First time visitors to Birmingham, Alabama are usually surprised at how beautiful it is here. The opinion of Birmingham, and the South in general, is not always good. While I believe this is completely unfounded, if you share in this opinion, there is not much I will be able to do to change your mind. You will just have to come see for yourself.
Vulcan Park and Museum
There are several options for what to do and see while in Birmingham, Alabama, but my first recommendation would be to tour Vulcan. Vulcan is the nation’s oldest cast iron statue, and it sits upon Red Mountain in the downtown area.
The park surrounding Vulcan is beautifully landscaped, and make a great place for a picnic. There is a small charge if you want to enter Vulcan and travel up to the observation deck. This is not something that individuals that are afraid of heights may want to do. However, if heights are no problem, the view from the observation deck is amazing. You can literally see for hundreds of miles. When you come down, take a few minutes to tour the Vulcan museum.
The Birmingham Zoo
Many locals complained that the Birmingham Zoo had become dated. Apparently these complaints were hear loud and clear. The result is a multi-million dollar expansion, and more animals than ever. There are picnic, and play areas for children, including a splash pad area that is open to children during the summer months. The zoo is large enough that you can spend several hours there, but unless you plan to picnic and make a day of it, it should not take you too long to see all of the animals.
McWane Science Center
This place is supposed to be geared towards children, but I am quick to admit that I am forty years old, and love going to McWane Science Center. This place is loaded with interactive science exhibits that allow you to see, as well as test scientific theories. The downstairs area includes a small aquarium that features many of the species located in rivers throughout the South. One of the biggest attractions at McWane Science Center is the IMAX theater. This dome theater puts you right in the middle of the action. Science movies, and other related nature films are shown daily. Big budget movies, such as Harry Potter are also shown on a regular basis.
Dreamland Barbeque
Birmingham, Alabama has tons of barbeque places, and all are quite delicious, but Dreamland Barbeque takes top honors in most people’s rankings. At Dreamland you can get authentic Southern slow-cooked barbeque. This is served with your choice of sides, and some plain slices of white bread to mop up the sauce with. All of the sides are good, but they are famous for their banana pudding, so at least consider that as one option. No matter what you choose, you cannot go wrong.
Of honorable mention of things to do in Birmingham, Alabama are historic Rickwood Field, which is the nation’s oldest remaining baseball stadium, Alabama Adventure Theme Park, The Alabama Theatre, and the Civil Rights Museum. All of these are excellent choices.
Whether you do only one, or all of the things mentioned above, I hope you enjoy your visit to Birmingham. Should you need anything while you are visiting, do not hesitate to contact me. After all, that is what Southern hospitality is all about!
Sources: www.visitvulcan.com/, www.dreamlandbbq.com/birmingham, www.mcwane.org/, www.birminghamzoo.com/
