

45. DoubleTree Hotel Birmingham 808 20th Street South, Birmingham 35205-2795 205-933-9000/Fax: 205-933-0920 www.birmingham.doubletree.com 298 rooms

51. Fairfield Inn & Suites Birmingham Fultondale/I-65 1795 Morris Avenue, Fultondale 35068 205-849-8484 / 888-236-2427 / Fax: 205-849-7373 www.marriott.com/bhmbf / 75 rooms

46. Drury Inn & Suites Birmingham Southeast 3510 Grandview Pkwy, Birmingham 35243-1929 205-967-2450 / Fax: 205-967-6455 www.druryhotels.com / 151 rooms

47. Drury Inn & Suites Southwest 160 State Farm Parkway, Birmingham 35209-7186 205 940-9500 / Fax: 205-940-9500 www.druryhotels.com / 139 rooms

48. Econolodge Oxmoor 195 Oxmoor Road, Homewood 35209-5956 205-941-0990/ 800-424-6423 / Fax: 205-941-1527 www.choicehotels.com / 153 rooms

49. Embassy Suites Birmingham 2300 Woodcrest Place, Birmingham 35209-1304 205-879-7400 / Fax: 205-870-4523 www.birmingham.embassysuites.com 242 rooms

12 Birmingham Tourist Guide

52. Fairfield Inn & Suites Birmingham/Bessemer 4980 Academy Court, Bessemer 35022 205-277-1700 / Fax: 205-277-1701 www.marriott.com / 76 rooms

53. Hampton Inn & Suites Hoover - Galleria 4520 Galleria Blvd, Birmingham 35244 205-380-3300 / 800-HAMPTON Fax: 205-989-8524 www.birminghamriverchasesuites.hamptoninn. com / 102 rooms

54. Hampton Inn Bessemer 4910 Civic Lane, Bessemer 35022-7820 205-425-2010 / Fax: 205-425-1630 www.hamptoninn.com / 84 rooms

55. Hampton Inn Colonnade 3400 Colonnade Pkwy, Birmingham 35243-2355 205-967-0002 / Fax: 205-969-0901 www.birminghamcolonnade.hamptoninn.com 133 rooms

See fold out map in back of guide for locations

Springhill Suites by Marriott – Birmingham Colonnade 3950 Colonnade Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35243 205-969-8099 www.springhillbirmingham.com

Residence Inn by Marriott Birmingham-Hoover 2725 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover, AL 35244 205-733-1655 www.marriott.com/bhmrh

To reserve your room, call

1-800-MARRIOTT

MaRRIott.CoM

Lodging 59. Hampton Inn Mountain Brook 2731 Hwy 280 South, Mountain Brook 35223-2405 205-870-7822 / Fax: 205-871-7610 www.birminghammountainbrook.hamptoninn. com / 130 rooms

60. Hampton Inn Trussville 1940 Edwards Lake Road, Birmingham 35235-3716 205-655-9777 / Fax: 205-655-0181 www.birminghamtrussville.hamptoninn.com 78 rooms

61. Hilton Birmingham Perimeter Park 8 Perimeter Park S, Birmingham 35243-2326 205-967-2700 / Fax: 205-972-8603 www.birminghamperimeterpark.hilton.com 205 rooms

56. Hampton Inn Fultondale 1716 Fulton Rd, Fultondale 35068-1669 205-439-6700 / Fax: 205-439-6701 www.hamptoninn.com / 65 rooms

62. Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham - Lakeshore 520 Wildwood Circle North, Birmingham 35209-7199 205-314-0274/Fax: 205-314-0275 www.birminghamlakeshoredrive.gardeninn. com 95 rooms

57. Hampton Inn I65/Lakeshore Drive 30 State Farm Parkway, Birmingham 35209 205-313-2060 / 800-426-7866 / Fax: 205-313-2070 www.hamptoninn.hilton.com / 97 rooms

58. Hampton Inn Leeds (Opening Winter 2010), 310 Rex Lake Rd, Leeds 35094, 205-702-4141.

14 Birmingham Tourist Guide

63. Hilton Garden Inn Liberty Park 2090 Urban Center Parkway, Vestavia Hills 35242 205-503-5220 / Fax: 205-503-5221 www.birminghamselibertypark.stayhgi.com 130 rooms

See fold out map in back of guide for locations

64. Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham/Trussville (Opening Summer 2009), 3230 Edwards Lake Pkwy, Trussville 35235, 205-655-5222.

68. Holiday Inn Express Fultondale 1733 Fulton Rd, Fultondale 35068-1669 205-439-6300 / Fax: 205-439-6301 www.ichotelsgroup.com / 67 rooms

65. Hiway Host Motel 4301 Bessemer Super Hwy, Bessemer 35020-2494, 205-425-4352 / 35 rooms 66. Holiday Inn Airport 5000 Richard Arrington Blvd N, Birmingham 35212-1497 205-591-6900/Fax: 205-591-2093 / www.ichotelsgroup.com / 220 rooms

67. Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites - Homewood 492 Wildwood Circle North, Birmingham 35209 205-942-6070 / 800-465-4329 / 108 rooms

69. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Bessemer 5001 Academy Drive, Bessemer 35022 205-424-2600 / Fax: 205-428-9972 www.ichotelsgroup.com / 63 rooms

70. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Mountain Brook 156 Resource Center Parkway, Birmingham 35242 205-776-6370 / Fax: 205-776-6389/ www.ichotelsgroup.com / 96 rooms

© 2007 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All rights reserved. Sheraton is a registered trademark of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

High expectations are invited. At the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel.

Alabama’s largest ballroom for spectacular events. Recent renovations create a feeling of welcome unlike any other. Because you don’t just stay here. You belong.

Book today at Sheraton.com/birmingham or call 1-205-324-5000.

Lodging 71. Holiday Inn Express Irondale 811 Old Grants Mill Road, Irondale 35210-1233 205-957-0555 / Fax: 205-957-0559 www.ichotelsgroup.com / 100 rooms

78. Hyatt Place Birmingham-Hoover 2980 John Hawkins Parkway, Birmingham 35244-1087 205-988-8444 / 800-833-1516 / Fax: 205-988-8407 www.hyattplace.com / 126 rooms

72. Holiday Inn Express Trussville 5911 Valley Road, Trussville 35173-1071 205-655-2700 / Fax: 205-655-5500 / 64 rooms

79. Hyatt Place Birmingham/Downtown 2024 4th Ave S., Birmingham 35233, 205-322-8600, 888-492-8847, www.hyattplace.com

73. Homestead Village Guest Studios 12 Perimeter Park South, Birmingham 35243-2326 205-967-3800 / Fax: 205-967-0025 / www.homesteadhotels.com / 137 rooms

74. Homewood Lodge 103 Greensprings Hwy, Birmingham 35209-4903 205-942-1263 / Fax: 205-942-1219 / 48 rooms

80. InTown Suites 90 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham 35209-6410 205-945-9154 / Fax: 205-290-0306 www.intownsuites.com / 150 rooms

81. Intown Suites Birmingham North 1100 Huffman Road, Birmingham 35215-7502 205-856-4929 / Fax: 205-856-4119 www.intownsuites.com / 137 rooms

75. Hospitality Inn 2127 7th Avenue South, Birmingham 35233-3105 205-322-0691/ 50 rooms

82. Jameson Inn Bessemer 5021 Academy Lane, Bessemer 35022-5250 205-428-3194 / Fax: 205-428-2690 www.jamesoninns.com / 60 rooms

76. Hotel Highland at Five Points South 1023 20th Street South, Birmingham 35205-2622 205-933-9555 / Fax: 205-933-6918 / www.thehotelhighland.com / 63 rooms

83. Jameson Inn Trussville 4730 Norrel Drive, Trussville 35173-2634 205-661-9323 / Fax: 205-655-9331 www.jamesoninns.com/ 60 rooms

77. Howard Johnson Express Inn 275 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham 35209-4705 205-942-0919 / Fax: 205-942-1679 www.hojobirmingham.com / 100 rooms

16 Birmingham Tourist Guide

84. Kings Inn Civic Center/UAB 1313 Third Avenue North, Birmingham 35203-1730 205-323-8806 / Fax: 205-323-5591 www.knightsinn.com / 147 rooms

See fold out map in back of guide for locations

85. La Quinta Inn & Suites B’ham/Homewood 60 State Farm Parkway, Homewood 35209-7179 205-290-0150 / Fax: 205-290-0850 www.lq.com / 129 rooms

86. La Quinta Inn Birmingham 513 Cahaba Park Circle, Birmingham 35242-5011 205-995-9990 / Fax: 205-995-0563 www.lq.com / 99 rooms

87. La Quinta Inn & Suites - Fultondale 1207 Boots Blvd. Fultondale, 205-949-8700 / www.lq.com / 66 rooms

88. Medical Center Inn- UAB 800 11th Street South, Birmingham 35205 205-933-1900 / 866-933-1901 / Fax: 205-933-8476 www.MedicalCenter-Inn.com / 189 rooms

Consistently Top Ranked Nationally in Overall Guest Satisfaction

5000 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd.

At Exit 129, I-59 / I-20 Birmingham, Al 35212 Reservations (800) 315-2621 Hotel Front Desk: (205) 591-6900 Hotel Fax: (205)591-2093

All rooms have microwaves and refrigerators 24 Hour Business & State-of-the-Art Fitness Center Complimentary Airport Shuttle every 20 minutes, 4 a.m.-1 a.m.

Complimentary wireless and in-room high speed internet FULL SERVICE PROPERTY

Lodging The original Tutwiler Hotel

89. Microtel Hotel 251 Summit Pkwy, Homewood 35209-4731 205-945-5550 / Fax: 205-945-8823 www.microtelinn.com / 102 rooms

93. Motel 6 Birmingham 151 Vulcan Road, Birmingham 35209-4701 205-942-9414 / Fax: 205-942-9499 www.motel6.com / 96 rooms

90. Microtel Inn & Suites Gardendale 850 Odum Road, Gardendale 35071 205-631-6320 / 800-771-7171 Fax: 205-631-6450 / www.microtelinn.com 82 rooms

94. Motel 8 Inn 5009 First Avenue North, Birmingham 35212-3101 205-595-1991 / 40 rooms

91. Microtel Inn & Suites Hoover (Galleria Mall) 500 Jackson Drive, Hoover 35244 205-444-3033 / FAX 205-444-9091 www.hoovermicrotel.com

92. Motel 6 Bessemer 1000 Shiloh Lane, Bessemer 35022-4596 205-426-9646 / Fax: 205-426-9305 www.motel6.com / 121 rooms

18 Birmingham Tourist Guide

95. Park Inn Birmingham Airport 7901 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham 35210-2611 205-951-0700 / Fax: 205-313-3701 www.thayerinteractive.com / 102 rooms

96. Quality Inn Homewood 155 Vulcan Rd, Homewood 35209 205-945-9600 / Fax: 205-945-5706 120 rooms

Photo courtesy of the Birmingham Public Library Archives

Courtyard by Marriott/ Homewood 500 Shades Creek Pkwy Homewood, AL, 35209 205-879-0400 www.marriott.com/bhmhw

Courtyard by Marriott/Hoover 1824 Montgomery Hwy S. Hoover, AL 35224 205-988-5000 www.marriott.com/bhmho

Courtyard by Marriott/Colonnade 4300 Colonnade Pkwy Birmingham, AL 35243 205-967-4466 www.marriott.com/bhmsc

Courtyard by Marriott/ Downtown at UAB 1820 5th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233 205-254-0004 www.marriott.com/bhmdw

Residence Inn by Marriott/ Homewood

Experience our plush bedding prepared to make your tomorrow more productive.

50 State Farm Pkwy Homewood, AL 35209 205-943-0044 www.marriott.com/bhmhm

Residence Inn by Marriott/ Inverness 3 Greenhill Pkwy Birmingham, AL 35242 205-991-8686 www.marriott.com/bhmox

To reserve your room, call 1-800-MARRIOT or visit Marriott.com.

Rates are per room, per night, based on availability, not available for groups of 10 or more rooms.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott/ Homewood 500 Wildwood Circle Homewood, AL 35209 205-943-0114 www.marriott.com/bhmth

Lodging 97. Quality Inn Irondale 3910 Kilgore Memorial Dr, Irondale 35210-1204 205-956-4100 / Fax: 205-956-0906 www.choicehotels.com / 70 rooms

98. Quality Inn Vestavia 1485 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills 35216 205-823-4300 / 800-424-6423 / Fax: 205-823-6319 www.choicehotels.com / 160 rooms

99. Relax Inn 6101 First Avenue North, Birmingham 35212-1611 205-591-5575 / Fax: 205-595-1740 / 42 rooms 100. Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa 4000 Grand Avenue, Birmingham 35226 205-916-7677 / Fax: 205-942-7080 www.thayerinteractive.com / 258 rooms

104. Rime Garden Inn & Suites 5320 Beacon Drive, Birmingham 35210-2820 205-951-1200 / 888-828-1768 / Fax: 205-951-1692 www.rimehotel.com / 100 rooms

105. Scottish Inn 1011 9th Avenue SW, Bessemer 35022-4529 205-424-9690 / Fax: 205-263-9900 www.bookroomsnow.com / 122 rooms

106. Sheraton Birmingham 2101 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham 35203-1101 205-324-5000 / Fax: 205-307-3045 Main Hotel www.sheraton.com/birmingham / 770 rooms

107. Siesta Motel 2510 Crestwood Boulevard, Birmingham 35210-2094 205-956-1400 / 99 rooms 101. Residence Inn Birmingham (Opening July 31, 2009) 821 20th Street S., Birmingham 35205 800-331-3131 102. Residence Inn Homewood 50 State Farm Parkway, Homewood 35209-7179 205-943-0044 / Fax: 205-943-0668 www.marriott.com/BHMHM / 120 rooms

103. Residence Inn by Marriott Birmingham-Hoover 2725 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover, 205-733-1655, www.marriott.com/bhmrh 118 rooms

20 Birmingham Tourist Guide

108. Sky Inn 6000 First Avenue North, Birmingham 35212-1610 205-592-0153 / 30 rooms 109. Sleep Inn Bessemer 1259 Greenmor Drive, Bessemer 35022-6437 205-424-0000 / Fax: 205-424-1971 www.sleepinn.com / 73 rooms

110. Southern Comfort Motel 725 Third Avenue West, Birmingham 35204-4018 205-785-9823 / Fax: 205-785-9823 ext 214 25 rooms

See fold out map in back of guide for locations

111. Springhill Suites by Marriott – Birmingham Colonnade 3950 Colonnade Pkwy 205-969-8099 / FAX: 205-969-8098 www.marriott.com/hotels/bhmco-springhillsuites-birmingham-colonnade

114. Sun Suites of Birmingham 424 Commons Dr, Homewood 35209-6963 205-942-1155 / Fax: 205-942-1685 www.sunsuites.com / 135 rooms

115. Super 8 Motel 140 Vulcan Road, Birmingham 35209-4702 205-945-9888 / Fax: 205-945-9928 www.super8.com / 95 rooms 112. StudioPLUS Wildwood 40 State Farm Parkway, Homewood 35209-7179 205-290-0102 / Fax: 205-912-2092 www.extstay.com / 72 rooms

116. Super 8 Motel North 624 Decatur Highway, Fultondale 35068-1801 205-841-2200 / Fax: 205-841-6011 www.super8.com / 126 rooms

113. Sun Inn 1573 Bessemer Road, Birmingham 35208-4094 205-925-7868 / 33 rooms

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

21

Lodging 117. The Historic Redmont Hotel 2101 5th Avenue North, Birmingham 35203-3305 205-324-2101 / Fax: 205-324-0610 www.theredmont.com / 114 rooms

122. USA Economy Lodge Homewood 400 Beacon Pkwy W., 205-942-2031

123. USA Economy Lodge Irondale 7941 Crestwood Boulevard, Birmingham 35210-2697 205-956-8211 / Fax: 205-956-1234 / 207 rooms 118. Tourway Inn 1101 Sixth Avenue North, Birmingham 35203-1503 205-252-3921 / Fax: 205-252-3921 / 70 rooms 119. TownePlace Suites by Marriott – Homewood 500 Wildwood Circle North, Homewood 35209-7199 205-943-0114 /Fax: 205-943-0115 www.marriott.com/bhmth / 128 rooms

124. Value Place Hotel (Opening June 2009) 5535 Academy Dr., Bessemer 205-428-4140, 800-ValuePlace www.valueplace.com 125. Vestavia Motor Lodge 1459 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills 35216-3612 205-822-7730 / Fax: 205-979-5113 / 55 rooms 126. Wynfrey Hotel 1000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover 35244-2399 205-987-1600 / Fax: 205-988-4597 www.wynfrey.com / 329 rooms

120. Travelodge 1066 Forestdale Boulevard, Forestdale 35214-3856 205-798-3831 / Fax: 205-987-2233-311 33 rooms 121. Tutwiler Hotel Hampton Inn & Suites 2021 Park Place, Birmingham 35203-2717 205-322-2100 / Fax: 205-325-1183 www.thetutwilerhotel.com / 149 rooms

22 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Photo courtesy of the Birmingham Public Library Archives

HP family of Hotels

A One Stop Shop Serving Large And Small Groups Based On Location Needs

65 59

1Hampton Inn - Lakeshore

I-65 Lakeshore / 30 State Farm Parkway, Birmingham AL 35209, 205-313-2060

79

2Hilton Garden Inn - Lakeshore

I-65 Lakeshore / 520 Wildwood Circle, Homewood AL 35209, 205-314-0274 20

65 20

5 6 459

3Holiday Inn - Homewood

I-65 Lakeshore/ 492 Wildwood Circle N, Homewood AL 35209, 205-942-6070

4Hilton Garden Inn - Liberty Park

Hwy 459/2090 Urban Center Parkway, Birmingham AL 35242, 205-503-5220

4 280

5Holiday Inn Express - Irondale

Hwy 459/ 811 Old Grants Mill Rd., Birmingham AL 35210, 205-957-0555

1 2 3

6Hampton Inn & Suites - Irondale

7

65

280

(Opening 2009) 3960 Grants Mill Road Irondale, AL 35210, 205-957-0555

459

7Holiday Inn Express - Inverness on 280 156 Resource Center Parkway Birmingham, AL 35243, 205-770-6370

8Embassy Suites

8 150

65 31

(Opening 2009) 2960 John Hawkin Parkway Hoover, Al 35244, 205-966-9020

HP Hotels—2204 Lakeshore Drive Birmingham, AL 35209, 205-879-7004 Ext. 20

Consistent Policies Offering Red Carpet Treatment

www.hp-hotels.com

Amercian Bus Assocation Members

State Fairgrounds circa 1910-1919

Attractions 1. Alabama Adventure Plan for a day-long adventure at this popular theme park and water playground. In addition to new rides already in operation, future plans call for an animal park, a hotel with an indoor water park, and a sports complex. Hours of operation vary according to the season. Check for hours before making plans. Admission charged. {4599 Alabama Adventure Parkway, 205-481-4750, www.alabamaadventure.com}

the jazz standard “Tuxedo Junction” about a Birmingham streetcar crossing, creating a sound heard around the world. And that’s just one of Birmingham’s many contributions to the world of jazz. The Jazz Hall of Fame exhibits memorabilia in the historic, art deco Carver Theatre. Hours: Tues – Sat, 10 am – 5 pm. Closed Monday and Sunday except for scheduled events. Admission charged. {1631 4th Ave. North, 205-254-2731, www.jazzhall.com}

2. Alabama Historical Radio Museum Radio aficionados will enjoy this trek through the history of radio. The museum features radios from the early 20th century days of “radiophone” technology through the 1940s and ‘50s. Museum hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The museum is housed in Alabama Power Company’s corporate headquarters at 6th Avenue and 18th Street North. www.alabamahistoricalradiosociety.org

4. Alabama Museum of the Health Sciences Housed within the Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences on the campus of UAB, the Alabama Museum of the Health Sciences was established to document the growth and development of education, research and practice in the field of health sciences in Alabama. Dr. Walker Reynolds, Jr., an Alabama medical pioneer, donated to the permanent holdings of the museum a number of surgical instruments he invented. Free Admission. {Lister Hill Library, 1700 University Blvd, 205-934-4475, www.uab.edu/historical/museum.html}

3. Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame Birmingham native Erskine Hawkins penned 24 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Photo courtesy of the Birmingham Public Library Archives

Attractions 5. Alabama Sports Hall of Fame From Paul “Bear” Bryant to Jesse Owens to Willie Mays, the memorabilia and memories of Alabama’s sports heroes are enshrined at this hall of fame. Renowned throughout the country as one of the most attractive state showcases of its type, features more than 4,000 pieces of spectacular memorabilia and six life size dioramas. Located at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. Mon - Sat, 9 am – 5 pm.

Admission charged. {2150 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N, 205-323-6665, www.ashof.org} 6. Alabama Theatre Built in the 1920s, The Alabama Theatre is one of the nation’s last operating movie palaces, featuring first-run and revival films, concerts and other special events. The “Mighty Wurlitzer” organ still rises from the orchestra pit and is often played to accompany silent films.

Attending an event or movie at the Alabama is one of the most highly recommended activities for visitors to the city. Hours: Mon – Fri, 9 am – 4 pm, later during special events. Admission charged: varies by event {1817 Third Avenue North, 205-252-2262, www.alabamatheatre.com} 7. Alabama Veterans Memorial Foundation The Alabama Veterans Memorial is a 21-acre park situated on a beautiful, wooded hilltop.

This remarkable complex includes the very moving Regiment of Columns which display stories, letters and art work cast in metal, and a temple engraved with the 11,000 names of Alabamians lost to war in the 20th Century. {Liberty Park & I-459, 205-985-9488 or 800-288-7890, www.alabamaveterans.com} 8. Alabama Wildlife Center at Oak Mountain State Park Alabama Wildlife Center at Oak Mountain State Park: Located in Oak Mountain State Park, the center is Alabama’s oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation center. The center is open to the public for self-guiding tours and features the Treetop Nature Trail. A beautiful, elevated walkway in the woods, the trail offers close-up views of non-releasable hawks and owls in natural habitat enclosures built among and around the trees. {Oak Mountain State Park, 100 Terrace Dr, Pelham, Main: 205-6213333 (Wildlife Hotline), Main: 205-663-7930; EMAIL: wildlife@awrc.org, FAX: 205-6826867, WEB: http://www.awrc.org} 9. Aldridge Botanical Gardens Aldridge Gardens feature hydrangeas and other native plants and attracts botanists

See the Statue of Liberty…in Birmingham Birmingham’s Miss Liberty lived atop the Liberty National Building downtown for 30 years as the official symbol of the life insurance company. In 1989 she was hoisted down by a giant crane, carefully restored, and moved to her permanent home at Liberty Park just off I-459.

At 31 feet in height and ten tons in weight, one-fifth the size of the original, Miss Liberty is a big woman. She was so big that no U.S. foundry could cast the statue at a price Liberty National could afford.

Company officials finally sought out a foundry in France that had cast the only other large replica of the statue. When the bronze-cast lady arrived back in the U.S., she was shipped to Birmingham by railroad from New Orleans. She was transported in three pieces in crates so large the train could travel only 25 mph and only in daylight.

Birmingham’s Miss Liberty is an imposing sight from the interstate and even more so close up and personal. So if New York City isn’t in the budget, come take a gander at a slightly smaller version of a statue of liberty.

See fold out map in back of guide for locations

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

25

Attractions Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

worldwide to central Alabama. The 30-acre botanical garden has a seven-acre lake in the middle of the property with a walking trail.

