Birmingham is widely known as the “Dinner Table of the South,” so exceptional dining goes hand-in-hand with seeing the sights. Check out these itinerary stops from Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

At the expansive Birmingham Botanical Gardens, more than 30 thematic gardens are spread across 67 acres of beauty. The stunning Dunn Formal Rose Garden blooms with tea roses, floribundas, grandifloras, climbers, and shrub types from late April until frost. The 7½-acre Japanese Garden is an interwoven collection of gardens built in the Japanese style with traditional architectural and garden elements. The Gardens Café is a good choice for a light lunch before more touring commences.

Aldridge Gardens

Aldridge Gardens is known throughout the Southeast for its hydrangea collection. Covering 30 acres, Aldridge Gardens also includes walking trails, a scenic lake, and noted Alabama sculptor Frank Fleming’s artwork throughout.

The Market at Pepper Place

The Market at Pepper Place is where everyone wants to be on Saturday mornings. The region’s farming families spread out across the Lakeview neighborhood to sell fresh vegetables and flowers, fresh baked breads, cakes and pies, and even fresh honey. Local musicians and Birmingham chefs join market patrons for entertainment and cooking demonstrations.

Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens

Because Birmingham was not founded until 1871, the city’s only antebellum home is Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens. During the Civil War, Arlington was spared from destruction when Union troops used the home as their headquarters. The mansion is fully restored and contains a fine collection of antiques and decorative arts. Group meals also can be arranged at Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens.

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark is an industrial museum reflecting Birmingham’s famed beginnings in the iron and steel industry. Sloss is the only 20th-century blast furnace in the country being preserved and interpreted as a museum. The furnaces there made iron for nearly 100 years until they were closed in 1971. The city bought the property as a museum of history and industry. The site preserves a collection of buildings, machinery, and industrial structures that typify the early years of Birmingham history and the technology that drove America’s rise to world industrial dominance.

The Fish Market

Back in the city, take the group to The Fish Market Restaurant in Birmingham’s Southside neighborhood. There you’ll find the Greek immigrant influence on Birmingham dining that is prevalent throughout the city. This popular spot serves up fresh-daily seafood from the Gulf of Mexico. Everyone loves the Athenian Snapper and Dino’s Baked Oysters. Other dining options for groups are plentiful in the “Dinner Table of the South.”

More to taste

Enjoy memorable meals at local steam tables full of delicious choices or go for barbecue that is some of the country’s best. From steaks to sushi, dining in the greater Birmingham area is something to relish. Tour groups also can arrange to have cooking demonstrations by talented area chefs. The Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau can help with scheduling and providing information on cooking demonstrations.

For more information, contact Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-458-8085 or visit inbirmingham.com.

Lead photo:
Railroad Park
Credit: Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau