Birmingham’s moments in the national spotlight were more than just 15 minutes of fame this past year. They felt more like a full feature movie with the city taking top billing.
Media giants from Frommer’s to Zagat took notice of the area’s renaissance. Food and dining enjoyed a good portion of the accolades, but attractions, festivals and other goings-on got their share of attention too. The results were national websites and publications singing the praises of
this Southern destination:
#1 NEXT HOT FOOD CITY
—Zagat
8 MUST-TRY RESTAURANTS
—Zagat
10 PLACES TO VISIT IN THE U.S.
—Lonely Planet
11 NEXT GREAT DESTINATIONS
—Travel Channel
16 INTRIGUING THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN THE U.S
—CNN International on Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
20 BEST CITIES FOR TRAVEL THIS SUMMER
—Forbes
26 HOTTEST FOOD CITIES FOR 2016
—–Zagat
38 BEST RESTAURANTS IN AMERICA
—Eater.com on Highlands Bar and Grill
50 BEST PLACES IN THE SOUTH NOW
—Southern Living on the Lyric Theatre
THE ENERGY IS PALPABLE…
—Garden & Gun on Birmingham
SOUTH’S MOST ICONIC MUSIC VENUES AND FESTIVALS
—Southern Living on Sloss Music & Arts Festival
MOST INTERESTING DESTINATIONS RIGHT NOW
—Frommer’s
A TREASURE OF UNEXPECTED COOL
—Lonely Planet
But resting on your laurels can be as dangerous as sitting on wicker in a swimsuit. So already 2017 holds all sorts of promise, beginning with the world of sports.
Most folks know that the greater Birmingham area won the bid to host the World Games in 2021. It also was a victory when officials announced the return of the SEC Baseball Tournament to Hoover, thanks, in part, to that city’s commitment to build a new $70 million sports facility.
Also headed this way this year are the National Senior Games in June, bringing in thousands of athletes over 50 along with their families and fans. February delivers Davis Cup tennis to the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex with Switzerland playing U.S. opponents. Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder is on the sports schedule in February in a matchup against Andrzej Wawryzk at the BJCC.
Already 2017 is shaping up as a year with promise and with the promise of more good vibes for the greater Birmingham area. Stay tuned as the country tunes in to us.
Hold it. This just in. The New York Times has just named Birmingham one of “52 Places to Go in 2017.” The rock is on.
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SLOSSFEST IMAGE Sniperstreets Visuals LLC