birmingham things to do

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tourism, things to do in Birmingham Alabama

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Page 1: Birmingham Things to Do

Alabama Farmer's Market

Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year! Produce, flowers, pumpkins, Christmas trees and more from 300 plus vendors. Flea market 5am-7pm daily. No admission price.

Alabama Farmer's Market344 Finley Ave WBirmingham, AL  35204

WEB:  http://www.ag.auburn.edu/agec/bfm/index.htmMAIN:  205-251-8737

From I-65Take exit 262 B Finley Blvd., go west to 4th street west, turn right the market is 1 block over

From I-20/59Take the 123 exit Arkadelphia Rd. go north to Finley Blvd., turn right onto Finley, left on 4th street west, market is 1 block over

From Hwy.78South on 78 Hwy to Finley Blvd. turn left onto Finley, left on 4th street west, market is 1 block over

If you enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents of an old-fashioned farmers’ market and cooking with the very fresh and best produces and ingredients, then you must shop at the Birmingham Farmers' Market (BFM) located at 344 Finley Avenue West in Jefferson County.

Owned and managed by the Jefferson County Truck Growers Association, BFM is both a wholesale and a farmers market. The Market houses more than 500 farmers and vendors on its 49 acres of land, 33 of which consist of only produce, making it the largest market in the State.

Besides an array of fresh seasonal vegetable and fruit available on daily bases, the Market also features Alabama pecans, candies, and specialty items from the Heart of Dixie.

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The market is open daily, year-round

Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame

Birmingham native Erskine Hawkins penned the jazz standard "Tuxedo Junction" about an Ensley streetcar crossing, creating a sound heard around the world. And that's just one of Birmingham's many contributions to the world of jazz. The Jazz Hall of Fame exhibits memorabilia in the historic, art deco Carver Theatre. Open Tuesday-Saturday/ 10am-5pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays, except for scheduled events. Guided tours are $3.00 per person and must be scheduled by appointment at 254-2731 Ext 21 only. General admission to the museum is $2.00 per person.

Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame1631 4th Ave. NorthBirmingham, AL  35203

MAIN:  205-254-2731FAX:  205-254-2785WEB:  http://www.jazzhall.com

Aldridge Botanical Gardens

After years of meticulous planning, the first phase of Aldridge Gardens has opened. Aldridge Gardens features hydrangeas and other native plants and attracts interest worldwide to the central Alabama area. The 30-acre botanical garden has a seven-acre lake in the middle of the property with a walking trail around it, and its first garden is laden with many different varieties of hydrangeas. The signature flower of Aldridge Gardens is the Snowflake Hydrangea, a lush white flower developed and propagated by noted nurseryman Eddie Aldridge.

Aldridge Botanical Gardens3530 Lorna Rd.Hoover, AL  35216

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MAIN:  205-682-8019FAX:  205-682-8085WEB:  http://www.aldridgegardens.com

Ave Maria Grotto

For half a century, Brother Joseph Zoettl used stones, bricks, marbles, tiles, pipe, shells and more to create more than 125 miniature replicas of world-famous buildings and sacred sites such as the ancient city of Jerusalem, St. Peter's Basilica, the leaning tower of Pisa, and the hanging gardens of Babylon. The Grotto is located in a 4-acre landscaped park on the grounds of Alabama's only Benedictine Abbey with church and monastery and is listed in the National Register of Historic Sites.

Ave Maria GrottoSt. Bernard Abbey1600 St. Bernard Drive SECullman, AL  35055

MAIN:  256-734-4110FAX:  256-737-8768WEB:  http://www.avemariagrotto.com

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

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The glory of nature in the heart of the city; that's the promise of the 67-acre Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Come to see the rhododendron, camellias, wildflowers, ferns, delicate bonsai plants, roses, desert flowers, outdoor sculpture collection, even a Japanese Garden, complete with a Japanese Teahouse and Zen-like sense of peacefulness.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens2612 Lane Park RoadBirmingham, AL  35223

MAIN:  205-414-3900FAX:  205-414-3906WEB:  http://www.bbgardens.org

Birmingham Museum of Art

The Birmingham Museum of Art is the largest municipal museum in the Southeast and one of the finest regional museums in the country. In 1993, it completed a major expansion/ renovation by renowned architect Edward Larrabee Barnes of New York. The Museum has a nationally- recognized permanent collection of over 21,000 works of art dating from ancient to modern times, from cultures across the globe.

Of particular interest are: The Charles W. Ireland Sculpture Garden, American Art Collection, Asian Art Collection , Beeson Collection of Wedgwood, Contemporary Art Collection, Hitt Collection of 18th Century French Painting and Decorative Arts, Kress Collection of Renaissance Art, Native American Art Collection and the BMA's nationally-recognized Visually-Impaired Program.

