When you think of Birmingham or even Alabama in general, what are your perceptions? Mine were the steel industry and the Civil Rights Movement. But a lot has changed since then. The 1960s were another lifetime ago for many of us. Instead, the Birmingham I witnessed was full of city pride and young people doing cool things.
I saw the restaurant scene that was among the best in the country and a craft beer scene thriving. If you find yourself in the Magic City anytime soon, here are a few of my favorite spots.
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Where to Stay in Birmingham
There are dozens of places to use as a base for your weekend in Birmingham. On my first night, I stayed at The Redmont Hotel Birmingham, Curio Collection by Hilton, a newly reopened historic property with modern decor and a rooftop bar.
The next nights, I stayed at Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham Downtown – The Tutwiler, another historic hotel taken over by Hampton Inn. Closer to Homewood, check out Starwood’s Aloft Birmingham Soho Square for the amenities you’ve come to love from the brand at a reasonable price. Cobb Lane Bed and Breakfast is another option if you want a more local experience with Southern hospitality.
What to Do in Birmingham
The cultural offerings in Birmingham are unmatched by most other cities in the region. You’ll find a museum for just about everything. Start at Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, where you’ll see hundreds of vintage motorcycles that was interesting even to me.
Vulcan Park and Museum has an observation deck with the best views of the city and discusses the city’s steel past. Learn about the city’s past at Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Negro Southern League Museum. Sloss Furnaces is an urban explorer’s dream, home to the rusting remains of the steel industry.
Catch the weekly farmer’s market at Pepper Place or a baseball game at Regions Field. Weekends are ideal for a stroll through Railroad Park and the Birmingham Museum of Art.
Where to Eat and Drink in Birmingham
There’s no shortage of delicious places to eat around the city. Over Easy is open for breakfast all day. Grab a pizza in Avondale at Post Office Pies. Paramount Bar serves more than just frozen palomas and sandwiches and has its own arcade.
the J. Clyde is a beer bar with a delicious menu. And while I didn’t get a chance to go to all of them, Bottega Italian Restaurant, Hot & Hot Fish Club, OvenBird, and Saw’s BBQ all came recommended. Don’t forget dessert with Steel City Pops!
When you want a drink, check out the many craft breweries, including Good People Brewing Company, Avondale Brewing Company, Cahaba Brewing Company, and TrimTab Brewing Company.
Craft cocktails are the draw at the frequently crowded The Collins Bar and Dram Whiskey Bar. And Garage Cafe feels like you’re drinking in a secret garden. When you want a good cup of coffee, check out the outpost of Atlanta original Octane Coffee.
Birmingham is a city that is very different from what you might expect.
I received a media rate at The Redmont and assistance from the Birmingham Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Some of these links are affiliate links.
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