Image: Alabama Tourism Department
In the 9060s, Birmingham was a hotbed for civil rights, serving as the scene of many violent confrontations between city officials and protestors. Over the years, it garnered a bad reputation, but a refreshing resurgence is now taking place
This can be attributed to a lot of things, including a young, energetic mayor who has revitalized the downtown area, brought new businesses to town, and fostered growth across the city.
Attention From the Major Leagues
Birmingham’s growth has attracted the likes of Major League Baseball who, just this year, hosted a regular season game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants at Birmingham’s historic Rickwood Field celebrating the Negro Leagues. There are reports that they have every intention of coming back soon.
For a while, black players weren’t welcome in Major League Baseball, so places like Birmingham, which was once the home of the Birmingham Black Barons, opened their doors to some very talented players and forced MLB to pay attention.
The game showcased the changes that have been made over the years not only in baseball, but in Birmingham, too. Rickwood is the oldest baseball park in the country and when the Giants and Cardinals visited, they were all in awe of its majesty and it’s history. Several major leaguers like Hank Aaron, Willie Mayes (both Alabama natives), and of course, Jackie Robinson who integrated baseball in 1947, all got their start in the Negro Leagues and eventually moved up to the Majors.
The game attracted new visitors to the city who wanted to know more about the role Rickwood played in the growth of Major League Baseball.
But it’s not just baseball with eyes on Birmingham. Two years ago, the city hosted the first two rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, a feat only possible s because of the revitalization of Legacy Arena (formerly called the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center), which has also hosted renowned recording artists such as Janet Jackson, Pink, and Drake recently.
There are now also plans in the works to build an outdoor concert facility which should be finished in the next year or two.
An Evolving Food Scene
Birmingham’s food scene continues to boom – and has even found its place on primetime through shows like Bizarre Foods America hosted by Andrew Zimmer and Food Network’s The Best Thing I Ever Ate.
Zimmer said it best, what brought him to Birmingham was the “great and vibrant food scene, great stories, and great characters.”
Birmingham has become a foodie’s paradise because of its diversity of options. You can enjoy a meat-and-three at Eagle’s or Ruth’s Cafe on a Sunday afternoon after church service or if you want to go more upscale, enjoy a fancy Italian lunch or dinner at Bottega on the south side of the city.
Plus, Jim ‘N Nicks BBQ, a beloved Southern chain that got its start in Birmingham, is known to make a hearty plate of ribs best paired with their world-famous cheddar biscuits, a slice of pie, and a day spent watching college football.
A Mix of Fun and Relaxation
The city has a youthful vibrancy that it has never had before. Young professionals are attracted to the city because of its affordable housing and vibrant nightlife. It’s no longer a sleepy town, you’ll finally find establishments open beyond 11 p.m. on a Friday night.
But there are also places in town for those looking for some R&R. Ross Bridge Spa and Resort is the perfect place to enjoy a round of golf or kick back for a relaxing spa day. The resort just sits minutes from downtown Birmingham and if you didn’t know any better, you’d think you were in the foothills of some European town.
For an escape from the city, Ruffner Mountain is a favorite amongst visitors and natives of Birmingham alike: it’s a 227-acre oasis with hiking trails, wildlife, and views for days.
If you look around, you’ll understand why so many people are not only moving to Birmingham, but also why the city is becoming synonymous with historical charm, style, youth, and elegance.
Birmingham is now earning its nickname as the “Magic City,” moving beyond a troubled past into a vibrant destination for locals to love and visitors to enjoy.
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