by Tom Bastek
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Mon November 24, 2014
We Say:
From its founding in 1871 as part of a post-Civil War reconstruction project to the late 1960s, Birmingham was one of the primary industrial centers of the south. "The Magic City," the nickname given to the city for the boom in growth from the 1880s to the 1920s, is today a major hub for the medical and financial industries.
The downtown is going through major redevelopment based around Railroad Park and the minor league baseball Barrons' stadium. Once known as a center of attention during the civil rights movement, the city is more tolerant than ever and boasts diversity, culture and fun.
Foodies and beer geeks unite as Birmingham is now home to James Beard Award-winning chefs and numerous craft breweries.
They Say:
Outdoor entertainment and the arts are a dominant part of Birmingham's character. Take a quilt and a picnic to Railroad Park in the heart of downtown and listen to Alabama music. Live music is the signature entertainment of the city. Visit the dozens of art galleries around the city for funk, fine and folk art treasures. For visitors interested in architecture, the city's downtown buildings are a collection of Cinderella stories.
Many early skyscrapers are now refurbished, dressed up and housing restaurants, law firms and luxury condos. Adding to the Birmingham vibe are award-winning chef-owned dining rooms throughout the area attracting visitors from around the Southeast to spend the weekend simply dining. For all of its small town charm, Birmingham is a sophisticated, well-heeled international community.
With a rich history of Italian, Lebanese, Greek, Asian, Hispanic and Eastern European immigrants, Birmingham benefits from the gifts of many backgrounds. The influences are all around us and beautifully melded into the diversity of our Southern culture. - Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau
Weather:
Current Traffic: Google Traffic
Airport:Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
Public Transit: Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA)
Bikeshare: Under business plan consideration
Walkability Score: 33 at Walk Score
Parking Options / Expense:ParkMe, Best Parking
Best Accommodations: (Expedia.com Highest Guest Rated w/ at least 50 Reviews)
Boutique: Hotel Highland Downtown/UAB, Ascend Collection Hotel
High End: Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
High End: Birmingham Marriott
Mid Range: Courtyard Birmingham Downtown at UAB
Bargain: Homewood Suites Birmingham-South/Inverness
Foods to seek out:
Bar-B-Que: Saw's BBQ
Fried Green Tomatoes: The Irondale Cafe
Meat and Three: Magic City Grille
Peanuts: The Peanut Depot
Known For:
Steel Industry: Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
Civil Rights: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Medical Services: University of Alabama Birmingham Medical Center / Children's of Alabama
Sports Teams
NCAA: UAB Blazers
MLB-AA: Birmingham Barons
X-League Indoor Football: Alabama Outlaws
Cool attractions
Single
1. Check out the world's best motorcycle collection at Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.
2. Hit Good People Brewing before a Barons game.
3. Have a craft brew or two at the J. Clyde.
Couple
1. Take a selfie at Vulcan Park & Museum.
2. Stroll through Railroad Park.
3. Have a great meal at Highlands Bar and Grill.
Family
1. See, hear, touch and learn at the McWane Science Center.
2. Ice pops for everyone at Steel City Pops.
3. Cool off at Alabama Splash Adventure.
Nightlife
1. Martini Lounge - Blue Monkey Lounge
2. Concert Venue - Iron City
3. Jazz Club - Jazz Underground
Birmingham is:
Adjectives courtesy Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau, cloud graphic courtesy worditout.com
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