The signature flower of Aldridge Gardens is the Snowflake Hydrangea, developed and propagated by noted nurseryman Eddie Aldridge. Hours: Nov – Mar, 8 am – 5 pm; Apr – Oct, 8 am – 7 pm. {3530 Lorna Rd., 205-6828019, www.aldridgegardens.com} 10. American Village A classroom...a stage and theater...a museum of ideas...the American Village is a laboratory where visitors recreate the great American experiment in liberty and self- government.

Costumed historical interpreters guide visitors on a trip back in time to rediscover the story of America’ s journey for liberty and independence. AmericanVillage is also available for meetings, corporate events and weddings. Hours are Tuesdays - Fridays from 10-4 PM; Saturdays from 10-5 PM; and Sundays from 1-5 PM; Open Mondays for school programming and private scheduled events only. Admission charged. {3727 Highway 119, 205-665-3535 or 877-811-1776, www.americanvillage.org} 11. Arlington Antebellum Home & Garden Built between 1845 and 1850, the Arlington Antebellum Home preceded the founding 26 Birmingham Tourist Guide

of Birmingham in 1871. The mansion is fully restored and is home to an exquisite collection of antiques and decorative arts. Arlington is the city’s only antebellum mansion. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Sunday - 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Closed Mondays and city holidays. Admission charged. {331 Cotton Avenue SW, 205-780-5656, www. informationbirmingham.com/arlington/index. htm} 12. Ave Maria Grotto For half a century, Brother Joseph Zoettl used stones, bricks, marbles, tiles, pipe, shells and more to create more than 125 miniature replicas of world-famous buildings and sacred sites such as the ancient city of Jerusalem, St. Peter’s Basilica, the leaning tower of Pisa, and the hanging gardens of Babylon. The Grotto is located in a 4-acre landscaped park on the grounds of Alabama’s only Benedictine Abbey with church and monastery and is listed in the National Register of Historic Sites. {1600 St. Bernard Drive SE, St. Bernard Abbey, Cullman, Tel: 256-734-4110, FAX: 256-7378768, www.avemariagrotto.com} 13. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum at Barber Motorsports Park The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum houses a collection of more than 850 motorcycles and 45 cars making it the largest such assemblage in the United States and possibly the world. Bikes from 17 nations with 125 manufacturers are represented. Hours: April 1 - September 30: Monday - Saturday 10am 6pm; Sunday Noon - 6pm. October 1 - March 31: Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday Noon - 5pm. Admission charged. {6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy., 205-699-7275, www.barbermuseum.org} 14. Bessemer Hall of History A renovated Southern Railway depot houses the Bessemer Hall of History, which chronicles the history of Bessemer, Jefferson County and Alabama. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hours: Tuesday - Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 pm. Closed from 12:00-1:00 for lunch. {1905 Alabama Avenue, 205-426-1633, www.bhamrails.info/Bess_Hall_ Hist/bess_hall_hist_02.htm} See fold out map in back of guide for locations

Birmingham’s Best Must See Spot for Visitors!

“Best of the Best” 2004 - 2008 - The Birmingham News

Spectacular City Views Interactive Museum for All Ages Beautiful Park and Picnic Areas World’s Largest Cast Iron Statue

Open 7 Days a Week

visitvulcan.com

Vulcan® VulcanPark Parkand andMuseum Museum••1701 1701Valley ValleyView ViewDrive Drive••Birmingham, Birmingham,AL AL35209 35209••205.933.1409 205.933.1409

Attractions the Civil Rights Movement and human rights struggles of today. Hours: Tues to Sat 10 am - 5 pm; Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm; Closed Monday and major holidays. Admission charged.Located in the historic Civil Rights District {520 16th Street North, 205-328-9696, www.bcri.bham. al.us/}

East Lake Park circa 1932

15. Birmingham Botanical Gardens The glory of nature in the heart of the city; that’s the promise of the 67-acre Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Come to see the rhododendron, camellias, wildflowers, ferns, roses, outdoor sculptures, a Japanese garden with teahouse, and the garden for the blind.

Open daily from dawn to dusk every day of the year. Free Admission. {2612 Lane Park Road, 205-414-3900, www.bbgardens.org} 16. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute The institute captures the spirit and drama of the countless individuals--both well known and unsung--who dared to confront racial discrimination and bigotry. This is a “living institution” which views the lessons of the past to chart new direction for the future.

The Institute’s permanent exhibits are a selfdirected journey through the early days of 28 Birmingham Tourist Guide

17. Birmingham Museum of Art The Birmingham Museum of Art is one of the finest regional museums in the country. The Museum has a nationally-acclaimed permanent collection of more than 22,000 works, representing cultures around the world. Of particular interest are the Charles W. Ireland Sculpture Garden, American Art Collection, Asian Art Collection, Beeson Collection of Wedgwood, Contemporary Art Collection, Hitt Collection of 18th Century French Painting and Decorative Arts, Kress Collection of Renaissance Art, Native American Art Collection and the BMA’s nationallyrecognized Visually-Impaired Program. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am - 5 pm; Sunday noon - 5 pm; closed Monday, New Year’s Day, Christmas Day and Thanksgiving. Admission is free with the exception of special events. Donations are welcome. {2000 Eighth Avenue North, 205-254-2565 or 254-2566, www.artsbma.org} 18. Birmingham Public Library The Birmingham Public Library, one of the largest in the Southeast, consists of 19 branches and a main library. The main library is made up of two stunning buildings, the East Building, with its dramatic atrium, and the 1927 Linn-Henley Research Library, with its beautiful wall murals, the Tutwiler Collection of Southern History, and the Rucker Agee Map Collection. The library’s fourth floor presents changing exhibitions of art and photography.

Hundreds of visitors come to the main library each year to access their extensive geneological resourses. Monday-Tuesday 9-8, WednesdaySaturday 9-6, Sunday 2-6. {2100 Park Place, 205-226-3600, bplonline.org} 19. Birmingham Race Course One of America’s most beautiful pari-mutuel racing facilities is right here in Birmingham.

Open Monday through Saturday year-round, the racetrack offers the best in live greyhound Photo courtesy of the Birmingham Public Library Archives

racing plus simulcast wagering from the nation’s top thoroughbred and greyhound tracks. {1000 John Rogers Drive, 205-838-7500, www.birminghamracecourse.com}

summer hours from Memorial Day through Labor Day: Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 9 to 7.) Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Admission charged. Group rates available with prior reservations. Accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. {2630 Cahaba Road, 205-879-0409, www.birminghamzoo.com}

20. Birmingham Zoo See more than 700 species of animals just minutes from downtown at the Birmingham Zoo. Bringing Africa to Alabama, a naturalistic 21. Cahaba River exhibit features giraffes, greater kudu, gazelles, The Cahaba River, Alabama’s only freeand ostriches. The new Junior League of flowing river, supports 131 different species Birmingham- Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo of fish -- more than any river of comparable is a treat for the young and young at heart. size in North America. It’s ideal for canoeing, 08HOF309_2/3 pageexit8/29/08 8:35 1 Take Zoo-Gardens off Highway 280. AM Pagefishing and exploring. The Cahaba River Open 7 days a week from 9 to 5. (Extended Society is a non-profit organization working

Attractions to preserve this treasured waterway. Guided tours are offered and are especially popular when the rare and endangered Cahaba lilies are in bloom. Canoe trips are available. For a schedule of trips, call or visit Cahaba River Society’s web site. {2717 7th Avenue S, 205-322-5326, www.cahabariversociety.org} 22. DeSoto Caverns One of the most beautiful, and historic caves in the U.S., DeSoto Caverns features a light & water show in the Great Onyx Cathedral.

Learn about the prehistoric Indians who lived and died in the caverns and about moonshine making there during Prohibition. Southeast of Birmingham, 35 miles down Hwy 280 to Childersburg. Hours: Mon – Sat, 9 am – 5:30 pm; Sunday 1 pm – 5:30 pm. Closes at 4:30 pm during the months of November – March.

Admission charged. {5181 DeSoto Caverns Parkway, 256-378-7252, 800-933-CAVE (2283), www.desotocavernspark.com} 23. Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) America’s premier Catholic television network broadcasts to more than 53 million homes in 32 countries, 24 hours a day. Tour the studio where Mother Angelica Live is broadcast on the grounds of Our Lady of Angels Monastery.

McWane Science Center

{5817 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, Tel: 205-271-2900, MAIN: 205-271-2917 (Our Lady of the Angels) www.ewtn.com} 24. Five Points South People-watch to your heart’s content, enjoy the local music talent, and do some top-notch dining in Five Points South, one of the city’s top entertainment districts. Stroll along the tree-shaded streets, or stop and admire the artistry of the Frank Fleming sculpture, “The Storyteller” at the fountain in the heart of the distict. Photos made at the fountain are favorites for tourists. {20th Street at 11th Avenue South} 25. Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, the official railroad museum of the state of Alabama, features operating standard gauge and narrow gauge trains, two restored depots, and a collection of railroad cars, locomotives, and cabooses. Hours: Tues – Sat, 9 am – 4 pm.

Trains run every Saturday at 11 am, 1:30 pm and 3 pm. Admission. {1919 9th Street, 205-668-3435, www.heartofdixierrmuseum.org} 26. Hoover Library The 45,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility features a colorful story house for children to enjoy their favorite books. The library’s 250-seat theater is the stage for impressive theatrical productions, literary events and other entertainment. {200 Municipal Drive, 205-444-7888, www.hoover.lib.al.us} 27. International Motorsports Hall of Fame Preserving the history of motorsports, this six-building complex houses more than 100 vehicles and memorabilia. The facility includes six halls of fame, race car simulator, and well stocked gift shop. Hours: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm every day of the year except New Year’s, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and Easter.

Admission charged. {3198 Speedway Blvd, 256-362-5002, www.motorsportshalloffame.com} 28. Kelly Ingram Park This historic park was the epicenter for America’s movement for civil rights in the

30 Birmingham Tourist Guide

See fold out map in back of guide for locations

Attractions ON THE COVER:

Birmingham’s Southern Museum of Flight Honors Tuskegee Airmen A permanent exhibit at the Southern Museum of Flight tells one of the greatest stories of aviation in the South. The Tuskegee Airmen, now legendary military figures, were the first African-American airmen in America’s militia. Legislation by the U.S. Congress in 1941 forced the Army Air Corps to form an all-black unit. Though the War Department received the news with great reluctance, an abundance of African-American men qualified even under the most rigorous requirements. The airmen who became single-engine or multi-engine pilots trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Tuskegee, Alabama. The outstanding record of black airmen in World War II has become the stuff of legend.

Bill Holloman, a Tuskegee airman who taught black studies at the University of Washington, once noted: “The Tuskegee story is about pilots who rose above adversity and discrimination and opened a door once closed to black America.”

32 Birmingham Tourist Guide

1960s. Dramatic sculptures all around the park vividly depict the events that occurred here, including depiction of the infamous dogs and fire hoses attacks on demonstrators. The Kelly Ingram Park audio tour is available for a nominal fee at the admission desk of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The park is located at 5th Avenue North and 16th Street.

29. McWane Science Center Adventures in learning surround you at McWane Center. The museum offers a handson, creative examination of the worlds around us in a renovated department store housing 150,000 square feet of educational science equipment, and a 42,000-square-foot IMAX theater. Come McWane your brain. Hours: JunAug, Mon-Sat, 10 am – 6 pm; Sun, noon – 6 pm; Sep-May, Mon-Fri, 9 am-5 pm; Sat, 10 am-6pm; Sun, noon – 6 pm. Admission charge. {200 19th Street N, 205-714-8300, www.mcwane.org} 30. Mercedes-Benz US International, Inc. A newly reopened Visitors Center serves as the

public gateway to the Mercedes Benz M-Class All Activity Vehicle assembly plant in nearby Vance. The history of the company is housed in a 24,000-square-foot showcase, the only Mercedes visitors center outside Germany.

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

Closed Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays. {Visitor Center, 11 Mercedes Dr, 205-507-2252, 888-286-8762, www.bamabenz.com} 31. Meyer Planetarium Gaze at the stars at Meyer Planetarium on the campus of Birmingham-Southern College and learn fascinating facts about the universe.

Call for a schedule of public shows. Admission charged. {Birmingham Southern College, 205226-4771, www.bsc.edu/campus/planetarium} 32. Moss Rock Preserve This 250-acre nature preserve is located within the suburb of Hoover, just south of Birmingham. The Preserve is a popular Geocaching site and home to the annual Preserve Jazz Festival. The park contains 10

...nothing to do tonight?

Looking for something fun & new to do this weekend? There’s plenty of action and you could WIN big at The Birmingham Race Course.

• Great place to take a date • Live greyhound racing • Simulcast horse and dog racing • Clubhouse dining or pizza & beer

Call 838-7500 for more race info • I-459 to Exit 31 • 19 & over only

Attractions miles of hiking trails. Free Admission {Preserve Parkway, 205-739-7141, www.hooveral.org , then follow link to Recreation and Leisure} 33. Oak Mountain State Park (see outdoor section) Alabama’s largest state park, with almost 10,000 acres, features golf, mountain bike trails (said to be among the finest in the nation), swimming, fishing, boating, horseback riding, hiking, a wildlife center, overnight accommodations, and a lakeside beach. Hours: 7 am – 8 pm. Admission charged. {200 Terrace Dr, 205-620-2520, www.outdooralabama.com} 34. Peanut Depot The tantalizing aroma wafting down Morris Avenue is the wonderful smell of peanuts roasting the old-fashioned way at the Peanut Depot. This is a must-see stop for visitors, if only to admire the magnificent old machinery while the children feed the pigeons along the cobblestone streets. {2016 Morris Ave, 205-251-3314,} 35. Pepper Place The Pepper Place complex is a group of seven buildings that formerly served as a Dr. Pepper Syrup Plant and Bottling Company. The complex is considered one of the best design, furniture and arts related centers in the city. In addition to the numerous shops and businesses, Pepper Place Saturday Market is held every Saturday from the end of May until September from 7am until 12 noon. Folks line up for farm fresh vegetables, organically-grown produce, fresh flowers, baked goods, and cooking demonstrations by Birmingham’s best chefs. {2800-2900 2nd Ave. South, 205-802-2100, www.pepperplace.net} 36. Pioneer Homes Three restored pioneer homes on the outskirts of Bessemer offer a glimpse into early life in Alabama. One of the homes, the 1838 Sadler Plantation, is considered one of Alabama’s finest examples of plantation architecture. By appointment only - Admission charged. {c/o West Jefferson County Historical Society, 205-426-1633, www.sharehistory.com/ westjefferson/} 34 Birmingham Tourist Guide

YOUTH

by Samuel Ullman Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind; it is not a matter of rosy cheeks, red lips and supple knees; it is a matter of the will, a quality of the imagination, a vigor of the emotions; it is the freshness of the deep springs of life.

Youth means a temperamental predominance of courage over timidity of the appetite, for adventure over the love of ease. This often exists in a man of sixty more than a body of twenty. Nobody grows old merely by a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals.

Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, fear, self-distrust bows the heart and turns the spirit back to dust.

Whether sixty or sixteen, there is in every human being’s heart the lure of wonder, the unfailing child-like appetite of what’s next, and the joy of the game of living. In the center of your heart and my heart there is a wireless station; so long as it receives messages of beauty, hope, cheer, courage and power from men and from the Infinite, so long are you young.

When the aerials are down, and your spirit is covered with snows of cynicism and the ice of pessimism, then you are grown old, even at twenty, but as long as your aerials are up, to catch the waves of optimism, there is hope you may die young at eighty.

(See Samuel Ullman Museum)

See fold out map in back of guide for locations

Get One!

Attractions

37. Reynolds Historical Library Located on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the Reynolds Historical Library houses a nationally respected collection of rare and important books, manuscripts and artifacts in the medical sciences. Local history is represented through information on the cholera epidemic that almost wiped out the fledgling city in 1873. {1700 University Blvd, 205-934-4475, www.uab.edu/reynolds/} 38. Rickwood Field America’s oldest ballpark became the home of the Birmingham Barons in 1910. A massive restoration project is underway to create a baseball lover’s treasure trove of memorabilia and nostalgia at the old ballfield. Some of the biggest names in the game of baseballfrom Babe Ruth to Willie Mays, Lorenzo “Piper” Davis and Reggie Jackson- played at Rickwood. {1137 2nd Avenue W, 205-458-8161, www.rickwood.com} 36 Birmingham Tourist Guide

39. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center (see outdoor section) 40. Samuel Ullman Museum For years, Samuel Ullman (1840-1924) and his prose poem “Youth” have been known and admired by the Japanese, but the man and his work are largely unknown in the U.S., even in Birmingham where the German Jew spent the last 40 years of his life. “Youth” of course is not a poem only for the Japanese but more a directive for the way one should live life. Pilgrimages to Birmingham are common among Japanese visitors seeking out the Samuel Ullman Museum, created to advance Ullman’s vision by examining his civic, educational, and religious ideas and endeavors.

To schedule a tour or meeting space call 205934-3328 or send an email to isss@uab.edu. {2150 15th Avenue S, www. main.uab.edu/sites/ UllmanMuseum}

courtesy of sloss furnace

41. Sixteenth Street Baptist Church National Historic Landmark The church is the site of the most horrific occurrence of the American Civil Rights Movement, when a bomb shattered the quiet of a Sunday morning and took the lives of four young girls in September 1963. If any good came of the bombing, it was that it awakened the city and the nation to the horror of the event and was a turning point in race relations.

The congregation today is vibrant and the sanctuary beautiful with its stained-glass window, a gift from the people of Wales. Tours are given 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday through Friday and by appointment only on Saturdays.

Groups should call 205-251-9402 to make arrangements. {1530 6th Avenue North, www.cr.nps.gov/nr/travel/civilrights/al11.htm} 42. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark Sloss is a 32-acre blast furnace plant where iron was made for nearly 100 years. Now a museum

of history and industry, the site preserves an extraordinary collection of buildings, industrial structures, and machinery. These industrial artifacts typify the first 100 years of Birmingham’s history and the technology that drove America’s rise to world industrial dominance. Sloss is the only 20th century blast furnace in the country that is being preserved and interpreted as a museum. It is widely rumored that Sloss is haunted by the ghost of Theopholus Calvin Jowers. Jowers, who died a fiery death in the Alice Furnace, swore that as long as there was a furnace in Jefferson County, he would be there.

Tue-Sat 10 am to 4 pm; Sunday noon to 4 pm.

Closed Monday. {20 32nd Street North, 205-324-1911, www.slossfurnaces.com} 43. Southern Environmental Center Filled to the brim with interactive exhibits, fun trash art work, and information displays, the Environmental Center at BirminghamSouthern College is a fun way to learn about our environment. Hours: Mon-Fri from 9:00

Attractions

Southern Museum of Flight where visitors can view eight decades of aviation history through, aircraft, models, and memorabilia of some of the country’s greatest aviation pioneers. Hours: Tues-Sat, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm; Closed Monday and Sunday. Admission charged. {4343 73rd Street North, 205-833-8226, www.southernmuseumofflight.org/}

a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sat-Sun (by appointment only) from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $1 per person, per activity, with a minimum of ten people per group. In order to justify staffing expense we require groups of less than ten people to schedule all three activities. {900 Arkadelphia Road, 205-226-4934, www.myecoscapes.org} 44. Southern Museum of Flight/Ala. Aviation Hall of Fame Explore the miracle of flight. Take off to the 38 Birmingham Tourist Guide

45. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park At Tannehill Historical State Park, the old Tannehill Ironworks and a large collection of 19th century cabins give visitors a glimpse into the life lived by Alabamians in the 1800s. The third weekend of each month, from March through November, shoppers and swappers come from near and far to Trade Days in search of tools, clothing, jewelry, knives, furniture and other treasures. Other events such as the dulcimer and woodcarvers show fill the schedule at Tannehill. Admission charged. {12632 Confederate Parkway, 205-477-5711, www.tannehill.org} 46. Temple of Sibyl The Temple of Sibyl offers tremendous views courtesy of rickwood Field

Attractions of Shades Valley and Samford University from atop Shades Mountain. One of the earliest residents of Vestavia was George Battey Ward, the well-traveled former mayor of Birmingham and a man of many interests, including the classics. He purchased 20 acres in a prominent spot on the crest and built a home in 1924 designed after the Temple of Vesta in Rome.

He named his home Vestavia, or home by the way. The only remaining piece of his tribute to Roman architecture, a replica of the Temple of Sibyl in Trivoli, sits atop the mountain for great viewing of the area. {2031 Canyon Rd., 205-823-5011,} 47. Vulcan Park and Museum Vulcan Park is home to the world’s largest cast iron statue and features spectacular panoramic views of Birmingham. Located atop Red Mountain, Vulcan Park tells the story of Birmingham’s past, present and promise for the future. Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge, was originally built in 1904 as Birmingham’s entry in the World’s Fair contest. Vulcan won first place. A 10acre urban green space surrounds the 56’ high statue and observation balcony that sits upon a 124’ pedestal. Visitors to Vulcan Center find interactive exhibits and displays that give insight into the region’s history and

Alabama Adventure industrial growth. Vulcan Park is open 7 days a week from 7 am - 10 pm. Vulcan Center and Tower Observation Balcony is open Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 6 pm and Sunday 1-6 pm. {1701 Valley View Drive, 205-933-1409, www. vulcanpark.org}

Miss Electra: Another Statuesque Woman

No doubt Vulcan is Birmingham’s most famous statue, but the city is filled with an assortment of personalities represented in statuary.

Sometimes rumored to be Vulcan’s sweetheart, Miss Electra crowns the old Alabama Power Company building on downtown’s 18th Street North. The shapely 16-and-a-half-foot cast bronze statue, coated with golf leaf, weighs 4,000 pounds, a mere statuette compared to Vulcan’s 56foot, 120,000-pound frame. (Giving a tour one day to some foreign dignitaries, one city official---who will remain unnamed---pointed out Miss Electra, calling her “buck naked and anatomically correct.” The visitors were delighted with his description.)

Edward Field Sanford Jr., a New York sculptor, designed the statue, which was completed in 1925. She holds aloft sheaves of lightning bolts, symbolizing the progress of Alabama electrified. Miss Electra is one of only a handful of statues its size applied to American architectural design.

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Attractions

The City That Changed The World

A

s most people of a certain age remember, the second American Revolution took place in the streets of Birmingham, Alabama.

The city was a battlefield for America’s Civil Rights Movement, a struggle for simple decency and common sense.

Though Sixteenth Street Baptist Church is the most famous civil rights landmark, it was Birmingham’s Bethel Baptist Church that is credited with shaping the Civil Rights Movement here. Civil rights legend, the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, was pastor of Bethel Baptist from 1953 through 1961. The church often served as a gathering place for civil rights discussions.

Bethel was bombed by angry white supremacists first in 1958 while the church was unoccupied. The bombing cemented Shuttlesworth’s fiery determination to bring 42 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Birmingham to the center of the Civil Rights Movement. On Christmas night in 1956, another bomb exploded under the church parsonage where Shuttlesworth and his family were asleep. It is a miracle that the family walked away unharmed from their destroyed home.

Shuttlesworth remained a central figure in the movement even after he moved to Cincinnati in 1961.

