Birmingham Tourist Guide Spring/Summer 2009

2009 TOURIST GUIDE

SPRING & SUMMER

Vulcan Park, circa 1940 Photo courtesy of Birmingham Public Library Archives

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 ON S BARONS BASEBALL REGIONS CHARITY CLASSIC GOLF

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 JVII 他 S[MRK VMZIV MR %PEFEQE

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 84

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLARK ALEXANDER

92 Golf 100 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

Churches: More than 1,300,

Better Business Bureau:

all major denominations

205-558-2222

Birmingham International Airport: 205-595-0533

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 Birmingham Fun Line: Weekly events update, 205458-8000

Radio Stations: 14 AM stations and 18 FM stations.

Also, 1 Spanish station.

Travelers Aid Society:

Helpful Information

Newspapers: One daily (The

Library: 205-226-3600

Area code: 205

Birmingham News, morning) plus weeklies and monthlies.

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

Convention and Visitors Bureau: 205-458-8000;

Area: 3,358 square miles –

800-458-8085

Metropolitan Statistical Area – Jefferson, Blount, St. Clair, Shelby and Walker Counties

CAP (City Action Partners)

Population: Metro – just over one million

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)

Call A Cap 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

4

Birmingham Tourist Guide

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

Max Vip Clastran Buzz-A-Bus Fresh Air J&B Passenger Service 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 (Opening April 2, 2009) 1903 29th Avenue South, Homewood 205-874-8055 / 111 rooms 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 17. Best Western Hotel & Suites 5041 Academy Lane, Bessemer 35022-5250 205-481-1950/Fax: 205-481-2597 www.bestwestern.com / 70 rooms

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

19. Birmingham Marriott 3590 Grandview Parkway, Birmingham 35243-1929 / 205-968-3775 800-228-9290 / Fax: 205-968-3742 www.birminghammarriott.com / 295 rooms

24. Budget Motel Bessemer 3010 9th Avenue N, Bessemer 35020-3546 205-428-9888 / 35 rooms 25. Clarion Hotel & Conference Center 5216 Messer Airport Highway, Birmingham 35212-3033 205-591-7900 / Fax: 205-591-6004 www.clarionhotel.com, 197 rooms

26. Cobb Lane Bed and Breakfast 1309 19th Street S, Birmingham 35205-4801 205-918-9090 / www.cobblanebandb.com 7 rooms 27. Comfort Inn & Suites Colonnade 4400 Colonnade Parkway, Birmingham 35223 205-968-3700 / Fax: 205-968-0997 www.comfortinn.com/hotel/al203 / 67 rooms

28. Comfort Inn & Suites Trussville 4740 Norrell Dr, Trussville 35173-2634 1-800-4-choice / Fax: 205-661-3646 www.choicehotels.com / 66 rooms 20. Birmingham Motor Court 1625 Third Avenue West, Birmingham 35208-4205, 205-786-4397 / 19 rooms 21. 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

22. Brookwood Medical Inn 2022 Brookwood Medical Ctr Dr, Homewood 35209-6808 205-877-1780 / 25 rooms

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

30. Comfort Inn Bessemer 5051 Academy Lane, Bessemer 35022-5250 205-428-3999 / Fax: 205-428-8053 www.choicehotels.com / 59 rooms

23. Budget Motel 1548 Bankhead Hwy W, Birmingham 35214-4847 205-798-8444 / 30 rooms 8

Birmingham Tourist Guide

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 Fairfield 6400 Kelco Place, Fairfield 35064-1828 205-780-5155 / Fax: 205-780-2855 www.choicehotels.com / 79 rooms

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

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

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

35. 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

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

10 Birmingham Tourist Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

See fold out map in back of guide for locations

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

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

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

12 Birmingham Tourist Guide

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

50. Embassy Suites Riverchase Galleria (Opening Summer 2009) US 31 and US 150, Hoover / 230 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

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 Riverchase 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

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 58. 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

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

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

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

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

14 Birmingham Tourist Guide

61. 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

62. 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

63. Hiway Host Motel 4301 Bessemer Super Hwy, Bessemer 35020-2494 205-425-4352 / 35 rooms 64. Holiday Inn Airport 5000 Richard Arrington Blvd N, Birmingham 35212-1497 205-591-6900/Fax: 205-591-2093 / www.ichotelsgroup.com / 220 rooms

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

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

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

68. 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

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LODGING 69. Holiday Inn Express Irondale 811 Old Grants Mill Road, Irondale 35210-1233 205-957-0555 / Fax: 205-957-0559 www.ichotelsgroup.com / 100 rooms

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

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

76. 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

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

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

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

78. Intown Suites Birmingham North 1100 Huffman Road, Birmingham 35215-7502 205-856-4929 / Fax: 205-856-4119 ***599 www.intownsuites.com / 137 rooms

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

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

74. 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

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

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

16 Birmingham Tourist Guide

See fold out map in back of guide for locations

Consistently Top Ranked Nationally in Overall Guest Satisfaction

Suites, Kings and Double Rooms Available All rooms have microwaves and refrigerators On-site restaurant, The Steel City Bar & Grill, oers room service Starbucks Coee Shop 24 Hour Business Center 24 Hour State-of-the-Art Fitness Center Complimentary Parking Complimentary Airport Shuttle every 20 minutes, 4 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Complimentary wireless and in-room high speed internet Complimentary USA Today, Monday through Friday 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

5 meeting rooms available accommodating up to 200 people Conveniently located for in and out-of-town guests FULL SERVICE PROPERTY

LODGING The original Tutwiler Hotel

82. 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

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

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

85. 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

18 Birmingham Tourist Guide

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

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

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

89. Motel 6 Bessemer 1000 Shiloh Lane, Bessemer 35022-4596 205-426-9646 / Fax: 205-426-9305 www.motel6.com / 121 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 90. Motel 6 Birmingham 151 Vulcan Road, Birmingham 35209-4701 205-942-9414 / Fax: 205-942-9499 www.motel6.com / 96 rooms

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

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

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

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

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

96. Relax Inn 6101 First Avenue North, Birmingham 35212-1611 205-591-5575 / Fax: 205-595-1740 / 42 rooms

20 Birmingham Tourist Guide

97. Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa 4000 Grand Avenue, Birmingham 35226 205-916-7677 / Fax: 205-942-7080 www.thayerinteractive.com / 258 rooms

98. Residence Inn Homewood 50 State Farm Parkway, Homewood 35209-7179 205-943-0044 / Fax: 205-943-0668 www.marriott.com/BHMHM / 120 rooms

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

100. 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

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

102. 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

See fold out map in back of guide for locations

103. Siesta Motel 2510 Crestwood Boulevard, Birmingham 35210-2094 205-956-1400 / 99 rooms

108. StudioPLUS Wildwood 40 State Farm Parkway, Homewood 35209-7179 205-290-0102 / Fax: 205-912-2092 www.extstay.com / 72 rooms

104. Sky Inn 6000 First Avenue North, Birmingham 35212-1610 205-592-0153 / 30 rooms

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

105. Sleep Inn Bessemer 1259 Greenmor Drive, Bessemer 35022-6437 205-424-0000 / Fax: 205-424-1971 www.sleepinn.com / 73 rooms

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

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

111. Super 8 Motel 140 Vulcan Road, Birmingham 35209-4702 205-945-9888 / Fax: 205-945-9928 www.super8.com / 95 rooms

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

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

Hank’s Last Hurrah — Birmingham’s Redmont Hotel is Alabama’s second largest operating hotel. It is also an important site on the state’s Hank Williams Trail.

The trail follows significant locations in the life of the legendary, hard-partying country artist. Birmingham is the last city mentioned on the statewide tour. That’s because the last night of his life, 29-year-old Hank Williams and his teenage driver spent the night at the Redmont Hotel in downtown Birmingham. He left the next morning en route to gigs in West Virginia and Ohio. Sometime after midnight on New Year’s Day, 1953, the singer fulfilled the prophecy of his own “I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive.” His driver found Williams dead in the backseat of his baby-blue Cadillac. To download the Hank Williams Trail brochure, go to www.alabama.travel.

