Page 4 - 2021 Birmingham Travel Guide (1)
P. 4
ODUC
TION
INTRODUCTION
INTR ODUC TION
INTR
To Be in Birmingham ART MERIPOL
SOMETHING WE HEAR TIME AND dozens of art galleries around the city for funk,
AGAIN from first-time visitors to Birmingham fine, and folk art treasures. Opera, ballet, and live
is that they never realized the beauty of the theater add to Birmingham’s cultural wealth.
area. With the foothills of the Appalachians as a For visitors interested in architecture, the
dramatic backdrop, the city is laid out on a series city’s downtown buildings are a collection of
of lush rolling hills, with woodland-covered Cinderella stories. Many early skyscrapers
neighborhoods just minutes from downtown. are now refurbished, dressed up, and housing
That this city has its own cosmopolitan restaurants, law firms, and luxury condos.
personality is another eye-opener to visitors. It’s Also look downtown for many of the city’s
hip without being pretentious. It’s cool without best festivals and arts events. Spring brings
the exertion. So, if you thought you were coming the Magic City Art Connection, a juried
to Waffle House—not that there’s anything contemporary art show that is widely respected
wrong with that—you’re coming to James Beard in the festival community. Summer finds crowds
Award country instead. downtown for top-notch independent cinema at
Outdoor entertainment and the arts are a Sidewalk Film Festival.
dominant part of Birmingham’s character. Take The city’s popular Pepper Place Saturday Market
a quilt and a picnic to Railroad Park in the heart kicks off in April. Locals and visitors alike fall
of downtown and listen to Alabama music. Live in love with this weekly farmers market, where
music is one of the great entertaining pleasure they find fresh fruits and vegetables, live music,
of being in Birmingham. Nightclubs and music cooking demonstrations, all manner of crafts,
venues around the area showcase some of the and home baked breads and pastries.
South’s most talented musicians. Visit the Birmingham is an outdoorsy sort of place
2 | BIRMINGHAM TRAVEL GUIDE
TRA
| BIRMINGHAM
GUIDE
VEL
2