With the opening of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in 1993, the city found a place to tell its own story. The institute documents the rise of the movement and the succession of events it bore around the nation: the 1955 arrest of Rosa Parks on a Montgomery bus for her refusal to give up her seat to a white man; the U.S. Supreme Court’s bus desegregation ruling in 1956; James Meredith’s 1962 admission to the University of Mississippi. www.bcri.org Across the street from the Civil Rights

Institute, the 16th Baptist Church was recently designated a National Historic Landmark. In the basement of the church on a September Sunday morning in 1963, four African-American schoolgirls were changing into their choir robes. A bomb set by Ku Klux Klansmen ripped through that side of the church, killing 11-year-old Denise McNair, along with Carole Robertson, Cynthia Wesley and Addie Mae Collins, all 14 years old.

The church bombing shocked and sickened the city and the world and was a turning point in the status of race relations thereafter.

(The story of the Sixteenth Street Church bombing is told with intensity in filmmaker Spike Lee’s documentary Four Little Girls.)

Facing the Civil Rights Institute, Kelly Ingram Park was a regular congregation area for organizing demonstrations in the early 1960s, including the ones in which police dogs and fire hoses were turned on the marchers by Birmingham law enforcement officials. Images of those attacks still haunt Birmingham, but they are the same images that were instrumental in overturning legal segregation.

The 4th Avenue Business District, also a part of the Civil Rights District, remains alive with restaurants, barbershops and bakeries.

This cluster of black-owned businesses was the core of African-American social and commercial life in the early 1900s and later when white-owned shops and stores refused to serve black customers. Many minority-owned businesses still operate in the 4th Avenue District today, serving a steady stream of customers of all races.

Down 4th Avenue North at 18th Street is the Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park, a tribute to Birmingham native and Temptations lead singer Eddie Kendrick, who traveled the world but never forgot his Alabama roots. Sculpted

by Birmingham artist Ronald Scott McDowell, the Kendrick statue captures for eternity the magic moves of his Motown music. Inlaid in a granite backdrop behind Kendrick, the four other Temptations energize the work with their fine-tuned choreography.

The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame is only about a block down the street. If you’re lucky, jazz musician and historian Dr. Frank Adams will be on site and might even blow a tune on his clarinet (see attractions). www.jazzhall.com Though located outside the district, another must-see Civil Rights gallery is Chris McNair Studios and Art Gallery. The gallery features historic photos from the Civil Rights Movement by photographer Chris McNair, father of one of the girls killed in the Sixteenth Street Church bombing. Also on site there is a room devoted to the young life of Denise McNair. www.mcnairstudios.com

(Above) The original Bethel Baptist Church (Left) The movement took root throughout the state in cities such as Selma.

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

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Loveman’s Department Store Christmas display, downtown Birmingham, circa 1940

Shopping Without question, Birmingham is the unrivaled retail giant of Alabama. From outlet malls to upscale boutiques, shopping opportunities are near endless. Following is a list of major shopping destinations in the area:

Colonial Brookwood Village

Downtown Birmingham

Home to several specialty retailers like Gus Mayer and Betsy Prince as well as larger retailers such as Belk and Macy’s. Also houses several particularly good restaurants. Garage and courtesy valet parking is available. Shades Creek Parkway (Alabama 149) between U.S. 280 and U.S. 31. www. colonialprop.com/ propertyinfo/ shopping-info.php?cid=1245

Investigating downtown shopping is an adventure in itself. Start out at BB’s China & Glassware (2427 1st Avenue North) where you’ll find an enticing assortment of dishes and glassware, some bearing the logos of defunct hotels from around the country, along with Fiesta ware and seconds at good discounts.

Move on to downtown 20th Street to the historic Bon Ton Hatters, where you can get your hat steam cleaned while you get the best shoeshine in town. Just off 20th on Third Avenue North is a treasure trove of memories at Reed Books (see Arts and Antiques section). Back over to 20th Street and south a few blocks is the Peanut Depot. Stop in for treats or just to see the beautiful old roasters that are still in use.

Head further south down 20th into historic Five

Century Plaza This two-story shopping center includes a central food court. Cater-cornered to the mall is the new mega Wal-Mart and adjacent Old Navy clothing store. The corner of Crestwood Blvd. (U.S. 78) and Oporto-Madrid Blvd. Just off I-20. www.centuryplaza.com

44 Birmingham Tourist Guide

(Top) Photo courtesy of the Birmingham Public Library Archives

New Seasons, New Reasons, Your Favorite Retailers!

No matter the season or the reason, Riverchase Galleria’s outstanding collection of retailers means you’ll find what it is that brings you today.

Aerie • Aldo • Banana Republic • Bebe • Forever 21 • New York & Co • Sephora • Spa Japonika • Swarovski • The Disney Store • Victoria’s Secret • White House| Black Market Belk, Macy’s, JC Penney, and Sears lead the impressive line-up of 200 specialty shop, located inside a world of soaring glass, lush greenery, streaming neon and sparkling lights. Welcome to Riverchase Galleria, Alabama's number one tourist attraction and one of America's most unique shopping experiences!

Here, beneath a nine-story glass atrium featuring the world's largest skylight, you'll find over 200 exquisite shops, luxurious lodging and fine dining to celebrate any occasion. The entire family will be delighted with every visit!

what brings you today?

RIVERCHASE GALLERIA Mall Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10am – 9pm, Sunday: 12pm – 6pm 3000 Riverchase Galleria Hoover, Alabama 35244 205.985.3020 • riverchasegalleria.com

shopping

Points South. A good photo background here is “The Storyteller,” a fountain designed by Birmingham-native sculptor Frank Fleming.

While in this district, stop in at Charlemagne Record Exchange, if only for the atmosphere and the personnel. Also check out McNolia’s Cards and Gifts for funky stuff and at The Golden Temple, where herbal supplements are sold alongside Birkenstocks®. www.downtownbirmingham.org

these three distinct shopping areas are linked by tree lined sidewalks. English Village has restaurants, coffee houses and garden shops.

Mountain Brook Village has funky art shops, high end boutiques and home furnishing stores (Don’t miss a stroll through Smith’s Variety for a variety of toys and candy bins.) Crestline Village has a nice mix of restaurants and high fashion shops with special emphasis on children’s clothing. www.mtnbrookchamber. com/membership_directory.asp

Patton Creek Combines a “main street” element with parking and sidewalks in front of an eclectic mix of quaint, unique shops and restaurants, with larger retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Rave Motion Pictures and Circuit City. In the Birmingham suburb of Hoover between I-459, the Riverchase Galleria, and Alabama 150.

Downtown Homewood

Riverchase Galleria

Old-style shopping along main street in the Birmingham suburb of Homewood includes upscale clothing shops, home decorating stores, and nationally acknowledged high end antique galleries. A stop by Savage’s Bakery, a local landmark, is a necessity. The new Soho Square includes an interesting mix of boutiques and restaurants at sidewalk level below residential lofts. 18th Street (and beyond), Homewood. www.homewoodchamber.org

Housed beneath the world’s longest skylight are more than 200 shops, a dozen restaurants and a colorful carousel. Look for American Eagle, Banana Republic, Godiva Chocolatier, Abercrombie & Finch and the Disney Store, just a few samples of stores in this two-story city under glass. The complex also includes the Wynfrey Hotel. U.S. 31 and Alabama 150 at I-459. www.riverchasegalleria.com

English Village, Mountain Brook Village and Crestline Village

This shopping destination continues to thrive and expand. A recent addition brought shops such as Coldwater Creek, Anthropologie and

In the heart of the suburb of Mountain Brook, 46 Birmingham Tourist Guide

The Summit

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Steakho

FIVE GUYS FAMOUS

BURGERS and FRIES

www.ColonialBrookwoodVillage.com

871-0406 Belk

Banana Republic

Z Gallerie

Macy’s

Books-A-Million Victoria’s Secret Gus Mayer Belk Macy’s Gus Mayer Banana Republic

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shopping J Jill to the list which already includes Saks, Old Navy, Restoration Hardware, Williams- Sonoma, Chico’s, the Pottery Barn, a luxury spa and some very good restaurants. At I-459 and U.S. 280. www.thesummitonline.com

Trussville Shopping The booming suburb of Trussville includes two large shopping areas with a third scheduled to open in October. Target, Books-a-Million, and Old Navy anchor the mall on U.S. 11. A second shopping area occupies both sides of Chalkville Road, just after the first I-59 Trussville exit, with a Wal-Mart and cinema on one side and a Kohl’s anchoring the other. The third cluster of shops is the Pinnacle Shopping Center, located behind Target and anchored by Belk and Best Buy. www. colonialprop.com/property-info/?cid=1267 Vestavia City Center This well designed shopping area just south of the city houses a great independent bookstore, Milestone Books, along with fine places to eat

48 Birmingham Tourist Guide

such as Panera Bread and Sekisui Japanese & Sushi Restaurant. Also in the complex are Stein Mart, Publix and Starbucks. Hwy. 31 South in the heart of Vestavia. www.vestaviacitycenter.com

Watermark Place This outlet center offers huge discounts on name brands such as Liz Claiborne, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren, The Gap and dozens more. I-59/20, Exit 110. Adjacent to Alabama Adventure. www.watermarkoutlets.com

Western Hills Mall A landmark in the western section of the city, the recently renovated mall stores include Burlington Coat Factory, City Gear and Mr. Burch Formal Wear. The omnipresent WalMart Supercenter is next door to the mall. U.S. 11 at Aronov Drive.

Dozens of other shopping centers are in the Birmingham area. For a complete listing, visit www.birmingham.travel.

hello

convenience

THE BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WELCOMES THE WORLD OF CONVENIENCE.

The Birmingham International Airport believes the very nature of air travel is convenience. That’s why we work hard to offer you 111 nonstop and direct flights and a world of amenities including free Wi-Fi. The Birmingham International Airport, proudly offering you a world of convenience.

THINGS ARE REALLY TAKING OFF AT THE BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. With our new extended 12,000 foot runway and cargo expansion in development, we are welcoming the world to Birmingham. flybirmingham.com • • • • • • (205) 595-0533 • • • • • •

Art Galleries

For a detailed brochure on Arts and Antique Galleries in Birmingham, call 800-458-8085 or download the information at www.birmingham.travel.

1. A’Mano 2707 Culver Road, Mountain Brook 205-871-9093, www.amanogifts.com

7. Birmingham Museum of Art 2000 8th Avenue N, Birmingham 205-254-2565, www.artsbma.org

2. Art Alley 109 Broadway, Homewood 205-879-1105, www.artalley.net

8. Birmingham Public Library 2100 Park Place, Birmingham 205-226-3600, www.bplonline.com

3. Artists Incorporated 3365 Morgan Drive, Vestavia Hills 205-979-8990, www.artistsincorporated.com

9. Chris Clark Gallery 111 Richard Arrington Jr., Blvd. S Birmingham, 205-223-4804 Call for appointment, www.chrisclarkart.com

4. Atchison Gallery 2847 Culver Road, Mountain Brook 205-871-6221 5. Bare Hands Gallery 109 Richard Arrington Jr., Blvd., S Birmingham, 205-324-2124 www.barehandsgallery.com

10. Chris McNair Studios & Art Gallery 45 6th Avenue S, Birmingham 205-322-2685, www.mcnairstudios.com Call for appointment 11. Cobb Lane Gallery One Cobb Lane, Birmingham, 205-939-0450 www.cobblanegallery.homestead.com

6. Bear Creek Glass 2717 2nd Avenue S, Suite B, Birmingham, 205-324-9339, www.bearcreekglass.com 50 Birmingham Tourist Guide

See map on page 55 for directions

art Galleries 12. DS Art Studio Gallery 2805 Crescent Avenue, Suite E, Homewood 205-802-4700, www.dsart.com 13. Four Corners Gallery 4700 Highway 280, Suite B, Birmingham 205-980-2600 www.fourcornersgalleryonline.com 14. Gallerie Alegria 600 Olde English Lane, Suite 128 Mountain Brook, 205-868-9320 www.galleriealegria.com 15. Homewood Art Gallery 2801 18th Street S, Homewood 205-871-4136 16. Jennifer Hunt Gallery Fine Art Photography 2800 Cahaba Village Plaza, Suite 260 Birmingham, AL 35243, 205-972-3232 jenniferhuntgallery.com

24. Odessa Woolfolk Gallery Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 520 16th Avenue N, Birmingham 205-328-9696, www.bcri.org 25. Red Dot Gallery 1001 Stuart Street, Homewood 205-870-7608, www.reddotgallery.com 26. Space One Eleven 2409 2nd Avenue N, Birmingham 205-328-0553, www.spaceoneeleven.org 27. Toro-Cordes Iron Art 3812 2nd Avenue S, Avondale, 205-252-8668 28. UAB Visual Arts Gallery 900 13th Street S, Birmingham 205-934-0815, www.uab.edu/art/gallery/vag.html

17. Littlehouse Galleries 2915 Linden Avenue, Homewood 205-879-7022, www.littlehousegalleries.com 18. Loretta Goodwin Gallery 605 28th Street S, Birmingham 205-328-1761, www.lorettagoodwingallery.net 19. Lyda Rose Gallery 2817 Crescent Avenue, Homewood 205-879-5932, www.lydarose.com 20. Maralyn Wilson Gallery 3908 Clairmont Avenue Birmingham, 205-591-1150 21. Matt Jones Gallery 2830 6th Avenue South Birmingham, 205-521-6656 22. Monty Stabler Galleries 1811 29th Avenue S, Homewood 205-879-9888 www.montystablergalleries.com 23. Naked Art Gallery 3815 Clairmont Avenue, Birmingham 205-595-3553, www.nakedartusa.com 800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

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Antiques 1. Architectural Heritage 200 28th Street South, Birmingham, 205-322-3538, www.architecturalheritage.com 2. Argent 2949 18th Street S, Homewood, 205-871-4221 3. Birmingham Antique Mall 2309 2nd Avenue S, Birmingham, 205-328-7761 4. Bluff Park Antiques 754 Shades Mountain Plaza, Hoover, 205-824-9967

52 Birmingham Tourist Guide

5. Bridges Antiques 2807 2nd Avenue S, Birmingham, 205-322-3222 6. Cahaba Heights Antiques 3131 Bellwood Drive, Vestavia Hills, 205-969-2722 7. Charlotte Woodson Antiques 2410 Canterbury Road, Mountain Brook 205-871-3314, www.charlottewoodson.com 8. Christopher House/ The Little Market International 3205 2nd Avenue S, Birmingham, 205-581-0202 See map on page 55 for directions

antiques 9. Circa Interiors & Antiques 2831 Culver Road, Mountain Brook, 205-868-9199

23. Levy’s Fine Jewelry 2116 2nd Avenue N, Birmingham, 205-251-3381 www.levysfi nejewelry.com

10. Crestwood Antiques 5514 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, 205-595-0095 www.bidcityusa.com/crestwoodantiques

24. Martha Lauren Antique Linens & Accessories 2417 Canterbury Road, Mountain Brook, 205-871-2283

11. Europa Antiques 2805 2nd Avenue S Birmingham, 205-254-0122

25. Minerva’s Antiques 2145 Tyler Road, Hoover, 205-979-3312

12. Gardendale Flea Mall & Antique Center 2405 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, 205-631-7451, www.gardendalefleamall.com 13. Hanna Antiques/Books! By George 2424 7th Avenue S, Birmingham, 205-323-6036 14. Henhouse Antiques 1900 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook, 205-918-0505, www.shophenhouseantiques.com

26. Mulberry Heights Antiques 2419 Canterbury Road, Mountain Brook 205-870-1300 27. Noordermeer Antieks 731 Broadway, Homewood, 205-870-1161 28. On-A-Shoestring 601 Shades Crest Road, Hoover, 205-822-8741 29. Peck & Hills 2400 7th Avenue S, Birmingham, 205-252-3179

15. Hidden Treasures 1624 21st Street S, Birmingham, 205-939-0378 16. Hoover Antique Gallery 3411 Old Columbiana Road, Hoover, 205-822-9500 17. Interiors at Pepper Place 2817 2nd Avenue S, Birmingham, 205-323-2817 18. Iron Art, Inc. 2901 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook, 205-879-0529 19. Jackson Galleries 2227 1st Avenue S, Birmingham, 205-714-9933 www.jacksonantiquegalleries.com 20. Lamb’s Ears, Ltd. 3138 Cahaba Heights Road, Vestavia Hills, 205-969-3138, www.lambsearsbham.com 21. Land of Was 106 22nd Street S, Birmingham, 205-326-8870 22. Les Trois Marches 2008 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook, 205-879-7208 800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

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antiques

30. Reed Books, The Museum of Fond Memories 2021 3rd Avenue N, Birmingham, 205-326-4460, www.jimreedbooks.com 31. Stray Cats 1717 Crestwood Blvd., Birmingham, 205-956-5060 32. The Brown House-Elegant Cottage Living 1809 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, 205-870-3100, www.elegantcottageliving.com 33. The Garage Antiques 2304 10th Terrace S, Birmingham, 205-252-1515

38. Tracy-Barrett 117 North Chalkville Road Main Street Marketplace, Trussville 205-655-4444

34. The King’s House 2418 Montevallo Road, Mountain Brook, 205-871-5787, www.kingshouseantiques.com

39. Tricia’s Treasures 2700 19th Place S, Homewood, 205-871-9779

35. Robert Hill Antiques 3029 3rd Ave S Birmingham, 35233-3003 Phone: (205) 326-0088

40. Trussville Antique Mall/The Mall Café 147 North Chalkville Road, Trussville 205-661-9805

36. The Royal Standard 2808 18th Street S, Homewood, 205-871-644 www.theroyalstandard.com

41. Village Firefly 2816 Culver Road, Mountain Brook 205-870-4560

37. Urban Farmer Antiques 2809 18th Street S, Homewood, 205-870-7118

42. Zoe’s in Forest Park 3900 Clairmont, Birmingham, 205-595-9049 www.zoeshop.com

54 Birmingham Tourist Guide

map for art & antiques 800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

55

Birmingham Barons - 1917

Entertainment Alabama Ballet Alabama Ballet seeks to promote and foster the development of classical and contemporary ballet through high-quality education and community outreach. Under the direction of Wes Chapman, this company of 41 professional dancers presents four full-length productions annually. 2726 1st Avenue South, 322-4300. For tickets and details, visit www.alabamaballet.org or call 975-2787.

Alabama Symphony Orchestra The Alabama Symphony Orchestra has entertained audiences for more than 70 years, playing a variety of classical and popular compositions and hosting performances by some of the finest international guest artists.

The symphony’s 54 talented musicians bring to life some of the world’s most treasured musical masterpieces. 3621 6th Avenue South, 251-7727. www.alabamasymphony.org Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center’s trademark is diversity – diverse performances and diverse audiences. From 56 Birmingham Tourist Guide

classical, pop, jazz and world beat music to dance, comedy and family entertainment, the center welcomes the entire community into the magical world of performing arts. Some of the world’s most renowned performing artists take the stage at this concert hall and theater space on the University of Alabama at Birmingham campus. 1200 10th Avenue South, 975-2787. www.alysstephens.org Barber Motorsports Park Not only is this road course second to none, it is set within a perfectly manicured and sculptured landscape. Visitors can watch auto and motorcycle road racing while relaxing in wooded surroundings. The course was designed to meet the highest racing standards, yet also to be spectator-friendly and welcoming to families. The length of the road course is 2.38 miles. It is 45 feet wide and has 16 turns. The park sits on 740 acres, 225 of which are developed. The Barber Motorsports Park hosts a continuous schedule of upscale, high-profile motorcycle and auto racing events. It is also home to the Porsche Driving Experience. 6040 Barber Motorsports Pkwy., 298-9040. www.barbermotorsports.com

Photo courtesy of the Birmingham Public Library Archives

Entertainment Birmingham Barons The 2002 Southern League Champions Birmingham Barons play at the Regions Park Stadium, one of the finest minor league parks in all of baseball. The city’s AA baseball team, farm team for the Chicago White Sox, plays its season from April through September. Regions Park Stadium, 100 Ben Chapman Dr. Call the Barons ticket office at 988-3200 or Ticket Master at 715-6000. Admission charged. www.barons.com Five Points South and Lakeview Entertainment Districts You can people-watch, dance to great live music, and enjoy fantastic fine dining in Five Points South and Lakeview, two of the city’s top entertainment districts. Stroll along the historic treeshaded streets, or stop and admire the artistry of the Frank Fleming fountain sculpture, The Storyteller. Five Points South attracts a young, interesting and eclectic crowd to dine and party.

Folks on the other side of young are the primary clientele at wonderful restaurants and bars in Lakeview. 20th St. S. and 11th Ave. S. Highway 280 Corridor Lined with a huge assortment of clubs and restaurants, the U.S. 280 Corridor is another lively entertainment district. Folks of all ages enjoy dining and live entertainment along this stretch of highway just south of town.

Opera Birmingham Northern Alabama’s only professional, regional opera company, Opera Birmingham has entertained and informed audiences in the region for over 50 years. From its humble beginnings in 1955 to its 50th anniversary in 2005 and beyond, Opera Birmingham has produced world-class operatic productions and concerts that have been hailed by critics and loved by audiences.

Verizon Wireless Music Center Each year between April and October, some of the world’s top musicians perform in the beautiful outdoor arena. Fee: Varies with each performance. Location: Highway 119 exit off I-65, 1000 Amphitheatre Road, 985-4900. www.verizonwirelessmusiccenter.net

Red Mountain Theatre Company Red Mountain Theatre Company is a nonprofit professional theatre organization with an emphasis on musical theatre. RMTC provides unique educational, training and performing opportunities for aspiring and culturally diverse artists, while growing new and existing audiences through quality theatrical experiences. For almost 30 years, Red Mountain Theatre Company (formerly Summerfest Musical Theatre) has grown to become one of the only year-round professional musical theatre organizations in Alabama. With its own unique Cabaret Theatre located right in the heart of downtown Birmingham’s Theatre District and summer Mainstage productions performed at the Virginia Samford Theatre (formerly Town and Gown), Red Mountain Theatre Company continues to bring both well-known national performers and incredible local talent to the Birmingham stage.

Red Mountain Theatre Company, 2900 1st Ave. South, Suite A, Birmingham, AL 35233-3033.

For more information call 205-324-2424 or visit www.redmountaintheatre.org Talladega Superspeedway Talladega Superspeedway is the biggest, fastest, most competitive motorsports facility in the world. Records for both speed and competition have been established at Talladega. Two major races during the year draw thousands of fans from across the country for the heart-thumping action on the track. Adjacent to the track is the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum. Admission charged. 3366 Speedway Boulevard, 256-362-2261, www.talladegasuperspeedway.com Virginia Samford Theatre The Virginia Samford Theatre is a very special facility for events. The charming historic theater with its park side setting is located on Birmingham’s southside and has a lovely outdoor courtyard. The entire complex can accommodate up to 400 guests. The Board Room can seat 22 people for a small meeting.

Catering can be provided by the Theatre’s list of chefs. The Theatre auditorium can seat 323. Their website is a good resource for information and has photos of the facility. For more information call 251-1228 or visit www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org 800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

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Entertainment

Reed Books: Museum of Fond Memories

Entertain Yourself

While professional entertainment is a grand spectator sport, Birmingham also is a good place to entertain yourself and get to know the city better. These are some suggestions: • Check out B&B’s China & Glassware on First Avenue North downtown. This unassuming old store has an enticing assortment of dishes and glasses, some bearing the logos of now-defunct hotels and dining rooms. Buy a lot---they’re happy to ship. (2427 First Avenue North, 205.252-2405) • While you’re in that part of town, hop one street over to “What’s On Second.” Allot plenty of time and heed this warning: If you have to have everything that reminds you of your childhood or everything you wanted but never got when you were a child, do not go in this store. (2306 Second Avenue North, 205.322-2688) • Keep that warning in mind as you move closer into the heart of downtown to Reed Books: The Museum of Fond Memories. This place is a treasure trove of the rare and unusual. In addition to rare books, Reed has packed his space with antiques, old dolls and other vintage toys, posters, journals, calendars, old Christmas decorations, and our personal favorite, a full Piggly Wiggly costume. (2021 Third Avenue North, 205.326-4460) 58 Birmingham Tourist Guide

• Get a shoeshine right in the heart of downtown. At Bon Ton Hatters you can also get your hat re-shaped while you get one of the best and most affordable shoe shines in the world. If nothing else, go in just to smell the richness of the old leather and shoe polish.

