Attractions

Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens

Birmingham's only antebellum home existed before the city's founding in 1871. Arlington is a fully restored Greek Revival mansion built between 1845 and 1850. The mansion houses wonderful antiques and a collection of decorative arts. Two annual festivals, the Arlington Country Fair and Christmas at Arlington, are popular. 331 Cotton Ave. S.W. (205) 780-5656.

Bessemer Hall of History

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Bessemer Hall of history is housed in the renovated Southern Railway Depot and chronicles the history of Bessemer, Jefferson County and Alabama. 1905 Alabama Ave., Bessemer. (205) 426-1633.

Sixteenth Street Baptist Church

The site of the most horrific occurrence of the American Civil Rights Movement (a bomb shattered the quiet of a Sunday morning and took the lives of four young girls), the 16th Street Baptist Church is a landmark to both man's inhumanity and capacity for love and forgiveness. The congregation is vibrant and the sanctuary quite beautiful with its Wales stained glass window. 1530 6th Ave. N. (205) 251-9402 by appt.

Legion Field Football

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) plays football at Legion Field, and The 1992 NCAA Championship University of Alabama Crimson Tide plays three games per season at the stadium. The Magic City Classic match-up between Alabama A&M and Alabama State is also played at Legion Field. Other college football in the area is played by the Samford University Bulldogs and Miles College.

All of the colleges in the area field teams in the major sports. In basketball, the UAB Blazers in the NCAA as well as the Birmingham-Southern College Panthers.

Five Points South

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 fountain. 20th Street South at 11th Avenue South.

Lakeview District

Stroll downtown Birmingham's Lakeview District, and you will find yourself tempted by a variety of dining options. A popular resort area at the turn of the 20th century, 29th Street South, Seventh Avenue South, and the surrounding blocks now comprise one of the trendiest neighborhoods in town, especially for restaurants and nightlife.

Downtown Tours

Downtown Birmingham is rich in diverse architecture, civic landmarks, manicured parks and gardens, tree-lined streets and landmark churches. Birmingham Green, which extends down 20th Street from Linn Park, is a landscaped promenade. The Second Avenue District includes shops, galleries and offices. A farmers market is under the expressway between First and Second avenues. The Fourth Avenue District is the historic black business area. A statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stands in Kelly Ingram Park within view of the 16th Street Baptist Church and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

Cahaba River

Alabama Small Boats offers canoe trips on the state's last free-flowing river. This five-hour trip includes canoe rental and accessories including transportation to launch site. Shelby County Highway 52 near Helena. Alabama Small Boats, (205) 424-3634.

Temple of Sibyl

Listed on the Alabama Register of Land marks and Heritage and located on Highway 31 at the entrance to the city of Vestavia Hills, the Temple of Sibyl offers tremendous views of Shades Valley and the Samford University campus from atop Shades Mountain.

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