Columbiana, AL: Small town, Alabama
Columbiana is a small city located just outside of Birmingham, AL. As with many small towns, the center of town houses the main attractions and businesses then spreads out to historic homes, then to newer developments and/or large acres of farms and land. Visit the city’s official web site for more information.
Columbiana courthouse
Vulcan: Birmingham, AL
Vulcan, god of the forge, the world’s largest cast iron statue. This guy overlooks Birmingham, and can be seen on 65 (heading south) just as one passes over the 65/59 “spaghetti” junction. A museum, restaurant, hiking trails, ride up into the base of Vulcan, park with wireless internet access, and beautiful scenic views of Birmingham can be found here. Visit Vulcan’s main web site for more information, directions, and virtual tours.
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- Vulcan, Birmingham’s big guy in the skey!
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- One view of Birmingham from Vulcan
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- Vulcan Restaurant & outdoor eating area
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- take a ride to the base of Vulcan for some great views
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- indigenous rock paves Vulcan Park’s paths
16th Street Baptist Church, a dark chapter in AL history…
The 16th Street Baptist Church is the site of a 1963 bombing by the Ku Klux Klan. The bomb killed 4 young African American girls. NPR covered the story and events again in 2003, watch and listen HERE. Across the street, one will find a memorial park with a statue of Dr. Martin Luther King.
*If you decide to visit the area, be aware that you will be approached for money by the homeless… Kudzublue has visited the site many times, and each time has been approached. 🙂
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- 16th Street Baptist Church
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- Reconstructed 16th St Church Sign
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- Dr. King’s statue
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- MLK Memorial Park
Alabama Theater, Birmingham, AL
The Alabama Theater is an architectural site you have to see if you visit Birmingham, AL. Built in 1927 by Paramont Studios, the theater has been well taken care of throughout the years. The events held there each year range from movie nights to performing artists to plays. Inside, the rococo architecture is a gaudy feast for the eyes. Visit the Alabama Theater site for a 360 degree virtual tour and to view upcoming events.
Alabama Theater Sign
The Storyteller, 5 Points fountain
In the center of 5 Points (literally 5 streets arriving at one point) of Southside, Alabama, a fantastical sculpture greets all visitors. Created by artist Frank Fleming, the fountain has been an innocent player in the madness of urban legends.
A fountain located in Birmingham's 5 Points
Fairhope, AL, Castle
My parents moved to Fairhope, AL, a couple of years ago. Kudzublue thought she’d retire in the hills of Tennessee, but changed her mind after one trip to Fairhope.
On one of my many walks I’ve taken since then, I happened upon a castle like I’d never seen. I stood there for several minutes with my mouth open taking it all in, then with a smile on my face, I approached the architectural wonder. The slideshow photos above were taken Thanksgiving weekend of 2008…
If you’d like to book a room for the weekend at the castle – it turns out you can! Check out their web site!
Fairhope Storybook Castle
My Alabama 