(219 20th Street North, 205.254-9214) • Move right on along to the Alabama Booksmith, specializing in regional titles and offering almost every work available. Many of America’s best-known authors insist on a tour stop here. Ask for Jake; he knows everything.

(2626 19th Place South-Homewood, 205.870-4242) • Eat lots of Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Though we hear the shops have crept across the country all the way to California, Krispy Kreme opened its first locations in the Southeast. No doughnuts are fresher, lighter or have a more delicious glaze, and Birmingham is home to one of the largest locations in the region.

(1990 Patton Chapel Road-Hoover, 205.822-8272) • Make your own list of the best diners serving real Southern cooking. And by the way, if you weren’t raised in the South, bless your heart, there are a few things you should know about grits, cornbread and the Southern delicacy known as potlikker. First, know that grits is a singular noun. “This grits is good.” Grits never “are.” About cornbread: Real Southern cornbread does not, under any circumstances, excuses or recipe flaws, contain sugar. If you want something sweet, order cake. And finally, it is imperative that you sample the Southern delicacy know as potlikker, the liquid produced when turnip greens cook down.

Do not hesitate to crumble your cornbread (no sugar) into a cup of potlikker. It is very close to heaven and is not considered a social misstep. Start out at Niki’s West and move on from there by consulting the dining section of your Birmingham Tourist Guide. (Niki’s West, 233 Finley Avenue West, 205.252-5751) There are at least 6000 more ways to entertain yourself during your Birmingham visit. A good source of ideas for self-entertainment is the IN Guide, available at all three Birmingham Tourist Information Centers. (See Information Central in your Tourist Guide for addresses and phone numbers.)

Photo courtesy of jeffrey greenberg

(Below) Cecil Whitmire at the “Mighty Wurlitzer”

Now Playing: The Alabama Theatre

The Alabama Theatre is a fabulous place to see everything from classic films to a Tom Waits concert. It is one of the grand architectural accomplishments saved from the wrecking-ball fate so many others of that era suffered.

Built in 1927, the Alabama was designed by a Chicago firm that specialized in the extravagant movie palaces of the 1920s. The new motion picture house opened on Christmas Day. Silent movies still were the fare of the day, and the films were dramatized through music on the “Mighty Wurlitzer.” The massive pipe organ boasted a sound capacity of a 70-piece orchestra. That same wonderful Wurlitzer still magically rises from underground to accompany classic films or for special performances.

Exploring the theatre is entertainment in itself. The building is designed like a Spanish palace with a hodgepodge of motifs from many periods. Heavy Moorish details with spiraling terra cotta columns greet visitors. Marble columns, bright gold leaf ornamentation and ornate chandeliers decorate the grand lobby. Inside the 3,000-seat auditorium, rich stained glass arches and complex, gilded, plaster ornament ice the walls.

The interior is crowned with an elliptical dome of recessed panels. And by all means, make a special trip to the lavish lounges in the theatre.

For entertainment schedules, visit www.alabamatheatre.com.

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

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Dining AIRPORT

Crestwood Coffee Company, Coffee Shop 5512 Crestwood Blvd Birmingham, 205-595-0300 www.highlandcoffeecompany.com Golden Rule Barbecue Airport, BBQ 5600 Messer Airport Highway Birmingham, 205-591-6100, www.goldenrulebbq.com VJ’s Cafe on the Runway, Meat and Three 5100 East Lake Blvd, Birmingham 205-808-0582

BESSEMER

Bob Sykes Barbeque, BBQ 1724 9th Ave. N, Bessemer 205-426-1400, www.bobsykes.com

Furnace Master’s Restaurant, American 12632 Confederate Parkway, McCalla 205-477-7707 Golden Rule Bar-B-Q and Grill Bessemer, BBQ 5060 Academy Lane, Bessemer, 205-426-5188, www.goldenrulebbq.com Iron Skillet, Meat and Three, Banquet Facilities 22526 Highway 216, McCalla, 205-477-4280 Johnny Ray’s Bar-B-Que, Banquet Facilities, BBQ 2910 Morgan Road, Bessemer 205-42-HONEY (424-6639) Larry’s Fish Pot & Bar-B-Que, BBQ, Fish Bessemer, AL 35020, 205-424-9613 Santa Fe Cattle Company, Steak 5020 Academy Lane, Bessemer, 205-424-2213

60 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Photo courtesy of the Birmingham Public Library Archives

dining The Bright Star, American, Mediterranean, Seafood, Steak, Banquet Facilities 304 19th Street N, Bessemer 205-424-9444, www.thebrightstar.com

CENTERPOINT

Costa’s Famous Bar-B-Que - Huffman, BBQ 613 Springville Rd, Birmingham, 205-853-9933 Costa’s Mediterranean Cafe, Italian 9500 Parkway E, Birmingham, 205-833-5555 Golden Rule Barbecue Pinson, American, BBQ, Caterers 4437 Pinson Valley Pkwy, Birmingham 205-520-0502, www.goldenrulebbq.com Habanero’s Mexican Restaurant, Mexican, Banquet Facilities 1171G Huffman Road, Birmingham 205-854-6117

Java & Jams, Coffee Shop 321 20th Street N, Birmingham 205-321-JAVA(5282) John’s City Diner, American, Continental, Meat and Three, Seafood, Banquet Facilities 112 21st Street N, Birmingham 205-322-6014, www.johnscitydiner.com Lyric Hot Dog & Burgers, Hot Dog 1808 3rd Ave. N, Birmingham 205-251-9952 Marilyn’s Deli & Dogs, American, Deli 715 18th Street N, Birmingham 205-324-3354 Metro Bistro & Market, Deli, Live entertainment 2125 2nd Ave. N, Birmingham, 205-323-7995

DOWNTOWN

5th Avenue Coffee House Corp, Coffee Shop 1909 5th Ave. N, Birmingham, 205-324-5597

Milo’s Hamburgers - Downtown AmSouth Harbert Plaza, American 1901 6th Ave. N, Birmingham, 205-326-6456

Cafe Dupont, American, Continental 113 20th St. N, Birmingham, 205- 322-1282, www.birminghammenus.com/cafedupont/

Nelson Brother’s Cafe, Breakfast 314 17th Street N, Birmingham 205-254-9098

Casey’s Sport Bar & Grill, Sports Bar 2101 Civic Center Blvd, Birmingham 205-307-3050

New York Style Delicatessen, Deli 121 20th Street N, Birmingham 205-250-7878

Gabriella’s Restaurant in the Fourth Avenue District, 317 17th Street, N Birmingham, 205-983-7249

O’Henry’s Coffees, Coffee Shop 1901 6th Ave. N, Birmingham 205-323-1198, www.ohenryscoffee.com

Golden Rule Barbecue Harbert Plaza, American, BBQ 1901 6th Ave. N Ste 263, Birmingham 205-801-9600, www.goldenrulebbq.com

Pete’s Famous Hot Dogs, Hot Dog 1925 2nd Ave. N, Birmingham, 205-252-2905 Pita Loco, American, Mediterranean 2000 2nd Ave. N, Birmingham, 205-252-4899

Green Acres Cafe Meat and Three 1705 4th Ave. N, Birmingham 205-251-3875

Roma’s Italian Bistro, Italian 207A 20th Street N, Birmingham 205-324-0706, www.romasbistro.com

icon Restaurant and Bar at the Tutwiler, American, Continental 2021 Park Place N, Birmingham 205-251-2021, www.iconbirmingham.com

Redmont Café, Americana Historic Redmont Hotel 2101 5th Ave. N, Birmingham 205-324-2101

Member of the Birmingham Originals

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

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dining Safari Cup Coffee & Gallery, American, Bakery, Coffee Shop, Deli, Art Gallery, Wireless Hot Spot 300 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. Birmingham 205-326-0019, www.safaricup.com Sarris Restaurant, Mediterranean 600 31st Street N, Birmingham 205-252-7357 Surin & Co., Sushi, Thai 2100 Third Ave. N, Birmingham 205-297-0996 Terrace Cafe’, American, Continental 2000 8th Ave. N, Birmingham 205-254-2755 The Wine Loft 2200 1st Ave. N Birmingham, 205-323-8228 www.thewineloft.net Tony’s Terrific Hot Dogs 2103 2nd Ave. N, Birmingham 205-322-2111 Urban Standard, Sandwiches, Soup 2320 2nd Ave. N, Birmingham, 205-250-8200 Zoe’s Kitchen, Deli, Specialty Foods 1819 5th Ave. N, Birmingham 205-252-5200, www.zoeskitchen.com

EASTWOOD

Irondale Café 1906 1st Ave. N, Irondale 205-956-5258 / FAX: 205-956-5301 www.irondalecafe.com Olive Garden Italian Restaurant 7701 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham 205-591-0731, www.olivegarden.com Red Lobster Restaurant 7601 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham 205-591-3818, www.redlobster.com Shangri-La Restaurant, Chinese 4500 Montevallo Rd, Birmingham 205-951-3168, Three Oaks Deli 4500 Montevallo Road, Birmingham 205-951-0109 Villa Fiesta Mexican Restaurant, Mexican, Banquet Facilities 7950 Crestwood Blvd, Irondale, 205-956-3607

FULTONDALE

Doodles Muffulettas Po-Boys & More, Cajun/Creole 1415 Decatur Highway, Fultondale 205-849-4444, Jalisco Mexican Restaurante, 325 Walker Chapel Plaza, Fultondale 205-849-2137

Golden Rule Barbeque 2506 Crestwood Blvd, Irondale 205-956-2678, www.goldenrulebbq.com

Oysters & Stuff, Seafood 1519 Stouts Road, Fultondale, 205-841-3474

Hamburger Heaven 1703 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham 205-951-3570

GARDENDALE Bento Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar 617 Decatur Hwy, Gardendale 205-608-4006

International House of Pancakes, American, Breakfast 7748 Crestwood Blvd., Irondale 205-956-5502, www.ihop.com

Jack’s Family Restaurant, American 2255 Mount Olive Road, Gardendale 205-608-2092

New China Buffet 7307 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham 205-599-5558

Las Jaras Mexican Grill 1100 Pecan Ave., Gardendale 205-631-5535

62 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Member of the Birmingham Originals

great meals

do more than satisfy your appetite.

Birmingham | 205.879.9995 2300 Woodcrest Place at the embassy suites Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week private party facilities for 10 to 300 ruthschris.com

dining Max’s Cafeteria & Restaurant Meat and Three 961 Main Street, Gardendale 205-631-2614 Milo’s Hamburgers 604 Fieldstown Rd, Gardendale, 205-608-0050 Rubertino’s Cucina Italiana, 520 Decatur Highway, Gardendale 205-608-3003

HOMEWOOD

Acapulco Bar and Grill, American, Mexican 430 Green Springs Hwy., Birmingham 205-941-1183 Brio Tuscan Grille Italian, Steak 591 Brookwood Village, Birmingham 205-879-9177, www.brioitalian.com Broadway BBQ 1008 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, 205-879-1937 Cocina Superior, Mexican 587 Brookwood Village, Birmingham 205-259-1980, www.thecocinasuperior.com Cool Beans Coffeehouse, Coffee Shop, Wireless Hot Spot 1014 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, 205-871-2665 Crape Myrtle’s Cafe, Breakfast, American, Sandwiches 2721 18th St. S, Homewood, 205-879-7891 Dave’s Pizza 1819 29th Ave. S, Homewood, 205-871-3283 Demetri’s Bar-B-Q 1901 28th Ave. S, Homewood 205-871-1581, www.birminghammenus.com/demetris/

64 Birmingham Tourist Guide

DeVinci’s Pizza & Pub, Italian 2707 18th Street S, Homewood 205-879-1455 Franklin’s Homewood Gourmet, Deli 1919 28th Ave. S, Homewood 205-871-1620, www.homewoodgourmet.com Full Moon Bar-B-Que 337 Valley Ave., Homewood 205-945-9997 Georges Lebanese & American Cuisine, Lebanese 44 Green Springs Highway, Homewood 205-942-1962, www.georgeslebanese.com Gian Marco’s, Italian 721 Broadway Street Homewood, 205-871-9622 Grey House Grille, Continental 1830 29th Ave. S, Suite S-160, Homewood 205-414-1755, www.greyhousegrille.com Jackson’s Bar & Bistro, American 1831 28th Ave. S, Suite 175, Homewood 205-870-9669 Jason’s Deli, Caterers 583 Brookwood Village, Homewood 205-877-8477, www.jasonsdeli.com Jim N Nick’s Bar B Q 220 Oxmoor Road, Homewood 205-942-3336, www.birminghammenus.com/jimnnicks Jinsei Sushi Bar & Lounge 1830 29th Street, Suite 125, Homewood 205-802-1440, www.jinseisushi.com Johnny Ray’s Bar-B-Que, Banquet Facilities 316 Valley Ave., Homewood 205-945-PIES (945-7437) www.johnnyrays.com Juliano’s, Italian 1006 Oxmoor Rd., Birmingham 205-870-4733

Member of the Birmingham Originals

Kabob & Curry, Indian 220 Green Springs Ave. S, Homewood 205-322-7242

Mike’s Hot Dogs, Hot Dog 2701 18th Street S, Homewood 205-868-4728

Landry’s Seafood House, Banquet Facilities, Seafood, Steak 139 State Farm Pkwy, Homewood 205-916-0777, www.landrysseafoodhouse.com

Milo’s Hamburgers 208 State Farm Pkwy, Homewood 205-945-8008

Loco’s Deli & Pub 230 State Farm Pkwy, Homewood 205-943-0080, www.locosdeli.com

Moe’s Southwest Grill Wildwood, Mexican 231 State Farm Parkway, Homewood 205-943-7942, www.moes.com

Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon, Banquet Facilities, Steak 180 State Farm Pkwy, Homewood 205-942-1902

Mr. Wang’s Restaurant, Banquet Facilities, Chinese 217 Lakeshore Pkwy, Homewood 205-945-9000, www.mrwangsbuffet.com

Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant 308 Oxmoor Road, Homewood 205-945-8002

Nabeel’s Cafe & Market, Mediterranean 1706 Oxmoor Road, Homewood 205-879-9292, www.nabeels.com

Lovoy’s Restaurant & Lounge, Italian 410 Green Springs Hwy, Homewood 205-942-9866, www.lovoys.com

New York Pizza, Pizza 1010 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood 205-871-4000

McCormick & Schmick’s, Seafood, Wireless Hot Spot 719 Shades Creek Parkway, Birmingham 205-871-5171, www.mccormickandschmicks.com

O’Carr’s Deli, Deli 2909 18th Street S, Homewood, 205-879-2196, www.birminghammenus.com/ocarrs

Mi Casita, Mexican 360 Palisades Blvd, Homewood 205-870-4406

O’Henry’s Coffees, Coffee Shop, Deli, Wireless Hot Spot 2831 18th Street S, Homewood 205-870-1198, www.ohenryscoffee.com

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

65

dining Oak Hill Bar & Grill, American, Live Entertainment 2835 18th Street S, Homewood, 205-870-8277

Sabor Latino Restaurant & Lounge, Mexican 112 Green Springs Highway, Homewood 205-942-9480

Paw Paw Patch Meat and Three 410 Green Springs Hwy, Homewood 205-942-6640 Menu Line

Savage’s Bakery & Restaurant, Bakery, Deli 2916 18th Street S, Homewood 205-871-4901, www.savagesbakery.net

Pita Cafe, Mediterranean 277 Lakeshore Parkway, Homewood 205-941-1998

Soho Sweets, Candy/Chocolate 1830 29th Ave. S, Homewood 205-871-4420

Purple Onion Deli & Grill - Homewood, American 479 Green Springs Highway, Homewood 205-941-9979

Tria Market, Bakery, Coffee Shop, Deli 1831 28th Ave. S, Suite 110, Homewood 205-776-8923, www.triamarket.com

Qdoba Mexican Grill - Homewood, Mexican 437 Green Springs Hwy, Homewood 205-941-1486, www.qdoba.com

Wings Sports Grille Wildwood, American, Sports Bar 277 Lakeshore Pkwy, Homewood 205-290-9464, www.wingssportsgrille.com

Que Huong Vietnamese Restaurant, Chinese, Vietnamese 430 Green Springs Hwy, Homewood 205-942-5400

Zoe’s Kitchen - Homewood, American, Deli, Specialty Foods 1830 29th Ave. S, Suite 155, Homewood 205-870-1100, www.zoeskitchen.com

Renge Japanese Restaurant, Japanese 68 Green Springs Hwy, Homewood 205-942-8612

HOOVER

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Banquet Facilities, Steak 2300 Woodcrest Place, Homewood 205-879-9995, www.ruthschris.com

aha Bite - Taste of India, Indian 3075 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover 205-733-1077 Bluff Park Diner, Meat and Three 591 Shades Crest Rd, Birmingham 205-824-4320 Bonefish Grill, Seafood 3630 Galleria Circle, Hoover 205-985-9545, www.bonefishgrill.com Brock’s, American, Mediterranean 4000 Grand Ave., Hoover 205-949-3051 Buffalo Wild Wings, American 2772 John Hawkins Pkwy, Hoover 205-983-9464, www.buffalowildwings.com Cajun Steamer Bar and Grill, Cajun/Creole 180 Main Street, Suite 200, Hoover 205-985-7785, www.cajunsteamer.com

66 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Photo courtesy of the Birmingham Public Library Archives

Carino’s Italian Grill, Italian 4330 Creekside Ave., Hoover 205-560-0505, www.carinos.com

Formaggio’s Italian Bistro, Italian 1779-A Montgomery Highway, Hoover 205-989-7999

Carrabba’s Italian Grill 4503 Riverview Pkwy, Hoover 205-980-1016

Golden Rule Barbecue Hoover, American, BBQ 1571 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover 205-823-7770 www.goldenrulebbq.com

Chicory Grille, American, Seafood, Steak 1000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover 205-444-5739, www.wynfrey.com

Hunan Garden, Chinese 1851 Montgomery Hwy S, Hoover 205-987-9599

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Mexican 1759 Montgomery Highway, Hoover 205-982-4833, www.chipotle.com

J. Alexander’s Restaurant, American, Banquet Facilities 3320 Galleria Circle, Hoover 205-733-9995 or 733-9537, www.jalexanders.com

Edgar’s Old Style Bakery, Deli 180 Main Street, Suite 240, Hoover 205-987-0790, www.edgarsbakery.com Firebirds Rocky Mountain Grill Seafood, Steak 191 Main Street, Hoover 205-733-2002 www.firebirdsrestaurants.com

Jason’s Deli, Caterers, Deli 3032 John Hawkins Pkwy, Birmingham 205-987-8740, www.jasonsdeli.com Jim N Nick’s Bar B Q - Riverchase, BBQ 1810 Montgomery Hwy S, Hoover 205-733-1300, www.birminghammenus.com/jimnnicks

dining JR’s, Sports Bar 2015 Valleydale Rd, Birmingham, 205-987-6880

Rose Gardens Cafe, Chinese, Vietnamese 2539 John Hawkins Pkwy, Hoover 205-985-5000

Jubilee Joe’s Fresh Seafood Market & Restaurant, Seafood 2341 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 119 Hoover, 205-982-7797, www.jubileejoes.com

Saffron Grill, American 4524 Southlake Parkway, Suite 7, Hoover 205-987-2030

La Dolce Vita, Italian 1851 Montgomery Hwy S, Birmingham 205-985-2909

Shipley’s Do-Nuts 2050 Greenvale Lane, Hoover 205-822-2142

McAnally’s Pub and Grill, American 1899 Hoover Ct., Hoover 205-978-7301, www.mcanallyspub.com

Shula’s Steak House, Continental, Gourmet, Steak Wynfrey Hotel, Hoover, 205-444-5750, www.donshula.com/steakhouse/birmingham/

Michael’s Steak and Seafood 3340 Galleria Circle, Hoover, 205-982-0411 Moe’s Southwest Grill Riverchase 3670 Lorna Road, Hoover 205-937-6163, www.moes.com Mr. P’s Butcher Shop & Deli, Deli 813 Shades Crest Rd, Hoover, 205-823-6136 Olive Garden Italian Restaurant 3450 Galleria Circle, Hoover 205-985-4696, www.olivegarden.com On Tap Sports Bar 1845 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover 205-988-5558, www.ontapsportscafe.com Organic Harvest Market & Cafe, Café, Organica 1580 Montgomery Highway, Hoover 205-978-0318 Panera Bread Patton Creek Shopping Center Bakery, Deli, Caterers, Wireless Hot Spot 161 Main Street, Suite 111, Hoover 205-402-0023, www.panerabread.com Piccadilly Cafeteria Meat and Three 1851 Montgomery Hwy S, Hoover 205-987-1693, www.piccadilly.com Qdoba Mexican Grill 160 Main Street, Suite 140, Hoover 205-987-7108, www.qdoba.com 68 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Stix Restaurant Banquet Facilities, Chinese, Japanese, Thai 3250 Galleria Circle, Hoover 205-982-3070 Sumo Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 151 Main Street, Hoover 205-444-1515 Sunrise Buffet, Mongolian Grill & Bar, Asian, Mongolian 2760 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 108 Hoover, 205-989-9889, www.sunrisebuffet.net Ted’s Montana Grill, American 3440 Galleria Circle, Hoover 205-987-6093, www.tedsmontanagrill.com The American Cafe, Italian 2000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover 205-985-0963 The Pita Cafe, Lebanese 2801 Highway 150, Hoover, 205-402-7482 Tin Roof BBQ, BBQ 4524 Southlake Parkway, Suite 20, Hoover 205-987-4002, www.tinroofbbq.com Up The Creek Fish Camp and Grill, American, Seafood 2943 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover 205-988-0744, upthecreekfishcamp.com

Member of the Birmingham Originals

Wings Sports Grille Hoover, American 4441 Creekside Ave., Hoover 205-403-7474, www.wingssportsgrille.com Zapata Mexican Restaurant, Mexican 2005 Valleydale Road, Birmingham 205-733-1115 Zoe’s Kitchen - Patton Creek, American, Deli, Specialty Foods 180 Main Street, Suite 140, Hoover 205-989-4020, www.zoeskitchen.com

INVERNESS AND HWY 280

Amore Ristorante Italiano, Italian 5510 Highway 280, Birmingham, 205-437-1005 Bellini’s Ristorante & Bar, Italian 6801 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham 205-981-5380 Buffalo Wild Wings, American 4507 Riverview Pkwy, Birmingham 205-991-1955, www.buffalowildwings.com Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Italian 4503 Riverview Pkwy, Birmingham 205-980-1016, www.carrabba.com Classic Joe’s, American 611 Doug Baker Blvd, Birmingham 205-995-6288

