Fall / Winter
2010 Celebrating the Year of Small Towns and Downtowns Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau www.inbirmingham.com
2010-2011 Tourist Guide
the YEAR of PHOTOGRAPHY at the BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM of ART // SEPTEMBER 2010 – SEPTEMBER 2011
GET PERSPECTIVE
EXPLORE theWORLD WARHOL: PORTRAIT STUDIES // DISCOVER YOURSELF SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2010
2000 REV ABRAHAM WOODS JR BLVD · BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35203 · 205.254.2565
WWW.ARTSBMA.ORG COLLECTORS CIRCLE LECTURE //
ANDY WARHOL PAINTS A PORTRAIT // FRIDAY · OCTOBER 22 · 2010 · 6PM THE JOHN MORTON LECTURE IN PHOTOGRAPHY // CARLIN WING // THURSDAY · NOVEMBER 4 · 2010 · 6PM IN FRIENDSHIP: GIFTS FROM DAVID AND NATALIE SPERLING // NOVEMBER 7 · 2010 – FEBRUARY 6 · 2011 DARKROOM: PHOTOGRAPHY AND NEW MEDIA IN SOUTH AFRICA // JANUARY 30 – APRIL 17 · 2011 WHO SHOT ROCK & ROLL: A PHOTOGRAPHIC HISTORY, 1955 TO THE PRESENT // JUNE 24 – SEPTEMBER 18 · 2011
Clockwise from Top: Caroline Ireland, 1979, Polacolor Type 108, Andy Warhol. © 2010 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Untitled, 1999 print from the original negative, late1960s-early 1970s, Sukhdeo Bobson Mohanlall (South African, 1928-2003). Courtesy of Lisa Brittan and Gary van Wyk, Axis Gallery, West Orange, New Jersey. Darkroom: Photography and New Media in South Africa has been organized by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The Ramones, 1977, silver gelatin print, Ian Dickson. Courtesy of Ian Dickson/www. late20thcenturyboy.com. Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present has been organized by the Brooklyn Museum. General exhibition support is provided by the City of Birmingham and the Alabama State Council on the Arts, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
A Destination City View our Restaurant Guide and more at www.hooveral.org/visitors
WELCOME
Beauty, Class, Okra, Charm, James Beard and Shopping
S
omething we hear time and again from first time visitors to Birmingham is that they never realized the beauty of the area. With the foothills of the Appalachians as a dramatic backdrop, the city is laid out on a series of lush rolling hills, with woodland-covered neighborhoods just minutes from downtown. That this Southern city has its own cosmopolitan personality is another eye-opener to visitors. It’s hip without being pretentious. It’s very cool without the exertion. So if you thought you were coming to Waffle House—not that there’s anything wrong with that—you’re coming to the Tapas Bar instead. Should you have us pigeonholed as serving only barbeque and fried pies, just remember that Birmingham is home to “the Oscars of dining” with James Beard Foundation winners and nominees. Anyone visiting the city should take great delight in the beauty of Southern cooking here as well. No one wants to leave without a meal of catfish, fried okra, fresh corn, tomatoes ripened on the vine, cornbread, all topped off by hot, deep dish peach cobbler. The area’s antique shops are becoming places of legend in upscale lifestyle magazines around the country. Unusual pieces still can be found at reasonable prices, especially in the 2 Birmingham Tourist Guide
shops along the main drag in the Birmingham suburb of Homewood. Trendy malls have taken root all over the area, bringing the posh, highend shops to the state’s retail giant. The city’s downtown has its own shopping character with excellent selections of retro kitsch, gift shops and music stores. The city has become something of a colony with recent openings of dozens of new art galleries of every sort. Clusters of galleries near the downtown area are giving art enthusiasts and collectors wide options on paintings, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, fine art and funk art. Wine enthusiasts will want to take home samples of the bottled goodness found along the local Wine Trail, especially delicate peach wines made from local fruit. Some of the best golf on earth can be found at public courses in the area, including Birmingham’s two challenging courses along the state’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. And as you’ll find in this guide, Birmingham has plenty of other attractions---from the historic Civil Rights District to splashy water fun at the theme park. It is diversity of every sort that is this city’s greatest strength and strongest appeal. And it is charm and entertainment that bring people back time and again to enjoy Birmingham.
Birmingham’s Colorful History
B
irmingham has been through a lot for a city so young. Unlike many older cities, Birmingham, now in its 139th 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 37 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.
Contents 4 6 20 38 42 46 50 56 78
Information Central Lodging Attractions Shopping Arts Antiques Entertainment Dining After Dark
83 90
Outdoors Golf
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.inbirmingham.com 3
Tourist Information Airport Visitor Center Lower Level 205-458-8002
Downtown Visitor Center The Birmingham Shop
Vulcan Park and Museum Visitor Center
2200 9th Avenue North, 205-458-8000 800-458-8085
1701 Valley View Drive, 205-458-8000
Helpful Information Area code: 205
Convention and Visitors Bureau: 205-458-8000;
Altitude: 620 average feet; ranging between 538
and 1,200
800-458-8085 Birmingham business alliance:
205-324-2100
Area: 3,358 square miles – Metropolitan
Statistical Area – Jefferson, Blount, St. Clair, Shelby and Walker Counties Churches: More than 1,300, all major
Population: Metro – just over one million Library: 205-226-3600 Travelers Aid Society: 205-322-5426
denominations
Parks: 205-254-2391 (city), 800-252-7275 (state)
Birmingham shuttlesworth International
CAP (City Action Partners) Got a flat? Lock your keys in the car? Mon-Fri, 7 am to midnight; Sat 11 am to 7 pm. 205-251-0111 (downtown only)
Airport: 205-595-0533 Better Business Bureau: 205-558-2222 Television Stations: 7 commercial, 3
independents and 1 public educational station, several cable stations. Radio Stations: 14 AM stations and 18 FM
Laws to know: Use safety belts. Turn on headlights during rain. Drinking age 21. Liquor sales at package and grocery stores after noon Sundays.
stations. Also, 1 Spanish station. Newspapers: One daily (The Birmingham News,
Emergencies— for emergencies call 911
morning) plus weeklies and monthlies.
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
Rental Car Agencies
Accessible Transportation
Acclaim Auto Rental — 205-663-5024
Jefferson County
Acton Limousine Coach — 205-408-7723
Wheelchair Accessible
w Max Vip — 205-521-0101 w Clastran — 205-325-8787 w Buzz-A-Bus — 205-879-3438 w Fresh Air — 205-744-7475 w J&B Passenger Service —
Affordable Limousine, LLC — 205-251-5466 Alamo Rent A Car — 205-591-4395 Ambassador Limousine — 205-987-5466 Avis Rent A Car — 205-592-8901 Birmingham Limousine — 205-822-8600
205-781-5702
Budget Rent A Car — 205-322-3596
w Special Needs Transportation — 205-821-3736
Burkes Brothers Classic Limousine Service — 205-324-9677
Ground Transportation
Camelot Limousine Bus Charters & Tours — 205-525-1721 Carey Limousine — 205-591-5959 or 322-8810
Airport Express — 205-591-7770
Dollar Rent A Car — 800-800-4000
American Cab Co. — 205-322-2222
Enterprise Rent A Car — 205-592-4559 or 591-1927
Birmingham Door To Door —
executive shuttle — 205-702-4566
205-591-5550
Hertz Rent A Car — 205-591-6090
Executive Shuttle Network(eShuttle) — 205-702-4566
Larry’s Limos — 205-999-4201
R. C. American Cab — 205-960-1114
National Car Rental — 205-592-7259
Yellow Cab — 205-252-1131 or
Royal Transportation & Booking Agency — 205-929-3904
328-4444
Hospitals with Emergency Rooms Birmingham VA Medical Center — 205-933-8101, 700 19th St. S., 35233 Brookwood Medical Center — 205-877-1000, 2010 Brookwood Medical Center Dr., 35209 Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital — 205-325-8100, 1720 University Blvd. , 35233 Cooper Green Mercy Hospital — 205-930-3200, 1515 6th Ave. S., 35205 St. Vincent’s Hospital — 205-939-7000, 2800 8th Ave. S., 35205 St. Vincent’s East — 205-838-3000, 50 Medical Park East Dr., 35235 The Children’s Hospital of Alabama — 205-939-9100, 1600 7th Ave. S., 35233 Trinity Medical Center — 205-592-1000, 800 Montclair Road, 35213 UAB Medical Center West — 205-481-7000, 995 9th Ave. S.W., 35022 UAB University Hospital — 205-934-4011, 1802 6th Ave. S., 35233
Veterinary Emergency Hospitals Alabama Veterinary Specialists — 205-481-1001, 3783 Pine Lane SE, Professional Building 200, Bessemer, 35022 Emergency and Specialty Animal Medical Center — 205-967-7389 or 205-251-5696, 2864 Acton Rd.,
Birmingham, 35243 Pet Vet Animal Hospital — 205-824-2077, 2021 Kentucky Ave., Birmingham, 35216
800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 5
key to amenities
1. Aloft Birmingham Soho Square 1903 29th Avenue S, Homewood 35209 205-874-8055 / FAX 205-870-5707 www.aloftbirminghamsohosquare.com 111 rooms
free local phone calls gift shop spa kitchenette
2. 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
dry cleaning service valet service fitness center laundry
3. America’s Best Inn Birmingham Parkway East 9225 Roebuck Parkway East, Birmingham 35206-1510, 205-836-5400 / FAX 205-833-4561 www.americasbestinnbirminghamparkwayeast. com, 89 rooms
meeting space extended stay voice mail room service airport courtesy van
4. America’s Best Inns & Suites Birmingham Airport 5101 Airport Highway, Birmingham 35212-3046 205-592-6110 / FAX 205-591-5623 www.americasbestinnbirminghamairport.com 143 rooms
complimentary breakfast pool fax and copy service
5. America’s Best Value Inn - Bessemer/ Birmingham 1121 9th Avenue SW, Bessemer 35022-7802 205-424-9780 / FAX 205-982-5227 www.americasbestvalueinn.com, 140 rooms
lounge restaurant suites business center pets allowed
6 Birmingham Tourist Guide
6. America’s Best Value Inn - Irondale 1813 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham 35210-2031 205-956-3650 / FAX 205-951-5892 www.bestvalueinn.com, 86 rooms
7. America’s Best Value Inn - Leeds 1093 Higrove Parkway, Leeds 35094-1700 205-702 2700 / FAX 205-702 2700 www.americasbestvalueinn.com, 42 rooms
8. American Interstate Motel 5921 1st Ave N, Birmingham 35212-1607 205-595-4609, 29 rooms
9. Anchor Motel 4121 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham 35222-1918, 205-595-6157, 24 rooms
10. Anchor Motel Eastlake 8420 First Avenue North, Birmingham 35206-2704, 205-833-3414, 28 rooms
11. Apex Motel 1900 33rd Avenue North, Birmingham 35207-3338, 205-328-0080, 28 rooms
12. Bama Motel 6712 First Avenue North, Birmingham 35206-5016, 205-833-7141, 20 rooms
13. Baymont Inn & Suites Birmingham/ Vestavia 1466 Montgomery Highway, Birmingham 35216-3607, 1-877-229-6668 / FAX 205-8229421, www.baymontinns.com, 123 rooms
14. Bessemer Hotel & Suites 5041 Academy Lane, Bessemer 35022-5250 205-481-1950 / FAX 205-481-2597, 70 rooms
15. Best Western Carlton Suites Hotel 140 State Farm Parkway, Birmingham 35209-7186, 205-940-9990 / FAX 205-940-9930 www.carltonsuiteshotel.com , 102 rooms
16. Best Western Gardendale 842 Thompson Street, Gardendale 35071-4602 205-631-1181 / FAX 205-631-1066 www.book.bestwestern.com, 59 rooms
17. Best Western Mountain Brook 4627 US Hwy 280 S, Birmingham 35242-5039 205-991-9977 / FAX 205-995-0570 www.bestwesternalabama.com/hotels/bestwestern-mountain-brook 102 rooms
18. Birmingham Garden Inn & Suites 7901 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham 35210-2611 205-951-0700 / FAX 205-313-3701, 102 rooms
800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 7
24. Clarion Hotel & Conference Center 5216 Messer Airport Highway, Birmingham 35212-3033, 205-591-7900 / FAX 205-591-6004 www.clarionhotel.com, 197 rooms
25. Cobb Lane Bed and Breakfast 1309 19th Street S, Birmingham 35205-4801 205-918-9090, www.cobblanebandb.com 7 rooms 19. Birmingham Marriott 3590 Grandview Parkway, Birmingham 35243-1946, 205-968-3775 / FAX 205-968-4517 www.birminghammarriott.com , 295 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, Homewood 35209-4793 205-942-2041, www.rodewayinn.com, 193 rooms
22. Budget Motel 1548 Bankhead Hwy W, Birmingham 35214-4847, 205-798-8444, 30 rooms
23. Budget Motel Bessemer 3010 9th Avenue N, Bessemer 35020-3546 205-428-9888, 35 rooms
26. Comfort Inn & Suites Colonnade 4400 Colonnade Parkway, Birmingham 35243-3365, 205-968-3700 / FAX 205-968-0997 www.choicehotels.com, 67 rooms
27. Comfort Inn & Suites Trussville 4740 Norrell Dr, Trussville 35173-2634 205-661-3636 / FAX 205-661-3646 www.comfortinn.com, 66 rooms
28. Comfort Inn Airport 4965 Montevallo Rd, Birmingham 35210-2418 205-957-0084 / FAX 205-314-2400 www.comfortinn.com, 83 rooms
29. Comfort Inn Bessemer 5051 Academy Lane, Bessemer 35022-5250 205-428-3999 / FAX 205-428-8053 www.comfortinn.com/hotel-bessemer-alabama 59 rooms
For locations see fold out map in back of guide 8 Birmingham Tourist Guide
Golf worthy of the pros. Pampering designed for a diva. At Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & 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 earned our AAA Four-Diamond rating. For more information or to make reservations, call 800 593 6419.
Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa 4000 Grand Avenue | Birmingham, AL 35226 t: 205 916 7677 | f: 205 945 8218 | rossbridgeresort.com A part of the Resort Collection on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail © 2009 Renaissance Hotel Holdings, Inc.
