Originally posted by: Parrotheader
I've lived in Birmingham for most of my life. I've heard it summed up best by the following statement: "It's a great place to live, but you wouldn't want to visit there." I agree. With the exception of hot, muggy summers (this last one was great actually) the weather here rocks, especially in the fall. The cost of living is cheap allowing a lot of people to live in very nice areas for very reasonable rates (the entire 'Over the Mountain' area is like this.) We've got all the conveniences of super metropolitan areas without most of the drawbacks.
Unfortunately, there's not much in terms of touristy attractions here though. It's mostly a business town with lots of major banks, public utilities and industrial centers based out of here. Off the top of my head, things I'd recommend to visitors:
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Mercedes-Benz plant tour: About 15 minute drive from Bessemer. I still haven't done it but it's supposedly pretty cool.
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Museum of Art: It's not huge, but it's nice and FREE (Rossman keyword.)
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Barber Motorsports Park: About 15/20 minute drive from Hoover area; BEAUTIFUL road course that many consider to be the best in the US and one of the best in the world. Don't think there's anything other than the regular Porsche Driving School going on out there this weekend though.
If Alabama was playing better I'd suggest heading out to Tuscaloosa to take in some Southern football tailgating; people outside the SEC THINK they know what they're in for, but don't really understand until you see it firsthand. You don't even have to go to the game to have a good time. Tons of great golf courses to choose from too, but I doubt you're bringing your clubs.
For shopping, The Summit and the Galleria are the places to go. For bars/clubs, Five Points South is still the biggest area.
Food:
LUNCH PLACES
-Firehouse Subs is a good lunch pick. This regional chain blows Quiznos away IMO.
-Chappy's is another good place to eat a good, cheap lunch.
-Bert's on the Bluff is a prototypical 'meat and three' but tucked away in a residential area.
-Guthrie's is great for coronary specials (chicken fingers, fries and garlic buttered toast)
DINNER PLACES
-Dreamland is a staple always recommended to visitors.
-Wings is a good, local sports bar/restaurant chain with several locations in town.
-The entire Highway 280 area (from the Summit to Inverness) is LOADED with restaurant choices.
-Most of the swankiest restaurants are in Mtn. Brook, Homewood and Southside.
Birmingham Restaurant Guide