A visit to this stately plantation house is a great way to get a taste of real Southern heritage. Situated on six acres in the heart of Old Elyton, the house was built by Judge William S Mudd, one of the founders of Birmingham, in the 1840s. The house is in the Greek Revival architectural style typical of this period, and functions as a 19th-century decorative arts museum, with a collection of furniture, artwork, textiles and silver from the 19th century. The grounds are also beautiful, spread across six acres of leafy pasture, and are a joy to explore. The estate is a popular venue for events like weddings so it is worth checking in advance if it is open to visitors, especially in the summer months.
Address : 331 Cotton Ave SW
E-mail : [email protected]
Telephone : (205) 780 5656
Opening times : Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 1pm-4pm. Closed Monday.
Admission : $5 adult, $3 children, other concessions available
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a homage to the spirit of both well-known and unsung civil rights heroes. Visitors take a self-guided journey through the permanent exhibitions, which chronicle the history of segregation and the civil rights struggle in America. It is a 'living institution', using the lessons of the past to shed new light on human rights issues today. Birmingham's pivotal role in the struggle takes central focus. There is also an art gallery with some items for sale. The museum is moving and despite its serious subject matter is suitable for the whole family; in fact, the educative function of the institution makes it very worthwhile for kids as it brings the history books to life.
Address : 520 16th St N
Website : www.bcri.org
Telephone : (205) 328 9696
Opening times : Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 1pm-5pm. Closed Monday
Admission : $15 adults, free for children, other concessions available.
The Birmingham Zoo, Alabama's most popular non-profit attraction, houses approximately 900 wild animals from 230 species in the centre of Birmingham. Animals include elephants, lions, monkeys, bobcats, otters, zebras, tigers, hippos, giraffe and rhinos, among others. There is an interactive aviary, where parrots land on visitors' shoulders; a savannah safari exhibit; and a sea lion show. Picnic areas and a food and gift shop are available. Daily activities include the Red Diamond Express train rides, sea lion training demonstrations, and protective life carousel rides. The whole family will enjoy a trip to the Birmingham Zoo. Check the zoo's official website listed below for details.
Address : 2630 Cahaba Rd
Website : www.birminghamzoo.com
Telephone : (205) 879 0409
Opening times : Daily 9am-5pm
Admission : $17.95 adult, $12.95 children, other concessions available.
Oak Mountain State Park is a great place for outdoor activities on any holiday in Birmingham. The park is equipped with over 50 miles (80km) of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, and has plenty of picnic facilities for day trips. Two lakes in the north of the park are good for fishing, and boats and canoes are available for rental. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the 18-hole golf course, complete with a pro shop and driving range. Teenagers can challenge themselves on the BMX courses, while children will love the petting farm. There are multiple fun activities on offer, so everyone in the family will be easily occupied, even if it is just lounging under a tree with a book and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Address : Pelham
Website : www.alapark.com/parks/oak-mountain-state-park
Telephone : (205) 383 3825
Opening times : Daily 7am-5pm
Admission : $5 adults, $2 children.
Located in northeastern Alabama, Russell Cave National Monument is one of the longest cave systems in Alabama at about seven miles (11.6km) long. Used as a shelter by prehistoric Native Americans, the cave is about 12,000 years old and contains a natural spring that eventually joins up with the Tennessee River. Russell Cave itself is roughly 210 feet (64m) long, 107 feet (33m) wide, and 26 feet (8m) high. The cave shelter is located conveniently close to the visitor centre and is accessible via an elevated wooden boardwalk. Guided tours of the cave shelter are conducted by National Park Service Interpretative Rangers. The cave shelter includes the areas that were occupied by prehistoric groups and features a diorama depicting the activities of the occupants.
Address : 729 County Road 98, Bridgeport
Website : www.nps.gov/ruca/index.htm
Telephone : (256) 495 2672
Opening times : Daily 8am-4.30pm
Admission : Free
The South is the home of NASCAR, and about 30 minutes from Birmingham lies the legendary Talladega Superspeedway, one of the most competitive motorsports facilities in the world. More than 80,000 guests can be accommodated in the stands and thousands more in the 212-acre infield. The sheer volume of fans, let alone the record-breaking speed of the racers, makes a visit unforgettable. When no events are scheduled, tours are available daily. Adjacent to the track is the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum, also open daily, which displays racing cars and memorabilia worth vast amounts of money. A self-guided walking tour of the museum takes roughly an hour.
Address : 3366 Speedway Blvd, Lincoln
E-mail : [email protected].
Website : www.talladegasuperspeedway.com
Telephone : (877) 462 3342
Located atop Red Mountain, Vulcan Park is home to the world's largest cast-iron statue, and the second-tallest statue in America, behind the Statue of Liberty. The statue of the Roman god, Vulcan, is surrounded by a 10-acre green space offering panoramic views of Birmingham. The park contains a museum and observation balcony, as well as an Observation Tower, open at night, which allows visitors a good opportunity for star-gazing. Vulcan has become the symbol of Birmingham's striving spirit, the giant that represents the big heart of the city, and a visit to the statue is a must for travellers in the area.
Address : 1701 Valley View Drive
Website : www.vulcanpark.org
Telephone : (205) 933 1409
Opening times : Daily 10am-10pm
Admission : $6 adult, $4 children
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