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

21

LODGING 113. The Historic Redmont Hotel 2101 5th Avenue North, Birmingham 35203-3305 205-324-2101 / Fax: 205-324-0610 www.theredmont.com / 114 rooms

114. Tourway Inn 1101 Sixth Avenue North, Birmingham 35203-1503 205-252-3921 / Fax: 205-252-3921 / 70 rooms 115. 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

116. Travelodge 1066 Forestdale Boulevard, Forestdale 35214-3856 205-798-3831 / Fax: 205-987-2233-311 33 rooms

22 Birmingham Tourist Guide

117. Tutwiler Hotel Hampton Inn & Suites 2021 Park Place, Birmingham 35203-2717 205-322-2100 / Fax: 205-325-1183 www.thetutwilerhotel.com / 149 rooms

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

119. USA Economy Lodge Irondale 7941 Crestwood Boulevard, Birmingham 35210-2697 205-956-8211 / Fax: 205-956-1234 / 207 rooms 120. Vestavia Motor Lodge 1459 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills 35216-3612 205-822-7730 / Fax: 205-979-5113 / 55 rooms 121. Wynfrey Hotel 1000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover 35244-2399 205-987-1600 / Fax: 205-988-4597 www.wynfrey.com / 329 rooms

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

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

79

Hilton Garden Inn - Lakeshore I-65 Lakeshore / 520 Wildwood Circle, Homewood AL 35209, 205-314-0274

65

20

459

3Holiday Inn - Homewood I-65 Lakeshore/ 492 Wildwood Circle N, Homewood AL 35209, 205-942-6070

5Hilton Garden Inn - Liberty Park Hwy 459/2090 Urban Center Parkway, Birmingham AL 35242, 205-503-5220

5 Holiday Inn Express - Irondale

280

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

3

Hampton 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

Embassy Suites

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} 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 24 Birmingham Tourist Guide

3. Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame Birmingham native Erskine Hawkins penned 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} 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 pioPHOTO COURTESY OF THE BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY ARCHIVES

ATTRACTIONS neer, 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} 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, 205-2522262, 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. Aldridge Botanical Gardens Aldridge Gardens feature hydrangeas and other native plants and attracts botanists 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}

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 of a world-class 2.3 mile road course, which has been built to Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme and Federation Internationale de l’Automobile standards. Find a new breed of racing here for motorcycles and cars, both vintage and contemporary. Check schedule for events. Admission charged. {6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway, 205-699-7275, www. barbermotorsports.com}

Baber Vintage Motorsports Museum 9. 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} 10. Arlington Antebellum Home & Garden Built between 1845 and 1850, the Arlington Antebellum Home preceded the founding 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} 11. Barber Motorsports Park The Barber Motorsports Park is also the home 26 Birmingham Tourist Guide

12. 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} 13. 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} 14. 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} 15. 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 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

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visitvulcan.com # ( ! #" # ' & % ! $ ' ! ' # ! #" # ' & % ! $ ' ! '

ATTRACTIONS 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}

East Lake Park circa 1932

new direction for the future. The Institute’s permanent exhibits are a self-directed journey through the early days of 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/} 16. 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, 28 Birmingham Tourist Guide

17. 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} 18. 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 racing plus simulcast wagering from the nation’s top thoroughbred and greyhound tracks. {1000 John Rogers Drive, 205-838-7500, www.birminghamracecourse.com} 19. Birmingham Zoo See more than 700 species of animals just minutes from downtown at the Birmingham Zoo. Bringing Africa to Alabama, a naturalistic exhibit features giraffes, greater kudu, gazelles, and ostriches. The new Junior League of Birmingham- Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo is a treat for the young and young at heart.

Take Zoo-Gardens exit off Highway 280.

Open 7 days a week from 9 to 5. (Extended summer hours from Memorial Day through Labor Day: Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 9 to 7.) Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY ARCHIVES

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}

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}

20. Cahaba River The Cahaba River, Alabama’s only freeflowing river, supports 131 different species of fish -- more than any river of comparable size in North America. It’s ideal for canoeing, fishing and exploring. The Cahaba River Society is a non-profit organization working to preserve this treasured waterway. Guided tours are offered and are especially popular when the rare and endangered Cahaba lilies

21. 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

ATTRACTIONS during the months of November – March. Admission charged. {5181 DeSoto Caverns Parkway, 256-378-7252, 800-933-CAVE (2283), www.desotocavernspark.com} 22. 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 treeshaded 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} 23. 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} McWane Science Center

24. 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} 25. 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} 26. Kelly Ingram Park This historic park was the epicenter for America’s movement for civil rights in the 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.

27. 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} 28. 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

30 Birmingham Tourist Guide

See fold out map in back of guide for locations

ATTRACTIONS ON THE COVER:

City’s Unofficial Symbol: An Oddity Full of History The statue of Vulcan is Birmingham’s best known attraction, probably even the most widely recognized monument in Alabama.

Tourists are fascinated by the towering “Iron Man,” some awed by the immensity of the world’s largest cast iron statue, others by the sheer oddity of the creation. Maybe some of the fascination arises from his huge bare buttocks. The statue is positioned in such a way that his celebrated backside is the first thing visitors see. (A reporter for the New York Times once wrote that Vulcan’s buttocks were as wide as a Greyhound bus is long. No one is quite sure how he determined that measurement.)

In May 1903 the state of Alabama was invited to exhibit at the St. Louis World’s Fair. A group of Birmingham businessmen began to plan the exhibit. They decided to create the largest iron man in the world, a nod to the city’s powerful position in the iron and steel industry. Vulcan is patterned after the mythical Roman god of the forge.

By late November they had found an Italian sculptor, Guiseppe Moretti, who agreed to sculpt the monument for $6,000. After much discussion about the size of the statue, the group stretched Vulcan to the height of 56 feet, landing him the superlative title, “World’s Largest Cast Iron Statue.”

After some unusual fundraising activities, Vulcan was cast from Birmingham iron ore and in Birmingham furnaces.

The statue won the exposition’s grand prize.

At the close of the fair, San Francisco offered to buy Vulcan to stand beside the Golden Gate Bridge. Birmingham declined, and the prize winner was shipped home where he was unceremoniously dumped beside the railroad track in dozens of pieces. The statue lay there in disassembled shame for two years.

During a temporary stay at the state fairgrounds, he suffered a series of indignities: his arm was on backward for 21 years, and in his outstretched hand, which once so proudly held a mighty spear, advertisers placed a Heinz pickle jar, a Coca-Cola, and ice cream cone---any product needing promotion.

Ultimately, through a WPA project, Vulcan found a home in a beautifully landscaped park on Red Mountain overlooking the city. In 1946, in conjunction with a local safety promotion campaign, a torch was placed in Vulcan’s outstretched hand.

The neon torch burned red for 24 hours if Birmingham had a traffic fatality and green when no fatalities had occurred.

Several years ago, engineers noticed the old man was suffering the ravages of time, weather and structural problems, so he was carefully dismantled piece by piece for complete refurbishing.

In 2004 the statue was returned to his pedestal high on Red Mountain. The view from Vulcan’s observation deck is one of the best in the city. We highly recommend you begin your Birmingham visit there.

32 Birmingham Tourist Guide

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} 29. 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} 30. 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 miles of hiking trails. Free Admission {Preserve Parkway, 205-739-7141, http://www.hooveral.org , then follow link to Recreation and Leisure}

31. 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} 32. 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,} 33. 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

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ATTRACTIONS 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} 34. 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/} 35. 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/} 36. 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} 37. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center (see outdoor section) 38. Samuel Ullman Museum For years, Samuel Ullman (1840-1924) and his 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

ATTRACTIONS

(Left) Spirit of St. Louis flying over Birmingham in 1927

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 205-934-3328 or send an email to isss@uab.edu. {2150 15th Avenue S, www. main.uab.edu/sites/UllmanMuseum} 36 Birmingham Tourist Guide

39. 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} 40. 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

(BOTTOM) PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY ARCHIVES

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} 41. 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 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} 42. Southern Museum of Flight/Ala. Aviation Hall of Fame Explore the miracle of flight. Take off to the 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/} 43. Talladega Superspeedway Talladega Superspeedway is the biggest, fastest, most competitive motorsports facility in the

ATTRACTIONS

(Right) Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark before they ceased operation in the 1970s (Below) Historic Carver Theatre

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} 44. 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 38 Birmingham Tourist Guide

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 ďŹ ll the schedule at Tannehill. Admission charged. {12632 Confederate Parkway, 205-477-5711, www.tannehill.org} 45. Temple of Sibyl The Temple of Sibyl offers tremendous views 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

TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY ARCHIVES

ATTRACTIONS 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,} 46. 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 10-acre 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 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} 47. 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

Alabama Adventure public for self-guided tours and features the Treetop Nature Trail. A beautiful, elevated walkway in the woods, the trail offers closeup views of non-releasable hawks and owls in natural habitat enclosures built among the trees. {Oak Mountain State Park, 205-663-7930 (tour info), www.awrc.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, weights 4,000 pounds, a mere statuette compared to Vulcan’s 56-foot, 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.

40 Birmingham Tourist Guide

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 to root throughout the state in cities such as Selma.

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

43

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 Sears, along with 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

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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

The Summit English Village, Mountain Brook Village and Crestline Village In the heart of the suburb of Mountain Brook, 46 Birmingham Tourist Guide

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

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www.ColonialBrookwoodVillage.com

871-0406 Belk

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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

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 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

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.

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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 g g g g g g (205) 595-0533 g g g g g g

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. Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

51

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

53

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, Al 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

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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 56 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center’s trademark is diversity – diverse performances and diverse audiences. From 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 PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY ARCHIVES

ENTERTAINMENT 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

produced world-class operatic productions and concerts that have been hailed by critics and loved by audiences.

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

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

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.

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

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 PHOTO COURTESY OF BILLY BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY, INC.