30. Comfort Inn Fairfield 6400 Kelco Place, Fairfield 35064-1828 205-780-5155 / FAX 205-780-2855 www.comfortinn.com/hotel-fairfield-alabamaAL275, 80 rooms
31. Comfort Inn Homewood 226 Summit Pkwy, Homewood 35209-4732 205-916-0464 / FAX 205-916-0298 www.choicehotels.com/hotel/AL339 115 rooms
32. Comfort Suites Fultondale 1325 Old Walker Chapel Rd, Fultondale 35068-1659, 205-259-2160 / FAX 205-259-2170 www.choicehotels.com/hotel/al222 , 70 rooms
33. Country Inn & Suites Bessemer 4985 Academy Ct, Bessemer 35022-5250 205-481-0007 / FAX 205-481-0070 www.countryinns.com/hotels/albessem 66 rooms
34. Country Inn & Suites Homewood 485 Wildwood North Circle, Homewood 35209, 205-451-4000 www.countryinns.com/hotels/alhomewd 70 rooms
35. Courtyard by Marriott Birmingham Downtown/UAB 1820 5th Avenue South, Birmingham 35233-1809, 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/bhmsc , 122 rooms
37. Courtyard by Marriott Homewood 500 Shades Creek Parkway, Homewood 35209-4418, 205-879-0400 / FAX 205-879-6324 www.marriott.com/bhmhw
38. Courtyard by Marriott Hoover 1824 Montgomery Hwy S, Hoover 35244-1208 205-988-5000 / FAX 205-988-4659 www.marriott.com/bhmho, 153 rooms
39. Courtyard by Marriott Trussville 3665 Roosevelt Blvd, Birmingham 35235 205-661-2280 / FAX 205-661-2281 www.marriott.com/bhmtv, 84 rooms
40. Days Inn Birmingham 905 11th Court West, Birmingham 35204-1806 205-324-4510 / FAX 205-326-4360 www.daysinn.com/DaysInn106 rooms
41. Days Inn Fultondale 616 Decatur Highway, Fultondale 35068-0476 205-849-0111 / FAX 205-849-9367 www.daysinn.com/DaysInn 98 rooms
10 Birmingham Tourist Guide
1 Chase Corporate Drive, Ste 210, Birmingham, AL 35244 Ph 205-879-7004 • Sales Direct 205-966-9020
www.hp-hotels.com
“Everywhere You Want to Go”
Various locations in Birmingham for large and small groups
1 Embassy Suites Hoover - Opens 1st Qtr 2010 2960 John Hawkins Parkway Birmingham, AL 35244, 205-985-9994 2 Hilton Garden Inn - Lakeshore 520 Wildwood Circle North Birmingham, AL 35209, 205-314-0274
79
65 20
4 5
3 Hampton Inn - Lakeshore
30 State Farm Parkway Birmingham, AL 35209, 205-313-2060
459 45 9
4 Holiday Inn Express - Irondale 811 Old Grant Mill Road Birmingham, AL 35210, 205-957-0555
6
5 Hampton Inn & Suites - Irondale
280 0
3930 Grants Mill Road Birmingham, AL 35210, 205-933-0444
6 Hilton Garden Inn - Liberty Park 2090 Urban Center Parkway Birmingham, AL 35242, 205-503-5220 7 Holiday Inn Express - Hwy 280/Inverness 156 Resource Parkway Birmingham, AL 35242, 205-776-6370
3 2 9 7
65
8
8 Wingate by Wyndham - Hwy 280
800 Corporate Ridge Birmingham, AL 35242, 205-995-8586
9 Holiday Inn - Homewood
492 Wildwood Circle North Birmingham, AL 35209, 205-942-6070
280
459 45 9
1 150
twitter.com/hphotels 65 31
www.facebook.com/pages/ Birmingham-AL/HP-Hotels
42. Days Inn Galleria 1800 Riverchase Drive, Hoover 35244-1008 205-985-7500 / FAX 205-733-8122 www.daysinn.com/DaysInn, 138 rooms
43. Delux Inn & Suites 7905 Crestwood Boulevard, Birmingham 35210-2698, 205-956-4440, 77 rooms
44. DoubleTree Hotel Birmingham 808 20th Street South, Birmingham 35205-2795 205-933-9000 / FAX 205-933-0920 www.birmingham.doubletree.com, 298 rooms
45. Drury Inn & Suites Birmingham Southeast 3510 Grandview Pkwy, Birmingham 35243-1929 205-967-2450 / FAX 205-967-6455 www.druryhotels.com/properties/birmingham. cfm, 151 rooms
46. Drury Inn & Suites Southwest 160 State Farm Parkway, Birmingham 35209-7186, 205-940-9500 / FAX 205-940-9500 www.druryhotels.com/properties/ birminghamsw.cfm, 139 rooms
47. Econolodge Oxmoor 195 Oxmoor Road, Homewood 35209-5956 205-941-0990 / FAX 205-941-1527 www.choicehotels.com/hotel/al114 153 rooms
12 Birmingham Tourist Guide
48. Economy Inn 1011 9th Avenue SW, Bessemer 35022-4529 205-424-9690 / FAX 205-425-5955, 122 rooms
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 Birmingham/Hoover 2960 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover 35244 205-985-9994 www.birminghamhoover.embassysuites.com 208 rooms
51. Fairfield Inn & Suites Birmingham Fultondale/I-65 1795 Morris Avenue, Fultondale 35068 205-849-8484 / FAX 205-849-7373 www.marriott.com/bhmbf , 75 rooms
52. Fairfield Inn & Suites Birmingham/ Bessemer 4980 Academy Court, Bessemer 35022-5471 205-277-1700 / FAX 205-277-1701 www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bhmbbfairfield-inn-and-suites-birmingham-bessemer 76 rooms
53. Fairfield Inn Birmingham Inverness 707 Key Drive, Birmingham 35242 205-991-1055 / FAX 205-991-2066 www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bhmfi-fairfieldinn-birmingham-inverness, 63 rooms
54. Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham-East I-20 3910 Grants Mill Road, Irondale 35210 205-933-0444 / FAX 205-933-0777 www.hamptoninn.hilton.com 99 rooms
55. Hampton Inn & Suites Hoover-Galleria 4520 Galleria Blvd, Birmingham 35244-5304 205-380-3300 / FAX 205-989-8524 www.birminghamriverchasesuites. hamptoninn.com 102 rooms
56. Hampton Inn Bessemer 4910 Civic Lane, Bessemer 35022-7820 205-425-2010 / FAX 205-425-1630 www.bessemer.hamptoninn.com 84 rooms
Sheraton Ad.pdf
1/27/10
57. Hampton Inn Colonnade 3400 Colonnade Pkwy, Birmingham 35243-2355 205-967-0002 / FAX 205-969-0901 www.birminghamcolonnade.hamptoninn.com 133 rooms
58. Hampton Inn Fultondale 1716 Fulton Rd, Fultondale 35068-1669 205-439-6700 / FAX 205-439-6701 www.fultondale.hamptoninn.com, 65 rooms
59. Hampton Inn I-65/Lakeshore Drive 30 State Farm Parkway, Birmingham 35209 205-313-2060 / FAX 205-313-2070 www.birminghamlakeshoredrive. hamptoninn.com 97 rooms
60. Hampton Inn Leeds 310 Rex Lake Road, Leeds 35094 205-702-4141, www.birminghamleeds. hamptoninn.com, 105 rooms
3:45:15 PM
800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.org 13
61. 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
62. Hampton Inn Trussville 1940 Edwards Lake Road, Birmingham 35235-3716, 205-655-9777 / FAX 205-655-0181 www.birminghamtrussville.hamptoninn.com 78 rooms
63. Hilton Birmingham Perimeter Park 8 Perimeter Park S, Birmingham 35243-2326 205-967-2700 / FAX 205-972-8603 www.birminghamperimeterpark.hilton.com 205 rooms
64. 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
65. Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham/Trussville 3230 Edwards Lake Parkway, Birmingham 35235, 205-655-5222 www.birminghamtrussville.hgi.com 104 rooms
14 Birmingham Tourist Guide
66. Hilton Garden Inn Liberty Park 2090 Urban Center Pkwy., Vestavia Hills 35242 205-503-5220 / FAX 205-503-5221 www.birminghamselibertypark.stayhgi.com 130 rooms
67. Hiway Host Motel 4301 Bessemer Super Hwy, Bessemer 35020-2494, 205-425-4352, 35 rooms
68. Holiday Inn Airport 5000 Richard Arrington Blvd N, Birmingham 35212-1497, 205-591-6900 / FAX 205-591-2093 www.holidayinn.com/bhm-airport 220 rooms
69. Holiday Inn Birmingham-Homewood 492 Wildwood Circle N, Homewood 35209 205-942-6070, www.holidayinn.com/ homewoodal, 110 rooms
70. Holiday Inn Express Fultondale 1733 Fulton Rd, Fultondale 35068-1669 205-439-6300 / FAX 205-439-6301 www.hiexpress.com/bhm-fultondale 67 rooms
71. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Bessemer 5001 Academy Drive, Bessemer 35022-5250 205-424-2600 / FAX 205-428-9972 www.hiexpress.com/bessemeral 63 rooms
72. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Mountain Brook 156 Resource Center Parkway, Birmingham 35242, 205-776-6370 / FAX 205-776-6389 www.hiexpress.com/inverness280, 96 rooms
78. Hospitality Inn 2127 7th Avenue South, Birmingham 35233-3105, 205-322-0691, 50 rooms
79. 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 73. Holiday Inn Express Irondale 811 Old Grants Mill Road, Irondale 35210-1233 205-957-0555 / FAX 205-957-0559 www.birminghameasti20suites.hamptoninn.com 100 rooms
74. Holiday Inn Express Trussville 5911 Valley Road, Trussville 35173-1071 205-655-2700 / FAX 205-655-5500 www.hiexpress.com/trussvilleal, 64 rooms
80. Howard Johnson Inn Birmingham 275 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham 35209-4705 205-942-0919 / FAX 205-942-1679 www.hojo.com/HowardJohnson/control/ Booking/property_info?propertyId=02254 100 rooms
81. Hyatt Place Birmingham/Hoover 2980 John Hawkins Parkway, Birmingham 35244-1087, 205-988-8444 / FAX 205-988-8407 www.birminghamhoover.place.hyatt.com 128 rooms 75. Holiday Inn John Hawkins Pkwy (Opening September 2010) 2901 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover 35244 205-999-5764, www.holidayinn.com/hotels/us/ en/hoover/bhmgb/hoteldetail 112 rooms 76. Homestead Studio Suites 12 Perimeter Park South, Birmingham 35243-2326, 205-967-3800 / FAX 205-967-0025 www.homesteadhotels.com, 137 rooms
77. Homewood Lodge 103 Greensprings Hwy, Birmingham 35209-4903, 205-942-1263 / FAX 205-942-1219 48 rooms
82. Hyatt Place Downtown 2024 4th Avenue S, Birmingham 35205 205-322-8600 www.birminghamdowntown.place.hyatt.com/ hyatt/hotels/place/index.jsp, 147 rooms
83. InTown Suites 90 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham 35209-6410 205-945-9154 / FAX 205-290-0306 www.intownsuites.com/detail_hotel. asp?id=3936, 150 rooms
For locations see fold out map in back of guide 800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 15
84. Intown Suites Birmingham North 1100 Huffman Road, Birmingham 35215-7502 205-856-4929, www.intownsuites.com/detail_ hotel.asp?id=3935, 137 rooms
85. Jameson Inn Bessemer 5021 Academy Lane, Bessemer 35022-5250 205-428-3194 / FAX 205-428-2690 www.jamesoninns.com 60 rooms
86. Jameson Inn Trussville 4730 Norrel Drive, Trussville 35173-2634 205-661-9323 / FAX 205-655-9331 www.jamesoninns.com/Hotel_Detail. asp?pHotelID=SJ1440 60 rooms
16 Birmingham Tourist Guide
87. Kings Inn Civic Center/ UAB 1313 Third Avenue North, Birmingham 35203-1730, 205-323-8806 / FAX 205-323-5591 www.kingsinnbirmingham.110mb.com 147 rooms
88. La Quinta Inn & Suites - B’ham/ Homewood 60 State Farm Parkway, Homewood 35209-7179 205-290-0150 / FAX 205-290-0850 www.lq.com/lq/reservations, 129 rooms
89. La Quinta Inn & Suites Fultondale 1207 Boots Blvd, Fultondale 35068 205-949-8700 / FAX 205-949-8701 www.lq.com/lq/properties, 66 rooms
90. La Quinta Inn Birmingham 513 Cahaba Park Circle, Birmingham 35242-5011, 205-995-9990 / FAX 205-995-0563 www.lq.com/lq/properties, 99 rooms
91. Medical Center Inn- UAB 800 11th Street South, Birmingham 35205-4666 205-933-1900 / FAX 205-933-8476 www.MedicalCenter-Inn.com, 190 rooms
92. Microtel Inn & Suites Gardendale 850 Odum Road, Gardendale 35071-4618 800-771-7171 / FAX 205-631-6450 www.microtelinn.com, 81 rooms
93. Microtel Inn & Suites Hoover 500 Jackson Dr, Hoover 35244-1031 205-444-3033 / FAX 205-444-9091 www.hoovermicrotel.com , 59 rooms
94. Microtel Inn Birmingham 251 Summit Pkwy, Homewood 35209-4731 205-945-5550 / FAX 205-945-8823 www.microtelinn.com, 102 rooms
95. Motel 6 Bessemer 1000 Shiloh Lane, Bessemer 35022-4596 205-426-9646 / FAX 205-426-9305 www.motel6.com/reservations, 121 rooms
96. Motel 6 Birmingham 151 Vulcan Road, Birmingham 35209-4701 205-942-9414 / FAX 205-942-9499 www.motel6.com/reservations 96 rooms
97. Motel 8 Inn 5009 First Avenue North, Birmingham 35212-3101, 40 rooms
98. Quality Inn Homewood 155 Vulcan Rd, Homewood 35209-4701 205-945-9600 / FAX 205-945-5706 www.qualityinn.com, 132 rooms
99. Quality Inn Irondale 3910 Kilgore Memorial Dr, Irondale 35210-1204, 205-956-4100 / FAX205-956-0906 www.qualityinn.com, 70 rooms
100. Quality Inn Vestavia 1485 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills 35216-3633, 205-823-4300 / FAX205-823-6535 www.qualityinn.com, 160 rooms
101. Relax Inn 6101 First Avenue North, Birmingham 35212-1611, 205-591-5575 / FAX 205-595-1740 42 rooms
102. Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa 4000 Grand Avenue, Birmingham 35226-6201 205-916-7677 / FAX 205-942-7080 www.rossbridgeresort.com, 258 rooms
103. Residence Inn Birmingham Downtown @ UAB 821 20th Street S, Birmingham 35205-2713 800-331-3131 / FAX 205-731-9596 www.marriott.com/bhmri, 129 rooms
800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 17
108. Siesta Motel 2510 Crestwood Boulevard, Birmingham 35210-2094, 205-956-1400, 99 rooms
109. Sky Inn 6000 First Avenue North, Birmingham 35212-1610, 205-592-0153, 30 rooms
110. Sleep Inn Bessemer 1259 Greenmor Drive, Bessemer 35022-6437 205-424-0000 / FAX 205-424-1971 www.sleepinn.com/hotel-bessemer-alabamaAL445, 73 rooms 104. Residence Inn Homewood 50 State Farm Parkway, Homewood 35209-7179 205-943-0044 / FAX 205-943-0668 www.marriott.com/BHMHM, 120 rooms
105. Residence Inn Hoover 2725 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover 35244-4004, 205-733-1655 / FAX 205-733-1656 www.residenceinnbirminghamhoover.com 118 rooms
106. Rime Garden Inn & Suites 5320 Beacon Drive, Birmingham 35210-2820 205-951-1200 / FAX 205-951-1692 www.rimehotel.com, 127 rooms
107. Sheraton Birmingham Hotel 2101 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham 35203-1101, 205-324-5000 / FAX 205-307-3045 www.sheraton.com/birmingham, 770 rooms
111. Southern Comfort Motel 725 Third Avenue West, Birmingham 35204-4018, 205-785-9823 / FAX 205-785-9823 ext 214, 25 rooms
112. Springhill Suites by Marriott 3950 Colonnade Pkwy, Birmingham 35243 205-969-8099 / FAX 205-969-8098 www.marriott.com/BHMCO, 120 rooms
113. StudioPLUS Deluxe Studios Birmingham Inverness 101 Cahaba Park Cir., Birmingham 35242 205-408-0107 / FAX 205-408-6072 www.studioplus.com, 77 rooms
114. StudioPLUS Deluxe Studios Birmingham Wildwood 40 State Farm Parkway, Homewood 35209-7179, 205-290-0102 / FAX 205-912-2092 www.studioplus.com, 72 rooms
For locations see fold out map in back of guide 18 Birmingham Tourist Guide
115. Sun Inn 1573 Bessemer Road, Birmingham 35208-4094, 33 rooms
116. Sun Suites of Birmingham 424 Commons Dr, Homewood 35209-6963 205-942-1155 / FAX 205-942-1685 www.sunsuites.com, 135 rooms
122. Travelodge 1066 Forestdale Boulevard, Forestdale 35214-3856, 205-798-3831 / FAX 205-987-2233 33 rooms
123. Tutwiler Hotel Hampton Inn & Suites 2021 Park Place, Birmingham 35203-2717 205-322-2100 / FAX 205-325-1183 www.thetutwilerhotel.com, 149 rooms
117. Super 8 Fultondale Birmingham 624 Decatur Highway, Fultondale 35068-1801 205-841-2200 / FAX 205-841-6011 www.super8.com, 126 rooms
118. Super 8 Homewood Birmingham Area 140 Vulcan Road, Birmingham 35209-4702 205-945-9888 / FAX 205-945-9928 www.super8.com, 95 rooms
119. The Redmont Hotel 2101 5th Avenue North, Birmingham 35203-3305, 205-324-2101 / FAX 205-324-0610 www.theredmont.com, 114 rooms
124. USA Economy Lodge Homewood 400 Beacon Parkway W, Birmingham 35209-3106, 205-942-2031 www.usaeconomyhotels.com, 190 rooms
125. USA Economy Lodge Irondale 7941 Crestwood Boulevard, Birmingham 35210-2697, 205-956-8211 / FAX 205-956-1234 www.usaeconomyhotels.com 206 rooms
126. Value Place Hotel 5535 Academy Drive, Bessemer 35022 205-428-4140 / FAX 205-424-7128 www.valueplace.com, 124 rooms 120. Tourway Inn 1101 Sixth Avenue North, Birmingham 35203-1503, 205-252-3921 / FAX 205-252-3921 70 rooms
121. 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
127. Wynfrey Hotel 1000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover 35244-2399 205-987-1600 / FAX 205-988-4597 www.wynfrey.com 329 rooms
800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 19
Alabama Adventure 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 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 20 Birmingham Tourist Guide
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. 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Guided Tours: Tues., Wed., and Fri. 10:00 AM– 2:00 PM, Sat. after 2:00 PM. Closed Sun. and Mon. Admission charged. {1631 4th Ave. North, 205-254-2731, www.jazzhall.com} 3. Alabama Museum of the Health Sciences Housed within the Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences on the campus of UAB, the Alabama Museum of the Health Sciences was established to document the growth and development of education, research and practice in the field of health sciences in Alabama. Dr.
Walker Reynolds, Jr., an Alabama medical pioneer, donated to the permanent holdings of the museum a number of surgical instruments he invented. Free Admission. {Lister Hill Library, 1700 University Blvd, 205-934-4475, www.uab.edu/historical/museum.html} 4. 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}
dence. AmericanVillage is also available for meetings, corporate events and weddings. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekends scheduled for private events/special events only. Admission charged. {3727 Highway 119, 205-665-3535 or 877-811-1776, www.americanvillage.org} 8. 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
5. 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} 6. 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., 205-682-8019, www.aldridgegardens.com} 7. 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 indepen-
Something You Should Know: • With a metropolitan population of
nearly a million people, Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama
• Should you have Birmingham
pigeonholed as serving only barbeque and fried pies, just remember that the city is home to “the Oscars of dining” with James Beard Foundation winners and nominees.
• With more than 1,000 acres for
biking and hiking, Birmingham’s Ruffner Mountain is just a five-minute drive from downtown.
800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 21
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum 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}
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}
9. Barber Motorsports Park The Barber Motorsports Park is also the home 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}
11. 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}
10. 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.