Crazy Cajuns’ Boiling Pot, Cajun/Creole 125 Inverness Plaza, Birmingham 205-408-0630 Cuban Grill 280, Cuban 5511 Highway 280, Birmingham 205-995-2881 Don Pepe’ Mexican Grill, Mexican The Village at Lee Branch, Birmingham 205-408-3880 Fresh Market, Specialty Foods 4740 Highway 280, #6, Birmingham 205-991-0294, www.freshmarket.com Full Moon Bar-B-Que - Hwy 280, BBQ River Hills Shopping Center, Birmingham 205-991-7328 Hamburger Heaven, American 5303 Highway 280, Birmingham 205-981-6402 Indigo Joe’s Sports Pub & Restaurant, American 5299 Valleydale Rd, Birmingham 205-991-4646, www.indigojoesbham.com

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

69

dining International House of Pancakes, American, Breakfast 5243 Highway 280 S, Birmingham 205-991-6010, www.ihop.com Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant, Mexican 4673 Highway 280, Birmingham 205-980-8266, http://intercoups.com/menu/ixtapa/ Jason’s Deli, Caterers, Deli 4740 Highway 280, #10, Birmingham 205-995-4933, www.jasonsdeli.com Jim N Nick’s Bar-B-Que - Greystone, BBQ 2831 Greystone Commerical Blvd Birmingham, 205-991-1306, www.birminghammenus.com/jimnnicks Joe’s Crab Shack, Banquet Facilities, Seafood 20 Meadow View Drive, Birmingham 205-981-2999, www.joescrabshack.com La Dama Pizzeria, Pizza 8000 Liberty Parkway, Birmingham 205-967-7729, www.ladamapizzeria.com La Macarena, Columbian, Mexican 501 Cahaba Park Circle, Birmingham 205-995-8665 Lloyd’s Restaurant, Banquet Facilities, BBQ, Meat and Three 5301 Highway 280 S, Birmingham 205-991-5530 Longhorn Steakhouse, Steak 4775 Highway 280, Birmingham 205-980-8361 Mexicali Restaurant, Mexican 5287 Highway 280, Birmingham, 205-991-1836 Milo’s Hamburgers - Highway 280, American 1210 Inverness Corners, Birmingham 205-991-6456 Moe’s Southwest Grill Inverness, American, Mexican 4700 Highway 280, Birmingham 205-980-8244, www.moes.com 70 Birmingham Tourist Guide

On Tap Sports Bar 810 Inverness Corners, Birmingham 205-437-1999, www.ontapsportscafe.com Panera Bread Bakery, Caterers, Deli, Wireless Hot Spot 200 Doug Baker Blvd, Birmingham 205-995-1962, www.panerabread.com Petrucelli’s Italian Eatery, Italian, Banquet Facilities 10 Meadowview Drive, Birmingham 205-991-7455, www.petruccellis.com Shogun Japanese Steak & Sushi Bar, Japanese, Banquet Facilities 4618 Highway 280 S, Birmingham 205-991-0033 http://intercoups.com/menu/shogun/inside.html Standard Bistro, Continental, Banquet Facilities, caterers 3 Mt Laurel Ave., Birmingham 205-995-0512, www.standardbistro.com Superior Grill, Mexican, Open Late, Live Entertainment 4701 Highway 280 S, Birmingham, 205-991-5112, www.superiorgrillbirmingham.com Thai Emerald, Thai 5408 U.S. Highway 280, Birmingham 205-995-5775 The Original Italian Pie, American, Italian 4673 Highway 280, Birmingham, 205-995-8550, www.italianpierestaurants.com Wings Sports Grille Lee Branch, American 1001 Doug Baker Blvd, Birmingham 205-995-5151, www.wingssportsgrille.com

MOUNTAIN BROOK

Billy’s Bar & Grill American, Restaurant Lounge, Live entertainment, Wireless Hot Spot 2012 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook 205-879-2238, www.billysbarandgrill.com Black Pearl Asian Cuisine 3419 Colonnade Parkway Suite 600 Birmingham, 205-262-9888 Member of the Birmingham Originals

Bambinelli’s Italian Café 2031A Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook 205-871-2423 Bongiorno, Italian, Mediterranean 68 Church Street, Birmingham, 205-879-5947 www.birminghammenus.com/bongiorno Browdy’s, American 2713 Culver Road, Birmingham, 205-879-8585 yp.bellsouth.com/sites/browdys/ Chez Lulu, Continental, French, Gourmet 1911 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook 205-870-7011 www. continentalbakeryandchezlulu.com

Named Birmingham “IN” Spot Named Birmingham “IN” Spot byby Convention and Visitors Bureau Convention and Visitors Bureau

Continental Bakery 1909 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook 205-870-5584

205-314-3456 205-314-3456

15001st 1stAve. Ave.N.N. 1500 OpenMon Mon- Fri, - Fri,7 am 7 am- 6- pm 6 pm Open culinardcafe.com culinardcafe.com

daniel george, American, Continental, Banquet Facilities 2837 Culver Road, Mountain Brook 205-871-3266, www.danielgeorgerestaurant.com Davenport’s Pizza, Mediterranean 2837 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook 205-879-8603 Edgar’s Old Style Bakery, Bakery, Deli 3439 Colonnade Pkwy, Birmingham 205-968-0150, www.edgarsbakery.com Fire: A Creole Grill, Cajun/Creole 212 Country Club Park, Birmingham 205-802-1410 Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar 103 Summit Blvd., Birmingham 205-262-9463, www.flemingssteakhouse.com Gilchrist Drug Company, Sandwiches 2805 Cahaba Road, Birmingham 205-871-2181 Gus’s Hot Dogs, Hot Dogs 71 Church Street, Birmingham 205-871-3938

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dining J. Paul’s, American, Continental 8 Perimeter Park S, Birmingham 205-972-8602

P. F. Chang’s, Chinese 233 Summit Blvd, Birmingham 205-967-0040

Johnny Ray’s Bar-B-Que, BBQ, Banquet Facilities 3431 Colonnade Pkwy, Birmingham 205-967-0099, www.johnnyrays.com

Pablo’s Restaurante & Cantina 3439 Colonnade Pkwy, Birmingham 205-969-1411

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 3501 Grandview Pkwy, Birmingham 205-298-0200, www.ekobe.com

Panera Bread Summit Boulevard Bakery, Deli, Wireless Hot Spot, Caterers 143 Summit Blvd, Birmingham 205-968-7585, www.panerabread.com

Kosher Cafe, Kosher 3960 Montclair Road, Birmingham 205-386-3130

Richard’s Bar-B-Q & Grill 2409 Acton Road, Birmingham 205-979-6057

La Paz Restaurante, Mexican 99 Euclid Ave., Birmingham 205-879-2225, www.lapaz.com

River City Grille, American, Coffee Shop 3590 Grandview Pkwy, Birmingham 205-968-3775

Leonardo’s Italian Restaurant, Italian 2520 Rocky Ridge Road, Birmingham 205-979-6996,

Rocky Ridge Market and Deli 2501 Rocky Ridge Road, Birmingham 205-822-2227

Miss Myra’s Pit Barbecue 3278 Cahaba Heights Rd, Birmingham 205-967-6004

Romano’s Macaroni Grill 241 Summit Blvd, Birmingham 205-298-7998, www.macaronigrill.com

Moe’s Southwest Grill Mt Brook 2737 Highway 280, Birmingham 205-445-0456, www.moes.com

Satterfield’s, Seafood, Steak 3161 Cahaba Heights Rd, Suite 113 Birmingham 205-969-9690 www.satterfieldsrestaurant.com

Mudtown, American, Sandwiches 3144 Green Valley Road, Birmingham 205-967-3300

Surin of Thailand, Thai 64 Church St, Birmingham 205-871-4531

O’Carr’s Deli, Deli 3152 Cahaba Heights Village Rd, Birmingham 205-967-4173, www.ocarrs.com

Table, American 121 Oak Street, Birmingham 205-747-0855

On The Border Mexican Cafe 245 Summit Blvd, Birmingham 205-298-0877, www.ontheborder.com

Tavern on the Summit, American 225 Summit Blvd Suite 100, Birmingham 205-298-1222 www.tosabe.com/tavern/index.shtml

Open Door Cafe 1115 Dunston Ave., Birmingham 205-879-6659, www.theopendoorcafe.com

Taziki’s, Greek Fare 2737 Highway 280, Birmingham, 205-870-0455

Otey’s Village Grill, American 224 Country Club Park, Birmingham 205-871-8435

Taziki’s, Greek Fare 3439 Colonnade Pkwy, Birmingham 205-968-6622

72 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Member of the Birmingham Originals

The Cheesecake Factory American, Continental 236 Summit Blvd, Birmingham, 205-262-1800 The Gardens Café American, Continental, French, Banquet Facilities 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham 205-871-3900 The Olive Branch, American 3236 Cahaba Heights Rd, Birmingham 205-967-4600 Village Tavern, American 101 Summit Blvd., Birmingham 205-970-1640, www.villagetavern.com Zoe’s Kitchen - Crestline, American, Deli, Specialty Foods 225 Country Club Park, Birmingham 205-871-0060, www.zoeskitchen.com Zoe’s Kitchen - Summit, American, Deli, Specialty Foods 323 Summit Blvd, Birmingham 205-967-5800, www.zoeskitchen.com

Hong Kong Restaurant, Chinese, Seafood 1817 Pinson Valley Parkway, Birmingham 205-841-8800

NORTH

SOUTHSIDE

Milo’s Hamburgers 1120 Forestdale Blvd, Forestdale 205-798-6363

Al’s Deli & Grill Mediterranean 1629 10th Ave. S, Birmingham 205-939-4278

Green Acres Cafe Fried Chicken, Meat and Three 2724 29th Ave. N, Birmingham, 205-328-8099

River Fish Market’s Seafood Shack 1928 Vanderbilt Rd, Birmingham 205-251-5094, www.riverfishmarket.com

PELHAM

Fox Valley, Continental, Seafood, Steak 6745 Highway 17, Maylene, 205-664-8341 www.foxvalleyrestaurant.com

PINSON

Cedar House Cafeteria Meat and Three 1001 Cedar Street, Birmingham 205-841-1001

26, Eclectic American Bistro 1210 20th Street S, Birmingham 205-918-0726

Becky’s Deli Sandwiches, Burgers 4101 3rd Ave. S, Birmingham 205-592-0996 Bettola Gourmet Italian 2901 Second Ave. S, Birmingham 205-731-6499 Bistro Americana 808 20th Street S, Birmingham 205-933-9000

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73

dining Bogue’s Breakfast, Meat and Three 3028 Clairmont Ave. S, Birmingham 205-254-9780 Bottletree Café Vegetarian, Sandwiches 3719 3rd Ave. S., Birmingham 205-533-6288, www.thebottletree.com Bottega Italian Restaurant and Cafe’ 2240 Highland Ave. S, Birmingham 205-939-1000, www.bottegarestaurant.com Cantina Tortilla Grill, Latino, Mexican, Live Entertainment 2901 Second Ave. S, Birmingham 205-323-6980 www.birminghammenus.com/cantina Carlile’s Barbecue 3511 6th Ave. S, Birmingham 205-254-9266

Fish Market Restaurant 612 22nd Street S, Birmingham 205-322-3330, www.thefishmarket.net Five Points Grill American, Bakery, Deli, Wireless Hot Spot 1035 20th Street S, Birmingham, 205-933-6363 Formaggio’s Italian Bistro 1713 10th Ave. S, Birmingham 205-933-7555 Full Moon Bar-B-Que 525 25th Street S, Birmingham, 205-324-1007 Giuseppe’s Italian Cafe, Coffee Shop, Banquet Facilities 925 8th Street S, Birmingham, 205-324-2626 Golden Rule Barbecue and Grill, BBQ 744 29th Street S, Birmingham 205-327-5451, www.goldenrulebbq.com

Chez FonFon, Continental, French 2007 11th Ave. S, Birmingham 205-939-3221

Golden Temple Grocery, Cafe and Yoga Center, Vegetarian 1901 11th Ave. S, Birmingham, 205-933-6333

Café De Paris, French 2801 7th Ave. S, Birmingham 205-202-4024, www.cafédeparis.com

Green Acres Cafe South, Meat and Three 4350 3rd Court S, Birmingham 205-595-1903

Cosmo’s 5 Pts Pizza, Pizza, Wireless Hot Spot 2012 Magnolia Ave. S, Birmingham 205-930-9971, www.cosmossouthside.com

Highlands Bar & Grill, American, Continental, Gourmet 2011 11th Ave. S, Birmingham 205-939-1400, www.highlandsbarandgrill.com

Courtney’s Breakfast, Lunch 2330 Sixth Ave. S, Birmingham 205-251-3463

Hot & Hot Fish Club, American, Continental, Gourmet, Seafood, Banquet Facilities 2180 11th Court S, Birmingham 205-933-5474, www.hotandhotfishclub.com

Dreamland Bar-B-Que American, BBQ, Caterers, Wireless Hot Spot 1427 14th Ave. S, Birmingham 205-933-9770, www.dreamlandbbq.com Fire + Ice Restaurant, American 1108 20th Street S, Birmingham www.fire-ice.com

74 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Jim N Nick’s 11th Avenue Grill, American, BBQ 1908 11th Ave. S, Birmingham, 205-320-1060 www.birminghammenus.com/jimnnicks Kairos Kafe & Catering, American, Caterers 515 University Blvd, Birmingham 205-919-1934, www.kairoskatering.com Member of the Birmingham Originals

Moe’s Barbeque 731 29th Street S, Birmingham, 205-252-5888 Little Savannah, American, Seafood, Wireless Hot Spot 3811 Clairmont Ave., Birmingham 205-591-1119, www.littlesavannah.net

Newks Express Café Pizzas, Salads, Soups, Specialty Sandwiches 611 Richard Arrington Blvd S, Birmingham 205-323-0992, www.newkscafe.com Ocean, Seafood 1218 20th St. S, Birmingham 205-933-0999, www.oceanbirmingham.com

Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant 3324 Clairmont Ave., Birmingham 205-324-5896, www. losamigosmexican.com

o kafés! Coffee House 2901 2nd Ave. S., Birmingham, 35233

Lucy’s Coffee & Tea 2007 University Blvd., Birmingham 205-328-2007

On Tap Sports Cafe, Sports Bar 737 29th St. S, Birmingham 205-320-1225, www.ontapsportscafe.com

Mellow Mushroom, Pizza 1200 20th Street S, Birmingham 205-933-2373, www.mellowmushroom.com

Original Pancake House, Breakfast 1931 11th Ave. S, Birmingham 205-933-8837

New Chinatown Restaurant, Chinese, Vegetarian 1020 20th Street S, Birmingham. 205-251-2373

Pita Stop Cafe Bar & Grill, American, Mediterranean 1106 12th Street S, Birmingham, 205-328-2749

Dreamland BBQ A Tradition Since 1958!

Birmingham Location 1427 14th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205 (205) 933-2133 www.dreamlandbbq.com

dining Qdoba Mexican Grill 1801 4th Ave. S, Suite 109, Birmingham 205-715-0147, www.qdoba.com Rock House Restaurant Bar & Grill, Italian 725 29th Street S, Birmingham 205-323-4194, www.rockhouserestaurant.com Rojo, Mexican 2921 Highland Ave., Birmingham, 205-328-4733 www.birminghammenus.com/rojo/ Scott’s Koneys, Hot Dog 107 20th Street S, Birmingham, 205-323-1783 Sekisui Pacific Rim, Japanese, Sushi, Caterers, Banquet Facilities 1025 20th Street S, Birmingham, 205-933-1025 Silvertron Cafe, American 3813 Clairmont Ave, Birmingham 205-591-3707 Sinbad’s American and Mediterranean Restaurant 401 19th Street S, Birmingham, 205-714-9991 Sol y Luna, Latino, Mexican, Banquet Facilities 2801 7th Ave. S, Birmingham 205-322-1186, www.solyluna.net

V. Richard’s Market, Deli, Seafood, Steak, Wireless Hot Spot 3916 Clairmont Ave. S, Birmingham 205-591-7000, www.vrichards.net Veranda on Highland, Continental, Gourmet 2220 Highland Ave. S, Birmingham 205-939-5551, www.verandaonhighland.com

TRUSSVILLE

Buffalo Wild Wings, American 5915 Trussville Crossing Parkway, Birmingham 205-655-2521, www.buffalowildwings.com Chocolate Biscuit Tea Room, Coffee Shop, Deli 335 Main, Trussville, 205-655-0119 Costa’s Famous Bar-B-Que - Trussville, BBQ 5893 Trussville Crossing, Birmingham 205-655-0020 Frontera Grill, Mexican 5974 Chalkville Road, Birmingham 205-661-3318 Golden Rule Barbecue Trussville, American, BBQ 120 South Chalkville Rd, Trussville 205-655-4849, www.goldenrulebbq.com

Surin West, Sushi, Thai, Banquet Facilities 1918 11th Ave. S, Birmingham 205-324-1928, www.surinwest.com

Jim N Nick’s Bar B Q - Trussville, BBQ 1660 Gadsden Highway, Birmingham 205-661-3100 www.birminghammenus.com/jimnnicks

Taj India, Indian, Banquet Facilities 2226 Highland Ave. S, Birmingham 205-939-3805, www.tajindia.net

Joel’s Restaurant, Meat and Three 312 Main Street, Trussville 205-655-8248

Ted’s Cafeteria Restaurant, Meat and Three 328 12th Street S, Birmingham 205-324-2911, www.birminghammenus.com/teds

John’s City Diner #2, Meat and Three 1483 Gadsden Highway, Birmingham 205-655-7552, www.johnscitydiner.com

Thai House Restaurant, Thai, Vegetarian 2131 Seventh Ave. S, Birmingham 205-326-3779

Konomi, Japanese 5870 Trussville Crossings Blvd, Birmingham 205-661-1821

The J. Clyde, American, Entertainment 1312 Cobb Lane, Birmingham 205-939-1312, www.jclyde.com

Lee Garden Chinese Restaurant, Chinese 1423 Gadsden Highway, Birmingham 205-655-1138

76 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Member of the Birmingham Originals

Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon, Steak 4720 Norrel Drive, Trussville 205-661-9339 Loros Fresh-Mex, Mexican 199 Beechnut Street, Trussville 205-655-7272 Milo’s Hamburgers - Roebuck, American 209 Gadsden Highway, Birmingham 205-833-6363 Moe’s Southwest Grill Trussville, Mexican 5870 Trussville Crossing Blvd, Birmingham 205-655-9669, www.moes.com Palace Chinese Restaurant, Chinese 5899 Trussville Crossing Pkwy Ste 105 Birmingham, 205-661-1668 Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Spirits, Burgers 5029 Pinnacle Square, Trussville 205-661-0492 Sal’s Italian, Italian 256 Gadsden Hwy, Birmingham 205-833-9272

Zapata Mexican Restaurant, Mexican 1930 Edwards Lake Road, Birmingham 205-661-0904

VESTAVIA

Ali Baba Deli & Grill, Mediterranean, Banquet Facilities 1694 Montgomery Highway #110, Hoover 205-823-2222 Amigo’s Mexican Grill, Mexican 3659 Lorna Rd., Hoover 205-682-8090 Cafe Iz, Continental, Caterers 2514 Rocky Ridge Road, Birmingham 205-979-7522 www.birminghammenus.com/cafeiz China Ben, Chinese 784 Highway 31, Vestavia Hills 205-823-8920 City Hall Diner, American, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 521 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia 205-824-3655, www.cityhalldiner.com

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77

dining Costa’s Mediterranean Cafe, Mediterranean 3443 Lorna Road, Hoover, 205-978-1603 Dale’s Southern Grill, American, Seafood, Steak 700 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills 205-987-4757 Diplomat Delicatessen & Spirits, Deli 1413 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia, 205-979-1515 Fish Market Restaurant, Seafood 1681 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover 205-823-3474, www.fishmarketrestaurant.com Full Moon Bar-B-Que - Hoover, BBQ 2000 Patton Chapel Road, Hoover 205-822-MOON (6666) Guadalajara - Hoover, Mexican 1694 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover 205-823-9549, http://intercoups.com/menu/ guadalajara/guadalajara.html

Ichiban Japanese Steak House, Japanese, Steak, Banquet Facilities 620 Old Towne Rd, Vestavia, 205-822-4646 Iz Too Bakery & Market, Bakery, Coffee Shop, Continental 2518 Rocky Ridge Rd., Birmingham 205-979-7570, www.birminghammenus.com/iztoo Johnny Ray’s Bar-B-Que, BBQ 1460 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia 205-823-7437 Klingler’s European Bakery & Café, Bakery, Caterers 621 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills 205-823-4560 www.birminghammenus.com/klinglers Mariachi Grill, Mexican 612 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills 205-823-2399

Birmingham Cafe Has Hollywood Ties As anyone who has ever cooked or eaten fried green tomatoes knows, preparing that Southern delicacy is something of an art form.

The good ones are hot and tangy, gilded with a light golden crust. Just like they cook at the Irondale Cafe in Birmingham.

The Irondale Cafe is the real life model for the fictional Whistle Stop Cafe in the hit movie Fried Green Tomatoes.

The movie was drawn from the novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, written by Birmingham-born author and actress Fannie Flagg. It is widely rumored that the movie’s most colorful character, Idgie Threadgood, is loosely based on Miss Flagg’s real life great aunt, Bess Fortenberry. Miss Fortenberry owned and ran the Irondale Cafe for half a century. In 1973 she sold the diner, but the current

78 Birmingham Tourist Guide

menu still is very close to the original, only expanded considerably.

Good simple home cooking, including perfect fried green tomatoes, makes the cafe a tremendous favorite with the locals.

Sunday dinner finds the line out the door and halfway down the sidewalk.

Publicity from the book and movie hasn’t hurt business either. Tourists from all over the world seek out the restaurant for its Idgie connection. Fried green tomatoes are always on the menu.

(*This designation for the midday meal may be a tad confusing to our friends from the North. What may be lunch to them is properly referred to in the South as dinner.

It is traditionally the big meal of the day.

The evening meal is called supper. Now you know....)