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: s 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) s 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) s 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

s 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) s 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) s 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) s 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

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

BESSEMER

Johnny Ray’s Bar-B-Que, Banquet Facilities, BBQ 2910 Morgan Road, Bessemer 205-42-HONEY (424-6639)

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

Larry’s Fish Pot & Bar-B-Que, BBQ, Fish Bessemer, AL 35020, 205-424-9613

60 Birmingham Tourist Guide

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY ARCHIVES

DINING Santa Fe Cattle Company, Steak 5020 Academy Lane, Bessemer, 205-424-2213 The Bright Star, American, Mediterranean, Seafood, Steak, Banquet Facilities 304 19th Street N, Bessemer 205-424-9444, www.thebrightstar.com

icon Restaurant and Bar at the Tutwiler, American, Continental 2021 Park Place N, Birmingham 205-251-2021, www.iconbirmingham.com Java & Jams, Coffee Shop 321 20th Street N, Birmingham 205-321-JAV A(5282)

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 alley V Pkwy, Birmingham 205-520-0502, www.goldenrulebbq.com Habanero’s Mexican Restaurant, Mexican, Banquet Facilities 1171G Huffman Road, Birmingham 205-854-6117

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Golden Rule Barbecue Harbert Plaza, American, BBQ 1901 6th Ave. N Ste 263, Birmingham 205-801-9600, www.goldenrulebbq.com Green Acres Cafe, Meat and Three 1705 4th Ave. N, Birmingham 205-251-3875

Member of the Birmingham Originals

O’Henry’s Coffees, Coffee Shop 1901 6th Ave. N, Birmingham 205-323-1198, www.ohenryscoffee.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 800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

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DINING Roma’s Italian Bistro, Italian 207A 20th Street N, Birmingham 205-324-0706, www.romasbistro.com 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 Steppers and Walkers, Lunch, Dinner, Banquet Facilities 2223 4th Ave. N, Birmingham 205-323-STEP (7837) www.steppersandwalkers.com 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

International House of Pancakes, American, Breakfast 7748 Crestwood Blvd., Irondale 205-956-5502, www.ihop.com New China Buffet, Chinese 7307 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham 205-599-5558 Irondale Café 1906 1st Ave. N, Irondale 205-956-5258 / FAX: 205-956-5301 www.irondalecafe.com Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, Italian 7701 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham 205-591-0731, www.olivegarden.com Red Lobster Restaurant, Seafood 7601 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham 205-591-3818, www.redlobster.com Shangri-La Restaurant, Chinese 4500 Montevallo Rd, Birmingham 205-951-3168, Three Oaks Deli, Deli 4500 Montevallo Road, Birmingham 205-951-0109

Tony’s Terrific Hot Dogs, Hot Dog 2103 2nd Ave. N, Birmingham, 205-322-2111

Villa Fiesta Mexican Restaurant, Mexican, Banquet Facilities 7950 Crestwood Blvd, Irondale, 205-956-3607

Urban Standard 2320 2nd Ave. N, Birmingham, 205-250-8200

FULTONDALE

Zoe’s Kitchen - Downtown, Deli, Specialty Foods 1819 5th Ave. N, Birmingham 205-252-5200, www.zoeskitchen.com

Doodles Muffulettas Po-Boys & More, Cajun/Creole 1415 Decatur Highway, Fultondale 205-849-4444,

EASTWOOD

Jalisco Mexican Restaurante, Mexican 325 Walker Chapel Plaza, Fultondale 205-849-2137

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

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

Hamburger Heaven, American 1703 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham 205-951-3570 62 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Member of the Birmingham Originals

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 GARDENDALE Bento Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Japanese 617 Decatur Hwy, Gardendale 205-608-4006 Jack’s Family Restaurant, American 2255 Mount Olive Road, Gardendale 608-2092 Las Jaras Mexican Grill, Mexican 1100 Pecan Ave., Gardendale 205-631-5535 Max’s Cafeteria & Restaurant, Meat and Three 961 Main Street, Gardendale 205-631-2614 Milo’s Hamburgers - Gardendale, American 604 Fieldstown Rd, Gardendale, 205-608-0050 Rubertino’s Cucina tIaliana, Italian 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, 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 L ( .Indica)Cafe, Breakfast, American, Sandwiches 2721 18th St. S, Homewood, 205-879-7891 Dave’s Pizza, Pizza 1819 29th Ave. S, Homewood, 205-871-3283 Demetri’s Bar-B-Q, BBQ 1901 28th Ave. S, Homewood, 205-871-1581, www.birminghammenus.com/demetris/ DeV inci’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 - Homewood, BBQ 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, 205414-1755, www.greyhousegrille.com Jackson’s Bar & Bistro, American 1831 28th Ave. S, Suite 175, Homewood 205-870-9669 Jason’s Deli, Caterers, Deli 583 Brookwood Village, Homewood 205-877-8477, www.jasonsdeli.com Jim N Nick’s Bar B Q - Homewood, BBQ 220 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, 205-942-3336, www.birminghammenus.com/jimnnicks Jinsei Sushi Bar & Lounge, Japanese 1830 29th Street, Suite 125, Homewood 205-802-1440, www.jinseisushi.com

64 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Member of the Birmingham Originals

Johnny Ray’s Bar-B-Que, Banquet Facilities, BBQ 316 Valley Ave., Homewood 205-945-PIES (945-7437) www.johnnyrays.com Juliano’s, Italian 1006 Oxmoor Rd., Birmingham, 205-870-4733 Kbob & Curry, Indian a 220 Green Springs Ave. S, Homewood 205-322-7242 Landry’s Seafood House, Banquet Facilities, Seafood, Steak 139 State Farm Pkwy, Homewood 205-916-0777, www.landrysseafoodhouse.com Loco’s Deli & Pub, Deli 230 State Farm Pkwy, Homewood 205-943-0080, www.locosdeli.com Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon, Banquet Facilities, Steak 180 State Farm Pkwy, Homewood 205-942-1902 Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant, Mexican 308 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, 205-945-8002 Lovoy’s Restaurant & Lounge, Italian 410 Green Springs Hwy, Homewood 205-942-9866, www.lovoys.com McCormick & Schmick’s, Seafood, Wireless Hot Spot 719 Shades Creek Parkway, Birmingham 205-871-5171, www.mccormickandschmicks.com Mi Casita, Mexican 360 Palisades Blvd, Homewood 205-870-4406 Mike’s Hot Dogs, Hot Dog 2701 18th Street S, Homewood 205-868-4728 Milo’s Hamburgers - Homewood, American 208 State Farm Pkwy, Homewood 205-945-8008

Moe’s Southwest Grill iW ldwood, Mexican 231 State Farm Parkway, Homewood 205-943-7942, www.moes.com Mr.aWng’s Restaurant, Banquet Facilities, Chinese 217 Lakeshore Pkwy, Homewood 205-945-9000, www.mrwangsbuffet.com Nabeel’s Cafe & Market, Mediterranean 1706 Oxmoor Road, Homewood 205-879-9292, www.nabeels.com New York Pizza, Pizza 1010 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, 205-871-4000 O’Carr’s Deli, Deli 2909 18th Street S, Homewood, 205-879-2196, www.birminghammenus.com/ocarrs 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

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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 Purple Onion Deli & Grill - Homewood, American 479 Green Springs Highway, Homewood 205-941-9979 Qdoba Mexican Grill - Homewood, Mexican 437 Green Springs Hwy, Homewood 205-941-1486, www.qdoba.com Que Huong Vietnamese Restaurant, Chinese, Vietnamese 430 Green Springs Hwy, Homewood 205-942-5400 Renge Japanese Restaurant, Japanese 68 Green Springs Hwy, Homewood 205-942-8612 Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Banquet Facilities, Steak 2300 Woodcrest Place, Homewood 205-879-9995, www.ruthschris.com

Soho Sweets, Candy/Chocolate 1830 29th Ave. S, Homewood 205-871-4420 Tria Market, Bakery, Coffee Shop, Deli 1831 28th Ave. S, Suite 110, Homewood 205-776-8923, www.triamarket.com Wings Sports Grille Wildwood, American, Sports Bar 277 Lakeshore Pkwy, Homewood 205-290-9464, www.wingssportsgrille.com Zoe’s Kitchen - Homewood, American, Deli, Specialty Foods 1830 29th Ave. S, Suite 155, Homewood 205-870-1100, www.zoeskitchen.com

HOOVER 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

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY ARCHIVES

Buffalo iW ld W ings, American 2772 John Hawkins Pkwy, Hoover 205-983-9464, www.buffalowildwings.com

Firebirds Rocky Mountain Grill, Seafood, Steak 191 Main Street, Hoover, 205-733-2002 www.firebirdsrestaurants.com

Cajun Steamer Bar and Grill, Cajun/Creole 180 Main Street, Suite 200, Hoover 205-985-7785, www.cajunsteamer.com

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

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

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

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

Egar’s Old Style Bakery, Deli d 180 Main Street, Suite 240, Hoover 205-987-0790, www.edgarsbakery.com

Jason’s Deli, Caterers, Deli 3032 John Hawkins Pkwy, Birmingham 205-987-8740, www.jasonsdeli.com

DINING Jim N Nick’s Bar B Q - Riverchase, BBQ 1810 Montgomery Hwy S, Hoover, 205-733-1300, www.birminghammenus.com/jimnnicks JR’s, Sports Bar 2015 Valleydale Rd, Birmingham 205-987-6880

Piccadilly Cafeteria - Riverchase, Meat and Three 1851 Montgomery Hwy S, Hoover 205-987-1693, www.piccadilly.com Qdoba Mexican Grill - Hoover, Mexican 160 Main Street, Suite 140, Hoover 205-987-7108, www.qdoba.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michael’s Steak, Steak and seafood 3340 Galleria Circle, Hoover 205-982-0411, www.goldensouthrg.com

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

Moe’s Southwest Grill Riverchase, Mexican 3670 Lorna Road, Hoover 205-937-6163, www.moes.com

Stix Restaurant, Banquet Facilities, Chinese, Japanese, Thai 3250 Galleria Circle, Hoover, 205-982-3070

Mr. P’s Butcher Shop & Deli, Deli 813 Shades Crest Rd, Hoover 205-823-6136

Sumo Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, Japanese 151 Main Street, Hoover, 205-444-1515

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, Italian 3450 Galleria Circle, Hoover 205-985-4696, www.olivegarden.com