12. 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
22 Birmingham Tourist Guide
Photograph: Jeffrey greenberg
Birmingham’s Best Must See Spot for Visitors! “Best of the Best” 2004 - 2008 - The Birmingham News
Spectacular City Views Interactive Museum for All Ages Beautiful Park and Picnic Areas World’s Largest Cast Iron Statue
Open 7 Days a Week
visitvulcan.com
Vulcan® VulcanPark Parkand andMuseum Museum••1701 1701Valley ValleyView ViewDrive Drive••Birmingham, Birmingham,AL AL35209 35209••205.933.1409 205.933.1409
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
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} 13. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute The Institute captures the spirit and drama of the countless individuals--both well known and unsung--who dared to confront racial discrimination and bigotry. This is a “living institution” which views the lessons of the past to chart new direction for the future. The Institute’s permanent exhibits are a 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/} 14. Birmingham History Center Located in the historic Young & Vann building, the Birmingham History Center collects artifacts to preserve and record the area’s history. Exhibits trace the history of Birmingham and
its people from early settlers to the present, including the city’s founding, “notorious Birmingham” stories and pictures; the cultural and everyday lives of people, rich and poor; the Great Depression, world wars, and of course, the mining and the steel industry. 1731 First Ave., North, 205-202-4146, www.bjhm.org 15. Birmingham Museum of Art The Birmingham Museum of Art is one of the finest regional museums in the country. The Museum has a nationally-acclaimed permanent collection of more than 22,000 works, representing cultures around the world. Of particular interest are the Charles W. Ireland Sculpture Garden, American Art Collection, Asian Art Collection, Beeson Collection of Wedgwood, Contemporary Art Collection, Hitt Collection of 18th Century French Painting and Decorative Arts, Kress Collection of Renaissance Art, Native American Art Collection and the BMA’s nationallyrecognized Visually-Impaired Program. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am - 5 pm; Sunday noon - 5 pm; closed Monday, New Year’s Day, Christmas Day and Thanksgiving. Admission is free with
For locations see fold out map in back of guide 24 Birmingham Tourist Guide
racing plus simulcast wagering from the nation’s top thoroughbred and greyhound tracks. {1000 John Rogers Drive, 205-838-7500, www.birminghamracecourse.com} 18. 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. 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} Vulcan Park and Museum the exception of special events. Donations are welcome. {2000 Eighth Avenue North, 205-254-2565 or 254-2566, www.artsbma.org} 16. 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 LinnHenley 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 resources. Monday-Tuesday 9-8, Wednesday-Saturday 9-6, Sunday 2-6. {2100 Park Place, 205-226-3600, bplonline.org} 17. 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 26 Birmingham Tourist Guide
19. 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 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. DeSoto Caverns One of the most beautiful, and historic caves in the U.S., DeSoto Caverns features a light & water show in the Great Onyx Cathedral. Learn about the prehistoric Indians who lived and died in the caverns and about moonshine making there during Prohibition. Southeast of Birmingham, 35 miles down Hwy. 280 to Childersburg. Hours: Mon – Sat, 9 am – 5:30 pm; Sunday 1 pm – 5:30 pm. Closes at 4:30 pm during the months of November – March. Admission charged. {5181 DeSoto Caverns Parkway, 256-378-7252, 800-933-CAVE (2283), www.desotocavernspark.com} Photograph: Jeffrey greenberg
Get One!
Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park
21. 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 district. Photos made at the fountain are favorites for tourists. {20th Street at 11th Avenue South} 22. 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} 23. 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 250seat theater is the stage for impressive theatrical productions, literary events and other entertainment. {200 Municipal Drive, 205-444-7888, www.hoover.lib.al.us} 24. International Motorsports Hall of Fame Preserving the history of motorsports, this sixbuilding 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.motorsportshallof-fame.com} 25. 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
For locations see fold out map in back of guide 28 Birmingham Tourist Guide
Photograph: Jeffrey greenberg
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.
am-6pm; Sun, noon – 6 pm. Admission charge. {200 19th Street N., 205-714-8300, www.mcwane.org}
27. Mercedes-Benz US International, Inc. 26. McWane Science Center A newly reopened Visitors Center serves as the Adventures in learning surround you at Mcpublic gateway to the Mercedes Benz M-Class Wane Center. The museum offers a hands-on, All Activity Vehicle assembly plant in nearby creative examination of the worlds around Vance. The history of the company is housed us in a renovated department store housing in a 24,000-square-foot showcase, the only 150,000 square feet of educational science Mercedes visitors center outside Germany. equipment, and a 42,000-square-foot IMAX Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. theater. Come McWane your brain. Hours: Closed Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays. {Visitor Jun-Aug, Mon-Sat, am – 6 pm; Sun, 11 Mercedes Dr, 205-507-2252, 08HOF309_2/3 page10 8/29/08 8:35noon AM PageCenter, 1 – 6 pm; Sep-May, Mon-Fri, 9 am-5 pm; Sat, 10 888-286-8762, www.bamabenz.com}
28. 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} 29. 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} 30. 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}
THE HEAVIEST CORNER ON EARTH
Birmingham’s Early Downtown Skyscrapers
“T
he Heaviest Corner on Earth” isn’t really the heaviest corner on earth of course. But it is a striking tribute to Birmingham’s miraculous growth in the early 1900s and an important legacy from the city’s formative years. The Heaviest Corner on Earth refers to a grouping of four early skyscrapers anchoring the downtown intersection on 20th Street and First Avenue North. The structures heralded Birmingham’s coming of age at the turn of the century when the smokestacks of heavy industry belched the soot and grime of prosperity. From 1903 to 1913 seven skyscrapers sprang up in the flourishing downtown district. The four at the main intersection created an unusual massing, setting the scale for their successors. The towering giants were monstrous in comparison to the delicate design of the 19th century buildings along First Avenue. The residents of Birmingham were sure the overwhelming dominance of these soaring structures made the intersection “the heaviest corner on earth,” and they proudly proclaimed it so. The Woodward Building on the southwest corner of the intersection was the first 30 Birmingham Tourist Guide
steel frame skyscraper in Birmingham. The building is an example of Commercial style architecture, using simple lines, little ornamentation and jutting cornices. Built in 1906 the Brown Marx Building sits on the northeast corner of the street. The second of these office towers, the building rose to an unprecedented 16 stories and is also in the Commercial architectural style. Situated on the northwest corner, the Colonial Bank Building is an elaborate 16 stories of ornamental terra cotta. Greek and Roman classical motifs and details on the façade give the building a pompous formal air. The fourth anchor is the John Hand Building, built in 1912. The 20-story tower is built in the Neo-Classical style, considered an absolute design “must” for banking institutions being built around 1910. When passersby through this busy intersection gaze upward, the massive group of buildings still has a wonderfully powerful effect. Their contemporary counterparts just a few blocks away are of course much bigger and more commanding than these turn-of-the-century skyscrapers. But standing at that intersection, surrounded by their compelling dignity, you can understand exactly why it once felt like the heaviest corner on earth.
31. 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} 32. Pepper Place The Pepper Place complex is a group of seven buildings that formerly served as a Dr. Pepper Syrup Plant and Bottling Company. The complex is considered one of the best design, furniture and arts related centers in the city. In addition to the numerous shops and businesses, Pepper Place Saturday Market is held every Saturday from the end of May until September from 7am until 12 noon. Folks line up for farm fresh vegetables, organically-grown produce, fresh flowers, baked goods, and cooking demonstrations by Birmingham’s best chefs. {2800-2900 2nd Ave. South, 205-802-2100, www.pepperplace.net}
Birmingham Museum of Art 205-426-1633, www.sharehistory.com/ westjefferson/}
33. Pioneer Homes Three restored pioneer homes on the outskirts 34. Reynolds Historical Library of Bessemer offer a glimpse into early life in Located on the campus of the University Alabama. One of the homes, the 1838 Sadler of Alabama at Birmingham, the Reynolds Plantation, is considered one of Alabama’s Historical Library houses a nationally finest examples of plantation architecture. By respected collection of rare and important appointment only - Admission charged. books, 5.5x2.95–nobleed.pdf 9/20/07 10:05:19 AM manuscripts and artifacts in the medical {c/o West Jefferson County Historical Society, sciences. Local history is represented through
800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 31
DOWNTOWN STATUARY
An Interesting Assortment of Personalities is Represented in the City’s Statues
E
verybody knows Vulcan. He’s modeled after the mythical god of fire and forge. He’s Birmingham’s most famous landmark. He’s the largest cast iron statue in the world. He watches over the city from his post on Red Mountain. Hardly a visitor comes to Birmingham without stopping in to see Vulcan. Or at least to cast an interested gaze toward his prominent position on the mountain. Vulcan’s sometimes checkered history is a fascinating story in itself, but Birmingham’s downtown also is home to other statues, less famous perhaps than Vulcan but interesting nonetheless. Sometimes rumored to be Vulcan’s sweetheart, Miss Electra crowns the Alabama Power Company building on North 18th Street. The shapely 16 ½ foot, cast bronze statue, coated with gold leaf, weighs 4,000 pounds, a mere statuette compared to Vulcan’s 56-foot, 120,000-pound frame. Legend goes that when the downtown streets are in need of paving, it is because the great Iron Man has lumbered down from the mountain, ripping up city streets in his nocturnal quest to see his beloved Miss Electra. 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. Designed by sculptor Carlo Roppa in 1986, the statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is Miss Electra’s neighbor. Dr King’s statue in nearby Kelly Ingram Park is part of the city’s Civil Rights District. The park served as a gathering spot for organizing
32 Birmingham Tourist Guide
marches and demonstrations during the early 1960s when Birmingham was the hub of the Civil Rights Movement. Other memorial artwork in the downtown area includes the bust of Tinsley R. Harrison (1900-1978), located on University Boulevard between 19th and 20th Streets. Dr. Harrison was one of the most influential physicians of the twentieth century, whose worldwide fame rested primarily within his book Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. According to the Encyclopedia of Alabama, the book remains the single-mostused and best-selling internal medicine text in the world. The piece was sculpted by Cordray Parker in 1987. In downtown Linn Park is the statue of Mary A. Cahalan (1855-1906). She was a much-loved teacher in Birmingham’s Powell School. Her likeness was sculpted by Giuseppi Moretti in 1908, five years after he created Vulcan. Also in Linn Park is the statue of the Spanish-American War Volunteer, cast in bronze in 1944. His sculptor is unknown. These are only a sampling of the varied and interesting statuary that graces downtown Birmingham.
Photograph: brent boyd
information on the cholera epidemic that almost wiped out the fledgling city in 1873. {1700 University Blvd, 205-934-4475, www.uab.edu/reynolds/} 35. Rickwood Field America’s oldest ballpark became the home of the Birmingham Barons in 1910. A massive restoration project is underway to create a baseball lover’s treasure trove of memorabilia and nostalgia at the old ballfield. Some of the biggest names in the game of baseballfrom Babe Ruth to Willie Mays, Lorenzo “Piper” Davis and Reggie Jackson- played at Rickwood. {1137 2nd Avenue W, 205-458-8161, www.rickwood.com} 36. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center (see outdoor section) 37. Samuel Ullman Museum For years, Samuel Ullman (1840-1924) and his prose poem “Youth” have been known and admired by the Japanese, but the man and his work are largely unknown in the U.S., even in Birmingham where the German Jew spent the last 40 years of his life. “Youth” of course is not a poem only for the Japanese but more a directive for the way one should live life. Pilgrimages to Birmingham are common among Japanese visitors seeking out the Samuel Ullman Museum, created to advance Ullman’s vision by examining his civic, educational, and religious ideas and endeavors. To schedule a tour call 205-934-3328 or send an email to isss@ uab.edu. {2150 15th Avenue S., www. main.uab. edu/sites/UllmanMuseum} 38. 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
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) 800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 33
Left: Moss Rock Preserve Below: McWane Science Center
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.16thstreetbaptist.org} 39. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark Sloss is a 32-acre blast furnace plant where iron was made for nearly 100 years. Now a museum of history and industry, the site preserves an extraordinary collection of buildings, industrial structures, and machinery. These industrial artifacts typify the first 100 years of Birmingham’s history and the technology that drove America’s rise to world industrial dominance. Sloss is the only 20th century blast furnace in the country that is being preserved and interpreted as a museum. It is widely rumored that Sloss is haunted by the ghost of Theopholus Calvin Jowers. Jowers, who died a fiery death in the Alice Furnace, swore that as long as there was a furnace in Jefferson County, he would be there. Tue-Sat 10 am to 4 pm; Sunday noon to 4 pm. Closed Monday. {20 32nd Street North, 205-324-1911, www.slossfurnaces.com} 34 Birmingham Tourist Guide
40. Southern Environmental Center Filled to the brim with interactive exhibits, fun trash art work, and information displays, the Environmental Center at Birmingham-Southern 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} 41. 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 top left Photograph: arik sokol
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/} 42. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park At Tannehill Historical State Park, the old Tannehill Ironworks and a large collection of 19th century cabins give visitors a glimpse into the life lived by Alabamians in the 1800s. The third weekend of each month, from March through November, shoppers and swappers come from near and far to Trade Days in search of tools, clothing, jewelry, knives, furniture and other treasures. Other events such as the dulcimer and woodcarvers show fill the schedule at Tannehill. Admission charged. {12632 Confederate Parkway, 205-477-5711, www.tannehill.org} 43. 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 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,} 44. 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. Admission charged. {1701 Valley View Drive, 205-933-1409, www.vulcanpark.org} 45. Wildlife Center at Oak Mountain State Park Located in Oak Mountain State Park, the center is Alabama’s oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation center. The center is open to the public for self-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}
Rickwood Field
100 Summers
A
merica’s oldest ballpark, Rickwood Field, celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2010. Festivities began with the annual Rickwood Classic in June and run through the remainder of the year. Located on Birmingham’s west side, Rickwood is an intriguing place to visit. Opening day at the historic ballpark was August 18, 1910. Business all over town closed their doors to allow workers to attend the game. More than 10,000 fans were there to watch the first pitch at 3:30 p.m. in a game that saw the Birmingham Barons beat the visiting Montgomery Climbers 3-2. Rickwood Field hosted sellout crowds who came to watch the Barons and the Black Barons throughout the first half of the 20th century. Though the Barons have moved their home field to the suburbs, America’s oldest ballpark continues to undergo restoration and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. www.rickwood.com
For locations see fold out map in back of guide 800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 35
Sixteenth Street Baptist Church
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 36 Birmingham Tourist Guide
was unoccupied. The bombing cemented Shuttlesworth’s fiery determination to bring 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 Photograph: Jeffrey greenberg
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 instru-
mental 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.
Historic Bethel Baptist Church
800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 37
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 Conveniently located in Homewood right off 280 Highway, shoppers find specialty stores as well as larger retailers such as Macy’s, Belk and Books-A-Million. 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.shopbrookwoodvillage.com
Downtown Birmingham Investigating downtown shopping is an adventure in itself. Start out at BB’s China & Glassware (2427 1st Ave. 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 38 Birmingham Tourist Guide
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 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
Downtown Homewood Old-style shopping along main street in the Birmingham suburb of Homewood includes
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Brio Tuscan Grille
Cocina Superior
McCormick & Schmick
Zea Rotisserie & Grill
Brio Applebee’s Tuscan Grille Cocina & Schmick & Grill Five Guys BurgersSuperior & Fries Jason’sMcCormick Deli O’Henry’s Coffees plus 8 Zea food Rotisserie court eateries
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
English Village, Mountain Brook Village and Crestline Village In the heart of the suburb of Mountain Brook, 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. pattoncreek.com
Riverchase Galleria 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
sampling of the distinctive outlet and specialty stores are Brooks Brothers, Gap Outlet, Jones New York Outlet, Bose, Polo Ralph Lauren, Carters Babies & Kids, and more. www.shopsofgrandriver.com
The Summit This shopping destination continues to thrive and expand. A recent addition brought shops such as Coldwater Creek, Anthropologie and J Jill to the list which already includes Saks, Old Navy, Restoration Hardware, WilliamsSonoma, Chico’s, the Pottery Barn, a luxury spa and some very good restaurants. At I-459 and U.S. 280. www.thesummitonline.com
Trussville Shopping The booming suburb of Trussville includes two large shopping areas with a third scheduled to open in October. Target, Books-a-Million, and Old Navy anchor the mall on U.S. 11. A second shopping area occupies both sides of Chalkville Road, just after the first I-59 Trussville exit, with a Wal-Mart and cinema on one side and a Kohl’s anchoring the other. The third cluster of shops is the Pinnacle Shopping Center, located behind Target and anchored by Belk and Best Buy. www. colonialprop.com/propertyinfo/?cid=1267
Watermark Place This outlet center offers huge discounts on name brands such as Liz Claiborne, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren, The Gap and dozens more. I-59/20, Exit 110. Adjacent to Alabama Adventure. www.watermarkoutlets.com
Western Hills Mall A landmark in the western section of the city, the recently renovated mall stores include Burlington Coat Factory, City Gear and Mr. Burch Formal Wear. The omnipresent WalMart Supercenter is next door to the mall. U.S. 11 at Aronov Drive.
The Shops of Grand River Set against the picturesque landscape of the Cahaba River Valley, The Shops of Grand River is a brand new shopping destination. A 40 Birmingham Tourist Guide
Dozens of other shopping centers are in the Birmingham area. For a complete listing, visit www.birmingham.travel.
New Seasons, New Reasons, Your Favorite Retailers! No matter the season or the reason, Riverchase Galleria’s outstanding collection of retailers means you’ll find what it is that brings you today. Aerie • Aldo • Banana Republic • Bebe • Forever 21 • New York & Co • Sephora • Spa Japonika • Swarovski • The Disney Store • Victoria’s Secret • White House| Black Market Belk, Macy’s, JC Penney, and Sears lead the impressive line-up of 200 specialty shop, located inside a world of soaring glass, lush greenery, streaming neon and sparkling lights. Welcome to Riverchase Galleria, Alabama's number one tourist attraction and one of America's most unique shopping experiences! Here, beneath a nine-story glass atrium featuring the world's largest skylight, you'll find over 200 exquisite shops, luxurious lodging and fine dining to celebrate any occasion. The entire family will be delighted with every visit!
what brings you today?