Member of the Birmingham Originals

Mexico Lindo Autentico, Mexican 1541 Montgomery Highway, Hoover 205-822-7303 Moe’s Southwest Grill Vestavia Hills, Mexican 716 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills 205-824-7663, www.moes.com New Orleans Food and Spirits 1919 Kentucky Ave. Vestavia Hills, 205-822-7655 www.neworleansfoodandspirits.com Panera Bread Vestavia, Bakery, Caterers, Deli, Wireless Hot Spot 700 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia 205-978-8910, www.panerabread.com Pappas’ Delicious Foods, American 1066 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills 205-823-4458 Purple Onion Deli & Grill - Hoover, American 1550 Montgomery Highway, Hoover 205-822-7322 Red Lobster Restaurant, Seafood, Deli, American 1030 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia 205-822-7240, www.redlobster.com Salvatore’s Pizza, Pizza 1594 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover 205-823-7206 Sekisui Birmingham, Asian, Specialty Foods, Sushi 700 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills 205-978-7775 www.sekisuiusa.com

WEST

Alabama Rose Steak House, Steak 3658 Lacy Rd, Quinton 205-674-0960 Bryant’s Seafood Restaurant, Seafood 3096 Allison Bonnett Memorial Dr Hueytown, 205-491-5652

Costa’s Famous Bar-B-Que - Finley Blvd., BBQ 2201 4th Place W, Birmingham 205-252-2109 Eagles Restaurant, Meat and Three 2610 16th Street N, Birmingham 205-320-0099 Glory’s Family Dining, Meat and Three 6509 EJ Oliver Blvd, Fairfield 205-786-5500 Green Acres West, Meat and Three 1749 Pearson Ave. SW, Birmingham 205-925-0088 Guadalajara - Hueytown, Mexican 591 Allison Bonnett Memorial Dr Dolomite, 205-744-2550 Habanero’s Mexican Grill, Mexican 3048 Allison Bonnett Memorial Drive Hueytown, 205-491-9974 Home Plate Diner, Meat and Three 2780 Allison-Bonnett Memorial Parkway Hueytown, 205-744-8855 Lena’s Ole Hickory Restaurant & Cafeteria, Meat and Three 3103 Ensley Five Points W Ave. Birmingham, 205-781-7837 Milo’s Hamburgers - Fairfield, American 6600 E J Oliver Blvd, Fairfield 205-788-6456 Niki’s West, Meat and Three 233 Finley Ave. W, Birmingham 205-252-5751 Smokehouse Steak & Seafood Restaurant, Meat and Three 348 Finley Ave. W, Birmingham 205-323-6427 or 328-2247 Uncle Sam’s Barbecue, BBQ 3043 Allison Bonnett Memorial Dr Hueytown, 491-1333, www.unclesamsbbq.com

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

79

After Dark AIRPORT

Crestwood Tavern Live Entertainment, Pizza, Sandwiches 5500 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham 205-510-0053

BESSEMER

Crazy Eights Lounge Billiards, Blues, Classic Rock, Country, Live Entertainment 1817 19th Street N, Bessemer, 205-424-9122 Sharky’z Lounge Billiards, DJ 1121 9th Avenue SW. Bessemer 205-425-4445

80 Birmingham Tourist Guide

CENTERPOINT

J.T.’s Sports Lounge Classic Rock, Top 40, Country 9333 Parkway E, Birmingham, 205-836-5270

DOWNTOWN

Above, Roof top Martini Bar Historic Redmont Hotel 2101 5th Ave N, Birmingham 205-324-2101 Metro Bistro & Market Deli, Live Entertainment 2125 2nd Avenue N, Birmingham, 205-323-7995 Speakeasy Live Entertainment 1920 3rd Ave. North, Birmingham, 205-251-1506. www.speakeasy1920.com

after dark Steel Urban Lounge Live Entertainment, DJ, Martini Bar 2300 1st Avenue N, Birmingham 205-324-0666, www.steelurbanlounge.com

HOOVER

The Wine Loft 2200 1st Ave. North, Birmingham 205-323-8228 www.thewineloft.net

Ivory’s, Piano Bar 1000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover 205-987-1600, www.wynfrey.com

FULTONDALE

JR’s, Sports Bar 2015 Valleydale Rd, Hoover 205-987-6880

BB’s Lounge, Karaoke, Top 40 616 Decatur Hwy., Fultondale, 205-841-0606 Full House Blues, DJ, Rock 2205 Decatur Hwy, Fultondale 205-849-9995 Home Field Sports Grill, Banquet Facilities, Karaoke, Dance, Serves food late, Live Entertainment 1501 Decatur Highway, Fultondale 205-841-6500, www.homefield-web.com

HOMEWOOD

Jitterbugg’s, Dance, Live Entertainment 260 Oxmoor Road, Homewood 205-942-5283 Jackson’s Bar & Bistro 1831 28th Ave. S, Ste. 175, Homewood 205-933-1544

Comedy Club Stardome American, Banquet Facilities, 1818 Data Drive, Hoover, 205-444-0008

Martini’s Fine Food & Club Ultra 2132 Lorna Ridge Lane, Hoover 205-822-4488 McAnally’s Pub and Grill Classic Rock, Billiards, Dance, Live Entertainment, Sports Bar 1899 Hoover Ct., Hoover 205-978-7301, www.mcanallyspub.com On Tap Sports Cafe - Riverchase Sports Bar 1845 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover 205-988-5558, www.ontapsportscafe.com Pub 261, Live Entertainment 9340 Helena Road, Hoover 205-444-0261, www.pub261.com

Loco’s Deli & Pub Deli, Live Entertainment, Pub 230 State Farm Pkwy, Homewood 205-943-0080, www.locosdeli.com Lucky’s Pub & Package Pub, Sports Bar 706 Valley Avenue, Homewood 205-945-1657 Oak Hill Bar & Grill American, Live Entertainment 2835 18th Street S, Homewood, 205-870-8277 The Upper Deck, Acoustic Classic Rock, Karaoke, Sports Bar, Billiards, Wireless Hot Spot 449 Valley Avenue, Homewood, 205-942-3289 800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

81

after dark

INVERNESS AND HWY 280 Cafe Firenze, Dance, Karaoke, Live Entertainment, Rock 110 Inverness Plaza, Birmingham 205-980-1315

Courtyard 280 Oyster Bar & Grill Acoustic, Open Late, Live Entertainment 4643 Highway 280, Birmingham 205-980-9891

The Mellow Martini Live Entertainment, Martini Bar 5426 Highway 280, Birmingham 205-437-0118

Mountain Brook

Billy’s Bar & Grill, American, Restaurant Lounge, Live Entertainment 2012 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook 205-879-2238, www.billysbarandgrill.com

Hogan’s Irish Pub & Grill Billiards, Dance, Live Entertainment 507 Cahaba Park Circle, Birmingham 205-995-0533

Dram Bar Bar & Grill, Live Entertainment 2721 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook 205-871-8055

Indigo Joe’s Sports Pub & Restaurant Sports Bar 5299 Valleydale Rd, Birmingham 205-991-4646, www.indigojoesbham.com

Up Top Pub & Grill Restaurant Lounge, Wireless Hot Spot 3325 Rocky Ridge Plaza, Cahaba Heights 205-822-8266

On Tap Sports Cafe - Inverness Sports Bar 810 Inverness Corners, Birmingham 205-437-1999, www.ontapsportscafe.com

SOUTHSIDE

Superior Grill, Mexican, Live Entertainment 4701 Highway 280 S, Birmingham, 205-991-5112, www.superiorgrillbirmingham.com

Blue Monkey Lounge Martini Bar, Piano, Live Entertainment, Jazz 1318 Cobb Lane South, Birmingham 205-933-9222, www.bluemonkeylounge.com

82 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Base Camp Martini Bar & Lounge Blues, Rock 1024 20th St. South, Birmingham, 205-335-1457

Dave’s Pub Live Entertainment, Sports Bar 1128 20th Street South, Birmingham 205-933-4030 Garage Cafe & Antiques Pub, Restaurant, Lounge 2304 10th Terrace S, Birmingham 205-322-3220 Marty’s Serves food late, Live Entertainment 1813 10th Court S, Birmingham 205-939-0045, www.martysbar.com On Tap Sports Cafe, Sports Bar 737 29th St. South, Birmingham 205-320-1225, www.ontapsportscafe.com Ona’s Music Room Jazz, Live Entertainment, Rhythm & Blues 423 20th Street S, Birmingham 205-322-4662, www.OnasMusicRoom.com The Break Restaurant & Billiards 1001 20th Street S, Birmingham 205-252-3779 The H Martini Bar, Hotel Highland 1023 2nd Ave. S. Birmingham 205-933-9555

Upside Down Plaza, Bar, Billiards 2012 Magnolia Avenue S, Birmingham 205-930-0333 WorkPlay Martini Bar, Alternative Rock, Jazz, Arts, Entertainment, Meeting Facilities, Wireless Hot Spot 500 23rd St. South, Birmingham 205-879-4773, www.workplay.com Zydeco, Rock, Cajun/Creole, Live Entertainment 2001 15th Avenue S, Birmingham 205-933-1032, zydecobirmingham.com

TRUSSVILLE

Velma’s Place Karaoke, Open Late, Music-Karaoke 1911 Gadsden Hwy, Birmingham, 205-661-0404

VESTAVIA

Gabriel’s Spirited Cafe, Sports Bar 3706 Lorna Road, Hoover 205-985-0983 Iron Horse Cafe, Pub, Billiards, Karaoke, Serves food late, live entertainment Center of Riverchase, Ste 184, Birmingham 205-978-5599, www.ironhorsecafe.net

The High Note/Rock n’ Horse Karaoke, Banquet Facilities, Live Entertainment 414 Richard Arrington Blvd, Birmingham 205-251-7625, www.highnoteloungecafe.

The J. Clyde Pub, Live Entertainment 1312 Cobb Lane, Birmingham 205-939-1312, www.jclyde.com The Nick Alternative Rock, Live Entertainment 2514 10th Avenue S, Birmingham 205-252-3831, www.thenickrocks.com The Quest Dance, Gay/Lesbian, Open late 416 24th Street S, Birmingham 205-251-4313, www.quest-club.com 800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

83

after dark Redline Bar & Grill, Piano Bar Hoover Commons, Birmingham 205-823-1488, www.redlinebar.com

Lou’s Pub Package Store & Pub 726 29th Street S, Birmingham, 205-322-7005

Lakeview

Nana Funks, Dance Club, DJ, Open Late 708 29th St. South, Birmingham 205-250-8003

Barking Kudu, Live Entertainment 2929 7th Avenue South, Birmingham 205-328-1748, www.barkingkudu.com BottleTree, Live Entertainment, Vegetarian 3719 3rd Avenue S, Birmingham 205-533-6288, www.thebottletree.com Cantina Tortilla Grill 2901 2nd Ave. S, Birmingham 205-323-6980 Innisfree Irish Pub, Live Entertainment 710 29th St S, Birmingham 205-252-4255, www.innisfreepub.com Joe’s on Seventh Video Bar, Billiards, Darts, Dance Club, DJ, Gay/Lesbian, Open late 2627 7th Ave S. Birmingham 205-321-2812, www.joesonseventh.com

O’Kafes! Coffeehouse 2901 2nd Ave. S, Birmingham 205-454-1391 www.roastmaster@okafes.com Rags - Bar & Grill Upscale Sports Bar w/ Italian flare 728 28th Street S. 205-327-RAGS Oasis Bar Live Music, Darts, Billiards 2807 7th Ave S. Birmingham, Al 205-323-5538, www.oasisbar.com The Rare Martini Martini Bar, Live Music 2839 7th Avenue S, Birmingham 205-323-0008, www.theraremartini.com

Spend Some Time in the Garage – If it’s good enough for GQ, it’s

likely good enough for you–The Garage Café, that is. Right here in Birmingham. We’re not sure how GQ magazine found the place–most locals can’t even find it---but they did.

Some time ago they named The Garage Café among the top 10 bars in the world worth flying for. That’s right…in the world. What started out in the 1920s as a storage area for chauffeur-driven cars, fell into shambles after WWII. In the 1970s after some repair, a local businessman opened an antiques showroom that overflowed into a courtyard. He later added a small café/bar for thirsty guests. Since then, the place has been rather an underground hangout for the hip and interesting. GQ reviewer John T. Edge wrote: “The courtyard–a shamble of weed-choked baptismal fonts, headless marble nymphs and roll-top Nehi iceboxes enrobed in wisteria–calls to mind an Antiques Roadshow prop room overseen by a drunk with impeccable taste in detritus.”2304 10th Terrace South (good luck!) 205-322-3220

84 Birmingham Tourist Guide

East Lake Park circa 1930

Outdoors Hiking

Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Eleven miles of nature trails, ranging from easy to arduous, route visitors through this thousand-acre park. Hawk’s View Overlook is a moderate, three-mile, round-trip hike with a challenging incline. Along the way you’ll reach Cambrian Overlook and proceed with a switchback climb to a stunning vista of downtown Birmingham. The park has plans to expand and to build a new Visitors Center in the near future. Guided hikes are offered some Saturdays.

The park is closed Mondays.

For more information: 205-833-8264 or www. ruffnermountain.org.

Getting there: The center is at 1214 81st St. South in Birmingham’s East Lake area.

Dora’s Horse Creek Trail Constructed along an old railroad bed, this easy three-mile hiking trail runs from T.S. Boyd School to U.S. 78 at the Horse Creek Golf Photo courtesy of the Birmingham Public Library Archives

Course. It’s a combination of asphalt with an additional mile of unpaved nature trail. Five rest areas are along the route.

Getting there: The school is at 23 Austin Circle.

Moss Rock Preserve This 250-acre preserve has boulders for climbers of all skill levels. It is home to four rare plant species, rock outcroppings, streams, waterfalls and wildlife. The wilderness within the preserve continues to improve as hardwoods grow and age and trails become more defined by continued use. Maps and signs help direct and guide difficulty. For maximum mileage, take the loop made up of the Blue and White Trails, which is a little more than 3 miles long.

Or just spread out in the shady coolness of the preserve and picnic. Please remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints.

For more information: 205-444-7866 or www. ci.hoover.al.us Getting there: From I-459 in Birmingham take 800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

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outdoors Exit 10 onto Alabama 150. Turn east toward downtown Hoover. Turn left on Stadium Trace Parkway. Stay straight; this road becomes Sulphur Springs Road. Go about two miles to the intersection with Preserve Parkway.

This road leads to Moss Rock Preserve and to parking for the boulder field.

Oak Mountain State Park Alabama’s largest state park offers plenty of trails for hikers who want a peaceful outing apart from the mountain bikers. New park goers might want to try the EagleTrail or Treetop Nature Trail for starters, but those are only two of many. The Peavine Trail, four-and-a-half miles round trip, is moderate to difficult, but it’s still a popular hike because of the payoff: It leads to Peavine Falls, which cascade down a rock wall and splash into a pool below.

Three suggested hiking loops begin at the North Trailhead. Maggie’s Loop is an easy two-and-a-half-mile walk. North Loop is threeand-a-half miles long; it’s rated easy to moderate because of some ascents. Shackelford Loop is rated moderate to difficult because of its six-and-a-half-mile length.

Maps for these and other Oak Mountain trails are available at the park office.

For more information: 205-620-2524 or www.alapark.com Getting to the front gate: Take exit 246 off I-65.

Turn west onto Alabama 119, left at the first light on State Park Road. Follow one mile to stop sign, and turn left onto John Findley Road through the front gate into the park.

Getting to the back gate: Take U.S. 280 to Alabama 119. Follow three miles to left turn at Oak Mountain Public Lake sign.

Steele’s Horse Pens 40 Horse Pens 40 is a 120-acre nature park atop Chandler Mountain, and one of the Southeast’s best boulder fields. There’s a warm-up field with relatively easy routes to the top as well as more challenging climbs. Instructions on the rocks tell climbers how to start their ascents. A national bouldering competition held each fall draws hundreds of climbers from around the U.S. For more information: 256-570-0076 or www.hp40.com.

Getting there: From I-59 North, take the Ashville exit. Go north on U.S. 231 for about four miles. Watch for signs. For RVs and campers, the easy way is to take I-59 to exit 174. Go north on Steele Station Road. At U.S. 11, take a left. You’ll soon see a sign at St. Clair 42. Take a right and go to the top of Chandler Mountain. After this road turns left, follow it for three miles to the entrance; look for signs.

Birmingham’s Vulcan Trail This easy one-mile paved trail in Alabama’s largest city runs from Vulcan Park to 11th Place South. It’s open to walkers, bikers and inline skaters and is wheelchair accessible. Pick up a map at the office.

For more information: Call 205-933-1409 or visit www.vulcanpark.org.

Getting there: From downtown Birmingham, head up 20th Street South toward Red Mountain. Look for a small parking lot on the right just before you reach Vulcan Park.

Fishing Birmingham: Bass Capital of the world 86 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Birmingham was recently voted “Bass Capital of the World” by BASSMASTERS magazine, so you’re in a prime place to have a rod and reel.

East Lake Park

The state’s lakes offer up everything from largemouth and spotted bass, to saltwater stripes, crappie, catfish and bream. Bring your bait and tackle to these close-by lakes and rivers: Bibb County Public Lake This 100-acre lake is home to largemouth bass, bream, catfish and crappie. Rental boats are available, and the lake has a ramp for anglers toting their own. Only electric trolling motors are allowed.

Facilities include a fishing pier, restrooms, concessions, tackle, and live and artificial bait.

For more information: 205-938-2124.

Getting there: From Centreville take U.S. 82 to Alabama 5, turn right and travel north for sevenand-one-half miles, then turn left on Fishing Lake Road which runs to the lake.

Cahaba River This 191-mile free-flowing river is an ecological treasure and home to 135 fish species, including several which are rare and protected such as the Cahaba shiner and the gold-line darter.

Cahaba River Society is a non-profit organization working to preserve this treasured waterway. Guided tours are offered. 205-322Photo courtesy of the Birmingham Public Library Archives

5326 or www.cahabariversociety.org Bank fishing or canoe casting are good routes to finding fish. Here are a couple of places to rent canoes: Alabama Outdoors – Homewood store 205870-1919, Pelham store 205-403-9191.

Alabama Small Boats – 205-424-3634.

Limestone Canoe Rental – 205-926-9672.

Lake Purdy This 1,050-acre lake is a quick trip from Birmingham. Some anglers consider it to be one of the best crappie-fishing lakes in the state.

The Lake Purdy Fishing Marina is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., except on Christmas and Thanksgiving, and sells bait, tackle, drinks and snacks, and rents flat-bottom johnboats, canoes, and pontoon boats, with life jackets and paddles.

Getting there: From U.S. 280 east, turn left on Alabama 119. Travel four miles and turn left on Boat Launch Road. Follow to the Lake Purdy Fishing Marine.

Lay Lake This 12,000-acre lake, a short drive south of 800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

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outdoors Birmingham, sports lots of open water and slews where you can cast a line. And fishing below Logan Martin Dam at the upper end of the lake often yields a good catch. Check www.adph.org for Lay Lake fish consumptions advisories.

Getting there: Take U.S. 280 East to Harpersville and turn right at the traffic light onto Alabama 25. Follow to Columbiana and ask for directions.

Logan Martin Lake This 15,000-plus-acre lake east of Birmingham in the Coosa River chain offers up an abundance of fish along the banks, in the open water, and in the headwaters below Neely Henry Dam, especially when the turbines are running. Check www.adph.org for Logan Martin Lake fish consumptions advisories.

Getting there: Logan Martin measures almost 50 miles long and winds between St. Clair and Talladega Counties about 30 miles east of Birmingham off I-20 East. There’s a marina and boat launch at the Riverside/Pell City Exit 162.

Oak Mountain State Park: Two 85-acre stocked lakes are fertilized and open year-round, and the park rents johnboats and flat-bottom fishing boats with paddles and life preservers. Anglers with their own boats can use the park’s launches and their own electric trolling motors.

The Fishing Center Store just inside the back gate and the Campground Country Store sell bait, tackle, drinks and snacks.

For more information: Fishing Center Store 205620-2528 or Campground Store 205-620-2527.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Fishing License Info –

Alabama fresh water and salt water fishing licenses can be ordered by phone by calling 888-848-6887 or by Internet at www.outdooralabama.com. Licenses also can be purchased at most bait and tackle shops. Short term, annual and lifetime fishing licenses are available for both fresh water and salt water fishing in Alabama.

Cahaba River Alabama’s longest river is a great place to canoe or kayak. Just remember along the way that you’re sharing space with several rare and protected fish and the imperiled Cahaba Lily which once thrived across the southeast.

Floating down the Cahaba’s gentle waters provides a pleasant respite and a close-up look at some of the interesting species. If you’re looking to make a bigger splash, head to the river’s northernmost portions for some Level I-III whitewater rapids.

Because shallower waters mark the Cahaba’s steep banks and rocky shoals, it’s best to go canoeing after a heavy rain.

The Cahaba River Society hosts canoe trips down the river, including day trips, moonlight trips and overnight canoeing. Among the most popular outings are the Lily Trips, which run when the rare and endangered Cahaba Lily is in bloom, from mid-May to mid-June.

All trips are free if you bring your own canoe, and reservations are required.

For more information: Cahaba River Society, 205-322-5326 or www.cahabariversociety.org. For boat rentals: Alabama Small Boats, 205-424-3634.

Locust Fork Just a short drive from Birmingham, Locust Fork is on the Black Warrior River. This is an excellent whitewater run with some very difficult rapids known as Double Trouble and

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outdoors

Mountain biking at Oak Mountain State Park

House Rock. Beginners will do best to avoid these rapids. Beautiful limestone bluffs accent the rapids. The National Park Service places Locust Fork in the top two percent of rivers in the country for its recreational value, among other assets.

Getting there: Take I-59 North to Tallapoosa Street Exit (Tarrant). Take Alabama Hwy. 79 North through Cleveland (about 40 minutes). Follow signs to Blountsville and cross the bridge over the Locust Fork River.

Just past the bridge on the right is King’s Bend.

Turn into King’s Bend and follow the gravel road through the gate.

For more information: www.flfr.org (Friends of Locust Fork River)

Mountain Biking

Oak Mountain State Park Oak Mountain has a 17-mile mix of bike trails ranging from technical and tight single track, to

fast roller coaster rides, to wide-open fire roads.

You can download a map of Oak Mountain bike trails at www.bump.org, the Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers Web site. Here are some adventures to try: Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride – No hills along this just-less-than-a-mile single-track trail, but there are some tight turns and narrow sections between trees.

Foreplay – A half-mile-long smooth singletrack trail with one sharp S-turn followed by a bumpy – but short – downhill ride.

Johnson’s Mountain – This hilly and woody single-track trail measures a little less than two miles. You’ll cross a creek via a bridge, then follow the creek until you climb the spine of the mountain’s first ridge, and have a quick descent along two remaining ridges.

BUMP Trail – A single-track path climbing one-and-a-quarter miles to Red Road at the top of a ridge. It’s hilly but smooth at the bottom, and rocky, steep and technical at the top.

Red Road – A fire road leading about five miles counterclockwise from the top of the BUMP Trail to the North Trailhead parking lot. The last two-and-one-half miles downhill will get your heart pounding. There are eight creek crossings.

Rock Garden – A challenging trail, and you may see deer along the way.

Family-Beginner Trail – A short loop built

People come from around the world to see the endangered Cahaba Lilies in bloom.

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(Top) Photo courtesy of jeffrey greenberg

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outdoors

(Left) Rock climbing at Moss Rock Preserve (Below) Birding

by BUMP to encourage young riders to take up the sport. The lollipop-shaped ride – with a spur and loop at the end – is about one-and-a-half miles long. There are a couple of stream crossings, but no road crossings, and a gentle grade.

For more information: Call 620-2524.

Getting to the front gate: Take exit 246 off I-65.

Turn west onto Alabama 119, left at the first light on State Park Road. Follow one mile to stop sign, and turn left onto John Findley Road through the front gate into the park.

Getting to the back gate: Take U.S. 280 to Alabama 119. Follow three miles to left turn at brown Oak Mountain Public Lake sign.

Geocaching The Birmingham area is rife with Geocaching opportunities and a large community of Geo92 Birmingham Tourist Guide

caching enthusiasts.

Stop scratching your head; if you’re not familiar with the adventure, imagine two favorite childhood games coming together— say, hideand-seek and the treasure hunt were somehow reconfigured into one adventure. Then throw in the added dimension of big boys and girls who eagerly play and don’t seem at all out of place.

Geocaching (pronounced “geo-cashing”), now a hugely popular activity, was developed in 2000 and combines technology and good ol’ hunting skills to uncover hidden treasure.

Individuals of all ages throughout the world participate in this good-hearted sport, hiding and seeking small treasures as the community of Geocaching players grows.

Birmingham area geography and the region’s high density of state parks and national forests make it prime Geocaching territory for hiders and seekers.