Tues – Sat 10 – 5, Sunday 12 – 5

General admission is free. Free parking is available in the Museum lot located behind the Museum off 21st Street.

Birmingham Museum of Art2000 Eighth Avenue NorthBirmingham, AL  35203-2205

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MAIN:  205-254-2076 (Art Gallery)MAIN:  205-254-2565 or 254-2566EMAIL:  [email protected][email protected]:  205-254-2714WEB:  http://www.artsbma.org

Peanut Depot

The tantalizing aroma emanating from Morris Avenue is the wonderful smell of peanuts roasting the old-fashioned way at the Peanut Depot. The depot is open for tours and sampling six days a week.

Peanut Depot2016 Morris AveBirmingham, AL  35203

MAIN:  205-251-3314

Vulcan Park

Vulcan Park is home to the world's largest cast iron statue and features spectacular panoramic views of Birmingham. Located atop Red Mountain, Vulcan Park tells the story of Birmingham's past, present and promise for the future. Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge, was originally built in 1904 and has stood as a symbol of Birmingham for over 100 years. A 10-acre urban green space surrounds the 56' high statue and observation balcony that sits upon a 124' pedestal. Visitors to Vulcan Center find interactive exhibits and displays that give insight into the region's history and industrial growth. Vulcan Park is open 7 days a week from 7 am - 10 pm. Vulcan Center and Tower Observation

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Balcony is open Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 6 pm and Sunday 1-6 pm. Evening hours for Vulcan Tower Observation Balcony are daily 6 -10 pm.

Vulcan Park1701 Valley View DriveBirmingham, AL  35209

MAIN:  205-933-1409FAX:  205-933-1776WEB:  http://www.vulcanpark.org

Five Points South

You can people watch, dance to great live music, and enjoy fantastic dining at Five Points South, the city's top entertainment district. Stroll along the tree-shaded streets, or stop and admire the artistry of the Frank Fleming sculpture, "The Storyteller", at the famous fountain.

Five Points South20th Street South at 11th AvenueBirmingham, AL  35205

Mt Laurel Farmer's Market & Craft Fair

Mount Laurel Fire Station, Highway 41. Fresh produce, organic honey, live music and children's activities. Open during the summer months.

Mt Laurel Farmer's Market & Craft FairEBSCO Development Company, Inc.P.O. Box 382825Birmingham, AL  35238

WEB:  http://www.mtlaurel.comMAIN:  205-408-8696FAX:  205-408-5716

Pepper Place

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The Pepper Place complex is a group of seven buildings totaling more than 227,000 square feet. Formerly the Dr. Pepper Syrup Plant and the Dr. Pepper Bottling Company, the buildings have been completely renovated and the complex is considered the design, furniture and arts related merchandise center of Birmingham. In addition to the numerous shops and businesses, The Pepper Place Saturday Market is held every Saturday, from the end of May until September from 7am until 12 noon in the parking lot of Pepper Place, on 2nd Avenue South between 28th and 29th Streets. Experience Birmingham's freshest outdoor market, featuring farm-fresh vegetables, organic produce, fresh flowers, baked goods, and live cooking demonstrations by Birmingham's best chefs..

Pepper Place2800-2900 2nd Ave. SouthBirmingham, AL  35233

MAIN:  205-802-2100FAX:  205-802-2111

DeSoto Caverns Park

One of the most beautiful, and historic show caves in the U.S. Features an awesome sound, light & water show in the Great Onyx Cathedral, larger than a football field, higher than a 12-story building and full of onyx stalagmite and stalactite formations. Learn of the history about the prehistoric Indians that lived and died in the caverns, confederate soldiers that mined gunpowder, early Indian traders that visited, and moonshine making during probation times. Open year-round with a cave temperature of 60 degrees, the park offers campgrounds, gift shop with snack bar, scenic picnic area & pavilions near waterfalls, streams and ponds. Spend the day playing on the 21 outside attractions: DeSoto's Lost Trail Maze, Gemstone Panning, Crystal Find, Cave Crawl Box, Cave Wall Climb, Bow & Arrow Shoot, Wacky Water Golf, Water Dodge, Happy's Hoppin Cave, Super Slide, Pedal Go-Karts, Obstacle Challenge, Squirt Gun Maze, Happy's Hoops, Desoto's Park Express, Paddle Boats, Roller Racers, Twin Spin, Rock & Roll, Potty Racers & Water Balloon Battle. Just 36 miles southeast of Birmingham down Hwy 280, in Childersburg. Call 800-933-CAVE (2283). Caverns tour: $15.99 68 miles from Oneonta.