Sunrise Buffet, Mongolian Grill & Bar, Asian, Mongolian 2760 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 108 Hoover, 205-989-9889, www.sunrisebuffet.net

On Tap Sports Cafe - Riverchase, 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

68 Birmingham Tourist Guide

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 Member of the Birmingham Originals

Up The Creek Fish Camp and Grill, American, Seafood 2943 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover 205-988-0744, upthecreekfishcamp.com

Classic Joe’s, American 611 Doug Baker Blvd, Birmingham 205-995-6288

Wings Sports Grille Hoover, American 4441 Creekside Ave., Hoover 205-403-7474, www.wingssportsgrille.com

Crazy Cajuns’ Boiling Pot, Cajun/Creole 125 Inverness Plaza, Birmingham 205-408-0630

Zapata Mexican Restaurant, Mexican 2005 Valleydale Road, Birmingham 205-733-1115

Cuban Grill 280, Cuban 5511 Highway 280, Birmingham 205-995-2881

Zoe’s Kitchen - Patton Creek, American, Deli, Specialty Foods 180 Main Street, Suite 140, Hoover 205-989-4020, www.zoeskitchen.com

Don Pepe’ Mexican Grill, Mexican The Village at Lee Branch, Birmingham 205-408-3880

INVERNESS AND HWY 280 Amore Ristorante Italiano, Italian 5510 Highway 280, Birmingham, 205-437-1005 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

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

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Up The Creek Fish Camp and Grill, American, Seafood 2943 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover 205-988-0744, upthecreekfishcamp.com 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 800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

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

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 On Tap Sports Cafe - Inverness, Sports Bar 810 Inverness Corners, Birmingham 205-437-1999, www.ontapsportscafe.com Panera Bread Doug Baker Boulevard, 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

Lloyd’s Restaurant, Banquet Facilities, BBQ, Meat and Three 5301 Highway 280 S, Birmingham 205-991-5530

Thai Emerald, Thai 5408 U.S. Highway 280, Birmingham 205-995-5775

Longhorn Steakhouse, Steak 4775 Highway 280, Birmingham 205-980-8361

The Original Italian Pie, American, Italian 4673 Highway 280, Birmingham, 205-995-8550, www.italianpierestaurants.com

Mexicali Restaurant, Mexican 5287 Highway 280, Birmingham, 205-991-1836

Wings Sports Grille Lee Branch, American 1001 Doug Baker Blvd, Birmingham 205-995-5151, www.wingssportsgrille.com

70 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Member of the Birmingham Originals

MTN BROOK Billy’s Bar & Grill, American, Restaurant Lunge, iLve entertainment, Wireless Hot Spot o 2012 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook 205-879-2238, www.billysbarandgrill.com Black Pearl Asian Cuisine, Asian 3419 Colonnade Parkway Suite 600 Birmingham, 205-262-9888 Bambinelli’s Italian Café Italian 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/

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

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Chez Lulu, Continental, rFench, Gourmet 1911 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook 205-870-7011 www.continentalbakeryandchezlulu.com Continental Bakery 1909 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook 205-870-5584 daniel george, American, Continental, Banq uet aFcilities 2837 Culver Road, Mountain Brook 205-871-3266, www.danielgeorgerestaurant.com Davenport’s Pizza, Mediterranean, Pizza 2837 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook 205-879-8603 Edgar’s Old Style Bakery, Bakery, D eli 3439 Colonnade Pkwy, Birmingham 205-968-0150, www.edgarsbakery.com Fire: A Creole Grill, Cajun/Creole 212 Country Club Park, Birmingham 205-802-1410

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DINING Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Steak, Restaurant Lounge 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 J. Paul’s, American, Continental 8 Perimeter Park S, Birmingham, 205-972-8602

On The Border Mexican Cafe, Mexican 245 Summit Blvd, Birmingham 205-298-0877, www.ontheborder.com Open Door Cafe, Continental 1115 Dunston Ave., Birmingham 205-879-6659, www.theopendoorcafe.com Otey’s Village Grill, American 224 Country Club Park, Birmingham 205-871-8435 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, Mexican 3439 Colonnade Pkwy, Birmingham 205-969-1411

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, Japanese, Banquet Facilities 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, BBQ 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, Deli 2501 Rocky Ridge Road, Birmingham 205-822-2227

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

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

Moe’s Southwest Grill Mt Brook, Mexican 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 O’Carr’s Deli, Deli 3152 Cahaba Heights Village Rd, Birmingham 205-967-4173, www.ocarrs.com

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Surin of Thailand, Thai 64 Church St, Birmingham, 205-871-4531 Table, American 121 Oak Street, Birmingham, 205-747-0855

Member of the Birmingham Originals

Tavern on the Summit, American 225 Summit Blvd Suite 100, Birmingham 205-298-1222 www.tosabe.com/tavern/index.shtml Taziki’s, Middle Eastern 2737 Highway 280, Birmingham, 205-870-0455 Taziki’s Greek Fare, Middle Eastern 3439 Colonnade Pkwy, Birmingham 205-968-6622 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 205-871-1000 The Grape at The Summit, Continental, Wine Bar, Live Entertainment 214 Summit Blvd Suite 550, Birmingham 205-970-7777, www.yourgrape.com

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

The Olive Branch, American 3236 Cahaba Heights Rd, Birmingham 205-967-4600

PELHAM

Village Tavern, American 101 Summit Blvd., Birmingham 205-970-1640, www.villagetavern.com

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

PINSON Cedar House Cafeteria, Meat and Three 1001 Cedar Street, Birmingham 205-841-1001 Hong Kong Restaurant, Chinese, Seafood 1817 Pinson Valley Parkway, Birmingham 205-841-8800

SOUTHSIDE NORTH Green Acres Cafe, Meat and Three 2724 29th Ave. N, Birmingham, 205-328-8099 Milo’s Hamburgers - Forestdale, American 1120 Forestdale Blvd, Forestdale 205-798-6363 PHOTO COURTESY OF ARIK SOKOL

26, Eclectic American Bistro 1210 20th Street S, Birmingham 205-918-0726 Al’s Deli & Grill, Mediterranean 1629 10th Ave. S, Birmingham 205-939-4278

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DINING Becky’s Deli, Deli 4101 3rd Ave. S, Birmingham, 205-592-0996 Bettola, Italian 2901 Second Ave. S, Birmingham 205-731-6499 Bistro Americana, American 808 20th Street S, Birmingham, 205-933-9000 Bogue’s, Breakfast, Meat and Three 3028 Clairmont Ave. S, Birmingham 205-254-9780

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 Fish Market Restaurant, Seafood 612 22nd Street S, Birmingham 205-322-3330, www.thefishmarket.net

Bottletree Café 3719 3rd Ave. S., Birmingham 205-533-6288, www.thebottletree.com

Five Points Grill, American, Bakery, Deli, Restaurant Lounge, Wireless Hot Spot 1035 20th Street S, Birmingham 205-933-6363

Bottega Italian Restaurant and Cafe’, Italian 2240 Highland Ave. S, Birmingham 205-939-1000, www.bottegarestaurant.com

Formaggio’s Italian Bistro, Italian 1713 10th Ave. S, Birmingham 205-933-7555

Cantina Tortilla Grill, Latino, Mexican, Live Entertainment 2901 Second Ave. S, Birmingham 205-323-6980 www.birminghammenus.com/cantina

Full Moon Bar-B-Que - Southside, BBQ 525 25th Street S, Birmingham, 205-324-1007

Carlile’s Barbecue, BBQ 3511 6th Ave. S, Birmingham, 205-254-9266 Chez FonFon, Continental, French 2007 11th Ave. S, Birmingham, 205-939-3221 Cobb Lane Restaurant, American, Outdoor and Indoor Dining, Banquet Facilities 1 Cobb Lane S, Birmingham 205-933-0462, www.cobblane.com Cosmo’s 5 Pts Pizza, Pizza, Wireless Hot Spot 2012 Magnolia Ave. S, Birmingham 205-930-9971, www.cosmossouthside.com Courtney’s, Breakfast 2330 Sixth Ave. S, Birmingham 205-251-3463

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Giuseppe’s Italian Cafe, Italian, 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 Golden Temple Grocery, Cafe and Yoga Center, Vegetarian 1901 11th Ave. S, Birmingham, 205-933-6333 Green Acres Cafe South, Meat and Three 4350 3rd Court S, Birmingham 205-595-1903 Highlands Bar & Grill, American, Continental, Gourmet 2011 11th Ave. S, Birmingham 205-939-1400, www.highlandsbarandgrill.com Hot & Hot Fish Club, American, Continental, Gourmet, Seafood, Banquet Facilities 2180 11th Court S, Birmingham 205-933-5474, www.hotandhotfishclub.com Member of the Birmingham Originals

Jim N Nick’s 11th Avenue Grill, American, BBQ 1908 11th Ave. S, Birmingham, 205-320-1060 www.birminghammenus.com/jimnnicks

Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant, Mexican 3324 Clairmont Ave., Birmingham 205-324-5896, www. losamigosmexican.com Mellow Mushroom, Pizza 1200 20th Street S, Birmingham 205-933-2373, www.mellowmushroom.com

Kairos Kafe & Catering, American, Caterers 515 University Blvd, Birmingham 205-919-1934, www.kairoskatering.com La Mesa Grill and Cantina, Spanish, Southwest 1101 20th Street S, Birmingham 205-967-7770, www.enjoylamesa.com Lakeview Oyster House, Seafood 731 29th Street S, Birmingham 205-252-5888 , www.lakeviewoysterhouse.com

