City Editor Dylan here. These days I’m all about Music City (aka, Nashville, TN), but growing up I was charmed by the Magic City — Birmingham, Alabama. If a flourishing food scene, thriving arts community, and family-friendly fun appeal to you, read on to see what’s so magical about this midsize metropolitan.
See a production at the Lyric Theatre or Alabama Theatre during your stay. | Photo by Art Meripol via the Alabama Tourism Department
Why go?
- Birmingham is a foodie’s paradise , having earned the nickname “Dinner Table of the South ” with a roster of iconic restaurants, James Beard darlings, and culinary traditions.
- Visit during the spring to experience the Magic City Art Connection , the city’s largest outdoor arts festival. The event takes over Sloss Furnaces , a former iron production facility and now a National Historic Landmark.
- Check out this interactive travel guide for the lowdown on attractions, shopping, and outdoor fun.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens spans 67 acres and features over 25 individual gardens. | Photo by Chris Granger via the Alabama Tourism Department
Act like a local:
- Food: A Birmingham favorite since 1995, the tomato salad at Hot and Hot Fish Club is a can’t miss spring and summer dish. The appetizer arrives to great fanfare in early May and remains on the menu through September.
- Drink: The city’s craft brewery scene has boomed in recent years , but we’ll never turn down a local cup of joe. Pick up a latte from the original O’Henry’s Coffee so you can sip, shop, and stroll through Homewood.
- Outdoors: Locals flock to Birmingham Botanical Gardens , Ruffner Mountain , and Moss Rock Preserve — all located within 15 miles of downtown — to be active and enjoy the great outdoors.
- Arts: Besides the free Birmingham Museum of Art , watch an indie film at the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema or enjoy a stage production at the Alys Stephens Center .
- Family: The McWane Science Center attracts curious minds of all ages. Discover the science of suds in the Bubble Room, explore the underground aquarium, and enjoy the immersive IMAX Dome Theater.
- Explore: Of course, no trip to Birmingham is complete without visiting Vulcan Park and Museum , home to the world’s largest cast iron statue.
Vulcan Park and Museum features panoramic views of Birmingham. | Photo by Art Meripol via the Alabama Tourism Department
Where to stay:
- Vrbo: This downtown loft is located in the heart of Magic City. (~$114/night)
- Splurge hotel: Check into Mountain Brook’s Grand Bohemian Hotel for luxurious accommodations. (~$550/night)
- Save hotel: Stay at the Redmont Hotel Birmingham and be within walking distance of the Alabama and Lyric theaters. (~$200/night)