What to do in Birmingham
Written: Dec 12 '99
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Cool independent shops & restaurants
Cons: You have to know where to look
|
|
|
| dwpitts's Full Review: Birmingham |
I doubt many people go to Birmingham on vacation per se, but more than a few wind up there for some reason or another, not knowing what to do for fun. The truth is that Birmingham has a lot to do, mostly just little afternoon activities, but plenty to fill in the empty hours of a business trip or family visit.
VULCAN is a statue of the Roman god and overlooks the downtown area from atop Red Mountain. It is inexpensive to get in (only a dollar or so) but the view is incredible--you can see all of the city, plus the rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountain foothills. There are also exhibits at the foot of Vulcan and upstairs in the observatory that tell all about Birmingham's steel industry, which up until a decade ago was the city's primary money maker. Vulcan is the second tallest statue in the US behind the Statue of Liberty. He is currently under repair, but should be up and running again soon.
FIVE POINTS SOUTH is the bohemian center of the city and is home to a thriving population of artists and young people. Independent shops and galleries line the streets of Southside that converge into a five pointed star, hence the name. The architecture of Southside remains largely unchanged since the early 20th century, and many renovated old buildings have been transformed into upscale loft apartments and businesses. The best time to visit Southside is in the afternoon, but at night the bar scene there opens up as the college center of the city.
The Birmingham CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE is unparalleled by any civil rights museum in the U.S. It leads you through the city's tumultuous 60s and the racial struggles that continue today. The museum is free (donations accepted) and offers compelling photography, audio samples, and videos. Any visitor to Birmingham should be sure to visit.
The GALLERIA is one of the largest malls in the Southeast and is the largest in Alabama. Its glass atrium is the largest skylight in the world. Anchor stores include Parisian, Macy's, Rich's, Sears, and JC Penney. J Crew, Eddie Bauer, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, The Gap, and Pottery Barn all have stores in the Galleria as well. The Galleria is also home to a full-service luxury hotel, The Wynfrey.
RESTAURANTS: If money is no object, then try the Hot & Hot Fish Club, Highlands Bar & Grill, Arman's at Park Lane, or Azalea, all located in Southside. Moderately-priced but excellent are Bottega on Southside, Chez Lulu in English Village, and Nabeel's in Homewood. The best restaurants in general can be found in the Southside and Over the Mountain parts of town.
HOTELS: Again, if money is no object, then stay at Sheraton Downtown, the Wynfrey in Hoover, or the Redmont Downtown. I personally recommend the Pickwick Hotel in Five Points South, which gives you the chance to walk around the area and not have to worry about driving places.
I lived in Birmingham for twenty-two years, so these are based on my experience as a local.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
dwpitts
|
|
Member: David Pitts
Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 0 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.