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

Little Savannah, American, Seafood, Wireless Hot Spot 3811 Clairmont Ave., Birmingham 205-591-1119, www.littlesavannah.net

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

Dreamland BBQ A Tradition Since 1958!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Qdoba Mexican Grill - Birmingham, Mexican 1801 4th Ave. S, Suite 109, Birmingham 205-715-0147, www.qdoba.com

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

Rock House Restaurant Bar & Grill, Italian 725 29th Street S, Birmingham 205-323-4194, www.rockhouserestaurant.com

V. Richard’s Market, Deli, Seafood, Steak, Wireless Hot Spot 3916 Clairmont Ave. S, Birmingham 205-591-7000, www.vrichards.net

Rojo, Mexican 2921 Highland Ave., Birmingham, 205-328-4733 www.birminghammenus.com/rojo/

Veranda on Highland, Continental, Gourmet 2220 Highland Ave. S, Birmingham 205-939-5551, www.verandaonhighland.com

Sabor Tropical Mexican Restaurant, Mexican 1011 20th Street S, Birmingham, 205-933-2434

TRUSSVILLE

Scott’s Koneys, Hot Dog 107 20th Street S, Birmingham, 205-323-1783

Buffalo Wild Wings, American 5915 Trussville Crossing Parkway, Birmingham 205-655-2521, www.buffalowildwings.com

Sekisui Pacific Rim, Japanese, Sushi, Caterers, Banquet Facilities 1025 20th Street S, Birmingham, 205-933-1025

Chocolate Biscuit Tea Room, Coffee Shop, Deli 335 Main, Trussville, 205-655-0119

Silvertron Cafe, American 3813 Clairmont Ave, Birmingham 205-591-3707

Costa’s Famous Bar-B-Que - Trussville, BBQ 5893 Trussville Crossing, Birmingham 205-655-0020

Sinbad’s American and Mediterranean Restaurant, American, Meditarranean 401 19th Street S, Birmingham 205-714-9991

Frontera Grill, Mexican 5974 Chalkville Road, Birmingham 205-661-3318

Sol y Luna, Latino, Mexican, Banquet Facilities 2801 7th Ave. S, Birmingham 205-322-1186, www.solyluna.net

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

76 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Member of the Birmingham Originals

Jim N Nick’s Bar B Q - Trussville, BBQ 1660 Gadsden Highway, Birmingham 205-661-3100 www.birminghammenus.com/jimnnicks Joel’s Restaurant, Meat and Three 312 Main Street, Trussville 205-655-8248 John’s City Diner #2, Meat and Three 1483 Gadsden Highway, Birmingham 205-655-7552, www.johnscitydiner.com Konomi, Japanese 5870 Trussville Crossings Blvd, Birmingham, 205-661-1821

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

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF ARIK SOKOL

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DINING City Hall Diner, American, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 521 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia 205-824-3655, www.cityhalldiner.com

Guadalajara - Hoover, Mexican 1694 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover 205-823-9549, http://intercoups.com/menu/ guadalajara/guadalajara.html

Costa’s Mediterranean Cafe, Mediterranean 3443 Lorna Road, Hoover, 205-978-1603

Ichiban Japanese Steak House, Japanese, Steak, Banquet Facilities 620 Old Towne Rd, Vestavia, 205-822-4646

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)

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 & Cafe, Bakery, Caterers 621 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills 205-823-4560 www.birminghammenus.com/klinglers

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

Mariachi Grill, Mexican 612 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills 205-823-2399

Carnaggio’s Restaurant, Italian 27 Park Road, Pleasant Grove 205-786-5251

Mexico Lindo Autentico, Mexican 1541 Montgomery Highway, Hoover 205-822-7303

Costa’s Famous Bar-B-Que - Finley Blvd., BBQ 2201 4th Place W, Birmingham, 205-252-2109

Moe’s Southwest Grill Vestavia Hills, Mexican 716 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills 205-824-7663, www.moes.com

Eagles Restaurant, Meat and Three 2610 16th Street N, Birmingham, 205-320-0099

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/index_ files/Page327.htm

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

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

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79

After Dark AIRPORT

DOWNTOWN

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

Metro Bistro & Market, Deli, Live Entertainment 2125 2nd Avenue N, Birmingham, 205-323-7995

BESSEMER

Speakeasy, Live Entertainment 1920 3rd Ave. North, Birmingham, 205-251-1506. www.speakeasy1920.com

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

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

80 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Steel Urban Lounge, DJ, Live Entertainment, Martini Bar 2300 1st Avenue N, Birmingham 205-324-0666, www.steelurbanlounge.com Steppers and Walkers, Lunch, Dinner, Banquet Facilities 2223 4th Ave. North, Birmingham 205-323-STEP (7837) www.steppersandwalkers.com

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

McAnally’s Pub and Grill, American, Classic Rock, Billiards, Dance, Live Entertainment, Sports Bar 1899 Hoover Ct., Hoover 205-978-7301, www.mcanallyspub.com

FULTONDALE 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 until 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 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

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

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

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

HOOVER Comedy Club Stardome, American, Banquet Facilities, 1818 Data Drive, Hoover, 205-444-0008 Ivory’s, Piano Bar 1000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover 205-987-1600, www.wynfrey.com JR’s, Sports Bar 2015 Valleydale Rd, Birmingham, 205-987-6880

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

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AFTER DARK

SOUTHSIDE Indigo Joe’s Sports Pub & Restaurant, Sports Bar 5299 alleydale V Rd, Birmingham 205-991-4646, www.indigojoesbham.com On Tap Sports Cafe - Inverness, Sports Bar 810 Inverness Corners, Birmingham 205-437-1999, www.ontapsportscafe.com Superior Grill, Mex ican, Open Late, Live Entertainment 4701 Highway 280 S, Birmingham, 205-991-5112, www.superiorgrillbirmingham.com The Mellow Martini, American, 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 Up Top Pub & Grill, American, Restaurant Lounge, Wireless Hot Spot 3325 Rocky Ridge Plaza, Cahaba Heights 205-822-8266

82 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Bailey’s Pub, Live Entertainment 1124 20th Street S, Birmingham 205-933-1336 Barking Kudu, Live Entertainment 2929 7th Avenue South, Birmingham 205-328-1748, www.barkingkudu.com Base Camp Martini Bar & Lounge, American, eNpalese, Blues, Rock 1024 20th St. South, Birmingham, 205-335-1457 Bell Bottoms, Dance, DJ 2001 Highland Avenue S, Birmingham 205-933-2778, www.bellbottomsal.com Blue Monkey Lounge, Martini Bar, Live Entertainment, Jazz 1318 Cobb Lane South, Birmingham 205-933-9222, www.bluemonkeylounge.com BottleTree, Live Entertainment, eVgetarian 3719 3rd Avenue S, Birmingham 205-533-6288, www.thebottletree.com Cave9, Punk/Indie 2237 Magnolia Ave., Birmingham 205-821-2576, www.cave9.com

Club South, Karaoke, Open Late 1102 10th Street South, Birmingham 205-251-0512

Tantra Ultra Lounge, DJ 2015 Highland Avenue S, Birmingham 205-933-6605

Dave’s Pub, Live Entertainment, Sports Bar 1128 20th Street South, Birmingham 205-933-4030

The Break Restaurant & Billiards, Billiards 1001 20th Street S, Birmingham 205-252-3779

Gable Saloon & Games, Deli, Live Entertainment 803 9th Court S, Birmingham 205-251-0960, www.gablesquaresaloon.com Garage Cafe & Antiques, American, Pub, Open Late, Restaurant Lounge 2304 10th errace T S, Birmingham 205-322-3220

The High Note/Rock n’ Horse, Karaoke, Banquet Facilities, Live Entertainment 414 Richard Arrington Blvd, Birmingham 205-251-7625, www.highnoteloungecafe.com The J. Clyde, American, Live Entertainment 1312 Cobb Lane, Birmingham 205-939-1312, www.jclyde.com

Innisfree Irish Pub, Open Late, Live Entertainment 710 29th St S, Birmingham 205-252-4255, www.innisfreepub.com Lakeview Yacht Club, DJ 2627 7th Avenue S, Birmingham 205-322-1682 Lou’s Pub & Package Store, Pub 726 29th Street S, Birmingham, 205-322-7005 Marty’s, Serves food until late, Live Entertainment 1813 10th Court S, Birmingham 205-939-0045, www.martysbar.com Nana Funks, Dance, DJ, Open Late 708 29th St. South, Birmingham 205-250-8003 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 Pulse, DJ, Open Late 2824 5th Avenue S, Birmingham 205-323-7840 800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

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AFTER DARK The Nick, Alternative Rock, Live Entertainment, Open Late 2514 10th Avenue S, Birmingham 205-252-3831, www.thenickrocks.com

Zydeco, Rock, Cajun/Creole, Live Entertainment 2001 15th Avenue S, Birmingham 205-933-1032, zydecobirmingham.com

The Oasis, Live Entertainment 2807 7th Avenue South, Birmingham 205-323-5538, www.oasisbar.com

TRUSSVILLE

The Quest, Dance, Gay/Lesbian 416 24th Street S, Birmingham 205-251-4313, www.quest-club.com The Rare Martini, Martini Bar 2839 7th Avenue S, Birmingham 205-323-0008, www.theraremartini.com Upside Down Plaza, 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

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 until late, Live entertainment, Wireless Hot Spot Center of Riverchase, Ste 184, Birmingham 205-978-5599, www.ironhorsecafe.net Redline Bar & Grill, Piano Bar Hoover Commons, Birmingham 205-823-1488, www.redlinebar.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.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFFREY GREENBERG

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

88 Birmingham Tourist Guide

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.

