Birmingham, Alabama
Experiencing Birmingham: A 3-Day Adventure
Birmingham, Alabama – a city steeped in rich history, brimming with Southern charm, and offering an array of world-class attractions. This itinerary will guide you through this fascinating city, ensuring that you and your friends get to experience the best things to do, the tastiest places to eat and the most captivating sites to see.
Day 1: Dive into History and Culture
Morning: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Start your adventure at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. This museum and research center is a poignant tribute to the struggles and triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement. As you wander through the exhibits, you’ll be taken on a journey through history, from the era of segregation to the birth of the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. The institute’s powerful storytelling and immersive exhibits make this an educational and emotional experience.
Afternoon: Lunch at Hot and Hot Fish Club
After an enlightening morning, it’s time to relax and indulge in some Southern cuisine at Hot and Hot Fish Club. This award-winning restaurant, helmed by Chef Chris Hastings, is known for its fresh, locally sourced dishes. Don’t miss their signature dish, the Hot and Hot Tomato Salad, a delightful blend of fresh tomatoes, field peas, fried okra, and smoked bacon.
Evening: Art Excursion at Birmingham Museum of Art
Spend your evening exploring the Birmingham Museum of Art, one of the finest regional museums in the United States. With a collection of over 24,000 works spanning centuries and continents, you’re sure to find something that captivates your interest. Be sure to check out the extensive collection of American and European art, as well as the largest collection of Wedgwood outside England.
Day 2: Explore Urban Landmarks
Morning: Birmingham Zoo
Kick off your second day with a visit to the Birmingham Zoo. Home to over 700 animals across 230 species, this 122-acre site is the perfect place to connect with nature. Highlights include the Predator Zone, Sea Lion Show, and the African savannah, where you’ll see giraffes, zebras, and ostriches roam freely.
Afternoon: Lunch at The Pizitz Food Hall
For lunch, head over to The Pizitz Food Hall, a culinary paradise offering a variety of cuisines from around the world. Whether you’re in the mood for Ethiopian food, soul food, Vietnamese pho, or artisanal cheese, you’ll find it here. Don’t forget to grab a sweet treat at the on-site chocolate shop, Chocolatá.
Evening: Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
Round off your day with a trip to Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. Once the largest manufacturer of pig iron in the world, this industrial site is now a museum where you can learn about Birmingham’s iron-making history. Take a self-guided tour to explore the furnaces, steam engines, and castings, and don’t miss the metal arts program, where you can watch local artists in action.
Day 3: Outdoor Adventures and Music Magic
Morning: Hiking at Red Mountain Park
Start your last day with an invigorating hike at Red Mountain Park. This 1,500-acre park offers 15 miles of scenic trails, three tree houses, and the Red Ore Zip Tour for the thrill-seekers in your group. The park’s rich history in iron mining is showcased throughout, with highlights including the historic mining sites and the 80-foot tall Kaul Adventure Tower.
Afternoon: Lunch at Saw’s Soul Kitchen
Fill the post-hike hunger with a hearty meal at Saw’s Soul Kitchen. This local favorite specializes in Southern soul food like pulled pork, fried chicken sandwiches, and their famous pork and greens.
Evening: Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
End your Birmingham adventure on a high note at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. This museum pays tribute to jazz greats with ties to Alabama, including Nat King Cole and Duke Ellington. After exploring the exhibits, catch a live performance at the Carver Theatre for a swinging end to your trip.
This three-day itinerary covers just a glimpse of what Birmingham has to offer. From its rich historical heritage to its lively culinary scene and vibrant arts and culture, Birmingham is a city that will leave you with unforgettable memories.