by Eileen Thai

Created on: June 29, 2009   Last Updated: August 13, 2009

Birmingham is Alabama's largest city, a city that is steeped in history. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Birmingham epitomizes southern charm and hospitality. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or as aspiring musician, you will be pleased with what this city has to offer. You can visit Birmingham any time, but summer is when the city really comes alive, beginning with its music festival.

City Stages
Downtown Birmingham kicks off the summer with City Stages, a three-day music festival in June. Since its inception in 1989, the festival has rocked Birmingham, and attracted renowned artists like Diana Ross, and bands like the Allmand Brothers and Styx. Families will be thrilled to know that City Stages also has a festival for children of all ages. The Children's Festival includes activities like face painting, arts and crafts, pottery, painting, and many more. Great summer fun for the whole family!

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
520 16th St N
Birmingham

In the early 1960s, Birmingham was at the center of the civil rights movement. The African-American's struggle for civil rights through protest and demonstrations on the streets of Birmingham ultimately brought racial segregation and racial discrimination to an end. Take a journey through the past and experience the drama of those tumultuous times through the exhibits at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

Vulcan Park and Museum
1701 Valley View Drive
Birmingham

The Vulcan, a 50-ton cast iron statue standing 56 feet tall, is Birmingham's beloved icon. It won the Grand Prize at the World's Fair in St Louis in 1904. Since the 1930s, it has sat atop the Red Mountain, surrounded by a 10-acre park overlooking the city of Birmingham. The Vulcan Park and Museum is an excellent place to learn about the city's industrial history, have a picnic, or host an event or party.

Birmingham Botanical Garden
2612 Lane Park Road
Birmingham, AL 35223

There are many beautiful gardens in the deep South. One of them is the Birmingham Botanical Garden. Spend a relaxing day strolling the paths and walkways that meander around the 67.5-acres garden to admire the beautiful plants, shrubs and flowers. Not only will you get a good workout, you will also come away with some new ideas for your own garden. Even better, admission is free.

Several restaurants in Birmingham have been written up in various national newspapers and food magazines. NYC mega-restauranter Danny Meyer named Birmingham as an up-and-coming food city. So be sure to sample some southern dishes like grits, hush puppies, chicken dumplings, barbeque, and everything fried - green tomatoes, catfish and even pickles.

Enjoy your stay in Birmingham!

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