RIVERCHASE GALLERIA Mall Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10am – 9pm, Sunday: 12pm – 6pm 3000 Riverchase Galleria Hoover, Alabama 35244 205.985.3020 • riverchasegalleria.com
For a detailed brochure on Arts and Antique Galleries in Birmingham, call 800-458-8085 or download the information at www.inbirmingham.com. 1. Alabama School of Fine Arts 1800 8th Ave. N., Birmingham 205-252-9241 www.asfa.k12.al.us 2. Amanda Schedler Fine Art 2815-A 18th St. S., Homewood 205-591-9093 www.fineartbirmingham.com 3. A’mano 2707 Culver Rd., Birmingham, 205-871-9093 www.amanogifts.com
42 Birmingham Tourist Guide
4. Arceneaux Gallery 2880 Old Rocky Ridge Rd., Hoover, 205-824-5800 5. Art Alley 109 Broadway, Homewood 205-879-1105, artalley.net 6. Artists Incorporated 3365 Morgan Dr., Vestavia Hills, 205-979-8990 www.artistsincorporated.com 7. Atchison Gallery & Village Framers 2847 Culver Rd., Birmingham 205-871-6221
8. Bare Hands Gallery 109 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. S., Birmingham 205-324-2124 www.barehandsgallery.com 9. Beta Pictoris Gallery 2411 Second Ave N., Birmingham, 205-413-2999 www.betapictorisgallery.com 10. Birmingham Museum of Art 2000 Eighth Ave. N., Birmingham 205-254-2565 or 254-2566 www.artsbma.org Photograph: brent boyd
11. Birmingham Public Library 2100 Park Place, Birmingham 205-226-3600 bplonline.org 12. Clay Scot Artworks 2915 Highland Ave., Birmingham, 205-326-2350 13. Cobb Lane Gallery One Cobb Lane, Birmingham, 205-939-0450 www.cobblanegallery. homestead.com 14. DS Art Studio Gallery 2805 Crescent Ave., Ste. E., Homewood, 205-802-4700 www.dsart.com 15. Durbin Gallery/ Azar Art Studios 900 Arkadelphia Rd., Birmingham, 205-226-4925 www.bsc.edu/academics/art/ durbin.htm
20. Griffith Art Gallery 109 Hilltop Business Drive, Pelham, 205-985-7969 www.griffithartgallery.com 21. Jennifer Harwell Gallery Regions Harbert Building, Suite 197, 1901 Sixth Ave. N., Birmingham, 205-327-9950 www.jenniferharwellart.com 22. Jennifer Harwell Art Studio/Gallery 1830 29th Ave. S., Ste. 130, Homewood, 205-802-7847 www.jenniferharwellart.com 23. Jennifer Hunt Gallery 2800 Cahaba Village Plaza, Ste. 260 Birmingham, 205-972-3232 www.jenniferhuntgallery.com
24. Levite Jewish Community Center 3960 Montclair Rd., Birmingham, 205-879-0411 www.bhamjcc.org 25. Littlehouse Galleries 2915 Linden Ave., Homewood 205-879-7022 26. Loretta Goodwin Gallery 605 S. 28th St., Birmingham 205-328-1761 www.lorettagoodwingallery.net 27. Lyda Rose Gallery 2817 Crescent Ave., Homewood, 205-879-5932 www.lydarose.com
16. Four Corners Gallery 4700 Hwy. 280, Ste. B, Birmingham, 205-980-2600 www.fourcornersgalleryonline.com 17. Four Seasons Antiques, Art and Botanicals 2910 18th St. S., Birmingham 205-803-4059 www.4seasonsantiquesandart.com 18. Friends Gallery Hoover Public Library 200 Municipal Dr., Hoover 205-444-7820 www.hoover.lib.al.us/gallery 19. Gallerie Alegria 600 Olde English Lane, Ste. 128, Birmingham 205-868-9320 www.galleriealegria.com 800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 43
28. Maralyn Wilson Gallery 3908 Clairmont Ave. S., Birmingham, 205-591-1150 29. Matt Jones Gallery 2830 Sixth Ave. S., Birmingham, 205-521-6656, www.mattjonesgallery.com
44 Birmingham Tourist Guide
30. Monty Stabler Galleries 1811 29th Ave. S., Homewood 205-879-9888 www.montystablergalleries.com 31. Naked Art Gallery 3815 Clairmont Ave., Birmingham, 205-595-3553 www.nakedartusa.com
32. New Life Art, Inc. 3600 Lorna Ridge Drive, Birmingham, 205-979-2158 www.newlifeart.com 33. Odessa Woolfolk Gallery at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 520 16th St. N., Birmingham 205-328-9696, www.bcri.org Photograph: Jeffrey Greenberg
34. Red Dot Gallery 1001 Stuart St., Birmingham 205-870-7608 www.reddotgallery.com 35. Richard Tubb 2829 2nd Ave. S., Birmingham 205-324-7613
Top Photograph: brent boyd
36. Space One Eleven 2409 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham 205-328-0553 www.spaceoneeleven.org
40. UAB Visual Arts Gallery 900 13th St. S., Birmingham 205-934-0815 www.uab.edu/art/vagallery.php
37. Stolisma 2413 First Ave. S., Birmingham 205-322-2651
41. Wendy LoVoy Art Gallery 522 Cahaba Park Circle, Birmingham, 205-408-2836 www.wendylovoy.com
38. The Commissary 4984 Overton Rd., Birmingham, 205-747-0814 www.bhamcommissary.com 39. Tina Newton Gallery 2717 Second Ave. S Ste. D, Birmingham, 205-731-9955
42. What’s On Second 2306 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham 205-567-1466 www.whatsonsecond.org 43. Wright Art Center Art Gallery at Samford University 800 Lakeshore Dr., Birmingham, 205-726-2849 www.4.samford.edu/arts/art/ index.html
800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 45
1. 5th Avenue Antiques 2410 5th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-320-0500, www.5thavenueantiques.com
6. Charlotte Woodson Antiques 2410 Canterbury Rd., Birmingham 205-871-3314, www.charlottewoodson.com
2. Architectural Heritage 200 28th St. S., Birmingham 205-322-3538, www.architecturalheritage.com
7. Charm 2329 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham 205-322-9023, www.charmonsecond.com
3. Argent 2949 18th St. S, Homewood 205-871-4221
8. Christopher Glenn, Inc. 2713 19th St. S., Homewood 205-870-1236, www.christopherglenninc.com
4. Bama Flea Market and Antiques 1605 Ashville Rd., Leeds 205-699-2499, www.bamafleamall.com
9. Christopher House Antiques 3205 2nd Ave. S., Birmingham 205-581-0202
5. Cahaba Heights Antiques 3131 Belwood Dr., Birmingham 205-967-2722
10. Circa Interiors & Antiques 2831 Culver Rd., Birmingham 205-868-9199
46 Birmingham Tourist Guide
11. Crestwood Antiques 5514 Crestwood Blvd., Birmingham 205-595-0095
24. Martha Lauren Antique Linens & Accessories 2417 Canterbury Rd., Birmingham 205-871-2283
12. Four Seasons Antiques, Art and Botanicals 2910 18th St. S., Birmingham 205-803-4059 www.4seasonsantiquesandart.com
25. Mulberry Heights Antiques 2419 Canterbury Rd., Mountain Brook 205-870-1300
13. Garage Cafe & Antiques 2304 10th Terrace S., Birmingham 205-322-3220
26. Noordermeer Antieks 731 Broadway, Homewood 205-870-1161, www.noordermeerantieks.com
14. Gardendale Flea Mall & Antique Center 2405 Decatur Highway, Gardendale 205-631-7451, www.gardendalefleamall.com
27. On-A-Shoestring 601 Shades Crest Rd., Hoover 205-822-8741
15. Hanna Antiques/Books! By George 2424 7th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-323-6036
28. Peck & Hills 2720 19th Pl. S., Birmingham 205-871-7233
16. Henhouse Antiques 1900 Cahaba Rd., Birmingham 205-918-0505, www.shophenhouseantiques.com
29. Reed Books, The Museum of Fond Memories 2021 Third Ave. N., Birmingham 205-326-4460, www.jimreedbooks.com
17. Henry Maus Antiques 2734 Cahaba Rd., Birmingham 205-240-0014, www.HenryMausAntiques.com 18. Hidden Treasures 1624 21st St. S., Birmingham 205-939-0378 19. Interiors at Pepper Place 2817 2nd Ave. S., Birmingham 205-323-2817 20. Jackson Galleries 2227 First Ave. S., Birmingham 205-714-9933, www.jacksonantiquegalleries.com 21. Lamb’s Ears, Ltd 3138 Cahaba Heights Rd., Birmingham 205-969-3138, www.lambsearsltd.com 22. Land of Was 106 22nd St. S., Birmingham 205-326-8870 23. Levy’s Fine Jewelry 2116 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham 205-251-3381, levysfinejewelry.com 800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 47
34. The Royal Standard 2808 18th St. S., Homewood 205-871-6644, www.theroyalstandard.com 35. Tricia’s Treasures 2700 19th Place S., Homewood 205-871-9779 36. Trussville Antique Mall/The Mall Cafe 147 North Chalkville Rd., Trussville 205-661-9805 30. Stray Cats 1717 Crestwood Blvd., Birmingham 205-956-5060
37. Village Firefly 2816 Culver Rd., Birmingham 205-870-4560
31. The Brown House- Elegant Cottage LivingAntiques, Art, Comforts of Life 1809 Oxmoor Rd., Birmingham 205-870-3100, www.elegantcottageliving.com
38. What’s On Second 2306 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham 205-567-1466, www.whatsonsecond.org
32. The Commissary 4984 Overton Rd., Birmingham 205-747-0814, www.bhamcommissary.com
39. Zan’s 1910 1st Ave. N., Irondale 205-520-4600
33. The King’s House 2807 2nd Ave. S., Birmingham 205-320-2535, www.kingshouseantiques.com
40. Zoe’s in Forest Park 3900 Clairmont Ave S., Birmingham 205-595-9049, www.zoeshop.com
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79
14
Birmingham
78
20
38
59
39 30
11
11
36
4
31
10 11 39 9 33 21 8 9 7 35 2 19 40 28 33 23 36 38 29 31 26 42 37 1 15 12 20 29 22 13 40
1
15
13 18 35 34 3 2 30 8 27 17 22 25 14 28 5 12 31
65
34 26
Homewood
43
24 38
Mountain Brook
19 16
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6 17 37 3 10 24 7 25 16 Vestavia Hills
149
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Inverness 459
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Hoover
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Legend 1 Art Galleries 2 Antique Shops
20 Pleham
art & antiques map 800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 49
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 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 50 Birmingham Tourist Guide
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. Business Hours: Mon. – Fri. 9:00 AM – 4 PM, later during special events. Admission charged: varies by event,1817 Third Avenue North, 205-252-2262, www.alabamatheatre.com Aldridge Repertory Theatre Aldridge Repertory Theatre launched their inaugural season at the historic Carver Theatre with the southern premiere of “No Child” by Nilaja Sun. Over the past 20 years Aldridge Repertory Theatre has produced many shows including the Pulitzer Prize winning play “Fences” and the Broadway hit musical “Purlie.” 209 20th Street, N., Suite 145, 205-2649910, www.aldridgerep.org. 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 to meet the highest racing standards, yet also to be spectatorfriendly 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 Birmingham Ballet Birmingham Ballet offers dance training for aspiring talent as well as presenting professional performances. Performances are held at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. Birmingham Ballet, 2198 Columbiana Road, Suite 100, 205-979-9492, www.birminghamballet.com
young audiences and now operates in a threetheatre complex at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. The theatre produces eight shows seasonally, four of which tour, giving the theatre a combined audience of over 200,000 each year. 2130 Richard Arrington, Jr., Blvd. N., 205-458-8181, www.bct123.org. Birmingham Festival Theatre Birmingham Festival Theatre was formed in the spring of 1972. Since that time the theatre has provided both seasonal local performers and new aspiring talent to present shows that can be seen in Birmingham only at this theatre. Their 2010 season includes “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940”, “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” and “Tobacco Road”.1901-1/2 11th Ave., South, 205-933-2383, www.bftonline.org Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Alabama’s largest convention facility is also the state’s premier venue for entertainment. From touring Broadway shows to big-name music performers, the BJCC has a full schedule of events. The expansive exhibition hall at the complex is often in use for boat shows, bridal fairs and hunting and fishing expos. The 19,000-seat arena hosts world class musical entertainers, along with special events such as Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus and is known for its crisp acoustics. The more intimate 2,800-seat concert hall is
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 7156000. Admission charged. www.barons.com Birmingham Children’s Theatre Birmingham Children’s Theatre was founded in 1947. Since that time, it has become one of America’s largest professional theatres for 800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 51
the performance venue for limited seating performances. And the 1,000-seat theater is an ideal setting for theatrical performances where every seat in the house is a good one. Location: 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. No. 205-4588400 www.bjcc.org City Equity Theatre City Equity Theatre is a professional union theatre in Birmingham. In 2009 the theatre moved to Virginia Samford Theatre. City equity Theatre, The Alabama School of Fine Arts, 1800 Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd., 205-251-1206 Extemporaneous Theatre Company Extemporaneous Theatre Company performs live, improvised entertainment. BIRMINGHAM magazine voted Extemporaneous “Best On-the-Spot Theatre”. 1901-1/2 11th Ave. S., www.extemporaneoustheatre.com Five Points South and Lakeview Entertainment Districts You can people-watch, dance to great live music, and enjoy fantastic fine dining in Five Points South and Lakeview, two of the city’s top entertainment districts. Stroll along the historic treeshaded streets, or stop and admire the artistry of the Frank Fleming fountain sculpture, The Storyteller. Five Points South attracts a young, interesting and eclectic crowd to dine and party. Folks on the other side of young are the primary clientele at wonderful restaurants and bars in Lakeview. 20th St. S. and 11th Ave. S. Highway 280 Corridor Lined with a huge assortment of clubs and restaurants, the U.S. 280 Corridor is another lively entertainment district. Folks of all ages enjoy dining and live entertainment along this stretch of highway just south of town. Magic City Actors Theatre Magic City Actors Theatre showcases the best of local talent both on stage and behind the scenes. Their shows are energetic and diverse, and chosen to appeal to a wide variety of theatergoers. 205-253-9604. Performances are 52 Birmingham Tourist Guide
presented at the Virginia Samford Theatre, 1116 26th Street, S., 205-251-1228. Opera Birmingham Northern Alabama’s only professional, regional opera company, Opera Birmingham has entertained and informed audiences in the region for over 50 years. From its humble beginnings in 1955 to its 50th anniversary in 2005 and beyond, Opera Birmingham has produced world-class operatic productions and concerts that have been hailed by critics and loved by audiences. Verizon Wireless Music Center Each year between April and October, some of the world’s top musicians perform in the beautiful outdoor arena. Fee: Varies with each performance. Location: Highway 119 exit off I-65, 1000 Amphitheatre Road, 985-4900. www.verizonwirelessmusiccenter.net Red Mountain Theatre Company Red Mountain Theatre Company is a nonprofit professional theatre organization with an emphasis on musical theatre. RMTC provides unique educational, training and performing opportunities for aspiring and culturally diverse artists, while growing new and existing audiences through quality theatrical experiences. For almost 30 years, Red Mountain Theatre Company (formerly Summerfest Musical Theatre) has grown to become one of the only year-round professional musical theatre organizations in Alabama. With its own unique Cabaret Theatre located right in the heart of downtown Birmingham’s Theatre District and summer Mainstage productions performed at the Virginia Samford Theatre (formerly Town and Gown), Red Mountain Theatre Company continues to bring both well-known national performers and incredible local talent to the Birmingham stage. Red Mountain Theatre Company, 2900 1st Ave. South, Suite A, Birmingham, AL 35233-3033. For more information call 205-324-2424 or visit www.redmountaintheatre.org Talladega Superspeedway Talladega Superspeedway is the biggest, fastest, most competitive motorsports facility in the
world. Records for both speed and competition have been established at Talladega. Two major races during the year draw thousands of fans from across the country for the heart-thumping action on the track. Adjacent to the track is the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum. Admission charged. 3366 Speedway Boulevard, 256-362-2261, www.talladegasuperspeedway.com Terrific New Theatre One of Birmingham’s favorite live performance theatres for the unexpected, Terrific New Theatre turns 25 this year. 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 WorkPlay Inspired by the simple formula of work + play, WorkPlay is one of the premier entertainment complexes in the Southeast. Originally intended as a brick and mortar oasis for all things creative, WorkPlay has blossomed into a true multifunctional facility for entertainment, music and productions of all kinds.
Something You Should Know: • TIME magazine named Birmingham’s Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival among its Top 10 “Film Festivals for the Rest of Us,” festivals for those not traveling to Cannes.
• Birmingham’s role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s placed it “at the center of the most significant domestic drama of the 20th century….” A comprehensive Civil Rights Trail is now near completion.
• Southern Living, the nation’s most successful
regional magazine, is published in Birmingham.
