Birmingham, Alabama Reviews and Ratings

We loved the English Village area and what the natives call "over the mountain" -- Hoover, etc. I was shocked to see the downtown area (2nd and 3rd avenues from 18th street to around 30th) It was a combat zone, I saw some really bad places in Europe after WW11 but they had the excuse of being bombed, This was just a town that decayed at the center. Do not even think of going there at night or getting out of your car during the day. It was the saddest sight I've seen in the U.S.

If you visit or plan to visit Birmingham, plan on bad roads, heavy traffic as the city has no thru road system in it. (excluding interstates) Also be mindful of your surroundings as the crime/murder rate is higher here than in any other city of comarible size. There are NO shopping malls in the city limits. There is one shopping venue at the Summit that is nice, but though in city boundries, it is mostly sepreated from the city by it's affluent neighboring cities. City leaders are more concerned about putting money in their own pockets, and trying to settle scores with current or past city leaders that they don't get anything done that helps promote or help the city. It is a city of dreams that will never see light of day.

If you haven't been to Birmingham in a while then you are missing out. Birmingham was smart and kept its old buildings with many of them loft districts now. If you haven't been to Barber Motorsports and Vintage Museum, you've got to. It has more than 850 motorcycles and cars plus a great racing track that you can watch on the hilly grass. I hear they are trying to get an Indy race. Vulcan Park & Museum has a great view of the city skyline and you learn the history of Birmingham. Plus, he moons everybody. Talk about a great place to hike and bike, go to Oak Mountain just minutes from downtown. And the food-wow! Birmingham has some original restaurants that are fabulous. Try Highland Bar & Grill, Bottega, Hot & Hot Fish Club, Chez Fonfon, Ocean, 26, Cafe Dupont, The Bright Star (more than 100 years old), Sol Y Luna, Little Savannah, Gian Marcos, Daniel George, and Surin West. There's so many to choose from. For more history on Birmingham's past you've got to go to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (world-class) and Sloss Furnaces. The buzz around town is a park being built by the railroad tracks downtown that will include an amphiteather and an entertainment district by the BJCC. In the meantime, we hung out at 5-points south and the lakeview district for after hours drinks. We briefly went to WorkPlay to hear some great bands. Who knew the guy who owns that , Alan Hunter, was an original MTV VJ. My friend lives in the suburbs which is just minutes from downtown. Beautiful homes and quaint neighborhoods like Homewood. oh, check out SOHO there. In the summer, the Birmingham Museum of Art has "Art on the Rocks" which includes drinks and a band. Very fun! The Alabama Ballet and Alabama Symphony are based here. And I'm coming back next month for City Stages-weekend festival. I've been the last few years and it's fun. Also, stay at Ross Bridge Resort. I don't play golf but hear it's great, but the spa was wonderful. It looks like a castle. Birmingham is fab. Who knew?

We drove to Birmingham for a weekend get away from Orlando, we found the city to be a nice surprise. It was full of amazing restaurants, nice museums, a great night life and very friendly people. We drove around a few of the neighborhoods and found them to delightful. Alabama is a very beautiful state with many mountains and tons of trees. I have told several of our friends that if they get the chance they should visit.

BIRMINGHAM IS A PLACE OF A QUIET HAVEN,MY VISITATION WAS VERY SHORT, YET VERY WARM AND WELCOMING ALL TOGETHER, INSPITE OF THE WINTER WEATHER. I WAS VERY PLEASED. I WAS BORN IN ONE OF THE MOST BUSIEST CITIES IN THE UNITED STATES, WHICH IS LAS VEGAS,NV. THIS ALLOWED ME TO TRUELY APPRECIATED THIS CITY OF HISTORICAL LEGACIES!