The objective is to locate and uncover hidden treasure (the “cache”) placed by someone you’ve likely never met. Your only instructions come in the form of latitude and longitude coordinates. The attraction is the thrill of the hunt because, after all, anyone can buy a $5 slingshot

Photo courtesy of (Left) Arik Sokol (above) jeffrey greenberg

or DVD or whatever else is tucked away in the cache. But to find one placed by a fellow geocacher is, well, downright thrilling.

In this adult world of treasure hunting, you won’t hear “finders, keepers,” but the rustling of log book pages, where the cache hider and the seekers who follows his record notes and maybe even stash another treasure. And that’s usually a requirement of geocachers: Take what you find, but leave something behind.

You won’t need to take your computer with you, but it’s a required starting point to find listings of caches. Several websites can help guide you. Check out www.geocaching.com, www.groundspeak.com, and www.geotruckers. com. Online forums, logs and general information help guide you through the world of Geocaching.

While you’re exploring the natural beauty of the area during your Geocaching, don’t overlook some of the urban possibilities as well. Have you picked up your Tourist Guide to the city?

Birding It’s somewhat amazing when we run across a birding visitor from Oregon who’s come to Birmingham to find cardinals, the beautiful but commonly seen birds we take for granted here.

With a wealth of natural open areas around the region, birding is a hot hobby for locals and tourists. One of the most popular areas for viewing a variety of birds is along the Upper Cahaba River, just south of the city. The river provides an ideal habitat for many species of birds and is a migratory stopping point for many others.

More than 400 species of birds have been identified in Alabama, many of them along the Cahaba Corridor. Bring along your binoculars, and you’re likely to spot the Eastern Bluebird, the American Goldfinch, the Brown-headed Nuthatch, the Green Heron, the Belted Kingfisher and many more. Birds of the Upper Cahaba brochures are available through the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau (800-458-8085).

Now Dig This – New Orleans is not the only city noted for its interesting

cemeteries. (And by the way, if you think people aren’t interested in touring cemeteries, you’re…well…dead wrong.)

Birmingham’s first official burial ground, Oak Hill Cemetery, is the final resting place of many of the city’s founding fathers and families. Most of the burials here were prior to 1930. One of the grave sites in Oak hill is that of Louise “Lou” Wooster, a successful Birmingham madam, who ran what were generally considered the best brothels in the city in the late 1800s.

Quite a colorful character given to embellishing certain stories, Wooster maintained to her death that she gave up love affairs after being spurned by the great love of her life, the famous assassin John Wilkes Booth.

Though some might beg to differ, Wooster’s greatest contribution to the young city of Birmingham was during the great Cholera epidemic of 1873 which nearly wiped out the town. In this time of greatest need, Wooster and her women converted her houses of secluded pleasures into clinics for the very ill and were credited with saving the lives of dozens of Birmingham’s citizens.

Among Elmwood Cemetery’s unusual markers is a giant Oriental mushroom, the work of noted sculptor Dionicio Rodriguez.

Graves of famous Alabamians at Elmwood include: Temptations founding member Eddie Kendrick; experimental jazz artist Sun Ra, whose headstone bears his real name, Herman Sonny Blount); and the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide coach, the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant. Elmwood staff, weary of giving directions to Bryant’s grave, finally painted crimson stripes that lead from the cemetery entrance to his burial site.

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Golf Alpine Bay Golf 9855 Renfroe Road Alpine, AL 35014 Phone: 256.268.2920 Located within the forests adjacent to Lake Logan Martin, this course features a contemporary clubhouse, lodge and restaurant as well as stunning scenery.

No. of holes: 18 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,518 Rating/Slope: 69.9/126 Practice range: yes Ballantrae Golf Club 1300 Ballantrae Club Drive Pelham, AL 35124 Phone: 205.620.4653 Because not everybody can travel to Scotland to play golf, now there is Ballantrae.

No. of holes: 18 Par: 72 Yardage: 7,310 94 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Rating/Slope: 74.5/130 Practice Range: yes Bent Brook Golf Course 7900 Dickey Springs Road Bessemer, AL 35022 Phone: 205.424.2368, www.bentbrook.com Once a dairy farm, this beautiful course is located approximately 15-20 miles from downtown Birmingham.

No. of holes: 27 Par: 36-36-35 Yardage: 6,000-7,000 Rating/Slope: 69.6/117, 70.2/121, 69.2/116 Practice range: yes On-site restaurant. All major credit cards accepted.

Capstone Club of Alabama 16000 Capstone Blvd Brookwood, AL 35444 205-462-0590 / FAX 205-462-1588 Located in Brookwood, Capstone is in between

golf Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. Ranked third in the State of Alabama by Golfweek magazine, Capstone Club is a must play.

No. of holes: 18 Castle Pines Country Club, LLC 1600 Quail Ridge Drive Birmingham, AL 35071 Phone: 205.631.3140 Located in Gardendale, approximately 10 miles north of downtown Birmingham.

No. of holes: 18 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,439 Rating/Slope: 70.6/124 Practice range: yes Cedar Creek Golf Course 900 Cedar Creek Drive Bessemer, AL 35023 Phone: 205.424.8450 An 18-hole course with large Bermuda greens located only 20 minutes from Birmingham.

No. of holes: 18 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,004 Rating/Slope: 67.9/114 Practice range: yes Tee times required for weekends only. Visa and MasterCard are welcome.

No. of holes: 18 Par: 71 Yardage: 6,509 Rating/Slope: 68.5/137 Practice range: no No credit cards accepted.

Eagle Point Golf Club 4500 Eagle Point Drive Birmingham, AL 35242 Phone: 205.991.9070 FAX: 205.991.2076 www.eaglepointgolfclub.com This course, created by architect Earl Stone, is located 15 miles from downtown Birmingham.

No. of holes: 18 Par: 71 Yardage: 6,493 Rating/Slope: 70.1/119 Practice range: yes Tee times can be made five days in advance.

FarmLinks Golf Club 2200 FarmLinks Blvd.

Sylacauga, AL 35150 Phone: 205.403.4653 www.farmlinksgolfclub.com FarmLinks is the world’s first research and

Cumberland Lake Golf & Country Club 2150 Cumberland Lake Drive Pinson, AL 35126 Phone: 205.680.4653 or 680.4650 This is a scenic course with lake and mountain views. It receives high marks for course variety.

No. of holes: 18 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,655/6,422 Rating/Slope: 70.7/126, 69.1/123, 70.7/117 Practice range: yes Don A. Hawkins/Roebuck Municipal Golf Course 8920 Roebuck Boulevard Roebuck, AL 35206 Phone: 205.836.7318 This city park course, located only 10 miles from downtown Birmingham, is not only a challenging course, but also one of the city’s best bargains.

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golf Highland Park Golf Course 3300 Highland Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35205 Phone: 205.322.1902 www.highlandparkgolf.com Known as the oldest course in Alabama, Highland Park still sparkles from the 1998 restoration by renowned architect, Bob Cupp.

It offers 18 enticing holes with uphill approach shots, heavily bunkered greens, lakes and beautiful vistas of the Birmingham skyline.

No. of holes: 18 Par: 70 Yardage: 5,801 Rating/Slope: 68.1/128, 66.1/123, 63.8/114 Practice range: yes Practice Range on-site. Tee times may be made up to five days in advance. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Groups and outings welcome. Managed by Honours Golf. demonstration course. The Hurdzan-Fry design offers a diverse layout with dramatic elevation changes and striking views of the mountains and lakes on Pursell Farms. Golfweek named FarmLinks in the top five public-access courses in Alabama.

No. of holes: 18 Par: 72 Yardage: 7,444 Rating/Slope: 73/134 Practice range: yes Tee times may be made up to 30 days in advance. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Groups and outings welcome. All inclusive golf experience includes unlimited range balls, golf and lunch in the charming FarmHouse Grille. Managed by Honours Golf.

Frank House Municipal Golf Course 801 Golf Course Road Bessemer, AL 35022 Phone: 205.424.9540 An economical course located 15 miles from downtown Birmingham.

No. of holes: 18 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,346-4,926 Rating/Slope: 60/119 Practice range: no All major credit cards are accepted.

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Horse Creek Golf Course 1745 Highway 78 Dora, AL 35062 Phone: 205.648.1499 A beautiful, newer course whose diverse landscapes make for quite a challenging day on the links. Located about 23 miles from downtown Birmingham.

No. of holes: 18 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,552 Rating/Slope: 71.1/124 Practice range: yes Tee times can be made three days in advance.

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are welcome.

Limestone Springs Golf Course 3000 Colonial Drive Oneonta, AL 35121 Phone: 205.274.4653 Located northeast of Birmingham in Oneonta, this Jerry Pate design stretches almost 7,000 yards throughout the Appalachian Mountains with strategically placed bunkers and numerous lakes. Rated number 64 in “America’s Greatest Public Golf Courses” by Golf Digest, it offers some of the most dramatic elevations and picturesque views in Alabama.

No. of holes: 18 Par: 72 Photo courtesy of Ted Tucker

Yardage: 6,987 Rating/Slope: 74/139 Practice range: yes Tee times may be made up to 7 days in advance. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Groups and outings welcome. Golf cottage sleeps 8, and is available for rental. Managed by Honours Golf.

Magnolia Hills Golf Course 315 Hwy 47 South Columbiana, AL 35051 205-670-0031 / FAX: 205-670-0029 www.magnoliahillsgc.com Magnolia Hills Golf Course is an executive length full-service 18-hole course playing at an inflated par 68 over an executive distance of 3,625 yards. With narrow fairways, exceptional placement of water and sand hazards, you can expect a fun and challenging day of golf for golfers of all ages and skill levels.

Marcum Country Club 9621 Bagley Road Empire, AL 35063 Phone: 205.647.3377 The very picture of serenity, this older, countryside course–located 25 miles from downtown Birmingham—incorporates several bodies of water in its design to provide a challenging, yet relaxing, game of golf.

Photo courtesy of ted tucker

No. of holes: 18 Par: 71 Yardage: 5,800 Rating/Slope: 70/113 Practice range: no No tee times required. Visa and MasterCard are welcome.

The Meadows Golf Course #1 Plantation Drive Harpersville, AL 35078 Phone: 205.672.7529 Open course featuring Bermuda greens and fairways about 25 miles from downtown Birmingham.

No. of holes: 18 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,823 Rating/Slope: 71.6/122 Practice range: yes Mountain View Golf Course 3200 Mountain View Drive Graysville, AL 35073 Phone: 205.674.8362 This course-–and its commanding view–is located only 20 miles from downtown Birmingham.

No. of holes: 27 Par: 71, 72 Yardage: 5,946

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golf Rating/Slope: 67.5/111, 68.4/114, 69.3/114 Practice range: no Tee times are required. Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted.

Practice range: yes Pre-noon tee times must be made five days in advance. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are welcome.

Oak Mountain Golf Course Oak Mountain State Park Road Pelham, AL 35137 Phone: 205.620.2522 Located 17 miles south of downtown Birmingham in Oak Mountain State Park.

No. of holes: 18 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,748-5,615 Rating/Slope: 71.5 / 127, 69.8 / 124, 66.7 / 117

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa 4000 Grand Avenue Birmingham, AL 35226 Phone: 205.949-3085, 800-949-4444 www.rtjgolf.com/courses/ross_bridge/ A big, muscle-bound course, its 18 holes sprawling over 330 acres and stretching almost 8,200 yards from the back tees, Ross Bridge is big and brawny, yet inviting to golfers of all skill levels. Ross Bridge plays host to the annual Regions Charity Classic Senior PGA Tour presented by Bruno’s Supermarkets. Perfect for everyone from the casual golfer to the tournament player, it promises to be the premier course on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

No. of holes: 18 Par: 72 Yardage: 8,191 Rating/Slope: 78.5/135 Practice range: yes The brand-new Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, opened in August 2005, is home to an incredible 12,000-square-foot full-service spa and salon.

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Photo courtesy of (top) jeffrey greenberg (Bottom) Ted Tucker

A Memorable Golf Experience Awaits You in Birmingham…

From the rural woodlands of FarmLinks at Pursell Farms to the city skyline of Highland Park to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountain range at Limestone Springs, Honours Golf offers three impressive golf venues in the Greater Birmingham area that will leave you with a lasting, positive experience.

Designed by some of the industry’s most notable course architects, each of our courses has a distinct beauty about it. You’ll find captivating views with game-challenging landscapes. In addition, our award-winning courses are among the finest in playing conditions and offer Southern hospitality at its best.

Call today 866-HONOURS to book your tee times today or visit us online www.birmingham-golf.com.

Highland No. 6

Highland Park Golf Course 3300 Highland Ave. South Birmingham, AL 35205 (205) 322-1902 www.highlandparkgolf.com

Limestone Springs Golf Club 3000 Colonial Drive Oneonta, AL 35121 (205) 274-4653 (GOLF) www.limestonesprings.com Limestone No. 10

FarmLinks No. 17

FarmLinks Golf Club 2200 FarmLinks Blvd.

Sylacauga, AL 35151 (205) 403-4653 (GOLF) www.farmlinks.org

golf Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Oxmoor Valley 100 Sunbelt Parkway Birmingham, AL 35211 Phone: 205.942.1177 or 800.949.4444 www.rtjgolf.com/courses/oxmoor_valley/ One of nine state-spanning courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, the Oxmoor Valley course offers three sets of links to challenge the golfer on the go, as well as the putter with time on his hands.

Robert Trent Jones – Oxmoor Valley Short Course No. of holes: 18 Par: 54 Yardage: 3,360 Rating/Slope: n/a Practice range: yes Tee time policies and green fees vary throughout the year, so be sure to call ahead.

All major credit cards are accepted.

Robert Trent Jones – Oxmoor Valley Ridge Course No. of holes: 18 Par: 72 Yardage: 7,055-4,974 Rating/Slope: 72/136 Practice range: yes Tee time policies and green fees vary throughout the year, so be sure to call ahead.

All major credit cards are accepted.

Robert Trent Jones – Oxmoor Valley Valley Course No. of holes: 18 Par: 72

With golf friendly weather virtually year-round, Birmingham is home to some of the country’s premier public courses.

Among the handsome courses in the greater Birmingham area are two courses that are part of the nationally-acclaimed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail which runs the length of the state.

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Yardage: 7,055-4,974 Rating/Slope: 71/129 Practice range: yes Tee time policies and green fees vary throughout the year, so be sure to call ahead.

All major credit cards are accepted.

Timberline Golf Club 300 Timberline Trail Calera, AL 35040 Phone: 205.668.7888 www.timberlinegc.com A beautiful course located 30 miles south of Birmingham.

No. of holes: 18 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,773 Rating/Slope: 72.3/126 Practice range: yes Tee times can be made up to seven days in advance. All major credit cards are accepted.

Trussville Country Club 7905 Roper Road Trussville, AL 35173 Phone: 205.655.2095 www.trussvillecountryclub.com This is a beautiful sculpted and challenging Par 71 course surrounded by the Cahaba River.

No. of holes: 18 Par: 71 Yardage: 6,024 Rating/Slope: 67.9/116, 66.9/113, 70.3/119

A Game of Croquet, 1866, Winslow Homer,,

Events July Through December 2009 JULY All Month IMAX Theatre at McWane Science CenterIMAX Under the Sea. IMAX Theatre at McWane Science Center.

205-714-8300. www.McWane.org.

Birmingham Museum Of Art- Remodeled Japanese and Chinese Galleries.

Highlights in the Chinese gallery include a 15th century Buddhist Temple mural and the Vetleson Jade collection. Japanese gallery highlights are the Samurai and Buddhist sculpture. Birmingham Museum of Art. 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

Photo courtesy of the yale university art Gallery

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, Birmingham Museum of Art. Opens October 4.

Birmingham Museum Of Art- Mary LucierThe Plains of Sweet Regret.

Birmingham Museum of Art. 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org. Through the 15th.

Shark and Ray Touch Tank at McWane Science Center- The Shark & Ray Touch Tank Where visitors can touch sharks, rays and guitarfish. McWane Science Center.

205-714-8300. www. McWane.org. Beginning the 15th.

Vulcan Park and Museum Exhibition- The Restoration of Vulcan: A Collision of Art and Science. Highlights the restoration of Birmingham’s most famous symbol, Vulcan.

205-933-1409. www.visitvulcan.com.

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel 101

Events

Bessemer Flea Market- Every Friday- Sunday.

Downtown Bessemer. 205-425-8510.

3-5 Alabama State Fairgrounds Flea MarketAlabama State Fairgrounds. 1-800-3MARKET. 8-11 Birmingham Barons AA BaseballBirmingham Barons vs. Mississippi. Regions Park. Nightly promotions. 205-988-3200. www.barons.com.

10 Alabama Adventure Concert Series: Metro Station- Alabama Adventure.

205-481-4750. www.alabamaadventure.com.

11 Pepper Place Saturday MarketFarmers, bakers and beekeepers. Cooking demonstrations. 205-802-2100. www.pepperplacemarket.com.

Alabama Adventure Blues, Brews and Barbeque- Alabama Adventure. 205-481-4750. www.alabamaadventure.com.

Train Rides at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum - Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum.

205-382-3946/ 800-943-4490. www.hodrrm.org.

102 Birmingham Tourist Guide

McWane’s 11th Birthday Splash- Grand Opening of the Shark & Ray Touch Tank. McWane Science Center. 205-714-8300. www.McWane.org.

12 Sonic Youth in Concert- Sloss Furnaces.

205-324-1911. www.slossfurnaces.com.

16-19 Red Mountain Theatre Company Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat- Red Mountain Theatre Company.

205-324-2424. www.redmountaintheatre.org.

17 Art on the Rocks- Tim Brantley. Scavenger hunts, live music from the best up and coming bands, and specialty cocktails Birmingham Museum of Art. 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

Alabama Adventure Concert Series: Jimmy Wayne- Alabama Adventure. 205-481-4750. www.alabamaadventure.com.

17-19 Porsche 250 presented by Legacy Credit Union- The 6th annual Grand-Am Rolex Sportscar Series returns to the Barber Motorsports Park as the Daytona Prototypes

share the track with the always competitive GT cars. Barber Motorsports Park. 205-298-9040. www. barbermotorsports.com.

26 Alabama Adventure Concert Series: 38 Special- Alabama Adventure. 205-481-4750. www.alabamaadventure.com.

18 Pepper Place Saturday MarketFarmers, bakers and beekeepers. Cooking demonstrations. 205-802-2100. www.pepperplacemarket.com.

Jazz Jam Fest- Jazz Jam Fest features special jazz performers. Carver Theatre. 205-254-2731. www.jazzhall.com.

Train Rides at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum- Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum.

205-382-3946/ 800-943-4490. www.hodrrm.org.

19 Alabama Adventure Concert Series: Three Dog Night- Alabama Adventure. 205-481-4750. www.alabamaadventure.com.

21-25 Birmingham Barons AA BaseballBirmingham Barons vs. Montgomery. Regions Park. Nightly promotions. 205-988-3200. www.barons.com.

23-26 Red Mountain Theatre Company Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat- Red Mountain Theatre Company.

205-324-2424. www.redmountaintheatre.org.

24 Alabama Adventure Concert Series: Kate Voegele- Alabama Adventure. 205-481-4750. www.alabamaadventure.com.

25 Pepper Place Saturday MarketFarmers, bakers and beekeepers. Cooking demonstrations. 205-802-2100. www.pepperplacemarket.com.

27 Gospel Choir Summer Concert- UAB Gospel Choir. Alys Stephens Center’s Jemison Concert Hall. 205-934-8001/ 205-975-2787. www.uabgospelchoir.com.

30- August 2 Red Mountain Theatre Company Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat- Red Mountain Theatre Company.

205-324-2424. www.redmountaintheatre.org.

31 Alabama Adventure Live and LocalAlabama Adventure. 205-481-4750. www.alabamaadventure.com.

AUGUST All Month IMAX Theatre at McWane Science CenterIMAX Under the Sea. IMAX Theatre at McWane Science Center. 205-714-8300. www.McWane.org.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Exhibition- Freedom’s Sisters brings to life 20 African American women, from key 19th century historical figures to contemporary leaders. 205-328-9696. www.bcri.org.

Function at Tuxedo Junction- Celebration of the late jazz musician Erskine Hawkins, a native son who composed the jazz standard “Tuxedo Junction.” 205-788-3672.

Train Rides at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum- Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum.

205-382-3946/ 800-943-4490. www.hodrrm.org.

25- October 4 Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Exhibition- Freedom’s Sisters brings to life 20 African American women, from key 19th-century historical figures to contemporary leaders. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

205-328-9696. www.bcri.org.

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel 103

Events Train Rides at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum- Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum.

205-382-3946/ 800-943-4490. www.hodrrm.org.

1- 2 Red Mountain Theatre Company Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatRed Mountain Theatre Company. Admission.

205-324-2424. www.redmountaintheatre.org.

1-5 Birmingham Barons AA BaseballBirmingham Barons vs. Mobile. Regions Park.

Nightly promotions. 205-988-3200. www.barons.com.

2 Alabama Adventure Concert Series: Raven- Alabama Adventure. 205-481-4750. www.alabamaadventure.com.

6-10 Birmingham Barons AA BaseballBirmingham Barons vs. Tennessee. Regions Park. 205-988-3200. www.barons.com.

Shark and Ray Touch Tank at McWane Science Center- The Shark & Ray Touch Tank Where visitors can touch sharks, rays and guitarfish. McWane Science Center.

205-714-8300. www.McWane.org.

Vulcan Park and Museum Exhibition- The Restoration of Vulcan: A Collision of Art and Science. Highlights the restoration of Birmingham’s most famous symbol, Vulcan.

205-933-1409. www.visitvulcan.com.

Bessemer Flea Market- Every Friday- Sunday.

Downtown Bessemer. 205-425-8510.

Birmingham Museum Of Art- Remodeled Japanese and Chinese Galleries. Highlights in the Chinese gallery include a 15th century Buddhist Temple mural and the Vetleson Jade collection. Japanese gallery highlights are the Samurai and Buddhist sculpture. Birmingham Museum of Art. 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

7-9 Alabama State Fairgrounds Flea MarketAlabama State Fairgrounds. 1-800-3MARKET. 8 Pepper Place Saturday MarketFarmers, bakers and beekeepers. Cooking demonstrations. 205-802-2100. www.pepperplacemarket.com.

Train Rides at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum- Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum.

205-382-3946/ 800-943-4490. www.hodrrm.org.

13 Cocktails in the Garden- Blossoms & Bellinis with Matthew Mayfield performing.

205-414-3950. www.bbgardens.org.

14 Art on the Rocks- Courtney Jaye.

Scavenger hunts, live music, specialty cocktails.

Birmingham Museum of Art. 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

Bessemer Flea Market- Every Friday- Sunday.

Downtown Bessemer. 205-425-8510.

14-15 Alabama Ballet at Gorham’s BluffSpectacular views. Superb dancing. Splendid cuisine. Bus from Birmingham. 256-975-ARTS. www.alabamaballet.org.

1 Pepper Place Saturday MarketFarmers, bakers and beekeepers. Cooking demonstrations. 205-802-2100. www.pepperplacemarket.com.

15 Pepper Place Saturday MarketFarmers, bakers and beekeepers. Cooking demonstrations. 205-802-2100. www.pepperplacemarket.com.

104 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Train Rides at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum- Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum.

205-382-3946/ 800-943-4490. www.hodrrm.org.

Train Rides at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum- Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum.

205-382-3946/ 800-943-4490. www.hodrrm.org.

16 Jonas Brothers in Concert- BirminghamJefferson Convention Complex Arena. www.

LiveNation.com. 800-745-3000. www.bjcc.org.

30- December 31 Birmingham Museum Of Art- African-American Art Gallery.