54 Birmingham Tourist Guide
Entertain Yourself
While professional entertainment is a grand spectator sport, Birmingham also is a good place to entertain yourself and get to know the city better. These are some suggestions: • Check out B&B’s China & Glassware on First Avenue North downtown. This unassuming old store has an enticing assortment of dishes and glasses, some bearing the logos of now-defunct hotels and dining rooms. Buy a lot---they’re happy to ship. (2427 First Avenue North, 205-252-2405) • While you’re in that part of town, hop one street over to “What’s On Second.” Allot plenty of time and heed this warning: If you have to have everything that reminds you of your childhood or everything you wanted but never got when you were a child, do not go in this store. (2306 Second Avenue North, 205-322-2688) • Keep that warning in mind as you move closer into the heart of downtown to Reed Books: The Museum of Fond Memories. This place is a treasure trove of the rare and unusual. In addition to rare books, Reed has packed his space with antiques, old dolls and other vintage toys, posters, journals, calendars, old Christmas decorations, and our personal favorite, a full Piggly Wiggly costume. (2021 Third Avenue North, 205-326-4460) • Get a shoe shine right in the heart of downtown. At Bon Ton Hatters you can also get your hat re-shaped while you get one of the best and most affordable shoe shines in the world. If nothing else, go in just to smell the richness of the old leather and shoe polish. (219 20th Street North, 205-254-9214) • Move right on along to the Alabama Booksmith, specializing in regional titles and offering almost every work available. Many of America’s best-known authors insist on a tour stop here. Ask for Jake; he knows everything. (2626 19th Place South-Homewood, 205-870-4242) • Eat lots of Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Though we hear the shops have crept across the country all the way to California, Krispy Kreme opened its first locations in the Southeast. No doughnuts are fresher, lighter or have a more delicious glaze, and Birmingham is home to one of the largest locations in the region. (1990 Patton Chapel Road-Hoover, 205-822-8272)
Reed Books: Museum of Fond Memories
• 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 known 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.) 800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 55
The Veranda Benedict at Veranda on Highland
Where to Dine Downtown
F
ew cities can claim a better cluster of top-notch dining rooms than in downtown Birmingham where they are all practically within walking distance of each other. Here are just a few: Highlands Bar & Grill – Probably the best known dining establishment in the state---if not the Southeast---Highlands sets the standard for many of the best restaurants in the region. To know Highlands, you first must know about owner and Chef Frank Stitt, III. Stitt’s love of cooking with fresh southern ingredients comes from his rural raising in Cullman, Alabama. An avid traveler, Stitt’s trips through the French countryside in Provence and Burgundy led him to the unusual blending of Southern favorites with French sauces and braises, creating elegant balance with superb flavor. Sample Entree: 56 Birmingham Tourist Guide
Grilled Venison with Muscadines, Grilled Grits and Bourbon Chez Fonfon – This casual French Bistro, just next door to Highlands, is also owned by Chef Stitt. The bustling café focuses on provincial food and wine. The country pâté and moules are musts for those wanting a true taste of French dining. Just off the rustic patio, patrons so inclined can play boules. Sample La Petite Cuisine: Country Pâté with Pork, Ham, Foie Gras and Pistachios Bottega Café – The third in Stitt’s trio of restaurants, Bottega is a casual trattoria just about four blocks from Highlands and Chez Fonfon. The seasonal menu at Bottega includes naturally-raised meats and fresh organic vegetables. The café’s wood-fired oven turns out perfect pizzas and flatbreads. Bottega’s patio is
one of the most popular places in town to dine. Sample Entree: Roast Pork Loin with Polenta, Tomato Chutney Aioli and Venetian Spinach Hot & Hot Fish Club – Though the notoriety may not be as great as Highlands, the food is. Chef Chris Hastings specializes in and excels at memorable dining. Diners along the sweeping limestone chef’s counter have front row seats to the energetic, detailed preparation of the cuisine. Located in the intimate setting of a historic Southside building, Hot & Hot also adheres to the philosophy of using fresh ingredients from local providers. Sample Appetizer: Heirloom Cauliflower Gratin with Local Chestnuts, Bread Crumbs and Truffle Oil Veranda on Highland – Just across the narrow street is Veranda, where love of food is apparent in every detail. Inventive combinations here are paired with gracious service for an experience to savor. Talented chefs combine traditional Southern food with flavors of New Orleans and the Caribbean. Sunday brunch here is a local favorite. Sample Brunch Entrée: House-made Boudin with Poached Eggs, Bacon Braised Onions and Andouille Tomato Country Gravy Café Dupont – Part of the charm of this café is its setting in an 1870s renovated store in the heart of downtown. The dining room’s exposed brick, high ceilings and original floors reflect the building’s history. Chef/Owner Chris Dupont, like others, relies on locally grown produce for preparing top quality cuisine. Signature Dishes: Fried Oysters & Okra with Cayenne Butter Sauce, Seared Sea Scallops with Goat Cheese Soufflé, and Classic Beignets with Homegrown Strawberry Preserves. John’s City Diner – This downtown landmark attracts a crowd of patrons from surrounding offices for the noon meal. While the restaurant maintains much of its historic charm, a new menu reflects the growing sophistication of a food savvy community. Recommended menu items: Home-style Meatloaf, Not-Your-Mama’s Macaroni and Cheese, Fire-roasted Corn Grits, John’s Slaw Café de Paris – The historic Lakeview District adjoins downtown, and in it visitors will find several very good restaurants. Among the very good is Café de Paris. Owners/Chefs Serge Pambo and Jean Evens Estinfort have extensive restaurant experience from years of
studying and operating restaurants in France. Authentic French cuisine at a reasonable price is a trademark of this dining room. Sample Dinner Entrée: Café de Paris Veal Scaloppini with Mushroom Sauce The Fish Market – A must-visit for the avid seafood diner, The Fish Market is a bustle with patrons who enjoy the busy atmosphere as well the Greek-influenced fresh seafood. Sample Dinner Menu: Athenian Snapper, Greek Salad with Feta, Homemade Hush Puppies, Beer or Wine Ocean – Sea scallops, halibut, grouper, tuna, salmon, sushi, lobster, fresh oysters on the half shell---all the very best and freshest of seafood is what Ocean offers diners at this casually sophisticated establishment. The restaurant is particularly well known for its extensive selection of fresh oysters and for its unusually good sushi. Sample Sushi Selection: Spicy Hawaiian Tuna, Red Pepper, Sambal, Cucumber, Macadamia Nut, Toasted Coconut 26 (Twenty-Six) – Next door to Ocean is its sassy little sister, 26. With an industrial chic décor, this bustling bistro is fronted by garage doors that roll up to open the entire face of the restaurant. 26 is another favorite with the young business crowd at lunch and also is a popular spot for a late night dining. Sample Dinner Entrée: Wood-oven Seared Grouper, Jalapeno White Cheddar Grit Cake, Corn Maque Choux, Sautéed Spinach, Tasso Ham Roasted Garlic Cream Brick & Tin – This new establishment in the heart of downtown is an independently owned and operated sandwich shop that brings the artistry of fine dining to an informal setting. Sample menu items: Brisket on Fresh Baked Bread; Homemade Chicken Soup; Field Peas, Sweet Corn, and Cucumber Salad Pete’s Famous Hot Dogs – Well we would just be remiss if we failed to mention this legendary hot dog stand in the heart of downtown. Pete’s Famous is about the size of a small walk-in closet, but the taste of the dogs is enormous---best in the world, some say. Best Order: Two or Three Pete’s Famous Hot Dogs All the Way with a Grapico These dining rooms are just a handful of the many excellent restaurants in the downtown area. Check the corner nearest you; you’ll likely find another…. 800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 57
Southside and Downtown 26 1210 20th St. S., Birmingham 205-918-0726, www.twentysix26.com 5th Avenue Coffee House Corp 1909 5th Ave. N., Birmingham 205-324-5597 808 south - a bistro 808 20th St. S., Birmingham, 205-933-9000 Avery’s Cafe 1901 6th Ave. N., Birmingham 205-250-9907 Bettola 2901 2nd Ave. S., Ste. 150, Birmingham 205-731-6499 Bogue’s 3028 Clairmont Ave. S., Birmingham 205-254-9780 Bottega Italian Restaurant and Cafe’ 2240 Highland Ave. S., Birmingham 205-939-1000, www.bottegarestaurant.com
Carlile’s Barbecue 3511 6th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-254-9266 Casey’s Sport Bar & Grill 2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd., Birmingham, 205-307-3050 Century Restaurant and Bar at the Tutwiler 2021 Park Place N., Birmingham 205-458-9611 Chan Lee’s 401 19th St. S., Birmingham 205-327-5000 Chez FonFon 2007 11th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-939-3221 China Moon 3312 Clairmont Ave. S., Birmingham 205-324-2332 Chris Z’s 2808 University Blvd., Birmingham 205-458-1007
BottleTree Cafe 3719 3rd Ave. S., Birmingham 205-533-6288, www.thebottletree.com
Cosmo’s 5 Pts Pizza 2012 Magnolia Ave. S., Ste. R-3, Birmingham, 205-930-9971 www.cosmossouthside.com
Brannon’s: A Public House 1931 3rd Ave. N., Birmingham 205-326-8820, www.brannonspublichouse.com
Courtyard Oyster Bar & Grill Southside 2015 Highland Ave. S., Birmingham 205-558-4995
Cafe de Paris 2801 7th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-202-4024, www.cafedeparis.us
Culinard Cafe at Innovation Depot 1500 First Ave. N., Birmingham 205-271-8220, www.culinardcafe.com
Cafe Dupont 113 20th St. N., Birmingham 205- 322-1282, www.cafedupont.net
Dreamland Bar-B-Que 1427 14th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-933-2133, www.dreamlandbbq.com
Cantina Tortilla Grill 2901 2nd Ave. S., Ste. 110, Birmingham 205-323-6980 www.birminghammenus.com/cantina
Fish Market Restaurant 612 22nd St. S., Birmingham 205-322-3330, www.thefishmarket.net
58 Birmingham Tourist Guide
■ Member of the Birmingham Originals
great meals
do more than satisfy your appetite.
Birmingham | 205.879.9995 2300 Woodcrest Place at the embassy suites Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week private party facilities for 10 to 300 ruthschris.com
Golden Rule Barbecue Harbert Plaza 1901 6th Ave. N. Ste. 263, Birmingham 205-801-9600, www.goldenrulebbq.com Golden Temple Grocery, Cafe and Yoga Center 1901 11th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-933-6333 Green Acres Cafe 1705 4th Ave. N., Birmingham 205-251-3875 Green Acres Cafe (The Original) 2724 29th Ave. N., Birmingham 205-328-8099 Green Acres Cafe South 4350 3rd Court S., Birmingham , 205-595-1903 Gus’s Hot Dogs 1915 4th Ave. N., Birmingham, 205-251-4540 Formaggio’s Italian Bistro 1713 10th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-933-7555, www.myspace.com/formaggios
Highlands Bar & Grill 2011 11th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-939-1400, www.highlandsbarandgrill.com
Fuego Cantina 1101 20th St. S., Birmingham, 205-933-1544
Hot & Hot Fish Club 2180 11th Court S., Birmingham 205-933-5474, www.hotandhotfishclub.com
Full Moon Bar-B-Que - Southside 525 25th St. S., Birmingham, 205-324-1007 Ga Briella’s Restaurant 317 17th St. N., Birmingham, 205-983-7249
Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar B Q - Five Points South 1908 11th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-320-1060, www.jimnnicks.com
Gable Square Saloon & Games 803 9th Court S., Birmingham, 205-251-0960 www.myspace.com/gablesquaresaloon
John’s City Diner 112 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd. N., Birmingham, 205-322-6014 www.johnscitydiner.com
Garage Cafe & Antiques 2304 10th Terrace S., Birmingham 205-322-3220
Kabob & Curry 220 Greensprings Ave. S., Ste A, Birmingham, 205-322-7242
Giuseppe’s Cafe and Expresso Bar 925 8th St. S., Birmingham 205-324-2626
Kairos Kafe & Catering 515 University Blvd., Birmingham, 205-919-1934, www.kairoskatering.com
Golden Rule Barbecue and Grill 744 29th St. S., Birmingham, 205-327-5451 www.goldenrulebbq.com
Kelley’s Neighborhood Sports Grill 720 29th St. S., Birmingham 205-323-9786
60 Birmingham Tourist Guide
■ Member of the Birmingham Originals
Kohinoor Indian Restaurant 1207 20th St. S., Birmingham 205-202-4021
M & M Barbecue & Cafeteria 3921 First Ave. N., Birmingham 205-592-9941
La Cocina 2111 7th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-252-7626
Magic City Grille 2201 3rd Ave. N., Birmingham 205-251-6500
Little Savannah 3811 Clairmont Ave. S., Birmingham 205-591-1119, www.littlesavannah.net
Makarios Kabobs & Grill 940 20th St. S., Birmingham, 205-731-7414
Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant 3324 Clairmont Ave. S., Birmingham 205-324-5896, www.losamigosmexican.com Lucy’s Coffee & Tea 2007 University Blvd., Birmingham 205-328-2007 Lyric Hot Dogs & Grill 1808 3rd Ave. N., Birmingham 205-251-9952
Matthew’s Bar & Grill 2208 Morris Ave., Birmingham 205-862-6261 Mellow Mushroom 1200 20th St. S., Ste. 100, Birmingham, 205-212-9420, www.mellowmushroom.com Metro Bistro & Market 2125 2nd Ave. N., Ste. 100, Birmingham 205-323-7995 www.myspace.com/metrobistroandmarket
800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 61
Milo’s Hamburgers - Downtown Harbert Plaza 1901 6th Ave. N., Ste. 270, Birmingham 205-326-6456 www.miloshamburgers.com Milo’s Hamburgers - Southside 401 19th St. S., Ste. 130, Birmingham 205-322-6456, www.miloshamburgers.com
New China Town Restaurant 1020 20th St. S., Birmingham 205-251-2373 New York Style Delicatessen 121 20th St. N., Birmingham 205-250-7878
Moe’s Original BBQ 731 29th St. S., Birmingham 205-252-5888, www.moesoriginalbbq.com
Newk’s Express Cafe 611 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd. S., Birmingham, 205-323-0992 www.newkscafe.com
Moe’s Original BBQ & Blues Revue 2025 3rd Ave. N., Ste. 104, Birmingham 205-250-6333, www.moesoriginalbbq.com
Niki’s Downtown Cafe 1101 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham 205-251-1972
Mrs B’s on 4th 328 16th St. N., Birmingham 205-801-5165
O’Carr’s Restaurant Ste. 100, Title Building 300 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd., Birmingham, 205-777-4002, www.ocarrs.com
Nelson Brother’s Cafe 314 17th St. N., Birmingham, 205-254-9098
62 Birmingham Tourist Guide
Ocean 1218 20th St. S., Birmingham 205-933-0999, www.oceanbirmingham.com
O’Henry’s Coffees - Regions/Harbert Tower 1901 6th Ave. N., Ste. 295, Birmingham 205-323-1198, www.ohenryscoffee.com On Tap Sports Cafe - Lakeview 737 29th St. S., Birmingham 205-320-1225, www.ontapsportscafe.com Original Pancake House 1931 11th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-933-8837 Oscar’s at the Museum 2000 Rev Abraham Woods Jr Blvd., Birmingham, 205-254-2755 Pete’s Famous Hot Dogs 1925 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, 205-252-2905 Pit Bar-B-Q The Number One 2820 10th Ave. N., Birmingham, 205-328-1515
Redmont Cafe 2101 5th Ave. N., Birmingham, 205-324-2101 Rib It Up 830 1st Ave. N., Birmingham, 205-328-7427 Rocky’s Pizza & Subs 715 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd., Birmingham 205-252-8282, www.rockyspizza.net Rogue Tavern 2312 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham 205-202-4151, www.roguetavern.com Rojo 2921 Highland Ave. S., Birmingham 205-328-4733 www.birminghammenus.com/rojo/ Salsa & Sabor, LLC 323 20th St. N., Birmingham, 205-581-1710 Sarris Restaurant 600 31st St. N., Birmingham, 205-252-7357
Pita Loco 2000 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham 205-252-4899
Sekisui Pacific Rim 1025 20th St. S., Birmingham, 205-933-1025
Pita Stop Cafe Bar & Grill 1106 12th St. S., Birmingham 205-328-2749
Silvertron Cafe 3813 Clairmont Ave. S., Birmingham 205-591-3707, www.silvertroncafe.us
Planet Smoothie - Birmingham 1901 6th Ave. N., Birmingham 205-328-4791, www.planetsmoothie.com
Sinbad’s American and Mediterranean Restaurant 401 19th St. S., Ste. 100, Birmingham 205-714-9991
Purple Onion Deli & Grill - Southside 1717 10th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-933-7555 Q & S Soul Food Restaurant 215 41st St. S., Birmingham 205-591-1409 Ranelli’s Deli & Cafe 1225 20th St. S. Birmingham 205-933-6983, www.ranellisdeli.com Razzleberry’s on 20th 321 20th St. N. Birmingham, 205-320-6888
■ Member of the Birmingham Originals
Sitar Indian Restaurant 705 20th St. S., Birmingham, 205-323-6500 Sol y Luna 2801 7th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-322-1186 www.birminghammenus.com/solyluna/ Subway 2105 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Birmingham, 205-397-7827 Surin Thai Bowl & Sushi Bar 2100 Third Ave. N., Ste. 100, Birmingham 205-297-0996 800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 63
