Vacationing in Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama may not be the first city you think of when you consider taking a southern style vacation. After all, Birmingham’s history is a troubled one filled with racial hatred and violence. Perhaps it is precisely because of its stormy past that its citizens have worked hard to remake Birmingham into a city that all can take pride in and enjoy. If you come to Birmingham plan to check out these attractions and you’ll see what a good job Birmingham residents have done.
Perhaps the best way to start a visit to Birmingham Alabama is by visiting the Civil Rights Institute and adjacent properties.
In addition to being a nationally known center for civil rights study and research, the Civil Rights Institute provides visitors with a moving portrayal of the struggle for racial equality which played out on the streets of Birmingham Alabama in the 50’s and 60’s. You and your family can literally walk through those turbulent times via a series of multi media exhibits. As you walk your experience will be enhanced by hearing recordings of voices that punctuated the Civil Rights movement here.
Outside the Institute you can walk though the Kelly Ingram Park. first named for a Birmingham veteran who served in World War I, the park was used frequently as a gathering spot for Civil Rights protests, marches and boycotts. Since that time, it has been rededicated as a Place of Revolution and Reconciliation.
Adjacent to the park and Institute is the historic 16th St. Baptist Church. This is the site of Klan inspired bombing which took the lives of four young black girls and not coincidentally opened the eyes of many white Americans to the horror and injustice of racially motivated violence. While the Institute, park and Church depict a tormented time in the history of Birmingham, they also provide a backdrop against which the modern city of Birmingham can be more fully appreciated.
In striking contrast to the dark days of racial discord, the McWane Center stands as a monument to knowledge,
progress and the joy of human development . At the McWane Center your children (and you) can enjoy 4 floors of exhibits many of which invite and challenge viewers to get involved and interact. In addition to its own permanent exhibits McWane provides show space for traveling exhibits which come from around the world.
Combination tickets can be purchased which allow you access to all of the exhibits plus admission to the Imax Dome Theatre which presents daily programs which draw the awe and attention of young and old alike.
If outdoor activity is your thing then you will want to travel the short distance to the largest state park in Alabama at Oak Mountain. The park offers hiking, mountain biking, golf, swimming, camping and fishing. There are also paddle boats and canoes available for rental. Facilities are well kept and offer diverse opportunities for recreation in all seasons.
You might also get some outdoor exercise by spending a day at the Birmingham Zoo and Botanical Gardens. The Zoo offers more than 700 animal exhibits and also boasts a very interactive children’s zoo. Accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association the Birmingham Zoo celebrated 50 years of operation in 2005 . Of special interest are the scenic Alligator swamp and Flamingo Lagoon.
Birmingham in 2006 is a very different city than the Birmingham of 50 years ago. Dotted with new hotels, shopping malls and upscale restaurants and home to a variety of recreational facilities and entertainment centers, Birmingham can easily and pleasantly fill your vacation days with excitement, fun and relaxation.
