I’ve lived in Birmingham almost my entire life and what I can say about it is this: it. is. BOOMING! Downtown has been revamping over the last ten or so years and I am so ecstatic to see where it goes! Check out my list of must-go-to places when passing through, or staying for a weekend!
The Marble Ring:
430 41st St S Suite B, Birmingham, AL 35222
This is the coolest place and rightly deserves number one. Think “time machine” and “Zelda Fitzgerald” all in the same breath. It’s Birmingham’s best kept secret located in Avondale, right across from Avondale Park. I won’t give away all of the secrets, but here are some instructions to follow:
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Walk into the hotdog place. (Bring your ID!)
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Don’t be afraid of the phone booth.
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Dial and tell them how many are in your party.
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Watch the magic unfold before you.
A blurb from their website:
It was 1928 in Paris, and the café was alive with the buzz of a late déjeuner. The crowd was a mélange of distinguished celebrities, but still one woman stood out. Her eyes had a certain spark as her gaze moved from guest to guest. Only on
occasion would she accept a hand. “Mrs. Fitzgerald, so nice to see you.” A quick, subtle smile, her response only a whisper, “I hope you die in the Marble Ring.”
Find them on Instagram @themarblering
Post Office Pies
209 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
I stumbled upon this gem when the one above was closed (pay attention to hours, people!), but it was the perfect substitution after a long photo shoot. Me and my friend feasted on this lovely pizza below and some cheesy bread that was to die for.
The Summit
214 Summit Blvd #150, Birmingham, AL 35243
For all your shopping needs (and a glorious view of the city – parking deck behind Chuy’s)! This is an outdoor shopping mall with places like Altar’d State, Victorias Secret, Lizard Thicket, and (my personal fave) The Paper Source. This is the fancy way to shop, plus there is a movie theater, Barnes & Noble, and pretty much anything you can think of needing. If you’ve never been to Cheesecake Factory or Urban Cookhouse, now is the time. If you want to stay safe, then Panera is the first turn on the right. 😉 If Mexican is your style, you can’t go wrong with Chuy’s and their Jalapeño Ranch dip! Seriously there is so much here, and it’s easy to get to from pretty much anywhere. Not staying downtown? Hit this place up on your way! Check out their insta @thesummitbirmingham
Civil Rights Museum
520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
There is a lot I could say about this place. I went with my family a few years ago for the first time (I know…we’ve lived here for so long and never gone until then!). It really took us back in time. Right next to it is 16th Street Baptist church that was bombed during the civil rights movement. Birmingham is LITTERED with history, and this place early goes unnoticed but he public. Check out the park that it stand sin front of. Oh, and discounted ticket prices for veterans.
Vulcan
1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
A park AND a museum! This incredible view is breathtaking. I’ve even seen people throw their wedding receptions here! Take the windowed elevator to the world’s largest cast iron statue, or tour the museum/gift shop. This is a hit spot for pictures above the city, and field trips. Birmingham is beautiful! (Especially when you go for fireworks!)
Insta: @visitvulcan
Birmingham Museum of Art
2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203
Free admission, AND they just came out with a new exhibit on FASHION! *heart eyes* Recently they hosted a Game of Thrones event, as well, so be on the lookout for other things that might happen at this grand location! There are three or four floors of art and it is to die for. This wasn’t my boyfriends thing, but he ended up being the last one ready to leave. There’s something interesting for everyone! Enjoy the beauty!
insta: @bhammuseum
Birmingham Mural(s)
(next to) 112 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
This is iconic to BHM. Everyone wants a cool picture to take back with them, right? Heck, I want one and I live here (haha). Here’s an instagram link to the other amazing and creative murals around the city (so far!): @magiccitymurals
Other rockin’ Places in and around the city:
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Woodlawn Cycle Cafe: Hippest cafe around! @woodlawncyclecafe.
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Brat & Brat: Beirgarten. @bratbrot
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McWane Science Center: iMax. Stingrays. Mind Reading. @mcwanescience
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Saturn: Live music. bar. coffee shop. @saturnbham
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Moss Rock Preserve: Hiking! 601 Preserve Pkwy. #mossrockpreserve (<- link!)
Kendyll Weeks 