The Market Café 2817 2nd Ave. S., Birmingham 205-715-0034 The J. Clyde 1312 Cobb Lane, Birmingham 205-939-1312, www.jclyde.com The Red Cat Coffeehouse 2901 2nd Ave. S., Ste. 120, Birmingham 205-616-8450, www.redcatcoffeehouse.com The Wine Loft 2200 1st Ave. N., Birmingham 205-323-8228, www.wineloftbirmingham.com The Winery at Pepper Place 2801 2nd Ave., Birmingham 205-250-6326 www.wineryatpepperplace.com Traditions 1909 Park Place, Birmingham 205-327-7999 Trattoria Centrale 207A 20th St. N., Birmingham 205-202-5612 www.trattoriacentrrale.com Urban Standard 2320 Second Ave. N., Birmingham 205-250-8200, www.urbanstandard.net Surin West 1918 11th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-324-1928, www.surinwest.com T J’s Barbeque 3608 5th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-595-0723 Taj India 2226 Highland Ave. S., Birmingham 205-939-3805, www.tajindia.net Ted’s Cafeteria Restaurant 328 12th St. S., Birmingham 205-324-2911, www.tedsbirmingham.com Thai House Restaurant 2131 Seventh Ave. S., Birmingham 205-822-9019 64 Birmingham Tourist Guide
V. Richard’s Market & Cafe 3916 Clairmont Ave. S., Birmingham 205-591-7000, www.vrichards.net Veranda on Highland 2220 Highland Ave. S., Birmingham 205-939-5551 www.verandaonhighland.com Zoe’s Kitchen - Downtown 1819 5th Ave. N., Birmingham 205-252-5200, www.zoeskitchen.com Adamsville, Fultondale, Northwest, Trussville Cafe on Main 218 Main St., Ste. 110, Trussville 205-655-0330, www.cafeonmainfood.com
Cajun Steamer Bar and Grill 5071 Pinnacle Square, Trussville 205-655-6008, www.cajunsteamer.com
Konomi 5870 Trussville Crossings Blvd., Birmingham 205-661-1821
Chocolate Biscuit Tea Room 335 Main St., Trussville 205-655-0119
Main St. Cafe 961 Main St., Gardendale 205-631-2600
Costa’s Mediterranean Cafe 5891 Trussville Crossings Pkwy., Birmingham, 205-655-9779
Milo’s Hamburgers - Forestdale 1120 Forestdale Blvd., Forestdale 205-798-6363 www.miloshamburgers.com
El Carreton 1100 Pecan Ave., Gardendale 205-631-5535 El Cazador 1930 Edwards Lake Rd., Birmingham 205-661-0904 Frontera Grill Mexican Cuisine 5974 Chalkville Rd., Birmingham 205-661-3318 Golden Rule Barbecue Trussville 120 South Chalkville Rd., Trussville 205-655-4849, www.goldenrulebbq.com Habaneros Mexican Grill- Gardendale 835 Odum Rd., Ste. 115, Gardendale, 205-608-2168 Jalisco Mexican Restaurante 325 Walker Chapel Plaza, Fultondale 205-849-2137 Jim N Nick’s Bar B Q - Gardendale 915 Odum Rd., Gardendale 205-608-3315, www.jimnnicks.com Jim N Nick’s Bar B Q - Trussville 1660 Gadsden Hwy., Birmingham 205-661-3100, www.jimnnicks.com Joel’s Restaurant 312 Main St., Trussville 205-655-8248 John’s City Diner #2 1483 Gadsden Hwy., Ste. 156, Birmingham, 205-655-7552 www.johnscitydiner.com ■ Member of the Birmingham Originals
Milo’s Hamburgers - Gardendale 604 Fieldstown Rd., Gardendale 205-608-0050 www.miloshamburgers.com Milo’s Hamburgers - Roebuck 209 Gadsden Hwy., Birmingham 205-833-6363, www.miloshamburgers.com Milo’s Hamburgers - Trussville 5887 Trussville Crossing Pkwy., Birmingham, 205-661-2100 www.miloshamburgers.com Ming’s Garden 1046 Main St., Gardendale 205-631-7746 Porky’s Pride Smoke House 2516 Walker Chapel Rd., Fultondale 205-849-5122 Red Lantern Chinese Restaurant 311 Main St., Trussville 205-655-0736 Sal’s Italian Restaurant 256 Gadsden Hwy., Birmingham 205-833-9272 Seafood & Chicken Box 5954 Chalkville Rd., Ste. 200, Birmingham Sergio’s Bistro 199 Beechnut St., Trussville, 205-655-7272 Tomato Pie Pizzeria 5880 Trussville Crossings Blvd., Ste. 100, Birmingham, 205-655-4900 800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 65
Woody’s Barbeque 8156 Gadsden Hwy., Trussville 205-655-3343
Golden Palace 7001 Crestwood Blvd., Ste. 606, Birmingham 205-595-6868
Airport, Centerpoint, Eastwood, Irondale, Leeds Cedar Post Restaurant 1710 Center Point Rd., Birmingham 205-854-7008
Golden Rule Barbecue Irondale 2504 Crestwood Blvd., Irondale 205-956-2678, www.goldenrulebbq.com
Costa’s Famous Bar-B-Que - Huffman Centerpoint 613 Springville Rd., Birmingham 205-853-9933, www.costasfamous.com
Golden Rule Barbecue Pinson 4437 Pinson Valley Pkwy., Birmingham 205-520-0502, www.goldenrulebbq.com Hacienda Mexican Grill 1676 Montclair Rd., Birmingham 205-956-2550, www.haciendamexicangrill.com
Crestwood Coffee Company 5512 Crestwood Blvd., Birmingham 205-595-0300 www.myspace.com/crestwoodcoffee
Hamburger Heaven 1703 Crestwood Blvd., Birmingham 205-951-3570
Crestwood Tavern 5500 Crestwood Blvd., Birmingham 205-510-0053
Irondale Cafe, the original Whistlestop Cafe 1906 1st Ave. N., Irondale 205-956-5258, www.irondalecafe.com
El Cazador Mexican Grill 1540 Montclair Rd., Birmingham 205-951-1205
Ken’s Hickory Pit Barbecue 4817 Pinson Valley Pkwy. 205-853-6488
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Krispy Kreme Doughnuts 8601 First Ave. N., Birmingham 205-836-3251
VJ’s Cafe on the Runway 5100 East Lake Blvd., Birmingham 205-808-0582
Legends Smokehouse 6633 Old Springville Rd., Pinson 205-681-1122 www.legendssmokehouserestaurant.com
Homewood, Mountain Brook, Inverness Acapulco Bar and Grill 430 Green Springs Hwy., Birmingham 205-941-1183
Magnolia Grille Restaurant 5320 Beacon Dr, Rime Garden Inn, Irondale 205-951-1250 or 951-1223 Milo’s Hamburgers - Eastwood 1530 Montclair Rd., Birmingham 205-951-2889, www.miloshamburgers.com Munoz Mexican Grill 6662 Hwy. 75, Ste. 209, Pinson 205-681-6992 Old Smokey Bar-B-Q 7323 Pkwy. Dr., Leeds 205-699-7904 Red Lobster Restaurant 7601 Crestwood Blvd., Birmingham 205-591-3818, www.redlobster.com Roadside Bar B Q Ribs & Chicken 7303 1st Ave. N., Birmingham 205-833-9616 Sammy’s Sandwich Shop 4921 Messer Airport Hwy., Birmingham 205-591-1462 Shangri-La Restaurant 4500 Montevallo Rd., Ste. B103, Birmingham 205-951-3168 Sherry’s Eastgate Cafe 1603 Center Point Pkwy., Birmingham 205-853-0029 Steel City Bar & Grill 5000 10th Ave. N., Birmingham 205-591-6900 Three Oaks Deli 4500 Montevallo Rd., Ste. E105, Birmingham 205-951-0109 ■ Member of the Birmingham Originals
Amore Ristorante Italiano 5510 Hwy. 280, Ste. 116, Birmingham 205-437-1005 Another Broken Egg Cafe 2418 Montevallo Rd., Birmingham 205-871-7849 www.anotherbrokenegg.com Austie’s Deli 3800 Colonnade Pkwy., Ste. 120, Birmingham 205-969-1046 Avo 2721 Cahaba Rd., Mountain Brook 205-871-8212 www.avorestaurant.com Baby Ray’s Bar-B-Que 316 Valley Ave, Homewood, 205-945-7437 Bambinelli’s Italian Cafe 2031 Cahaba Rd., Mountain Brook 205-871-2423 Big John’s Deli & Catering 3150 Overton Rd., Mountain Brook 205-969-0179 Billy’s Bar & Grill 2012 Cahaba Rd., Mountain Brook 205-879-2238 www.billysbarandgrill.com Black Pearl Asian Cuisine 3419 Colonnade Pkwy. Ste. 600, Birmingham, 205-262-9888 Bongiorno Italian Restaurant 68 Church St., Ste. A, Birmingham 205-879-5947 www.bongiornoitalianrestaurant.com 800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 67
Brio Tuscan Grille 591 Brookwood Village, Birmingham 205-879-9177, www.brioitalian.com
Crestline Seafood 63 Church St., Mountain Brook 205-637-7460
Cap’s Deli 250 Green Springs Hwy., Homewood 205-942-8040, www.capsdeli.com
daniel george 2837 Culver Rd., Mountain Brook 205-871-3266 www.danielgeorgerestaurant.com
Carrabba’a Italian Grill 4503 Riverview Pkwy., Birmingham 205-980-1016, www.carrabba.com/
Davenport’s Pizza Palace 2837 Cahaba Rd., Mountain Brook 205-879-8603
Chen Express 221 Country Club Park, Birmingham 205-871-7588
Dave’s Pizza 1819 29th Ave. S., Homewood 205-871-3283
Chez Lulu/Continental Bakery 1911 Cahaba Rd., Mountain Brook 205-870-7011 www.continentalbakeryandchezlulu.com
Demetri’s Bar-B-Q 1901 28th Ave. S., Homewood 205-871-1581 www.birminghammenus.com/demetris/
Chop Suey Inn 813 Green Springs Hwy., Ste. F, Homewood 205-942-9782
DeVinci’s Pizza 2707 18th St. S., Homewood 205-879-1455
Cocina Superior 587 Brookwood Village, Birmingham 205-259-1980, www.thecocinasuperior.com
Dish’n It Out 1113 Dunston Ave, Birmingham 205-871-5444 www.dishnitout.com
Cool Beans Coffeehouse 1014 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood, 205-871-2665 Costa’s Famous Bar-B-Que - Wildwood 215 Lakeshore Pkwy., Homewood 205-263-0145 Courtyard 280 Oyster Bar & Grill 4643 Hwy. 280, Ste. M, Birmingham 205-980-9891 Crape Myrtle’s Cafe 2721 18th St. S., Homewood, 205-879-7891
DoDiYos 1831 28th Ave. S., Ste. 110, Homewood 205-453-9300, www.dodiyos.com Dragon Restaurant 114 Wildwood Pkwy., Homewood 205-945-8711 Dyron’s Lowcountry 121 Oak St., Birmingham 205-834-8257, www.dyronslowcountry.com
Crazy Cajuns’ Boiling Pot 125 Inverness Plaza, Birmingham 205-408-0630
Edgar’s Old Style Bakery 3499 Colonnade Pkwy., Birmingham 205-987-0790 www.edgarsbakery.com
Crestline Bagel and Pizza 66 Church St. Ste. B, Birmingham 205-871-4583
Edgewood Creamery 936 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood 205-874-1999
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El Poblano Mexican Restaurant 2499 Rocky Ridge Rd., Cahaba Heights 205-823-0447
Gilchrist Drug Company 2805 Cahaba Rd., Birmingham 205-871-2181
Fire Restaurant, Neighborhood Bar and Grill Crestline Village, 212 Country Club Park, Birmingham 205-802-1410
Golden Rule Barbecue Crestline 81 Church St., Ste. 104-105, Birmingham 205-803-0083 www.goldenrulebbq.com
Fish Market Restaurant 5407 Hwy. 280, Birmingham 205-980-8600 www.fishmarketrestaurant.com
Hamburger Heaven 5303 Hwy. 280, Birmingham 205-981-6402 www.hamburgerheavenrestaurant.com
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar 103 Summit Blvd., Birmingham 205-262-9463 www.flemingssteakhouse.com
Hogan’s Irish Pub & Grill 507 Cahaba Park Circle, Ste. B, Birmingham 205-995-0533
FLIP Modern Burger Boutique 220 Summit Blvd., Ste. 140, Birmingham 205-968-2000 www.flipburgerboutique.com
Homewood Diner 162 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood 205-941-9444 http://homewooddiner.blogspot.com
Franklin’s Homewood Gourmet 1919 28th Ave. S., Ste. 103, Homewood 205-871-1620, www.homewoodgourmet.com
Hunan Cuisine Chinese Restaurant 5510 Hwy. 280 S., Ste. 113-114, Birmingham 205-437-1000 www.hunancuisinebham.com
Fresh Market 4740 Hwy. 280, #6, Birmingham 205-991-0294, www.freshmarket.com
Hunan Wok 429 Green Springs Hwy., Ste. 121, Homewood 205-941-9808
Full Moon Bar-B-Que - Homewood 337 Valley Ave., Homewood 205-945-9997
Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant 4673 Hwy. 280, Birmingham 205-980-8266 http://intercoups.com/menu/ixtapa/
Full Moon Bar-B-Que - Hwy. 280 4635 Hwy. 280 S., Birmingham 205-991-7328, www.fullmoonbbq.com Gardens Cafe 2612 Lane Park Rd., Birmingham 205-871-1000 Georges Lebanese & American Cuisine 44 Green Springs Hwy., Homewood 205-942-1962, www.georgeslebanese.com GianMarco’s 721 Broadway St., Homewood 205-871-9622 ■ Member of the Birmingham Originals
Iz Cafe Altadena 4700 Cahaba River Rd., Birmingham 205-262-9733 www.birminghammenus.com/cafeiz Iz Cafe Rocky Ridge 2518 Rocky Ridge Rd., Birmingham 205-979-7522 www.birminghammenus.com/iztoo Jackson’s Bar & Bistro 1831 28th Ave. S., Ste. 175, Homewood 205-870-9669
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Jade Palace Chinese Restaurant 330 Inverness Corners, Birmingham 205-980-8001 Jim N Nick’s Bar B Q - Greystone 2831 Greystone Commerical Blvd., Birmingham, 205-991-1306 www.jimnnicks.com Jim N Nick’s Bar B Q - Homewood 220 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood 205-942-3336, www.jimnnicks.com Jinsei Sushi Bar & Lounge 1830 29th Ave. S., Ste. 125, Homewood 205-802-1440, www.jinseisushi.com Johnny Ray’s Bar-B-Que 3431 Colonnade Pkwy., Ste. 500, Birmingham 205-967-0099, www.johnnyrays.com Kosher Cafe 3960 Montclair Rd., Birmingham 205-386-3130 La Dama Pizzeria 8000 Liberty Pkwy., Ste. 102, Vestavia Hills, 205-967-7729 www.ladamapizzeria.com
Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant 308 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood 205-945-8002 Lovoy’s Restaurant & Lounge 1830 29th Ave. S., Ste. 160, Homewood 205-870-9811, www.lovoys.com MAFIAoZA’s Pizzeria & Neighborhood Pub 2 Dexter Ave., Birmingham 205-414-7878, www.mafiaozas.com Maki Fresh 2800 Cahaba Village Plaza, Birmingham 205-970-3242, www.makifresh.com Marta’s Bakery 3936 Crosshaven Dr, Birmingham 205-969-2253 Max’s Deli 3431 Colonnade Pkwy., Ste. 400, Birmingham 205-968-7600 www.maxsdelionline.com McCormick & Schmick’s 719 Shades Creek Pkwy., Birmingham 205-871-5171 www.mccormickandschmicks.com
La Paz Restaurante 99 Euclid Ave, Birmingham 205-879-2225, www.lapazbham.com
Michael’s Restaurant @ Aloft Hotel 1903 29th Ave. S., Homewood 205-874-8055 www.eatatmichaels.com
La Sabrosita 293 West Valley Ave., Homewood 205-290-0511
Mike’s Hot Dogs 2701 18th St. S., Homewood 205-868-4728
Landry’s Seafood House 139 State Farm Pkwy., Homewood 205-916-0777 www.landrysseafoodhouse.com
Milo’s Hamburgers - Homewood 208 State Farm Pkwy., Homewood 205-945-8008 www.miloshamburgers.com
Leonardo’s Italian Restaurant 2520 Rocky Ridge Rd., Birmingham 205-979-6996
Ming’s Cuisine 514 Cahaba Park Cir, Birmingham 205-991-3803
Lloyd’s Restaurant 5301 Hwy. 280 S., Birmingham 205-991-5530
Miss Myra’s Pit Barbecue 3278 Cahaba Heights Rd., Birmingham 205-967-6004
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Miss Rosemarie’s Special Tea Salon & Shoppe 5299 Valleydale Rd., Birmingham 205-980-8335, www.mrsteas.com
O’Henry’s Coffees - Downtown Homewood 2831 18th St. S., Homewood 205-870-1198, www.ohenryscoffee.com
Moe’s Original BBQ & Blues Revue 2501 Rocky Ridge Rd., Birmingham 205-822-2773, www.moesoriginalbbq.com
Olexa’s Mountain Brook Village, 2838 Culver Rd., Birmingham, 205-871-2060
Momma Goldberg’s Deli 2829 18th St. S., Homewood 205-834-8871, www.mommagoldbergsdeli.com
On Tap Sports Cafe - Inverness 810 Inverness Corners, Birmingham 205-437-1999, www.ontapsportscafe.com
Mountain Brook Creamery 2715 Cahaba Rd., Mountain Brook 205-870-0092
Open Door Cafe 1115 Dunston Ave., Birmingham 205-879-6659
Mr. Wang’s Restaurant 217 Lakeshore Pkwy., Homewood 205-945-9000, www.mrwangsbuffet.com
Otey’s Tavern 224 Country Club Park, Birmingham 205-871-8435
Mudtown 3144 Green Valley Rd., Birmingham 205-967-3300
Out Takes 2902 18th St. S., Ste. B, Homewood 205-871-9995, www.outtakesdeli.com
Nabeel’s Cafe & Market 1706 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood 205-879-9292, www.nabeels.com
P. F. Chang’s 233 Summit Blvd., Birmingham 205-967-0040, www.pfchangs.com
Naji’s Pita Gourmet Restaurant 166 West Valley Ave, Homewood 205-945-6001
Pablo’s Restaurante & Cantina 3439 Colonnade Pkwy., Birmingham 205-969-1411
New York Pizza 1010 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood, 205-871-4000
Petruccelli’s Italian Eatery 10 Meadowview Dr., Birmingham 205-991-7455, www.petruccellis.com
O.T.s on Acton Neighborhood Grill 2409 Acton Rd., Ste. 129, Birmingham 205-822-2062 Oak Hill Bar & Grill 2835 18th St. S., Homewood 205-870-8277
Pho Que Huong Vietnamese Restaurant 430 Green Springs Hwy., Ste. 15, Homewood 205-942-5400 Ping’s Chinese Restaurant 2531 Rocky Ridge Rd., Birmingham 205-979-9868
O’Carr’s Deli 2909 18th St. S., Homewood 205-879-2196 www.birminghammenus.com/ocarrs
Purple Onion Deli & Grill - Homewood 479 Green Springs Hwy., Homewood 205-941-9979
O’Carr’s Deli 3152 Cahaba Heights Village Rd., Birmingham, 205-967-4173, www.ocarrs.com
Qdoba Mexican Grill - Homewood 437 Green Springs Hwy., Ste. 141, Homewood 205-941-1486, www.qdoba.com 800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 71
Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina 1831 28th Ave. S., Ste. 160, Homewood 205-870-9373, www.salsaritas.com Sam’s Super Sandwiches 2812 18th St. S., Homewood 205-871-0046 Satterfield’s Restaurant 3161 Cahaba Heights Rd., Ste. 113, Birmingham, 205-969-9690 www.satterfieldsrestaurant.com Savage’s Bakery & Restaurant 2916 18th St. S., Homewood 205-871-4901, www.savagesbakery.net Saw’s BBQ 1008 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood 205-879-1937 Shogun Japanese Steak & Sushi Bar 4618 Hwy. 280 S., Birmingham 205-991-0033 http://intercoups.com/menu/shogun/inside. html
Red Pearl Restaurant 243 West Valley Ave., Homewood 205-945-9558 Richard’s Bar-B-Q & Grill 2409 Acton Rd., Ste. 153, Birmingham 205-979-6057 River City Grille Birmingham Marriott, 3590 Grandview Pkwy., Birmingham, 205-968-3775 Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse 2300 Woodcrest Place, Homewood 205-879-9995, www.ruthschris.com Sabor Latino Restaurant & Lounge 112 Green Springs Hwy., Homewood 205-942-9480 Salem’s Diner 2913 18th St. S., Homewood 205-877-8797, www.salemsdiner.com 72 Birmingham Tourist Guide
Soho Sweets 1830 29th Ave. S., Ste. 110, Homewood 205-871-4420 Steele’s 8 Perimeter Park S., Birmingham 205-972-8602 Stone’s Throw Bar & Grill 3 Mt Laurel Ave., Birmingham 205-995-0512, www.stonesthrowgrill.com Superior Grill 4701 Hwy. 280 S., Birmingham 205-991-5112 www.superiorgrillbirmingham.com/ Surin 280 16 Perimeter Park S., Birmingham 205-968-8161 Surin of Thailand 64 Church St., Birmingham 205-871-4531, www.surinofthailand.com
Sweet Bones Alabama 245 Summit Blvd., Birmingham 205-970-3022, www.sweetbonesalabama.com