Aesthetics and influences that have emerged within the context of African- American art.

Birmingham Museum of Art. 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

17-21 Birmingham Barons AA BaseballBirmingham Barons vs. Montgomery. Regions Park. Nightly promotions. 205-988-3200. www.barons.com.

21-22 Shen Yun Preforming Arts- Classical Chinese dance and music in gloriously colorful and exhilirating shows. Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Concert Hall.

1-800-745-3000. www.bjcc.org.

5th Annual Sloss Furnaces Stokin’ the Fire BBQ Festival- World class BBQ competition, sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. www.slossfurnaces.com.

205-324-1911.

22 Pepper Place Saturday MarketFarmers, bakers and beekeepers. Cooking demonstrations. 205-802-2100. www.pepperplacemarket.com.

SEPTEMBER All Month Shark and Ray Touch Tank at McWane Science Center- The Shark & Ray Touch Tank Where visitors can touch sharks, rays and guitarfish. McWane Science Center.

205-714-8300. www.McWane.org.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Exhibition- Freedom’s Sisters brings to life 20 African American women, from key 19th century historical figures to contemporary leaders. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

205-328-9696. www.bcri.org.

Vulcan Park and Museum Exhibition- The Restoration of Vulcan: A Collision of Art and Science. Highlights the restoration of Birmingham’s most famous symbol, Vulcan.

205-933-1409. www.visitvulcan.com.

Train Rides at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum- Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum.

205-382-3946/ 800-943-4490. www.hodrrm.org.

23 Jazz Jam Fest- Carver Theatre.

205-254-2731. www.jazzhall.com.

Alabama Adventure Gospel SundaysAlabama Adventure. 205-481-4750. www.alabamaadventure.com.

28- September 1 Birmingham Barons AA Baseball- Birmingham Barons vs. Huntsville.

Regions Park. Nightly promotions.

205-988-3200. www.barons.com.

29 Pepper Place Saturday MarketFarmers, bakers and beekeepers. Cooking demonstrations. 205-802-2100. www.pepperplacemarket.com.

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel 105

Events Birmingham Museum Of Art- AfricanAmerican Art Gallery. Aesthetics and influences that have emerged within the context of African-American. Birmingham Museum of Art. 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

Birmingham Museum Of Art- Remodeled Japanese and Chinese Galleries.

Includes a 15th century Buddhist Temple mural and the Vetleson Jade collection. Japanese gallery highlights are the Samurai and Buddhist sculpture. Birmingham Museum of Art. 205-254-2565. www.artsbma. org.

Bessemer Flea Market- Every Friday- Sunday.

Downtown Bessemer. 205-425-8510.

1 Birmingham Barons AA BaseballBirmingham Barons vs. Huntsville. Regions Park. 205-988-3200. www.barons.com.

1-4 IMAX Theatre at McWane Science Center- IMAX Under the Sea. IMAX Theatre at McWane Science Center. 205-714-8300. www.McWane.org.

4-6 Alabama State Fairgrounds Flea MarketAlabama State Fairgrounds. 1-800-3MARKET.

12 Pepper Place Saturday MarketFarmers, bakers and beekeepers. Cooking demonstrations. 205-802-2100. www.pepperplacemarket.com.

Train Rides at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum- Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum.

205-382-3946/ 800-943-4490. www.hodrrm.org.

19 Pepper Place Saturday MarketFarmers, bakers and beekeepers. Cooking demonstrations. 205-802-2100. www. pepperplacemarket.com.

Train Rides at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum- Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum.

205-382-3946/ 800-943-4490. www.hodrrm.org.

25 Alys Stephens Center Opening Celebration with Darrell Hammond from “Saturday Night Live�- Alys Stephens Center. 205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

25- 27 Sidewalk Moving Picture FestivalEvery last weekend of September thousands gather downtown to watch the newest independent films on the circuit.

Documentaries, features, shorts and animation.

Alabama Theatre District. 205-324-0888. www.sidewalkfest.com. www.sidewalkfilm.org.

5 Pepper Place Saturday MarketFarmers, bakers and beekeepers. Cooking demonstrations. 205-802-2100. www.pepperplacemarket.com.

Alabama Ballet @ Home- Alabama Ballet Center for Dance. 205-322-4300. www.alabamaballet.org.

Train Rides at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum- Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum.

205-382-3946/ 800-943-4490. www.hodrrm.org.

26 Buddy Guy at the Alys Stephens CenterAlys Stephens Center. 205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

6 3rd Annual Labor Day Golden Classic- Miles College vs. Tuskegee University. Legion Field.

205-929-3298. www.milesgoldenbears.com.

Pepper Place Saturday Market- Farmers, bakers and beekeepers. Cooking demonstrations. 205-802-2100. www.pepperplacemarket.com.

10 Cocktails in The Gardens- Birmingham Botanical Gardens. 205-414-3950. www.bbgardens.org.

11 Taylor Swift in Concert- Fearless Tour 2009.

With Kellie Pickler. Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. 205-458-8400. www.bjcc.org.

106 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Aldridge Botanical Gardens Kids/Family Fishing Day- Aldridge Gardens. 205-682-8019. www.aldridgegardens.com.

Train Rides at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum- Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum.

205-382-3946/ 800-943-4490. www.hodrrm.org.

27 Jazz Jam Fest- Carver Theatre.

205-254-2731. www.jazzhall.com.

OCTOBER All Month Birmingham Museum of Art ExhibitionLife, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: American Art from the Yale University Art Gallery offers an unprecedented opportunity to experience American history through more than 230 masterpieces from one of the finest and oldest collections of American art in the world. From the arrival of the first European settlers to the Gilded Age, this major exhibition tells America’s story through paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, furniture, silver, and ceramics from Yale University’s renowned collection. Birmingham Museum of Art. 205-254-2707. www.artsbma.org/exhibitions/lifeliberty.

Beginning the 4th.

Shark and Ray Touch Tank at McWane Science Center- The Shark & Ray Touch Tank Where visitors can touch sharks, rays and guitarfish. McWane Science Center.

205-714-8300. www. McWane.org.

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel 107

Events

Vulcan Park and Museum Exhibition- The Restoration of Vulcan: A Collision of Art and Science. Highlights the restoration of Birmingham’s most famous symbol, Vulcan.

205-933-1409. www.visitvulcan.com.

Birmingham Museum Of Art- AfricanAmerican Art Gallery. Aesthetics and influences that have emerged within the context of African-American art.

Birmingham Museum of Art. 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

Birmingham Museum Of Art- Remodeled Japanese and Chinese Galleries.

Includes a 15th century Buddhist Temple mural and the Vetleson Jade collection. Japanese gallery highlights are the Samurai and Buddhist sculpture. Birmingham Museum of Art. 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

Bessemer Flea Market- Every Friday- Sunday.

Downtown Bessemer. 205-425-8510.

108 Birmingham Tourist Guide

1-4 Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Exhibition- Freedom’s Sisters brings to life 20 African American women, from key 19th century historical figures to contemporary leaders. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. 205-328-9696. www.bcri.org.

2-4 Alabama Ballet @ Home- Alabama Ballet Center for Dance. 205-322-4300. www. alabamaballet.org.

Alabama State Fairgrounds Flea MarketAlabama State Fairgrounds. 1-800-3MARKET. 3 Pepper Place Saturday MarketFarmers, bakers and beekeepers. Cooking demonstrations. 205-802-2100. www.pepperplacemarket.com.

46th Annual Bluff Park Art Show- Juried art show featuring over 125 artists from throughout the U.S. 205-418-4312. www.bluffparkartassociation.org.

8 Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio at the Alys Stephens Center- Alys Stephens Center. 205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

Cocktails in The Gardens- Birmingham Botanical Gardens. 205-414-3950. www.bbgardens.org.

9 David Sedaris at the Alys Stephens CenterAlys Stephens Center. 205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

9-10 The Allman Brothers & Widespread Panic in Concert- Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Arena. 205-458-8400. www.bjcc.org.

9-11 5th Annual Barber Vintage Festival100 year-old motorcycles compete on the Barber road course. Barber Motorsports Park.

800-240-2300. www.barbermotorsports.com.

10 Gabriela Montero at the Alys Stephens Center- Alys Stephens Center.

205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

Pepper Place Saturday Market- Farmers, bakers and beekeepers. Cooking demonstrations. 205-802-2100. www.pepperplacemarket.com.

11 The Birmingham Folk Festival- Local and regional folk musicians and other artists.

Avondale Park. 205-876-4498. www.birminghamfolkfestival.com.

15-17 Alabama Ballet- Night Dances.

205-322-4300. www.alabamaballet.org.

16 An Evening with Loretta Lynn at the Alys Stephens Center- Alys Stephens Center.

205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

23 Lizz Wright at the Alys Stephens CenterAlys Stephens Center. 205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

25 Jazz Jam Fest- Carver Theatre. 205-2542731. www.jazzhall.com.

30- November 1 Talladega Superspeedway: AMP Energy 500 Event Weekend- Talladega

Superspeedway. 1-877-G0-2-DEGA. www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.

31 68th Annual Magic City Classic- A football series filled with all the ingredients of close competition, great football action, fiercely loyal fans, and pageantry. Alabama State vs.

Alabama A&M. Legion Field. 205-967-4745. www.themagiccityclassic.com.

NOVEMBER All Month Birmingham Museum of Art ExhibitionLife, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: American Art from the Yale University Art Gallery offers an unprecedented opportunity to experience American history through more than 230 masterpieces from one of the finest and oldest collections of American art in the world. From the arrival of the first European settlers to the Gilded Age, this major exhibition tells America’s story through paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, furniture, silver, and ceramics from Yale University’s renowned collection. Birmingham Museum of Art. 205-254-2707. www.artsbma. org/exhibitions/life-liberty.

Vulcan Park and Museum Exhibition- The Restoration of Vulcan: A Collision of Art and Science. Highlights the restoration of Birmingham’s most famous symbol, Vulcan.

205-933-1409. www.visitvulcan.com.

Bessemer Flea Market- Every Friday- Sunday.

Downtown Bessemer. 205-425-8510.

Birmingham Museum Of Art- Remodeled Japanese and Chinese Galleries.

Includes a 15th century Buddhist Temple mural and the Vetleson Jade collection Japanese gallery highlights are the Samurai and Buddhist sculpture. Birmingham Museum of Art. 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

IMAX Theatre at McWane Science CenterSanta vs. the Snowman. Imax Theatre at McWane Center. 205-714-8300. www.mcwane.org.

Magic of Model Trains Exhibit at McWane Science Center- McWane Science Center.

205-714-8300. www.mcwane.org.

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel 109

Events Birmingham Museum Of Art- AfricanAmerican Art Gallery. Aesthetics and influences that have emerged within the context of African-American art. Birmingham Museum of Art. 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

Shark and Ray Touch Tank at McWane Science Center- The Shark & Ray Touch Tank where visitors can touch sharks, rays and guitarfish. McWane Science Center.

205-714-8300. www.McWane.org.

1 Talladega Superspeedway: AMP Energy 500 Event Weekend- A thousand miles of exciting racing at NASCAR’s most competitive track. Talladega Superspeedway. 1-877-G0-2DEGA.www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.

6-7 Hubbard Street 2 Dance Company at the Alys Stephens Center- Alys Stephens Center.

205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

6-8 Alabama State Fairgrounds Flea MarketAlabama State Fairgrounds. 1-800-3MARKET. 7-8 Moss Rock Festival- Celebrates nature, open spaces & eco-ideas through art and design. www.mossrockfestival.com.

11 National Veteran’s Day ParadeRecognized as the nation’s oldest and largest Veterans Day observance. Downtown Birmingham. 205-325-1432. www.nationalveteransday.org.

12 The Wailers at the Alys Stephens CenterAlys Stephens Center. 205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

13 Bruce Hornsby at the Alys Stephens Center- Alys Stephens Center. 205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

19-21 The Market presented by Jr. League of Birmingham- Three-day shopping.

Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. www.jlbonline.com.

22 Jazz Jam Fest- Carver Theatre.

205-254-2731. www.jazzhall.com.

27-29 Santa Special at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum- Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. 205-668-3435/ 800-943-4490. www.hodrrm.org.

Polar Express at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum- Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum.

205-668-3435/ 800-943-4490. www.hodrrm.org.

DECEMBER All Month Birmingham Museum of Art ExhibitionLife, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: American Art from the Yale University Art Gallery offers an unprecedented opportunity to experience American history through more than 230 masterpieces from one of the finest and oldest collections of American art in the world. From the arrival of the first European settlers to the Gilded Age, this major exhibition tells America’s story through paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, furniture, silver, and ceramics from Yale University’s renowned collection. Birmingham Museum of Art. 205-254-2707. www.artsbma.org/exhibitions/life-liberty.

110 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Vulcan Park and Museum Exhibition- The Restoration of Vulcan: A Collision of Art and Science. Highlights the restoration of Birmingham’s most famous symbol, Vulcan. 205-933-1409. www.visitvulcan.com.

IMAX Theatre at McWane Science CenterSanta vs. the Snowman. Imax Theatre at McWane Center. 205-714-8300. www.mcwane.org.

Magic of Model Trains Exhibit at McWane Science Center- McWane Science Center. 205714-8300. www.mcwane.org.

Birmingham Museum Of Art- Remodeled Japanese and Chinese Galleries.

Highlights in the Chinese gallery include a 15th century Buddhist Temple mural and the Vetleson Jade collection. Japanese gallery highlights are the Samurai and Buddhist sculpture. Birmingham Museum of Art. 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

Birmingham Museum Of Art- AfricanAmerican Art Gallery. Aesthetics and influences that have emerged within the context of African-American.

Birmingham Museum of Art. 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

Bessemer Flea Market- Every Friday- Sunday.

Downtown Bessemer. 205-425-8510.

4-6 Polar Express at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum- Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. 205-668-3435/ 800-943-4490. www.hodrrm.org.

Sloss Furnaces Water Tower Holiday Lighting/ Holiday Movie- Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. 205-324-1911. www.slossfurnaces.com.

9 Béla Fleck at the Alys Stephens CenterAlys Stephens Center. 205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

11-13 Polar Express at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum- A magical train ride to the North Pole for all ages. Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. 205-668-3435/ 800-943-4490. www.hodrrm.org.

11-20 George Balanchine’s NutcrackerSee the state’s premiere professional ballet company perform the only Balanchine Nutcracker! in the Southeast. Samford University Wright Center. 205-975-2787. www.alabamaballet.org.

12 SWAC Annual Football ChampionshipSouthwestern Athletic Conference football championship features SWAC Eastern Division champion against the SWAC Western Division champion. Legion Field. 205-967-4745. www.swac.org.

12-13 Santa Special at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum- Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. 205-668-3435/ 800-943-4490. www.hodrrm.org.

13 Chicago City Limits at the Alys Stephens Center- Alys Stephens Center. 205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

Alabama State Fairgrounds Flea MarketAlabama State Fairgrounds. 1-800-3MARKET.

18-20 Polar Express at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum- Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. 205-668-3435/ 800-943-4490. www.hodrrm.org.

5-6 Santa Special at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum- Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. 205-668-3435/ 800-943-4490. www.hodrrm.org.

19-20 Santa Special at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum- Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. 205-668-3435/ 800-943-4490. www.hodrrm.org.

6 Sloss Furnaces Holiday Iron Pour- Create a tile and watch it poured in our foundry. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark.

205-324-1911. www.slossfurnaces.com.

27 Jazz Jam Fest- Carver Theatre.

205-254-2731. www.jazzhall.com.

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel 111

The BJCTA would like to welcome you to the Birmingham Region.

As the largest city in the State of Alabama, Birmingham is a leader in business, healthcare, entertainment, the arts, and more. BJCTA’s seamless bus and trolley services help residents and visitors alike enjoy what this great city has to offer. BJCTA provides fixed route and paratransit service to a service area of more than 200 square miles. The service area includes Birmingham, Bessemer, Fairfield, Homewood, Mountain Brook, Hoover, and Vestavia Hills. The DART trolley’s get workers, residents and visitors around the City Center from the convention center to Five Points South. DART trolleys run every 10-20 minutes on three routes through the City Center.

It’s time to ride!

Our transportation schedule, fares and other information can be found on our website at www.bjcta.org

Charlie Israel Owner/Broker 205-901-2689

Chas Pell Associate Broker 205-919-6504

R. T. Lee Associate Broker 205-910-2090

www.OutdoorInvestment.com

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34

13 34

S ST TH 19

E AV LL WE PO

D 2N

R ED TS AK HS FL 6T EN LD O G

KAPPA AVE S

N ST ND 22

E AV IS RR MO

D 2N

THETA AVE S

29

84

N ALY 2ND

TN HS 9T

N VE DA 2N

6

3 N ST TH 16

N ST TH 12

LY HA 4T

N ST TH 20

28

5 I6

2

11  

N ST TH 18

41

24

EN AV 5TH

117

2

N ST TH 13 N PL TH 12

TN HS 10T

118

121

N CT 5TH

N ST RD 23

N ST TH 14

N

N LY HA 8T N N E ALY AV 7TH TH

17

N ST TH 19

N PL TH 13

T HS 2T T1 OR SH

LY HA 7T

NN HL 7T CT N 7TH N LN 6TH T N HC 6T 18 NN HL 5T

VD BL AY AW RR CA

   20

20   

N ST TH 24

N ST TH 15 N PL TH 14

I 20

PLZ ER NT CE IC CIV

RN TE TH 16

EN AV TH 11

N

5 N ST TH 25

UCT VIAD

H TER

TN HS 30T

N ST ST 21

ST 17TH

106

Map not to Scale.

SHORT ST N

8TH CT N

26 Bellinis Ristorante & bar Café Iz Catering & Iz Too Bakery & Market Chez Lulu Continental Bakery Cosmo’s Pizza Costa’s Famous BBQ daniel george restaurant & bar Franklin’s Homewood Gourmet Hot and Hot Fish Club

MI L MI NE LN ER C

NG LI AR

S RD ST RD CRE A TT B IE A R N E H

12

65   

90

Eat Responsibly.

Eat Locally.

GARDENDALE

16

FULTONDALE

56 51 68 32 87

www.birminghamoriginals.org

31  

ADAMSVILLE

116 41

78  

120 12

79  

6

22 269  

ENSLEY

19

110

10

11 65   

113

122 93 74 20 31 96 115 14 89 48 77 57 80 112 102 67 47 85 62 119 15 114

30 11  

4

FAIRFIELD

20   

65

1

MIDFIELD 100

BESSEMER

  150

45

HOOVER

30

qIcon wIrondale Café eJohn’s City Diner

59 36 21

149  

 HOMEWOOD  280

46

  31

3

9

37 15 65    119  

109

PELHAM

Map not to Scale.

15 20 8

126 42 53

32

105 54 69 39 124 82 52 33 17 29 36

47 49 9 18 3

125 98 14 43

26

1

MOU BR

5

VESTAVIA HILLS

25 14

459   

9

27 17 21

4 5

92

66 5 94

BIRMINGHAM 40 31 43 38

23

24

33 8

25 10

rKathy G. & Company tLa Dolce Vita yLa Mesa Grill and Cantina

u Little Savannah Restaurant and Bar i Nabeel’s Café & Market

o p a

72

27 83

59   

TRUSSVILLE

81 60 75   7

64

19

11  

MOODY

11

IRONDALE

44

39

13

99 108

107

12

95 44 8 97 104 28 123

M

20   

71

27 20    78  

411  

 

LEEDS

78

9

23

119  

13

20

25  

58

UNTAIN ROOK

459   

7 63

26 111 73 18 61 46 86 55 35 70

oOcean pOpen Door aSilvertron Café

23 2

22 280  

The information in this guide has been published in good faith on the basis of information supplied to the Bureau and its agents. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all information contained in this guide at the time of publishing, the Bureau and its agents cannot guarantee its accuracy and accepts no responsibility for any error, omission or misrepresentation.

s Sol y Luna d Standard Bistro f Ted’s

gThe Bright Star Restaurant hThe J. Clyde jV. Richards

It Makes You Feel Like:

shopping.

Mention this ad at The Summit Guest Services office to receive a SHOPPING PASSPORT with special offers from stores and restaurants. While supplies last.

OVER 100 SHOPPES AND RESTAURANTS, INCLUDING: SAKS FIFTH AVENUE | BELK | SEPHORA | COACH | APPLE POTTERY BARN | WILLIAMS – SONOMA | ANTHROPOLOGIE | URBAN OUTFITTERS| J. CREW | WHITE HOUSE | BLACK MARKET LUCKY BRAND JEANS | TOMMY BAHAMA | BANANA REPUBLIC | MERRELL | VERA BRADLEY | AVEDA | M•A•C COSMETICS CARMIKE CINEMAS | P.F. CHANG’S | THE CHEESCAKE FACTORY | MACARONI GRILL | FLEMING’S STEAKHOUSE

THE SUMMIT IS LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF HWY. 280 AND I-459 | 205.967.0111 | thesummitonline.com

Welcome to Birmingham 26 918-0726

J Clyde 939-1312

Bellini’s 981-5380

John’s City Diner 655-7552 or 322-6014

Bright Star 424-9444

Kathy G. & Company 942-4210

Cafe Iz Catering Iz Too Bakery & Market 979-7522

La Dolce Vita 985-2909

Chez Lulu 870-7011 Continental Bakery 870-5584 Cosmo’s Pizza 930-9971 Costa’s Famous BBQ 853-9933 danielgeorge 871-3266 Franklin’s Homewood Gourmet 871-1620 Hot and Hot Fish Club 933-5474

La Mesa Grill & Cantina 933-1544 Little Savannah 591-1119 Nabeels 879-9292 Ocean 933-0999 Open Door Café 879-6659 Silvertron 591-3707 Sol y Luna 322-1186 Standard Bistro 995-0512

icon 322-2100

Ted’s 324-2911

Irondale Café 956-5258

V. Richards 591-7000

BIRMINGHAM ORIGINALS

www.birminghamoriginals.org

Birmingham Originals is a group of passionately independent restaurants. We are committed to increasing awareness of our unique regional flavors, emphasizing locally produced food and celebrating our contributions to community!

Eat responsibly. Eat locally.

Hyatt Place.® A different kind of Hyatt® designed around you.

Hyatt Place combines style and innovation to create a completely new hotel experience. An experience that offers an array of services and features designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s travelers, ensuring you feel more relaxed, productive and fulfilled.

When you arrive, an attentive Host will greet you in the Gallery, a contemporary yet casual area. The spacious guestrooms are stylishly furnished with a plush Hyatt Grand Bed,™ a Cozy Corner oversized sofa-sleeper and a 42-inch flat-panel HDTV that can be easily integrated with your laptop or MP3 player. There’s free Wi-Fi everywhere in the hotel and guests have access to a complimentary e-room with public computers and a printer.

During your stay, you can enjoy Hyatt’s signature wine and premium beers (where available), specialty Starbucks® coffee drinks and friendly conversation at the intimate Bakery Café. A Host will happily assist you with orders from the 24-hour Guest Kitchen, which offers café-quality made-to-order snacks and entrées along with a complimentary continental breakfast daily.

Hyatt Place Birmingham/Downtown is located in the heart of downtown Birmingham, adjacent to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham’s Central Business District, and UAB Medical Center. At the intersection of 4th Avenue South and 20th Street, our location is just blocks from the Five Points South area, which offers some of Alabama’s best dining, nightlife, and entertainment options.

Hyatt Place Birmingham/Downtown – the area’s newest and most vibrant lodging option.

205 322 8600 • hpbham.com • 2024 4th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233