DeSoto Caverns Park5181 DeSoto Caverns ParkwayChildersburg, AL  35044

MAIN:  256-378-7252800:  800-933-2283

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FAX:  256-378-3678WEB:  http://www.desotocavernspark.com

Moss Rock Preserve

A perfect balance of nature and community, Moss Rock Preserve is a beautiful 250 acre nature preserve abundant with trees and plants, rock outcroppings, streams, waterfalls, wildlife and other unique natural features. Currently Moss Rock Preserve is home to four rare species of plants and a rare variant of Little River Canyon Sandstone Glade - one of only 35 occurrences known around the world! Moss Rock Preserve's Boulder Field is a favorite among rock climbers. With numerous technical formations, these boulders appeal to climbers of all skill levels.This nature preserve is located within the suburb of Hoover, just south of Birmingham.

Moss Rock PreservePreserve ParkwayHoover, AL  35216

MAIN:  205-739-7141WEB:  http://www.hooveral.org/CitySub.asp?PageID=485

Ruffner Mountain Nature Center

With its nature trails and special conservation programs, Ruffner Mountain uncovers the wonders of Birmingham's natural world, a great urban wilderness of 538 unspoiled acres in the eastern section of the city.

Ruffner Mountain Nature Center1214 81st Street SouthBirmingham, AL  35206

Nature Center & Trail Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday   1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday   Closed on Monday

MAIN:  205-833-8264FAX:  205-836-3960WEB:  http://www.ruffnermountain.org

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park

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The old Tannehill Ironworks and a large collection of 19th century cabins give visitors a glimpse into the life lived by Alabamians in the 1800s at Tannehill Historical State Park. The park has 200 improved camp sites and a train for kids. The third weekend of each month, from March through November, shoppers and swappers come from far and near to Tannehill Trade Days in search of tools, clothing, jewelry, knives, furniture and other treasures. Other events include a dulcimer festival, gem and mineral show, woodcarvers show, educational programs for school children, a Labor Day celebration and Christmas candlelight tour.

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park12632 Confederate ParkwayMcCalla, AL  35111

MAIN:  205-477-5711FAX:  205-477-9400WEB:  http://www.tannehill.org

Tannehill is located off Interstate 59, 12 miles southwest of Bessemer, less than 30 minutes from downtown Birmingham. Take I-59/20 to Exit 100 and follow the signs (appoximately 2 miles) or you can take I-459 to Exit 1 and follow signs (approximately 7 miles).

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park Trade Days  May 19 - 20

  Large outdoor market for swappers and shoppers. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. 8am- 4pm. Admission. 205-477-5711. www.tannehill.org.

Bessemer Flea Market  

  600 spaces of old & new, collectibles, fresh produce, furniture and much more! Every Friday- Sunday. 8am-5pm. Downtown Bessemer. Free admission. 205-425-

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8510.

Temple of Sibyl

The Temple of Sibyl offers tremendous views of Shades Valley and Samford University from atop Shades Mountain. One of the earliest residents of Vestavia was George Battey Ward, the well-traveled former mayor of Birmingham and a man of many interests, including the classics. He purchased twenty acres in a prominent spot on the crest and built a home in 1924 designed after the Temple of Vesta in Rome. He named his home Vestavia, or home by the way. Across the road on a peak overlooking the valley below, he added a garden gazebo, a replica of the Temple of Sibyl at Tivoli.

Temple of Sibyl2031 Canyon Rd.Vestavia Hills, AL  35216

MAIN:  205-967-0338FAX:  205-298-1354EMAIL:  [email protected]:  http://www.sibyltemple.com

American Village

Bring your imagination and sense of adventure to the Revolutionary "New" American Village! Offering new programs, buildings, and facilities for private events. A classroom...a stage and theater...a museum of ideas...the American Village is a laboratory where visitors recreate the great American experiment in liberty and self- government. This Colonial style village is set on 113 rural acres in the center of the state, just minutes from Birmingham. Costumed historical interpreters guide visitors on a trip back in time to rediscover the story of American' s journey for liberty and independence. Programs include experiences and fun for all ages, as visitors may fly a kite with Benjamin Franklin, march with George Washington' s army, debate with Patrick Henry, attend colonial puppet shows, and much more. Some 45,000 students travel to the Village each year for one of the most popular field trips in the southeast. NEW IN 2007 Tours of the President's House - A Southern Living Showcase House at the American Village! See

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The nation's first executive mansion The Showcase House, one of only three such houses ever built by Southern Living, is one of several new buildings unveiled by the American Village in late 2006. The Southern Living Showcase House will be open until December 2007. Hours for both the Showcase House and American Village are Tuesday - Saturday, 10am- 4pm; Sunday 1pm- 4pm (Southern Living Showcase House, closed Mondays, and major holidays; American Village closed Mondays except for school groups and scheduled private events. Call 1-877-811-1776 for exact closings. An exact replica of the complete modern day Oval Office, the Estes Theater, gardens and other visitor amenities are all part the "new American Village."

