Something we hear time and again from first time visitors to Birmingham is that they never realized the beauty of the area. With the foothills of the Appalachians as a dramatic backdrop, the city is laid out on a series of lush rolling hills, with woodland-covered neighborhoods just minutes from downtown.
That this Southern city has its own cosmopolitan personality is another eye-opener to visitors. Its hip without being pretentious. Its tuned-in without being pushy. Its very cool without the exertion. So, if you thought you were coming to the Waffle House—not that there’s anything wrong with that—you’re coming to James Beard country instead.
1. What is your destination most known for?
Birmingham is best known for its role in the Civil Rights Movement. The Civil Rights Institute is a must-see destination in the city. Birmingham was at the center of the Civil Rights Movement that sought equality in the 1950’s and 60’s. The Civil Rights Institute is a lasting reminder of the struggles – and the violence – of those days and is somewhere one must visit when in the city. Here, you will find a wealth of important and very moving images from that era and learn about the people involved and the efforts they went to in order to achieve their goal.
2. During this season, what are some must-see attractions?
Must-see attractions and experiences during the late winter early springtime of the year is the great outdoors including Red Mountain Park, substantially larger than New York City’s Central Park boasting 1,500 acres. Ruffner Park is one of the country’s largest nature preserves located in the heart of Birmingham encompassing 1,040 acres with beautiful views and hiking trails.
3. What hidden gem should not be missed when visiting your destination?
One hidden gem not to be missed is surprisingly the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and Barber Motorsports Park with its creative architecture and great attention to detail, the museum is home to more than 1,800 motorcycles that span over 100 years of production. Barber holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest collection of motorcycles. Another gem is, America’s oldest baseball stadium Rickwood Field. Opened in 1910, it remains as a reminder of the glory days of the local team – the Coal Barons – and is now a working museum to baseball and the history of the sport in the city. In its day, all the greats played at Rickwood. In 2024 Major League Baseball came to Birmingham for A Tribute to the Negro Leagues. An MLB specialty game was played between the San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals.
4. What’s one feature that can’t be missed when visiting your website?
The feature not to be missed is our “Things to Do” page! Inbirmingham.com/things-to-do.
5. How did you learn about NATJA and why did you join?
NATJA started around the same time that I began this position. I was searching for reputable organizations where I could meet members of the media, learn more about the industry and where travel media fit in, and network with colleagues.
6. Is there anything else you feel travel media should know about your destination?
I would like to share that Birmingham is always open for visits from media members who would like to see Birmingham firsthand. For those who have never had a chance to visit, I’m happy to show them what day to day is like in Birmingham. The southern hospitality is real.