90 Birmingham Tourist Guide

(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.

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

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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 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.

Highland Park Golf Course 96 Birmingham Tourist Guide

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 Yardage: 6,987 PHOTO COURTESY OF TED TUCKER

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF TED TUCKER

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel

97

GOLF Yardage: 5,946 Rating/Slope: 67.5/111, 68.4/114, 69.3/114 Practice range: no Tee times are required. Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted.

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

98 Birmingham Tourist Guide

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

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 Brunoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

PHOTO COURTESY OF (TOP) JEFFREY GREENBERG (BOTTOM) TED TUCKER

A Memorable Golf Experience Awaits You in Birminghamâ&#x20AC;Ś 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 oďŹ&#x20AC;ers three impressive golf venues in the Greater Birmingham area that will leave you with a lasting, positive experience.

Designed by some of the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most notable course architects, each of our courses has a distinct beauty about it. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ďŹ nd captivating views with game-challenging landscapes. In addition, our award-winning courses are among the ďŹ nest in playing conditions and oďŹ&#x20AC;er Southern hospitality at its best.

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

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GOLF 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.

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 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

100 Birmingham Tourist Guide

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFFREY GREENBERG

Celebration in downtown Brmingham circa 1916

Events JANUARY THROUGH JUNE 2009

JANUARY All Month IMAX Theatre at McWane Science Center Blue Planet- Blue Planet is an amazing space ďŹ lm- about earth. 205-714-8300. www.McWane.org.

Birmingham Museum of Art Exhibition Fabric of Life: African Textiles and Quilts from the American South- 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

Birmingham Museum Of Art: New Hands, Native Lands: Contemporary American Indian Ceramics and Textiles- 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

Bessemer Flea Market- 600 spaces of old & new, collectibles, fresh produce, furniture and much more! 205-425-8510.

Birmingham Race Course- Live greyhound racing and simulcast. 205-838-7500. www.birminghamracecourse.com.

Birmingham Museum Of Art Body Image: American Art and the Human Form205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

Beginning the 13th.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY ARCHIVES

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel 101

EVENTS

JANUARY IMAX Theatre at McWane Science Center To the Limit Film- Follow the spectacular feats performed by three athletes. 205-714-8300. www.McWane.org.

Vulcan Park and Museum Exhibition- What Makes the Magic City So Magical?

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

Beginning the 12th.

1 Christmas Sound, Light and Water Show at DeSoto Caverns- 800-933-2283. www.desotocavernspark.com.

1-11 Magic of Model Trains Exhibit at McWane Science Center- 205-714-8300. www.mcwane.org.

8-11 Comedy Club Stardome- Taylor Mason.

205-444-0008. www.stardome.com.

9-10 U.S. Hot Rod Monster JamBirmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Arena. 205-458-8400. www.bjcc.org.

Alabama Symphony Orchestra Wachovia Foundation Coffee Concerts- Mendelssohn’s Scottish. 205-251-7727. www.alabamasymphony.org.

Alabama Symphony Orchestra Region’s Masterworks- The British Connection.

Alys Stephens Center. 205-251-7727. www.alabamasymphony.org.

11The Southern Bridal Show- BirminghamAlabama State Fairgrounds Flea Market1-800-3MARKET.

Jefferson Convention Complex. www.eliteevents.com.

3-4 Birmingham Museum of Art Exhibition Sharon Louden: Taking Turns- 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

Birmingham Chamber Music Society presents Peabody Trio- Alys Stephens Center.

205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

Gun Show- Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex North Exhibition Hall. 205-458-8400. www.bjcc.org.

15 Celine Dion in Concert- Birmingham-

102 Birmingham Tourist Guide

Jefferson Convention Complex Arena.

205-458-8400. www.bjcc.org.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ARIKSOK OL

JANUARY 16-17 Kevin Spirtas Night and DaysHoover Public Library. 205-444-7888. www.thelibrarytheatre.com.

Red Mountain Theatre Company presents Hank and My Honky Tonk Heroes- Red Mountain Theatre Company Cabaret Theatre. 205-324-2424. www.redmountaintheatre.org.

16-18 Alys Stephens Center presents Complexions Contemporary Ballet205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

Comedy Club Stardome- Nephew Tommy.

205-444-0008. www.stardome.com.

18 On Stage @ The Carver- Carver Theatre.

205-254-2731. www.jazzhall.com.

Reflect and Rejoice: A Community Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.- Alys Stephens Center. 205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

Alabama Wildlife Center Audubon Teaches Nature Series- Birds on Parade- Close Encounters with Alabama’s Birds of Prey.

205-663-7930. www.awrc.org.

19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday 2009Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

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

20 Alabama Symphony Orchestra

Alabama Symphony Orchestra Superpops!

Presents Ben Vereen- Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. 205-458-8400. www.alabamasymphony.org.

23-24 Comedy Club StardomeDave Attell. 205-444-0008. www.stardome.com.

24 The Eagles in Concert- BirminghamJefferson Convention Complex. 8pm. $25- $60.

205-458-8400. www.bjcc.org.

Opera Birmingham presents A Decade of Song: The Great Opera Gala- Alabama Theatre. 205-322-6737. www.operabirmingham.org.

Concertmaster and Friends- African American Chamber Music. Samford University. 205-2517727. www.alabamasymphony.org.

24-25 Birmingham Feline Fanciers 37th Annual CFA Pedigree and Household Pet Cat Show- Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. 205-616-1651. www.birminghamfelinefanciers.com.

22-25 Camelot- The Virginia Samford

25 Alabama Symphony Orchestra Red

Theatre. 205-251-1228. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

Diamond Family Concerts- Charlie Brown and the Peanuts Galley. Alys Stephens Center.

205-251-7727. www.alabamasymphony.org.

23 Alys Stephens Center presents Drew Mays, piano- 205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

Opera Birmingham presents Puccini’s Turnandot- Alabama Theatre. 205-322-6737. www.operabirmingham.org.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFFREY GREENBERG

Opera Birmingham presents Puccini’s Turnandot- Alabama Theatre.

205-322-6737. www.operabirmingham.org.

Johnny O’Neal Plays and Shouts the BluesCarver Theatre. 205-254-2731. www.jazzhall.com.

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EVENTS 28- February 1 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus- Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. 205-458-8401. www.ringling.com.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute- Black History Month 2009: The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas. 205-254-2707. www.bcri.org.

Camelot- The Virginia Samford Theatre.

205-251-1228. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

Bessemer Flea Market- 205-425-8510.

29 Alabama Symphony Orchestra Protective Symphony 7: The Classical Edge- The Great American Symphony. Alys Stephens Center.

205-251-7727. www.alabamasymphony.org.

29- February 1 Birmingham Boat ShowBirmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Exhibition Hall. 205-458-8401. www.bjcc.org.

30-31Comedy Club StardomeCraig Shoemaker. 205-444-0008. www.stardome.com.

30- February 1Riverdance Farewell Performance- Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Concert Hall.

205-458-8401. www.bjcc.org.

Birmingham Race Course- Live greyhound racing and simulcast. 205-838-7500. www.birminghamracecourse.com.

Birmingham Museum Of Art Body Image: American Art and the Human Form205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

Birmingham Museum Of Art Permanent Folk Art Gallery Installation- 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

IMAX Theatre at McWane Science Center To the Limit Film- Follow the spectacular feats performed by three athletes. 205-714-8300. www.McWane.org.

1 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey CircusBirmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.

Admission. 205-458-8401. www.ringling.com.

31 Punch Brothers featuring Chris ThileAlys Stephens Center. 205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

Camelot- The Virginia Samford Theatre.

205-251-1228. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

Event times and dates are subject to change.

Please call ahead to conďŹ rm before making arrangements.

Alys Stephens Center presents Neil Sedaka205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

FEBRUARY All Month IMAX Theatre at McWane Science Center Blue Planet- Blue Planet is an amazing space ďŹ lm- about earth. 205-714-8300. www.McWane.org.

Birmingham Museum of Art Exhibition Fabric of Life: African Textiles and Quilts from the American South- 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

Birmingham Boat Show- BirminghamJefferson Convention Complex Exhibition Hall. 205-458-8401. www.bjcc.org.

Riverdance Farewell PerformanceBirmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Concert Hall. 205-458-8401. www.bjcc.org.

Vulcan Park and Museum- 205-933-1409. www.visitvulcan.com.

1-6 Vulcan Park and Museum ExhibitionBirmingham Museum Of Art: New Hands, Native Lands: Contemporary American Indian Ceramics and Textiles- 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org. Through the 8th.

104 Birmingham Tourist Guide

What Makes the Magic City So Magical?

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

3-8 Broadway Across America presents Reuben Studdard Ain’t Misbehavin’Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Concert Hall. 1-800-277-1700. www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.

5 Vulcan Park and Museum Black History Month Program- Collective Perspectives 2009: Birmingham Visionaries. 205-933-1409. www.visitvulcan.com.

Alys Stephens Center presents Harlem String Quartet- 205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

6-7 Alabama Symphony Orchestra Region’s Masterworks- Carmina Burana! Alys Stephens Center. 205-251-7727. www.alabamasymphony.org.

6-8 World of Wheels- Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Exhibition Hall.

205-458-8401. www.bjcc.org.

Comedy Club Stardome- Gary Owen.

