The heart of Alabama's cultural and economic activities Birmingham, boasts a population of over 1.1 million people establishing itself as the largest city in the state. Once singled out as suffering the worst hit during the Great Depression, today Birmingham is one of the top five banking cities in the United States. The city lives up to its nickname Magic City; with its ability to rise from the economic and racial ashes that once burdened this now flourishing metropolis.

The Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark is a 32-acre blast furnace plant that gives an up close look at how the iron industry built the city of Birmingham.

Founded in 1978, the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame is an art-deco museum that honors great jazz artists with ties to the state of Alabama.

Dedicated to advertising the state's athletic history, Alabama Sports Hall of Fame (ASHOF) was established in 1967. Each year the museum has a banquet where it inducts between six and eight persons who have contributed to the athletic arena in some capacity.

The Vulcan Statue, a reflection of the city's iron and steel industry, is the seventh-tallest free-standing statue in the United States. It is also the largest cast iron statue in the world and the city symbol of Birmingham, Alabama. It is a figure of the Roman god of fire Vulcan.

The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is the perfect spot for your zeal for motors and racing. It boasts the largest and most incredible collection of motorcycles, vintage vehicles and motor sports. This world-class racing park will definitely delight you with its Formula One and Super bike racing.

For a good feel of Nature, visit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The beautiful Gardens not only feature Southern offerings but also pay tribute to other parts of the world. The nearby "villages" of Mountain Brook offers locally-owned shops, restaurants and boutiques.

The Alabama Adventure Theme Park will positively satisfy your desire for outdoor adventure. This combined Theme and Water Park has over 7 acres of land full of amazing escapades any thrill seeker could want!