Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens is a former plantation house and 6 acres (24,000 m2) of landscaped gardens near downtown Birmingham, Alabama. The two-story frame structure was built between 1845–50 and features antebellum-era Greek Revival architecture. The house serves as a decorative arts museum, featuring a collection of 19th-century furniture, textiles, silver, and paintings. The garden features a restored garden room that is used for special events. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 2, 1970. To View More, Click Here!
Birmingham Museum of ArtNestled in the heart of Birmingham's arts district, the Birmingham Museum of Art showcases one of the finest collections in the country. See a world of culture and history in over 24,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings, including an outfoor sculpture garden. Explore art from sub-Saharan Africa, America's past, contemporary works, an Asian collection including exquisite jade pieces on loan from the Smithsonian, ornate European decorative arts, American Indian art, and pieces from pre-Columbian cultures.
The Birmingham Zoo is home to nearly 800 animals from 200 species, including endangered animals! Visit a leaping and bounding variety of animals like alligators, primates, tortoises, waterfowl, secretary birds, sea lions, flamingos, giraffes, and a one-of-a-kind bachelor herd of bull African elephants, a type of herd only recently discovered in the wild. For the kids or young at heart, there is a children's zoo which includes educational animal contact.
Aviation enthusiasts, don't miss this one! At the Southern Museum of Flight, you can view nearly 100 aircrafts along with engines, models, photographs, artifacts, and paitings. The Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame with Alabama aviation biographies is also housed here. Highlights of the collection include a Wright Flyer, Alexander Eaglerock, Curtis Pusher, A-12 Blackbird spy plane, Soviet-built MiGs, F-4 Phantom, Fokker D-VII, F-86 Sabre, AH-1 Cobra, Mi-24 Hind, the "Lake Murray" B-25, and experimental aircrafts.
For a casual and fun microbrewery where people really know their craft beer, take a stop at Good People Brewing Company! The location is conveniently right across from Regions Field, and the open atmosphere with a large patio and open doors in good weather make this a great place to relax. Unique brews and friendly people make this one of the most highly rated beer stops in Alabama. Food trucks tend to gather nearby to give an offering of hot good to go with the cold beer.
Highlands Bar & Grill
type: French-inspired Southern, Fine Dining
address: 2011 Eleventh Avenue South
Birmingham, Alabama 35205
phone: 205-939-1400
A gourmand's go-to and a local favorite for special occasions, Highlands Bar & Grill serves up southern fare with a French twist. Named one of OpenTable's 10 best restaurants in America!
Ollie Irene
type: Gastropub, American
address: 2713 Culver Road
Mountain Brook, Alabama 35223
phone: 205-769-6034
At Ollie Irene, find farm-style recipes adapted by chef Chris Newsome from his grandmother's cooking. Enjoy dishes like French feta and flatbread, steamed mussels in white wine, and boudin balls.
El Barrio Restaurante y Bar
type: Mexican
address: 2211 2nd Ave N
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
phone: 205-868-3737
Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and a creative Mexican-American fusion menu make El Barrio one of the most popular restaurants in downtown Birmingham. Don't leave without trying their famous chunky guacamole!
GianMarco's Restaurant
type: Italian
address: 721 Broadway St
Birmingham, Alabama 35209
phone: 205-871-9622
Italian brothers Giani and Marco Respinto founded GianMarco's to serve traditional Northern Italian meals in a candlelit dining room. What sets this restaurant apart is its handmade pasta, giving an authentic, home-made taste.
Eli's Jerusalem Grill
type: Mediterranean, Israeli
address: 4673 Hwy 280
Birmingham, AL 35223
phone: 205-637-3658
Experience Mediterranean food made with authentic recipes and fresh ingredients. Diners rave about the fluffy pita, creamy hummus, flavorful chicken shwarma, and generous portions. Vegetarians and vegans have plenty of delicious choices here.
Chez Fonfon
type: French
address: 2007 11th Ave S
Birmingham, AL 35205
phone: 205-939-3221
The best burger in Birmingham can be found not at a drive through, but at an upscale French restaurant with linen-draped tables and European-style gas lights. Although the signature Hamburger Fonfon is Birmingam's favorite, you can also have elegant French dishes like country pate, escargot, and moules et frites accompanied by a wine from their extensive selection.
Saw's Soul Kitchen
type: Barbeque, Soul Food
address: 215 41st St South
Birmingham, AL 35222
phone: 205-591-1409
Barbeque joints face stiff competition in Alabama, so when one is voted best of the best by locals and even Paula Deen, you know you're in for a good meal. Saw's pro chefs serve up classic southern comfort food, burgers, and BBQ with unique twists the bring in stellar reviews.
Jinsei Sushi
type: Japanese, Sushi
address: 1830 29th Ave South
Homewood, AL 35209
phone: 205-802-1440
Treat yourself to beautifully made sushi in a modern, energetic atmosphere. The fresh ingredients flown in daily from around the world and the cocktail menu make this a great place recharge after a long day.
Melt
type: Sandwiches, Grilled Cheese
address: 4105 4th Ave S
Birmingham, AL 35222
phone: 205-917-5000
Melt is the place for everything cheese. Their signature item is a classic grilled cheese sandwich with cheddar, monterey jack and American, but you'll find here a variety of cheesy sandwiches and salads, including options for vegans.
Ocean
type: Seafood
address: 1218 20th St S
Birmingham, AL 35205
phone: 205-933-0999
Ocean is the place to go when you're craving anything seafood! Head to Birmingham's trendy five points district to dine on the award-winning menu created by Chef Reis.
