Natural beauty, artistic inspiration, fine dining, innovative cuisine, and more provide the backdrop for a blissful experience in one of the South’s best-kept secrets—Birmingham, Alabama.
Living Treasures
Begin your trip with a visit to Aldridge Gardens. The extensive collection of hydrangeas is reason enough to visit Birmingham, but that’s only the beginning. With birdwatching, plant sales, fishing, and more, Aldridge offers an array of ways to experience the great outdoors. Thirty woodland acres make up this scenic property in the heart of Hoover, Alabama, part of Birmingham’s metropolitan area.
While strolling along the peaceful surrounds, it’s easy to forget that you’re in the middle of a city. The goal is to celebrate “art and nature in balance,” says CEO Tynette Lynch. “It is a beautiful venue to see how well they work together to create a glorious balance throughout the grounds.” Everywhere you turn is evidence of this mission.
Local Flavor
Come hungry. That’s the one piece of advice Magic City locals give to visitors. Food here starts with Frank Stitt, the godfather of the Birmingham culinary scene. With three restaurants, Stitt consistently serves up some of the tastiest dishes in town at Bottega, Chez Fonfon, and Highlands Bar & Grill. In 2018, Highlands Bar & Grill was named Outstanding Restaurant by the prestigious James Beard Foundation, and their talented pastry chef, Dolester “Dol” Miles, won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef.
Located in a historic home that has been restored and transformed into a refined restaurant, Galley & Garden is known for its clever menu by chef James Boyce, centered around American-French cuisine. For a more relaxed atmosphere, grab a table at Ovenbird, founded by James Beard Award-winner Chris Hastings and home to decidedly Southern small plates inspired by the live fire traditions of Spain and Argentina.
In Homewood, try a seasonal salad at Real & Rosemary, and in Mountain Brook, visit Olexa’s or neighborhood staple Gilchrist. If you can’t make up your mind, head over to downtown’s Pizitz Food Hall, featuring an array of global and local offerings guaranteed to pique your curiosity and please your palate. Swing by one of Big Spoon Creamery‘s locations around town to satisfy a sweet tooth, and don’t skip the fresh-baked goodies at Hero Doughnuts & Buns.
Shop Around
Whether you’re perusing or purchasing, this city is brimming with unique shops. For all things shiny and new—including china and jewelry—visit Bromberg’s in Mountain Brook. Walk over to Table Matters and discover a treasure trove of tabletop beauties.
Nearby, the kind folks at The Cook Store can equip you with kitchen gadgets, ceramics, and virtually anything you need to bake the perfect pie. For fine antiques and vintage finds, stop by Henhouse Antiques, and then continue your quest at Tricia’s Treasures in Homewood. Down the street, shop At Home Furnishings for decorative accents, furniture, and gifts, and don’t miss Three Sheets for luxury bedding and lovely things galore.
World-Class Artistic Offerings
No trip to the city is complete without a visit to The Birmingham Museum of Art. It is one of the finest regional museums in the United States and houses a diverse collection of more than 27,000 paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings, and decorative arts dating from ancient to modern times. Take an afternoon to explore the expansive collection of art that includes beautiful works from holdings of Asian, European, American, African, Pre-Columbian, and Native American art.
Must-See Collection and Exhibit
Be sure to browse the museum’s Dwight and Lucille Beeson Wedgwood Collection and Buten Wedgwood Collection. The combined collection represents over two and a half centuries of Wedgwood production. Comprising more than 9,400 objects, it’s the most comprehensive collection of its kind outside of England.
The Southern Guest Experience
In the heart of scenic Mountain Brook, the The Kessler Collection’s Grand Bohemian Hotel takes an artistic approach to luxury accommodations. With the high style of the Renaissance as a subtle backdrop, the hotel’s chic design whisks you away into a present-day fairytale defined by saturated hues, natural elements, and curious details.
At the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant, Habitat Feed & Social, seasonal menus and cocktails are inspired by regional flavors as well as botanicals, fitting since it overlooks Birmingham Botanical Gardens. From seafood and garden-fresh veggies to house-made pasta, chef Julian Shell serves up modern Southern fare with singular finesse.
The onsite art gallery is filled with excellent examples from international and local artists. Take a tour of the hotel, sign up for a hands-on culinary class with chef Joshua Towey at the in-house Habitat Cooking School, and take part in a guided wine blending and tasting experience led by savvy sommeliers.
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