205-444-0008. www.stardome.com.

Alabama State Fairgrounds Flea Market1-800-3MARKET.

7-8 Red Mountain Theatre Company presents Youth Programs Showcase- 205-324-2424. www.redmountaintheatre.org.

On Stage with the Band at the Alys Stephens Center- Cowboy Junkies. 205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

12 Vulcan Park and Museum- Collective Perspectives 2009: Birmingham Visionaries.

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

12-14 Comedy Club Stardome- Tom PaPa. 205-444-0008. www.stardome.com.

12-15 Mercedes Marathon and Half Marathon Weekend- 205-870-7771. www.mercedesmarathon.com.

Blues in the Night- The Virginia Samford Theatre. 205-251-1228. $20. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

13 Davis Architects Guest Artist SeriesPianist Jon Nakamatsu. Samford University.

205-726-2853. www.samfordtickets.com.

13-15 Romance, Romance presented by Magic City Actors Theatre- The Virginia Samford Theatre. 205-251-1228. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

14 Alabama Symphony Orchestra Superpops!

Valentine’s Day with the SymphonyBirmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.

205-458-8400. www.alabamasymphony.org.

Alys Stephens Center presents Mavis Staples205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

15 Alabama Symphony Orchestra Red Diamond Family Concerts- Paint to Music.

Alys Stephens Center. 205-251-7727. www.alabamasymphony.org.

On Stage @ The Carver- Carver Theatre.

205-254-2731. www.jazzhall.com.

19 Vulcan Park and Museum- Collective Perspectives 2009: Birmingham Visionaries.

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

19-22 Red Mountain Theatre Company presents The Odd Couple- Red Mountain Theatre Company Cabaret Theatre.

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

Blues in the Night- The Virginia Samford Theatre. 205-251-1228. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

Romance, Romance presented by Magic City Actors Theatre- The Virginia Samford Theatre.

205-251-1228. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

Comedy Club Stardome- Mitch Fatel.

205-444-0008. www.stardome.com.

20 Alabama Symphony Orchestra Wachovia Foundation Coffee Concerts- Dvorak’s New World. Alys Stephens Center. 205-251-7727. www.alabamasymphony.org.

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel 105

EVENTS 24 8th Annual Mardi Gras Celebration at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute205-328-9696 ext. 236. www.bcri.org.

24-28 Alabama State Boys and Girls Basketball Championships- BirminghamJefferson Convention Complex Arena.

205-458-8401. www.ahsaa.com.

26 Vulcan Park and Museum- Collective Perspectives 2009: Birmingham Visionaries.

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

26 Alabama Symphony Orchestra Protective Symphony 7: The Classical Edge- Rhapsodies in Blue. Alys Stephens Center. 205-251-7727. www.alabamasymphony.org.

26- March 1 Red Mountain Theatre 20-21Alabama Symphony Orchestra Region’s Masterworks- Beethoven’s Triple and Dvorak’s New World. Alys Stephens Center. 205-2517727. www.alabamasymphony.org.

20-22 Alabama Ballet’s CinderellaSamford Wright Center. 256-975-ARTS. www.alabamaballet.org.

Company presents The Odd Couple- Red Mountain Theatre Company Cabaret Theatre.

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

27 The Chieftains with Paddy Moloney- Alys Stephens Center. 8pm. Admission.

205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

27-28 Comedy Club Stardome- Kevin Hart.

205-444-0008. www.stardome.com.

Comedy Club Stardome- Mitch Fatel.

205-444-0008. www.stardome.com.

28 Blue Note Records 70th Anniversary- On

21 Cathedral Church of the Advent Concert-

Tour- Alys Stephens Center. 205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

The King’s Singers. 205-226-3505. www.adventbirmingham.org.

21-22 Loudon Wainwright III in ConcertHoover Public Library. 205-444-7888. www.thelibrarytheatre.com.

22 Motley Crue in Concert- BirminghamJefferson Convention Complex Arena. 205458-8400. www.bjcc.org.

Aldridge Botanical Gardens Arbor Day Celebration- 205-682-8019. www.aldridgegardens.com.

28- March 1 Birmingham Ballet: Hansel & Gretel- Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Concert Hall. 205-458-8400. www.bjcc.org.

Event times and dates are subject to change.

Please call ahead to confirm before making arrangements.

Alabama Wildlife Center Audubon Teaches Nature Series- Alabama Wildlife Center at Oak Mountain State Park. 205-663-7930. www.awrc.org.

MARCH All Month

Jazz Jam Fest- Carver Theatre. 205-254-2731. www.jazzhall.com.

Birmingham Museum Of Art Body Image: American Art and the Human Form205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

106 Birmingham Tourist Guide

PHOTO COURTESY OF BILLY BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY, INC.

Birmingham Museum Of Art Permanent Folk Art Gallery Installation- 205-2542565. www.artsbma.org.

Birmingham Museum Of Art Mary Lucier- The Plains of Sweet Regret- 205254-2565. www.artsbma.org. Beginning the 25th.

Vulcan Park and Museum ExhibitionThe Restoration of Vulcan: A Collision of Art and Science. 205-933-1409. www.visitvulcan.com. Beginning the 6th.

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s History Month- Join us in celebration of Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s History Month. Our free public program will focus on the struggles faced by women in mass movements for change.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

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

Birmingham Museum of Art Exhibition Fabric of Life: African Textiles and Quilts from the American South- 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

Bessemer Flea Market- 205-425-8510.

Birmingham Ballet: Hansel & GretelBirmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Concert Hall. 205-458-8400. www.bjcc.org.

Birmingham Race Course- Live greyhound racing and simulcast. 205-838-7500. www.birminghamracecourse.com.

Vulcan Park and Museum- Anything is Possible Living History Performance. 205-9331409. www.visitvulcan.com.

1 Red Mountain Theatre Company presents The Odd Couple- Red Mountain Theatre Company Cabaret Theatre. 205-324-2424. www.redmountaintheatre.org.

1-12 IMAX Theatre at McWane Science Center To the Limit Film- 205-714-8300. www.McWane.org.

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EVENTS 6 Alabama Symphony Orchestra Superpops!IMAX Theatre at McWane Science Center To the Limit

An Evening with Judy Collins. BirminghamJefferson Convention Complex. 205-458-8400. www.alabamasymphony.org.

6-8 Cottontail’s Village Arts, Crafts & Gifts Festival- Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. 205-836-7178. www.christmasvillagefestival.com.

Between the Lines- The Virginia Samford Theatre. 205-251-1228. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

Alabama State Fairgrounds Flea Market1-800-3MARKET.

7-8 Vulcan Cup Girl’s Soccer Tournament205-939-0236. www.mountainbrooksoccer.com.

10-15 Broadway Across America presents Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy- BirminghamJefferson Convention Complex Concert Hall.

1-800-277-1700. www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.

12-15 Birmingham Spring Home and Garden Show- Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. 205-680-0234. www.homeandgardenshow.tv.

13-14 A Couple of BlaguardsHoover Public Library. 205-444-7888. www.thelibrarytheatre.com.

13-14 Alabama Symphony Orchestra Region’s Masterworks- Haydn’s Drum Roll.

Alys Stephens Center. 205-251-7727. www.alabamasymphony.org.

IMAX Theatre at McWane Science Center Blue Planet- 205-714-8300. www.McWane.org.

3-8 SIAC Basketball TournamentFair Park Arena. 205-929-1617. www.milesgoldenbears.com.

5-7 Comedy Club Stardome- Henry Cho. 205-444-0008. www.stardome.com.

6 ATA Davis Cup 108 Birmingham Tourist Guide

13-15 My Fair Lady- The Virginia Samford Theatre. 205-251-1228. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

14 Ghost Storytelling at Sloss Furnaceswww.slossfurnaces.com. 205-324-1911.

14-15 Vulcan Cup Boy’s Soccer Tournament205-939-0236. www.mountainbrooksoccer.com.

15 On Stage @ The Carver- Carver Theatre.

205-254-2731. www.jazzhall.com.

19-22 My Fair Lady- The Virginia Samford Theatre. 205-251-1228. www. virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

20-22 IndyCar Open Test Sessionwww.barbermotorsports.com. 800-240-2300.

Opera Birmingham presents Verdi’s La Traviata- Alabama Theatre. 205-322-6737. www.operabirmingham.org.

Alabama Wildlife Center Audubon Teaches Nature Series- Amphibians Abound and Salamanders. Alabama Wildlife Center at Oak Mountain State Park. 205-663-7930. www.awrc.org.

Event times and dates are subject to change.

Please call ahead to confirm before making arrangements.

APRIL All Month Comedy Club Stardome- Sommore.

205-444-0008. www.stardome.com.

21 Alys Stephens Center presents Spanish Harlem Orchestra- 205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

24 Alabama Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster and Friends- French Sonatas.

Samford University Brock Recital Hall.

205-251-7727. www.alabamasymphony.org.

27 Alabama Symphony Orchestra Wachovia Foundation Coffee Concerts- Ravel’s Bolero!

Alys Stephens Center. 205-251-7727. www.alabamasymphony.org.

27-28 Alabama Symphony Orchestra Region’s Masterworks- The Great Leon Fleisher. In collaboration with the Birmingham Chamber Music Society. Alys Stephens Center.

205-251-7727. www.alabamasymphony.org.

Comedy Club Stardome- Jon Reep.

205-444-0008. www.stardome.com.

Birmingham Museum Of Art Body Image: American Art and the Human Form205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

Vulcan Park and Museum Exhibition- The Restoration of Vulcan: A Collision of Art and Science. 205-933-1409. www.visitvulcan.com.

