Weekend Escapes: Birmingham, Alabama
Rotary Trail, Birmingham
Located in north central Alabama and approximately 2 hours west of Atlanta, Georgia is the dynamic city of Birmingham. The city was founded in 1871 and quickly grew in prosperity due to its iron and steel production. Because of its rapid growth, Birmingham earned the nickname the Magic City. In later years, the city gained further acclaim after becoming a key location in the Civil Rights Movement. Today, Birmingham (known as Bham by locals) has developed a unique identity and offers the inquisitive traveler a fun destination to explore.
Connect with Nature
Cambrian Overlook, Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve
There are multiple nature parks near the city that offer an enjoyable escape outdoors. Drive 15 minutes east of Birmingham and you’ll discover Ruffner Mountain. This is a nature preserve which encompasses over 1,000 acres and contains green space, picnic tables, an educational visitor center and ample hiking trails. The hiking trails cater to an array of expertise levels and range from easy to difficult. I chose to hike the Quarry Trail which is moderate in difficulty and provides a beautiful view out into the Ruffner Mountain Limestone Quarry. Other parks near Birmingham that also offer scenic hiking trails include Moss Rock Preserve and Red Mountain Park. For a more leisurely stroll, visit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens to enjoy their Japanese and rose gardens.
Trail map, Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve
Cambrian Overlook, Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve
Satisfy Your Foodie Desires
Automatic Seafood & Oysters
From humble local joints to James Beard awarded culinary institutions, the Bham food scene is a reason alone to visit the Magic City. Start your morning with a fresh pastry from Last Call Baking Company. The options are all tantalizing from traditional pastries, such as plain and chocolate croissants, to specialty items like their famous gochujang twist which is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy. Pair your pastry with an aromatic latte from June Coffee, located just steps away from the bakery.
A city can’t claim to be an iconic southern destination without a quintessential barbecue joint. For Birmingham, this establishment is Saw’s Barbecue. After opening their first location in 2009, Saw’s has steadily become a Birmingham staple and was voted as the best barbecue in Alabama by Southern Living Magazine in 2023. Saw’s provides Carolina-style barbecue as well as other traditional southern fare and is a must-visit to explore Birmingham like a local.
For a fun date night out or celebratory dinner, visit Automatic Seafood & Oysters for the best raw oyster selection in Birmingham. The restaurant also offers uniquely crafted seafood options such as seared New England scallops paired with short rib and curry clams. Helen is another refined fine-dining establishment offering elevated southern fare and an extensive wine list.
Shop Local
Pepper Place, Birmingham
For your pick of the best local goods in Birmingham, take a visit to Pepper Place. Located in a former Dr. Pepper bottling plant, Pepper Place hosts home-grown businesses and entrepreneurs. On Saturday mornings, visit their famous Saturday Market which showcases both local and other Alabama-based artisans. Peruse the various tents to purchase locally made items and produce as well as to watch cooking demonstrations while listening to live music. A traditional storefront offering local gifts and souvenirs is Alabama Goods. Here, you’ll find an array of goods from clothing to pottery to gift baskets.
Pepper Place Saturday Market, Birmingham - photo credit: Andy Montgomery, Flickr
Visit a Local Brewery
TrimTab Brewing Company, Birmingham
A visit to Bham is not complete without enjoying a cold beer at one of the numerous local breweries. The history of local beer in Birmingham began in 1885 when the first brewery opened, named Schillinger Brewing Company. The second brewery, Alabama Brewing Company, opened two years later. Prohibition and restrictive state laws destroyed the beer industry for decades and caused all local breweries in Birmingham to close. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that the craft beer market made a comeback in Birmingham and has since become one of the city’s most authentic features. The oldest and largest brewery in operation is Good People Brewing Company which sits opposite of Regions Field. Here, you can grab a beer then watch Bham’s minor league baseball team, the Birmingham Barons. For those who prefer a more intimate atmosphere, visit a smaller brewery such as Uproot Brewing Company or TrimTab Brewing Company.
Uproot Brewing Company, Birmingham
Uproot Brewing Company, Birmingham
Enjoy a City View
Railroad Park, Birmingham - photo credit: Nicolas Henderson, Flickr
For those are looking for a great view of the city, take a visit to Railroad Park. This park is a 19-acre green space located centrally in the city and celebrates Birmingham’s industrial past. It features paved walking paths as well as a lake and is a great place for an afternoon stroll and a picnic. In the warmer months, you can join in on free exercises classes, cooking classes and visit the weekly Pop-Up Plaza where local vendors display their goods for sale. Another park offering impressive views of the city is Vulcan Park & Museum. Here, you can climb the world’s largest cast iron statue, Vulcan, and learn about Birmingham’s history.
It’s time to go explore Bham like a local!
Adiõs Cocktail Bar, Birmingham