Best Value Combo Ticket Southern Living Showcase House PLUS American Village Tour Adults, $15; Youth (5-17), $5; Children under 5, no charge. Southern Living Showcase House Only Adults, $10; Youth (5-17), $3; Children Under 5, No Charge. American Village Experience - "Building a Home for the Nation" Adults, 8.50; Seniors, $8.00; Youth (5-17), No Charge. The American Village is a unique facility for customized special events. Weddings, receptions, office retreats, corporate picnics, holiday parties, and elegant or casual dinners. Call to reserve your space. 1-877-811-1776. Plan a Southern Living Tour plus an evening of Village entertainment. Events catered by Wynfrey Occasions. To schedule your event at the most unique venue around, call 1-877-811-1776. The Southern Living Showcase House is located on the American Village campus just a few miles south of Birmingham in Montevallo at I-65 exit 234. Call 205-665-3535 or toll free 1-877-811-1776 for more information or to schedule your event. www.americanvillage.org.

American Village3727 Highway 119PO Box 6Montevallo, AL  35115

MAIN:  205-665-3535800:  1-877-811-1776FAX:  205-665-7577WEB:  http://www.americanvillage.org

American Village presents the Southern Living Showcase House  

  presents the Southern Living Showcase House and Gardens along with the American Village Experience, Building a Home for the Nation. One of only three such houses ever built by Southern Living, the attraction invites visitors to see past and present coming together. Inspiration for the project is George Washington's original residence in Philadelphia known as The President's House, which was lost in 1832. Following Washington's two terms as our nation's first President, John and Abigail Adams occupied the President's House. The original dwelling housed much of our

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country's history as critical moments in the founding of a young nation.  When you've seen the house inspired by history, you are invited to travel up the hill to the 18th Century to live the history which inspired a nation. The American Village has created new programming to complement the history of the original President's House. "From the President's House to the Oval Office" is a multi-media production combining first-person historical interpretation with modern technology. Visitors will hear voices of the founders as Abigail Adams guides them on their journey. They will witness "the Miracle of Philadelphia" as the Constitution, our nation's most enduring document is adopted. And, they will view "The Call to Washington" as Washington is called upon once again to save the country whose independence he fought so hard to win. Finally, they will meet a person of the past in the Oval Office and learn how events of the past influence decisions today. American Village. Admission. 1-877-811-1776 or local 205-665-3535. www.americanvillage.org.

1. River Chase Promenade1709 Montgomery HighwayHoover, AL 35244Get DirectionsPhone: 205-733-8399Hours:Sun: 12p - 7p

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 Mon-Fri: 9:30a - 9:30p Sat: 9:30a - 9:30p

2. Colonial Promenade5929 Trussville Crossing PKWYTrussville, AL 35173Get DirectionsPhone: 205-655-7743Hours:Sun: 12p - 7p Mon-Fri: 9:30a - 9:30p Sat: 9:30a - 9:30p

3. 2750 Carl T. Jones DriveHuntsville, AL 35802Get DirectionsPhone: 256-881-8131Hours:Sun: 12p - 7p Mon-Fri: 9:30a - 9:30p Sat: 9:30a - 9:30p

4. Westside Pavillion6275 University Drive, Suite 7Huntsville, AL 35806Get DirectionsPhone: 256-971-2119Hours:Sun: 12p - 7p Mon-Fri: 9:30a - 9:30p Sat: 9:30a - 9:30p

5. Montgomery Commons3711 Eastern BoulevardMontgomery, AL 36116Get DirectionsPhone: 334-396-4400Hours:Sun: 11a - 7p Mon-Fri: 9:30a - 9:30p Sat: 9:30a - 9:30p

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TJ MaxxHoover Sq Shopping Center1646 Montgomery HwyHoover, AL 35216Phone: 205-822-8255Sun: 11a - 7pMon-Fri: 9:30a - 9:30pSat: 9:30a - 9:30pDirections  

TJ MaxxInverness Heights Market5025 Highway 280S, Suite #103Birmingham, AL 35242Phone: 205-981-9364Sun: 11a - 7pMon-Fri: 9:30a - 9:30pSat: 9:30a - 9:30pDirections  

TJ MaxxVillage East Shopping Center7517 Crestwood Blvd.Birmingham-Crestwood, AL 35210Phone: 205-592-8011Sun: 11a - 7pMon-Fri: 9:30a - 9:30pSat: 9:30a - 9:30pDirections  

TJ MaxxColonial Prom & Tutwiler

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8401 Gadsden Hwy S#1648Trussville, AL 35173Phone: 205-661-2822Sun: 11a - 7pMon-Fri: 9:30a - 9:30pSat: 9:30a - 9:30p

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