Zoe’s Kitchen - Crestline 225 Country Club Park, Birmingham 205-871-0060, www.zoeskitchen.com
Taqueria Guzman (also referred to as The Taco Truck) 215 W. Valley Ave., Homewood
Zoe’s Kitchen - Homewood 1830 29th Ave. S., Ste. 155, Homewood 205-870-1100, www.zoeskitchen.com
Taqueria Mi Casita 360 Palisades Blvd., Homewood, 205-870-4406
Zoe’s Kitchen - Summit 323 Summit Blvd., Birmingham 205-967-5800, www.zoeskitchen.com
Tavern on the Summit 225 Summit Blvd. Ste. 100, Birmingham 205-298-1222 Taziki’s Greek Fare 2737 Hwy. 280, Ste. 121, Birmingham 205-870-0455, www.tazikis.net Taziki’s Greek Fare 3439 Colonnade Pkwy., Ste. 1700, Birmingham, 205-968-6622 The Back Nine Clubhouse & Grille 611 Doug Baker Blvd., Ste. 105, Birmingham 205-981-4588, www.myspace.com/loungeguy The Cheesecake Factory 236 Summit Blvd., Birmingham, 205-262-1800 The Olive Branch 3236 Cahaba Heights Rd., Birmingham 205-967-4600
Bessemer, West Bob Sykes Barbeque 1724 9th Ave. N., Bessemer 205-426-1400, www.bobsykes.com Bob Sykes BBQ - Tannehill 12632 Confederate Pkwy., Mc Calla 205-477-4121, www.bobsykes.com Bryant’s Seafood Restaurant 3096 Allison Bonnett Memorial Dr, Hueytown, 205-491-5652 Drummond’s Hickory Grill 2910 Morgan Rd., Ste. 100, Bessemer 205-424-6639 G. W.’s Steakhouse 1408 Hueytown Rd., Hueytown 205-497-2822
Tracy’s 75 Church St., Birmingham, 205-803-3005
Glory’s Family Dining 6509 EJ Oliver Blvd., Fairfield 205-786-5500
Village Tavern 101 Summit Blvd., Birmingham 205-970-1640, www.villagetavern.com
Golden Dragon I 2227 Bessemer Rd., Birmingham 205-788-8730
Wan’s Chinese 3154 Heights Village, Birmingham 205-968-3988
Golden Rule BBQ 2201 4th Place W., Birmingham
Yankee Pizzeria 3144 Heights Village, Birmingham 205-967-6266 Zea Rotisserie & Grill 595 Brookwood Village, Birmingham 205-380-3118, www.zearestaurants.com
Habanero’s Mexican Grill 3048 Allison Bonnett Memorial Dr., Hueytown, 205-491-9974 Iron Skillet 22526 Hwy. 216, Mc Calla 205-477-4280
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Jade Garden 5031 Ford Pkwy., Ste. 103, Bessemer 205-428-5878 Krispy Kreme Doughnuts 96 Weibel Dr., Midfield, 205-923-2016 Lena’s Ole Hickory Restaurant 3103 Ensley Five Points W. Ave., Birmingham 205-781-7837 Mama Peps Kitchen 137 6th Ave. SW., Ste. C, Birmingham 205-583-4775 McKinley’s Bar B Que 1903 Ave. O, Birmingham, 205-781-5643 Milo’s Hamburgers - Bessemer 757 Academy Dr., Bessemer 205-426-1650, www.miloshamburgers.com Milo’s Hamburgers - Fairfield 6600 EJ Oliver Blvd., Fairfield, 205-788-6456
Stadium Grill 1002 4th Ave. N., Bessemer 205-424-9210 The Bright Star 304 19th St. N., Bessemer 205-424-9444, www.thebrightstar.com Top That Grille II 1371 Bessemer Rd., Birmingham 205-923-2422 Uncle Sam’s Barbecue 3043 Allison Bonnett Memorial Dr, Hueytown, 205-491-1333 www.unclesamsbbq.com Hoover, Vestavia Hoover, Vestavia Agave Mexican Grill 1694 Montgomery Hwy., Ste. 142, Hoover 205-824-9410 Bellini’s Ristorante 6801 Cahaba Valley Rd., Hoover 205-981-5380, www.ourbellinis.com
Muffalletta’s Pizza and Pasta 1810 9th Ave. N., Bessemer, 205-424-9901
Birmingham Bake & Cook Co. 5291 Valleydale Road, Hoover 205-980-3661
Niki’s West 233 Finley Ave. W., Birmingham 205-252-5751
Bistro V 521 Montgomery Hwy., Ste. 113, Vestavia Hills, 205-823-1505
Pike’s Hickory Pit 515 West Town Plaza, Bessemer, 205-428-1538
Bluff Park Diner 591 Shades Crest Rd., Birmingham 205-824-4320
Rabbit’s Bar B Que 9760 15th St. Rd., Hueytown, 205-491-8498 Railroad Cafe 1205 Lake Dr. SE., Ste. 111, Bessemer 205-424-1073 San Antonio Grill 1205 Lake Dr. SE., Ste. 101, Bessemer 205-425-0003 Smokehouse Steak & Seafood Restaurant 348 Finley Ave. W., Birmingham 205-323-6427 or 328-2247
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Bone Daddy’s 201 Doug Baker Blvd., Birmingham 205-980-3300 Bonefish Grill 3430 Galleria Circle, Hoover 205-985-9545, www.bonefishgrill.com Brock’s 4000 Grand Ave., Hoover, 205-949-3051 Cafe Lazio 181 Main St., Ste. 241, Hoover 205-403-7480, www.cafelazio.net
Cajun Steamer Bar and Grill 180 Main St., Ste. 200, Hoover 205-985-7785, www.cajunsteamer.com
Edgar’s Old Style Bakery 180 Main St., Ste. 240, Hoover 205-987-0790, www.edgarsbakery.com
Carino’s Italian Grill 4330 Creekside Ave., Hoover 205-560-0505, www.carinos.com
Firebirds Rocky Mountain Grill 191 Main St., Hoover 35244-5060 205-733-2002, www.firebirdsrestaurants.com
Chicory Grille 1000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover 205-444-5739, www.wynfrey.com
Fish Market Restaurant 1681 Montgomery Hwy., Hoover 205-823-3474, www.fishmarketrestaurant.com
China Ben 790 Hwy. 31 S., Ste. 102, Vestavia Hills, 205-823-8920
Formaggio’s Italian Bistro 1779-A Montgomery Hwy., Hoover 205-989-7999
China Doll 2 2656 Valleydale Rd., Hoover, 205-980-7151
Full Moon Bar-B-Que - Hoover 2000 Patton Chapel Rd., Hoover, 205-822-6666
Chipotle Mexican Grill 1759 Montgomery Hwy., Hoover 205-982-4833, www.chipotle.com
Gabriel’s Spirited Cafe 3706 Lorna Rd., Hoover 205-985-0983, www.gabrielscafe.net
Costa’s Mediterranean Cafe 3443 Lorna Rd., Hoover, 205-978-1603
Giano’s Italian Deli 1919 Kentucky Ave., Ste. 121, Vestavia Hills 205-979-3401
Crave Chocolatier 181 Main St., Ste. 229, Hoover 205-989-9622, www.cravechocolatier.com Dale’s Southern Grill 700 Montgomery Hwy., Ste. 156, Vestavia Hills, 205-987-4757 Dale’s Southern Grill 1843 Montgomery Hwy., Ste. 107, Birmingham, 205-987-4757 Dave’s Deli 1615 Montgomery Hwy., Ste. 124, Hoover 205-822-8000 Diplomat Delicatessen & Spirits 1413 Montgomery Hwy., Ste. 101, Vestavia Hills, 205-979-1515 Drummond’s Hickory Grill 1485 Montgomery Hwy., Vestavia Hills 205-822-7427
Ginza Sushi & Korean BBQ 5291 Valleydale Rd., Ste. 101, Hoover 205-981-1616 Golden Rule Barbecue Hoover 1571 Montgomery Hwy., Hoover 205-823-7770, www.goldenrulebbq.com Habaneros Mexican Grill- Hoover 1601 Montgomery Hwy., Hoover 205-979-7772 Harry’s Place 1837 Montgomery Hwy. S., Ste. 103, Hoover, 205-733-9544 Ichiban Japanese Steak House 620 Old Towne Rd., Vestavia 205-822-4646 Iron Horse Cafe 1694 Montgomery Hwy., Ste. 184, Birmingham, 205-978-5599 www.ironhorsecafe.net
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Joe’s Italian 21 Weatherly Club Drive, Alabaster 205-663-4111 J. Alexander’s Restaurant 3320 Galleria Circle, Hoover 205-733-9995 or 733-9537 www.jalexanders.com Jim N Nick’s Bar B Q - Riverchase 1810 Montgomery Hwy. S., Hoover 205-733-1300, www.jimnnicks.com Jubilee Joe’s Fresh Seafood Market & Restaurant 2341 John Hawkins Pkwy., Ste. 119, Hoover, 205-982-7797 www.jubileejoes.com Klingler’s European Bakery & Cafe 621 Montgomery Hwy., Vestavia Hills 205-823-4560 www.birminghammenus.com/klinglers Krispy Kreme Doughnuts 1990 New Patton Chapel Rd., Hoover 205-822-8272 La Dolce Vita 1851 Montgomery Hwy. S., Ste. 107, Birmingham, 205-985-2909 La Fiesta 1941 Hoover Court, Ste. A, Hoover 205-979-7314 Mandarin House 1550 Montgomery Hwy., Ste. O, Hoover 205-822-1761 Mariachi Grill 612 Montgomery Hwy., Ste. 100, Vestavia Hills, 205-823-2399 Michael’s Steaks & Seafood 3340 Galleria Circle, Hoover, 205-982-0144 Milo’s Hamburgers - Vestavia 1449 Montgomery Hwy., Vestavia Hills 205-823-6456, www.miloshamburgers.com 76 Birmingham Tourist Guide
Moe’s Original BBQ 2341 John Hawkins Pkwy., Ste. 117, Hoover 205-985-8841, www.moesoriginalbbq.com Mr. P’s Butcher Shop & Deli 813 Shades Crest Rd., Hoover, 205-823-6136 New Orleans Food and Spirits 1919 Kentucky Ave., Vestavia Hills 205-822-7655 www.neworleansfoodandspirits.com On Tap Sports Cafe - Riverchase 1845 Montgomery Hwy., Ste. 207, Hoover 205-988-5558, www.ontapsportscafe.com Organic Harvest Market & Cafe 1580 Montgomery Hwy., Ste. 12, Hoover 205-978-0318 Pablo’s Restaurante & Cantina 2760 John Hawkins Pkwy., Hoover 205-682-1211 Pappas’ Delicious Foods 1066 Montgomery Hwy., Vestavia Hills 205-823-4458 Purple Onion Deli & Grill - Hoover 1550 Montgomery Hwy., Ste. P, Hoover 205-822-7322, www.purpleonionofhoover.com Purple Onion Deli & Grill - Pelham 2296 Pelham Pkwy., Pelham, 205-403-8600 Ragtime Cafe 2080 Valleydale Rd., Ste. 4, Birmingham 205-988-5323 Salvatore’s Pizza 1594 Montgomery Hwy., Ste. 102M, Hoover 205-823-7206 Sanpeggio’s Pizza - Hoover 3435 S. Shades Crest Rd., Ste. 115, Hoover 205-403-0100 Sarku Japan 2000 Riverchase Galleria, Ste. 158-M, Hoover Shipley’s Do-Nuts 2050 Greenvale Lane, Hoover, 205-822-2142
Shula’s Steak House Wynfrey Hotel. 1000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover, 205-444-5750 www.donshula.com/steakhouse/birmingham/ Silver Coin Indian Grill 3321 Lorna Rd., Hoover, 205-823-9070 www.silvercoinusa.com Snapper Grabbers Seafood Market 521 Montgomery Hwy., Ste. 101, Vestavia Hills , 205-824-9799
Yuki Japanese Restaurant 2760 John Hawkins Pkwy., Hoover 205-402-9888 Zapata Mexican Restaurant 2005 Valleydale Rd., Ste. 3, Hoover 205-733-1115 Zoe’s Kitchen - Patton Creek 180 Main St., Ste. 140, Hoover 205-989-4020, www.zoeskitchen.com
Sol Azteca 1360 Montgomery Hwy., Ste. 128, Birmingham , 205-979-4902 Sumo Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 151 Main St., Hoover, 205-444-1515 Taqueria Mexico 3724 Lorna Rd., Hoover, 205-989-5559 Taqueria Valencia #2 Mexican Restaurant 3305 Lorna Rd., Ste. 7, Hoover, 205-822-1366 Taste of Thailand 3321 Lorna Rd., Ste. 3, Hoover, 205-978-6863 The Pita Cafe 2801 Hwy. 150, Ste. 137J, Hoover, 205-402-7482 Tin Roof BBQ 4524 Southlake Pkwy., Ste. 20, Hoover, 205-987-4002, www.tinroofbbq.com Tip Top Grill 588 Shades Crest Rd., Birmingham 205-978-8677 Tortugas Homemade Pizza 2801 John Hawkins Pkwy. Ste. 169R, Hoover 205-403-9800 Up The Creek Fish Camp and Grill 2943 John Hawkins Pkwy., Hoover 205-988-0744 www.upthecreekfishcamp.com Wine’d Down 180 Main St., Ste. 212, Hoover 205-988-9463, www.wineddown.com
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 Café in Birmingham. The Irondale Café is the real life model for the fictional Whistle Stop Café in the hit movie Fried Green Tomatoes. The movie was drawn from the novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café, written by Birmingham native, author and actress Fannie Flagg. It is widely rumored that the story’s most colorful character, Idgie Threadgood, is loosely based on Flagg’s great aunt, Bess Fortenberry. Fortenberry owned and ran the Irondale Café for half a century. Tourists from around the world seek out the restaurant for its Idgie connection. Fried green tomatoes are always on the menu. www.irondalecafe.com 800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 77
Downtown and Southside
Above The Historic Redmont Hotel 2101 5th Ave. N., Birmingham 205-324-2101 www.theredmont.com Aqua Lounge & Nightclub 2824 5th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-714-8155 Barking Kudu 2929 7th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-328-1748 www.barkingkudu.com Base Camp Martini Bar & Lounge 1024 20th St. S., Birmingham 205-731-6099 78 Birmingham Tourist Guide
Blue Monkey Lounge 1318 Cobb Lane S., Birmingham, 205-933-9222, www.bluemonkeylounge.com BottleTree Cafe 3719 3rd Ave. S., Birmingham 205-533-6288 www.thebottletree.com Cantina Tortilla Grill 2901 2nd Ave. S., Ste. 110, Birmingham, 205-323-6980 www.birminghammenus.com/ cantina Club 1120 1036 20th St. S., Birmingham 205-324-1120
Club South 1102 10th St. S., Birmingham 205-251-0512 Courtyard Oyster Bar & Grill Southside 2015 Highland Ave. S., Birmingham, 205-558-4995 Crush 2001 Highland Ave. S., Birmingham, 205-558-4320 Dave’s Pub 1128 20th St. S., Birmingham 205-933-4030 Formaggio’s Italian Bistro 1713 10th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-933-7555, www.myspace. com/formaggios
Fuego Cantina 1101 20th St. S., Birmingham 205-933-1544 Gable Square Saloon & Games 803 9th Court S., Birmingham 205-251-0960, www.myspace. com/gablesquaresaloon Garage Cafe & Antiques 2304 10th Terrace S., Birmingham, 205-322-3220 Hush Bar 2711 7th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-581-5252, www.myspace. com/hushbarlakeview Innisfree Irish Pub 710 29th St. S., Birmingham 205-252-4255 www.innisfreepub.com Joe’s on 7th 2627 7th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-321-2812 www.joesonseventh.com Kelley’s Neighborhood Sports Grill 720 29th St. S., Birmingham 205-323-9786 La Cocina 2111 7th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-252-7626 Lou’s Pub & Package Store 726 29th St. S., Birmingham 205-322-7005 Marty’s 1813 10th Court S., Birmingham, 205-939-0045 www.martysbar.com Matthew’s Bar & Grill 2208 Morris Ave., Birmingham 205-862-6261
Metro Bistro & Market 2125 2nd Ave. N., Ste. 100, Birmingham, 205-323-7995 www.myspace.com/ metrobistroandmarket
Steel Urban Lounge 2300 1st Ave. N., Birmingham 205-324-0666, www. steelurbanlounge.com
Nana Funks 708 29th St. S., Birmingham 205-250-8003
Stillwater Pub 2109 7th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-202-5625, www. stillwaterpub.com
Oasis 2807 7th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-323-5538 www.oasisbar.com
The Break Restaurant & Billiards 1001 20th St. S., Birmingham 205-252-3779
Old Car Heaven 115 35th St. S., Birmingham 205-324-4545 www.oldcarheaven.com
The H Martini Bar 1023 20th St. S., Birmingham 205-933-9555 www.thehotelhighland.com/ martini_bar.htm
On Tap Sports Cafe Lakeview 737 29th St. S., Birmingham 205-320-1225 www.ontapsportscafe.com Our Place 2115 7th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-715-0077
The High Note/Rock n’ Horse 414 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd. S., Birmingham 205-251-7625, www.myspace. com/samshighnote The J. Clyde 1312 Cobb Lane, Birmingham 205-939-1312, www.jclyde.com
Parkside Cafe 4036 5th Ave S., Birmingham 205-595-0920 Platinum Club 821 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham 205-324-0791 www.platinum-bham.com Rag’s Bar & Grill 728 29th St. S., Birmingham 205-327-7247 Rogue Tavern 2312 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham 205-202-4151 www.roguetavern.com Speakeasy 1920 3rd Ave. N., Birmingham 205-251-1506 www.speakeasy1920.com 800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 79
Velma’s Place 1911 Gadsden Hwy, Birmingham, 205-661-0404
Airport, Centerpoint, Eastwood, Irondale, Leeds
Airport Inn Tavern 7502 5th Ave. N., Birmingham 205-836-9110 Billy’s Bar & Grill 4520 Overton Rd., Ste. 104, Birmingham, 205-956-2323 www.billysbarandgrill.com
The Mill at Five Points 1035 20th St. S., Birmingham 205-933-6363
Upside Down Plaza 2012 Magnolia Ave. S., Birmingham, 205-930-0333
The Nick 2514 10th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-252-3831 www.thenickrocks.com
WorkPlay 500 23rd St. S., Birmingham 205-879-4773 www.workplay.com
The Quest 416 24th St. S., Birmingham 205-251-4313 www.quest-club.com
Zydeco 2001 15th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-933-1032 www.zydecobirmingham.com
The Rare Martini 2839 7th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-323-0008 www.theraremartini.com
Adamsville, Fultondale, Northwest, Trussville
The Red Cat Coffeehouse 2901 2nd Ave. S., Ste. 120, Birmingham, 205-616-8450 www.redcatcoffeehouse.com The Wine Loft 2200 1st Ave. N., Birmingham 205-323-8228 www.wineloftbirmingham.com Twist and Shout 2011 Highland Ave S., Birmingham, 205-933-2033 www.myspace.com/ twistandshout88 80 Birmingham Tourist Guide
Full House 2205 Decatur Hwy., Fultondale, 205-849-9995 Home Field Sports Grill 1501 Decatur Highway, Fultondale, 205-841-6500
The Yellow Rose/Woody’s 800 Gadsden Highway, Birmingham, 205-838-5666 Tipsy T’s Karaoke & Club 1800 Tin Valley Circle, Birmingham, 205-655-8184, www.myspace.com/tipsyts
Bourbon St. Bar & Lounge 1568 Cooper Hill Rd., Birmingham, 205-957-1006 Bubba’s Pub 2408 Carson Rd. Ste. A, Birmingham, 205-853-9922 Crestwood Tavern 5500 Crestwood Blvd., Birmingham, 205-510-0053 Tenampa Nightclub 5800 Oporto-Madrid Blvd., Birmingham. 205-951-8200 Walker’s Restaurant/The Emergency Room Lounge 2100 Pinson Valley Pkwy., Birmingham, 205-849-0704
Homewood, Mountain Brook, Inverness
Billy’s Bar & Grill 2012 Cahaba Rd., Mountain Brook, 205-879-2238 www.billysbarandgrill.com Black Market Bar 3411 Colonnade Parkway, Ste. 800, Birmingham 205-967-8787 www.blackmarketbar280.com
top left photograph: brent boyd
Cafe Firenze 110 Inverness Plaza, Birmingham, 205-980-1315 www.myspace.com/cafefirenze Courtyard 280 Oyster Bar & Grill 4643 Highway 280, Ste. M, Birmingham, 205-980-9891 Dram Whiskey Bar 2721 Cahaba Rd., Mountain Brook, 205-871-8055 www.dramwhiskeybar.com Fox & Hound Pub & Grill 3425 Colonnade Pkwy., Birmingham, 205-968-3823 www.fhrg.com/FHRG.aspx Hogan’s Irish Pub & Grill 507 Cahaba Park Circle, Ste. B, Birmingham, 205-995-0533
Jackson’s Bar & Bistro 1831 28th Ave. S., Ste. 175, Homewood, 205-870-9669 Loco’s Deli & Pub 230 State Farm Pkwy., Homewood, 205-943-0080 www.locosgrill.com Lucky’s Pub & Package 704 Valley Ave., Homewood 205-945-1657 Oak Hill Bar & Grill 2835 18th St. S.,Homewood 205-870-8277 On Tap Sports Cafe Inverness 810 Inverness Corners, Birmingham, 205-437-1999 www.ontapsportscafe.com
Otey’s Tavern 224 Country Club Park, Birmingham, 205-871-8435 Starz Karaoke Lounge 730 Valley Ave., Homewood 205-944-0007 Stir Crazy 430 Green Springs Highway, Ste. 10, Homewood 205-941-3343
...nothing to do tonight?
