30 November, 2011

101 Reasons to Visit Alabama and Birmingham

Liz Wells, one of the local host co-chairs for the 2012 conference sent 101 reasons for those outside of Alabama to visit the state and especially Birmingham next August. No, I won't list all 101 in this post but will begin the list. You'll learn more as time goes on. I think she has convinced me already. She ended her email to me with“Ya’ll come!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

FACTS ABOUT ALABAMA
HIGHLIGHTING BIRMINGHAM ATTRACTIONS!
  • Birthplace of many great athletes including Mia Mound of Rebound and Charles Barkley
  • Visit the Alabama Theatre and “Big Bertha”, the mighty Wurlizer!  And the Alabama Walk of Fame.
  • Talladega Superspeedway is the world's fastest speedway, & home to the National Association for Stock Car Racing (NASCAR)
  • Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in the historic Carver Theatre
  • Fried Green Tomatoes --The book, the movie, and ESPECIALLY the food – Whistlestop Cafe
  • Birthplace of W.C. Handy, father of the Blues, and the W.C. Handy Festival in Florence
  • Barbecue in Birmingham
  • University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)–a world-renowned medical center and medical school
  • Temple Beth-El and Temple Emanu-El, two historic synagogues in Birmingham
  • Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark -- It is the largest preserved industrial plant of its kind in the world, and serves as studio space to many noted sculptors, holds classes, and is a great space for concerts and special events. [And a big conference event will be held here.]
  • Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens, a 1840s house in Birmingham that is older than the city itself.
  • Lots of southern hospitality!  It’s no joke!

1 comments:

Liesa Healy-Miller said...

I have to add another great spot! The Civil Rights District encompasses The Civil Rights Museum, The 16th St Baptist Church (where four little girls were killed in a 1963 bombing), and Kelly Ingram Park, scene of riots between police and protesters.

I've been to all three sites - an amazing and important slice of history not to be missed!

http://www.birminghamal.org/ttd-aframheritage.html