Birmingham Museum Of Art Mary LucierThe Plains of Sweet Regret- 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

Bessemer Flea Market- 205-425-8510.

Birmingham Race Course- Live greyhound racing and simulcast. 205-838-7500. www.birminghamracecourse.com.

Birmingham Barons AA Baseball205-988-3200. www.barons.com.

3-4 Red Mountain Theatre Company presents Junior League Choral Group- 205-324-2424. www.redmountaintheatre.org.

27-29 ImagiCon- Sci-Fi Fantasy convention.

3-5 Alabama State Fairgrounds Flea Market1-800-3MARKET.

Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. www.imagicon.org.

3-19 Broadway Across America presents

28 Playhouse Disney Live! On TourBirmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.

205-458-8400. www.bjcc.org.

29 Leon Fleisher and Katherine Jacobson Fleisher Shall We Dance- In collaboration with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Alys Stephens Center. 205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

Wicked- Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. 1-800-277-1700. www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.

4 Alys Stephens Center presents Viva Health Starlight Gala- 205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

5 Vulcan Park and Museum- Anything is Possible Living History Performance.

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

800.458.8085 / www.birmingham.travel 109

EVENTS 16-17 Cherryholmes in Concert- Hoover Public Library. 205-444-7888. www.thelibrarytheatre.com.

Davis Architects Guest Artist Series: Pianist Robert Blocker- Samford University.

205-726-2853. www.samfordtickets.com.

17-18 Annual St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival205-252-3867/ 205-251-5057. www.stelias.org.

25 Alys Stephens Center presents I Musici de Montreal- 205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

26 Alabama Wildlife Center Audubon Teaches Nature Series- Wildflowers. Alabama Wildlife Center at Oak Mountain State Park.

205-663-7930. www.awrc.org.

Jazz Jam Fest- Carver Theatre. 205-254-2731. www.jazzhall.com.

30- May 3 Red Mountain Theatre Company 17-19 45th Anniversary of MustangBarber Motorsports Park. 800-240-2300. www.barbermotorsports.com

22 Auntie Litter’s 18th Annual Earth Day Parade and Festival- 205-879-3009. www.auntielitter.org.

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

Event times and dates are subject to change.

Please call ahead to confirm before making arrangements.

MAY All Month 24 Alabama Symphony Orchestra presents The Incomparable Chris Botti- 205-458-8400. www.alabamasymphony.org.

Art of Passion at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens- 205-322-9922. www.bbgardens.org.

24-26 Talladega Superspeedway: Aaron’s Dream Weekend- 1-877-Go2-DEGA. www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.

26th Annual ONB Magic City Art Connection205-595-6306. www.MagicCityArt.com.

Vulcan Park and Museum Exhibition- The Restoration of Vulcan: A Collision of Art and Science. 205-933-1409. www.visitvulcan.com.

Birmingham Museum Of Art Mary Lucier- The Plains of Sweet Regret- 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

Pepper Place Saturday MarketEvery Saturday. 205-802-2100. www.pepperplacemarket.com.

Bessemer Flea Market- 205-425-8510.

Birmingham Race Course- Live greyhound racing and simulcast. 205-838-7500. www.birminghamracecourse.com.

Birmingham Barons AA Baseball205-988-3200. www.barons.com.

1-2 Time for Three in ConcertHoover Public Library. 205-444-7888. www.thelibrarytheatre.com.

Magic City Art Connection

110 Birmingham Tourist Guide

2009 Schaeffer Eye Center Crawfish BoilBirmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.

205-715-6000. 1-800-277-1700. www.schaeffercrawfishboil.com.

1-3 Red Mountain Theatre Company Sweeney Todd- 205-324-2424. www.redmountaintheatre.org.

29-30 Red Mountain Theatre Company presents Franc D’Ambrosio- 205-324-2424. www.redmountaintheatre.org.

AMA Honda Superbike ClassicBarber Motorsports Park. 800-240-2300. www.barbermotorsports.com.

Event times and dates are subject to change.

Please call ahead to confirm before making arrangements.

Alabama State Fairgrounds Flea Market1-800-3MARKET.

JUNE All Month

1-10 Birmingham Museum Of Art Body Image: American Art and the Human Form205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

2 ASC Kid’s Club presents Alice’s (Even Bigger) Tea Party- Alys Stephens Center.

Admission. 205-975-2787. www.alysstephens.org.

3 Vulcan Park and Museum- Anything is Possible Living History Performance.

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

Make it for Mom- Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. 205-324-1911. www.slossfurnaces.com.

Vulcan Park and Museum Exhibition- The Restoration of Vulcan: A Collision of Art and Science. 205-933-1409. www.visitvulcan.com.

Birmingham Museum Of Art Mary Lucier- The Plains of Sweet Regret- 205-254-2565. www.artsbma.org.

Pepper Place Saturday MarketEvery Saturday. 205-802-2100. www.pepperplacemarket.com.

Bessemer Flea Market- 205-425-8510.

Birmingham Race Course- Live greyhound racing and simulcast. 205-838-7500. www.birminghamracecourse.com.

7-10 Red Mountain Theatre Company

Birmingham Barons AA Baseball-205-988-3200. www.barons.com.

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

5-7 Alabama State Fairgrounds Flea Market1-800-3MARKET.

8-9 Trussville Dog Daze Festival- 205-6557535. www.trussvillechamber.com.

7 Vulcan’s 105th Birthday Bash- 205-933-1409. www.visitvulcan.com.

9-10 The Summit Arts Festival- 205-967-0111. www.thesummitonline.com.

13-17 Region’s Charity Classic presented

by Bruno’s Supermarket- Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge. 205-967-4745. www.regionscharityclassic.com.

20-24 SEC Baseball TournamentRegions Park. 205-967-4745. www.secsports.com.

24 Jazz Jam Fest- 205-254-2731. www.jazzhall.com.

19-21 21st Annual City Stages- World-class music festival. Downtown Birmingham.

205-251-1272. www.citystages.org.

Alabama Sports Festival 2009- 800-467-0422. www.alagames.com.

28 Jazz Jam Fest- Carver Theatre.

205-254-2731. www.jazzhall.com.

Event times and dates are subject to change.

Please call ahead to confirm before making arrangements.

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.2XWGRRU,QYHVWPHQW.com

Map not to Scale.

Map sponsored by the

Independent Restaurants

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0

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

Eat Responsibly.

Eat Locally. www.birminghamoriginals.org

q Icon w Irondale Café e John’s City Diner

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

o Ocean p Open Door a Silvertron CafĂŠ

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.

Map not to Scale. s Sol y Luna d Standard Bistro f Tedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

g The Bright Star Restaurant h The J. Clyde j V. Richards

DISCOVER WHAT’S NEW AT OVER 100 FINE SHOPPES AND RESTAURANTS, INCLUDING: BELK | SAKS FIFTH AVENUE | BANANA REPUBLIC | J. CREW | URBAN OUTFITTERS ANTHROPOLOGIE | ANN TAYLOR | AVEDA | WHITE HOUSE | BLACK MARKET VERA BRADLEY | GREENHOUSE DAY SPA | SEPHORA | L’OCCITANE | BCBG WILLIAMS-SONOMA | POTTERY BARN | BARNES & NOBLE | CHEESECAKE FACTORY FLEMING’S | CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN | P.F. CHANG’S | CARMIKE THEATRES Hwy. 280 & I-459 | For more information, call 205.967.0111 or visit 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.

CityVision Host Hotels

Check in. tune in.

CityVision.

CityVision is your 24Hour in-Room Hotel television network for all the hottest places to dine, shop and play in the Birmingham/ Hoover metro area.

Check out our online videos and sponsor listings at www.cityvision.tv

Advertise with us!

Call (205) 595-0809 for information.

CHAnnel

Hilton Garden inn & suites liberty Park

2

Baymont inns & suites Vestavia Hills

57

Best Western Bessemer

20

Best Western Birmingham Airport

77

Best Western Carlton suites Hotel

21

Best Western Gardendale

14

Best Western Medical Center

4

Best Western Mountain Brook

14

spring Hill inn & suites

2

Birmingham Marriott*

2

Candlewood suites

16

Comfort inn & suites

75

Comfort inn & suites

3

Comfort inn Bessemer

4

Comfort inn Colonnade

14

Courtyard by Marriott

33

Courtyard by Marriott UAB*

18

Courtyard by Marriott Colonnade

19

Courtyard by Marriott Hoover

30

Drury inn & suites

14

Drury inn & suites â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Wildwood

14

embassy suites Hotel*

4

Hampton inn Fultondale

40

Hampton inn Mountain Brook

24

Hampton inn trussville

4

Hampton inn Wildwood

75

Hilton Birmingham Perimeter Park*

2

Hilton Garden inn lakeshore

40

Historic Redmont Hotel

56

Holiday inn Airport

20

Holiday inn express

14

Holiday inn express - Bessemer

4

Holiday inn express Fultondale

40

Holiday inn express irondale

20

Holiday inn express trussville

18

Homewood suites by Hilton

30

Hyatt Place Hoover

2

Hyatt Place inverness

20

Ramada inn oxmoor

14

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & spa* 76 Residence inn by Marriott inverness

18

Residence inn by Marriott Homewood

61

sheraton Hotel Birmingham*

16

Holiday inn & suites Wildwood

tBD

the Wynfrey Hotel*

2

*Denotes hotels on CityVisionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Digital network