Looking for something fun & new to do this weekend? There’s plenty of action and you could WIN big at The Birmingham Race Course. • Great place to take a date • Live greyhound racing • Simulcast horse and dog racing • Clubhouse dining or pizza & beer
Call 838-7500 for more race info • I-459 to Exit 31 • 19 & over only
Superior Grill 4701 Highway 280 S., Birmingham, 205-991-5112 The Upper Deck Sports Bar & Grill 449 Valley Ave., Homewood 205-942-3289
Bessemer, West
Alabama Owls Lounge 1500 15th St. N., Bessemer Allstars Sports Grill 242 Forest Rd., Hueytown 205-744-7827 Crazy Eights Lounge 817 19th St. N.,Bessemer 205-424-9122
Iron Horse Cafe 1694 Montgomery Hwy., Ste. 184, Birmingham 205-978-5599 www.ironhorsecafe.net
On Tap Sports Cafe Riverchase 1845 Montgomery Hwy., Ste. 207, Hoover, 205-988-5558 www.ontapsportscafe.com
Ivory’s Wynfrey Hotel, 1000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover 205-987-1600 www.wynfrey.com
Poppa G’s Billiards 2722 Chandalar Place Dr., #D, Pelham, 205-664-2949 www.poppa-gs com
Martini’s Fine Food & Club Ultra 2132 Lorna Ridge Lane, Hoover, 205-822-4488 On Tap Sports Cafe - Galleria 3440 Galleria Circle, Hoover 205-988-3203 www.ontapsportscafe.com
Pub 261 9340 Helena Rd., Ste. C, Hoover, 205-444-0261 www.myspace.com/pub261 Redline Bar & Grill 1615 Montgomery Highway, Birmingham, 205-823-1488 www.redlinebar.com
Sharky’z Lounge 1121 9th Ave. SW, Bessemer 205-425-4445
Hoover, Vestavia
Barrister’s Tavern 1535 Montgomery Hwy., Hoover, 205-978-2168 Blackwells Pub 3151 Green Valley Rd., Vestavia, 205-967-3798 www.blackwellspub.com Buffalo’s American Grille 700 Montgomery Hwy., Ste. 140, Vestavia Hills 205-380-5017 www.buffalos.com
Something You Should Know:
Bumpers Billiards 2132 Lornaridge Ln. #100, Hoover, 205-823-4006
• Birmingham is home to the nation’s oldest baseball
Comedy Club Stardome 1818 Data Drive, Hoover 205-444-0008 www.stardome.com
• Wine enthusiasts often are surprised to find vineyards
82 Birmingham Tourist Guide
• With more than 10,000 pieces, the Birmingham
Museum of Art houses the largest museum collection of Wedgwood outside of England. park, Rickwood Field, which opened in 1910 and saw play by baseball greats such as Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Piper Davis and Willie Mays. and wineries in the Birmingham area. Be sure to sample the delicate peach wines made from local fruit.
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 photograph: Brent Boyd
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.inbirmingham.com 83
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.
Birmingham: Bass Capital of the world 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 twoand-a-half-mile walk. North Loop is three-anda-half miles long; it’s rated easy to moderate because of some ascents. Shackelford Loop is rated moderate to difficult because of its sixand-a-half-mile length. Maps for these and other Oak Mountain 84 Birmingham Tourist Guide
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 was recently voted “Bass Capital of the World” by BASSMASTERS magazine, so you’re in a prime place to have a rod and reel. 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.
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.
86 Birmingham Tourist Guide
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. 205-3225326 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 205-870-1919, 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 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
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
People come from around the world to see the endangered Cahaba Lilies in bloom. 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. 800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 87
Mountain biking at Oak Mountain State Park
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 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) 88 Birmingham Tourist Guide
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 photograph: jeffrey greenberg
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 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.
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).
Railroad Park A 21-acre park in downtown Birmingham opened in September, giving the city a historically rich green space for recreation, concerts and cultural events. Called the Railroad Park, the area is designed to highlight Birmingham’s development at the crossing of two railroad lines. The park runs along a railroad corridor at First Avenue South from 14th to 18th Streets and includes a lake, a natural amphitheater and several playgrounds. Ten acres of open lawn provide a strolling garden landscaped to bloom with various perennials throughout the year. The park is an essential piece of a long-term plan that will give Birmingham the greatest amount of green space per capita than anywhere in the country.
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
Something You Should Know:
• Birmingham was recently voted
“America’s Bass Capital” by readers of BASSMASTER magazine. Anglers were asked to submit their choice for the country’s best “big city bassin’.” • “The Grand Prix of Alabama” makes Birmingham the only Deep South city on the North American Indy Racing League circuit. • The Alabama Theatre is a 1920s movie palace in the heart of downtown. The “Mighty Wurlitzer” pipe organ still rises from beneath the theater floor for audience entertainment and live accompaniment of silent movie screenings. • The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s University Hospital is among the world’s top kidney transplant centers.
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Highland Park Golf Course
Alpine Bay Golf
Bent Brook Golf Course
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
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.
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 Rating/Slope: 74.5/130 Practice Range: yes 90 Birmingham Tourist Guide
Capstone Club of Alabama 16000 Capstone Blvd., Brookwood, AL 35444 Phone: 205-462-0590 Located in Brookwood, Capstone is in between 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
Eagle Point Golf Club
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
4500 Eagle Point Drive, Birmingham, AL 35242 Phone: 205.991.9070 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.
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.
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
FarmLinks Golf Club 2200 FarmLinks Blvd., Sylacauga, AL 35150 Phone: 205.403.4653 www.farmlinksgolfclub.com FarmLinks is the world’s first research and demonstration course. The Hurdzan-Fry design offers a diverse layout with dramatic elevation changes and striking views of the mountains and lakes. Now you can Stay and Play in the Lodges at FarmLinks. 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 Overnight Accommodations: yes Tee times may be made up to 30 days in advance. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Groups and outings welcome. Ask about our new Lodges and Stay and Play rates. Managed by Honours Golf.
Don A. Hawkins/Roebuck Municipal Golf Course 8920 Roebuck Blvd., 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. No. of holes: 18 Par: 71 Yardage: 6,509 Rating/Slope: 68.5/137 Practice range: no No credit cards accepted.
See our advertisement on page 93
FarmLinks Golf Club 800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 91
Frank House Municipal Golf Course
Limestone Springs 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.
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 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.
Highland Park Golf Course 3300 Highland Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35205 Phone: 205.322.1902 www.highlandparkgolf.com Known as the oldest course in Alabama, Highland Park still sparkles from the 1998 restoration by renowned architect, Bob Cupp. It offers 18 enticing holes with uphill approach shots, heavily bunkered greens, lakes and beautiful vistas of the Birmingham skyline. No. of holes: 18 Par: 70 Yardage: 5,801 Rating/Slope: 68.1/128, 66.1/123, 63.8/114 Practice range: yes Practice Range on-site. Tee times may be made up to five days in advance. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Groups and outings welcome. Managed by Honours Golf.
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.
92 Birmingham Tourist Guide
Magnolia Hills Golf Course 315 Hwy 47 South, Columbiana, AL 35051 Phone: 205-670-0031 www.magnoliahillsgc.com Magnolia Hills Golf Course is an executive length full-service 18-hole course playing at an inflated par 68 over an executive distance of 3,625 yards. With narrow fairways, exceptional placement of water and sand hazards, you can expect a fun and challenging day of golf for golfers of all ages and skill levels.
Marcum Country Club 9621 Bagley Road, Empire, AL 35063 Phone: 205.647.3377 The very picture of serenity, this older, countryside course–located 25 miles from downtown Birmingham—incorporates several bodies of water in its design to provide a challenging, yet relaxing, game of golf. 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.
See our advertisement on page 93
A Memorable Golf Experience Awaits You in Birmingham… From the rural woodlands of FarmLinks at Pursell Farms to the city skyline of Highland Park to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountain range at Limestone Springs, Honours Golf offers three impressive golf venues in the Greater Birmingham area that will leave you with a lasting, positive experience. Designed by some of the industry’s most notable course architects, each of our courses has a distinct beauty about it. You’ll find captivating views with game-challenging landscapes. In addition, our award-winning courses are among the finest in playing conditions and offer Southern hospitality at its best. Call today 866-HONOURS to book your tee times today or visit us online www.birmingham-golf.com.
Highland No. 6
Highland Park Golf Course 3300 Highland Ave. South Birmingham, AL 35205 (205) 322-1902 www.highlandparkgolf.com
Limestone Springs Golf Club 3000 Colonial Drive Oneonta, AL 35121 (205) 274-4653 (GOLF) www.limestonesprings.com Limestone No. 10
FarmLinks No. 17
FarmLinks Golf Club 2200 FarmLinks Blvd. Sylacauga, AL 35151 (205) 403-4653 (GOLF) www.farmlinks.org
The Meadows Golf Course #1 Plantation Drive, Harpersville, AL 35078 Phone: 205.672.7529 Open course featuring Bermuda greens and fairways about 25 miles from downtown Birmingham. No. of holes: 18 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,823 Rating/Slope: 71.6/122 Practice range: yes
Mountain View Golf Course 3200 Mountain View Drive Graysville, AL 35073 Phone: 205.674.8362 This course-–and its commanding view–is located only 20 miles from downtown Birmingham. No. of holes: 27 Par: 71, 72 Yardage: 5,946 Rating/Slope: 67.5/111, 68.4/114, 69.3/114 Practice range: no Tee times are required. Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted.
94 Birmingham Tourist Guide
Oak Mountain Golf Course Oak Mountain State Park Road Pelham, AL 35137 Phone: 205.620.2522 Located 17 miles south of downtown Birmingham in Oak Mountain State Park. No. of holes: 18 Par: 72 Yardage: 6,748-5,615 Rating/Slope: 71.5 / 127, 69.8 / 124, 66.7 / 117 Practice range: yes Pre-noon tee times must be made five days in advance. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are welcome. top left photograph: Ted Tucker
Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa, 4000 Grand Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35226 Phone: 205.949-3085, 800-949-4444 www.rtjgolf.com/courses/ross_bridge/ A big, muscle-bound course, its 18 holes sprawling over 330 acres and stretching almost 8,200 yards from the back tees, Ross Bridge is big and brawny, yet inviting to golfers of all skill levels. Ross Bridge plays host to the annual Regions Charity Classic Senior PGA Tour presented by Bruno’s Supermarkets. Perfect for everyone from the casual golfer to the tournament player, it promises to be the premier course on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. No. of holes: 18 Par: 72 Yardage: 8,191 Rating/Slope: 78.5/135 Practice range: yes The brand-new Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, opened in August 2005, is home to an incredible 12,000-square-foot full-service spa and salon. Top leftphotograph: Ted Tucker
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. 800.458.8085 | www.inbirmingham.com 95
Limestone Springs Golf Club
Limestone Springs Golf Club is situated in an 800-acre resort style golf community located 30 miles north of Birmingham, Alabama. This Birmingham golf club features an 18-hole Jerry Pate signature golf course which is currently rated the No. 1 Public Golf Course in Alabama by GolfWeek and named to America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses by Golf Digest. The 7,000 yard championship golf course is nestled throughout 225 acres of the Appalachian Mountains. Limestone Springs is known for its exceptional course conditions, pristine Crenshaw bent grass greens, diverse layout and picturesque views.
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.
96 Birmingham Tourist Guide
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
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1 26 7 Chez Lulu/Continental Bakery 2 Bellini’s Ristorante 3 Birmingham Bake & Cook 8 Cosmo’s Pizza Co. (Kitchenware & Classes) 9 Crestline Bagel Co. 4 Cafe de Paris 0 Crestline Seafood 5 Cantina Tortilla Grill q Culinard Cafe (2 Locations) 6 Century Restaurant w daniel george and Bar at the Tutwiler e Dyron’s Lowcountry
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Birmingham Originals
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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.
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k Sol y Luna z Ted’s Restaurant l Stones Throw Bar & Grill x The Market Café ; The Bright Star c The J. Clyde
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v V. Richards Market & Cafe
SEPHORA J U I C Y CO U T U R E
APPLE BCBG S A KS F I F T H AV E N U E
ANTHROPOLOGIE
VERA BRADLEY
COACH YOUR VISIT TO BIRMINGHAM ISN’T COMPLETE WITHOUT A TRIP TO THE SUMMIT, WITH ITS 90 STORES, 16 RESTAURANTS, AND 16 MOVIE SCREENS. Visit Guest Services for a free gift and an exclusive shopping passport with special store offers.
Located at the intersection of HWY. 280 and I-459
facebook.com/thesummitbham | 205.967.0111 | thesummitonline.com
LOCAL INDEPENDENT RESTAURANTS 26 • BELLINI’S RISTORANTE & BAR • BIRMINGHAM BAKE & COOK CO. BRIGHT STAR • CANTINA • CAFÉ DE PARIS • CENTURY RESTAURANT AND BAR • CHEZ LULU • CONTINENTAL BAKERY • COSMO’S PIZZA CRESTLINE BAGEL • CRESTLINE SEAFOOD • CULINARD CAFÉ DANIEL GEORGE • DYRON’S LOWCOUNTRY • HOMEWOOD GOURMET HOT AND HOT FISH CLUB • IRONDALE CAFÉ • IZ CAFÉ • J. CLYDE JOE’S ITALIAN • JOHN’S CITY DINER • LA DOLCE VITA LITTLE
SAVANNAH
•
MAFIAOZA’S
NABEEL’S CAFE & MARKET •
•
THE
MARKET
CAFÉ
OCEAN • ROGUE TAVERN
THE SILVERTRON CAFÉ • SOL Y LUNA • STONES THROW BAR & GRILL TED’S • V. RICHARD’S www.birminghamoriginals.org Birmingham Originals P.O. Box 590104 Birmingham, AL 35259
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