Before You Go
Coordinates | 52.4862 ° N, 1.8904 ° W
Baton Rouge to Birmingham | 399 miles
Driving Time | 5 hours, 50 minutes
Why Birmingham?
Birmingham has the feel of a big city but is comforting like a small community. The attractions draw people of all ages whether you are traveling with little ones or bringing Grandma and Grandpa along for a quick vacation. You will find something for everyone to enjoy in this growing family-friendly city.
Where to Eat
Hotbox | 4036 Fifth Avenue South | Birmingham, AL 35222
Experience unique dining at Hotbox, an Airstream trailer serving delicious Asian-inspired food such as gulf shrimp potstickers and lemongrass fried chicken. It has a cool atmosphere and funky decorations to accompany its culinary creations. ■ hotboxbhm.com
Urban Standard | 2320 Second Avenue North | Birmingham, AL 35203
Take a break from your stroll around downtown Birmingham by enjoying a great cup of coffee at Urban Standard. The cafe works with local and regional coffee roasters, farmers, and butchers to provide great and fresh local coffee and a delicious breakfast and lunch menu. The modern, hip shop will leave you full and happy. ■ urbanstandard.com
Irondale Cafe | 1906 First Avenue North | Irondale, AL 35210
While Irondale Cafe is about 11 minutes from Birmingham, you cannot pass up the chance to dine at the Original Whistle Stop, made famous by the novel Fried Green Tomatoes, which was later adapted into an Academy award-winning film. Order yourself a serving of these tomatoes while you eat other Southern comfort foods like buttermilk fried chicken and chocolate chess pie. ■ irondalecafe.com
What to Do
Working to enlighten new generations about civil and human rights, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute offers children’s events as well as special and annual events. Educate yourself with the exhibits covering all areas of civil rights. ■ bcri.org
Cultivate a sense of wonder and imagination in your child at the McWane Science Center, in the heart of downtown Birmingham. The Center covers all areas of STEM through a number of exhibits, theatre shows, and opportunities for questions and thinking. ■ mcwane.org
The Market at Pepper Place offers visitors locally-grown produce and Alabama-produced goods. Every Saturday, residents can bring their pets and family to participate in events, see chef demos, and access fresh foods. For 17 years, this gathering place has had a warm community feel. ■ pepperplacemarket.com
Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and Museum is a state treasure dedicated to the celebration and preservation of sports history in Alabama. Over 5,000 sports artifacts are on display in this ginormous building, and five of the top 15 top athletes of the century are in this hall of fame. ■ ashof.org
Pack yourself a picnic lunch and spend quality time in Railroad Park. With nine acres of open lawn, this 19-acre green space downtown offers beautiful landscaping, water features, and even a security system. There are also play areas for the little ones and a skate area for your teens. ■ railroadpark.org
Visit the world’s largest cast iron statue at Vulcan Park and Museum. While you take in the spectacular views of the city, the kids will love participating in the Scavenger Hunt through the history museum. The museum also covers the history of Vulcan and Birmingham. ■ visitvulcan.com
Whether you’ve been skating your whole life or are ready to try something new, Pelham Civic Center has two National Hockey League-sized ice skating rinks as well as group or private lessons. Daily public skating is available. ■ pelhamciviccomplex.com
