Bring your family to Birmingham
Birmingham is a place for foodies, motorheads and just about every tourist you could think of. It's the largest city in Alabama and played a huge role in the Civil Rights Movement. Not only will you find historically significant places here, there is plenty of action and adventure available for those who seek it. Check out these activities to get a glimpse of the real Birmingham:
Jordan-Hare Stadium
Drive your Birmingham rental car to 251 South Donahue Drive to see the Auburn University Tigers football team play a game at home. The Tigers have played here since 1939, in the 10th-largest on-campus stadium in the nation. Today, the stands hold 87,451 seats for screaming fans to cheer for their favorite players in Alabama's fifth-largest city. The facility is named after Ralph "Shug" Jordan, the Tigers coach who brought the team to the most wins, and Clifford Leroy Hare. Hare was a player on the first-ever Auburn football team and was involved with the school's athletic committee. For nearly the past 20 years, over 75,000 season tickets have been sold annually. The stands are often packed with navy and orange-clad Tigers fans. The stadium isn't the only part of the facility that honors people of importance to AU. The field has been named "Pat Dye Field" after coach Pat Dye, former leader of the team who is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. There is a lot of history in this Alabama sporting facility.
Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve
Drive your Birmingham rental car to 1214 81st Street in Downtown Birmingham to visit this 1,380 acre nature preserve. Here, you will find trails for hikers to walk along wetland paths strewn with boardwalks. You can choose a route that includes serious changes in elevation, like the 1.7-mile Ridge and Valley Trail, or opt for a shorter version like Bypass Trail where you can spot American beautyberry plants and enjoy other local flora and fauna. Bring water and sunscreen for this hiking excursion, as it can get very hot while you're out walking.
Red Ore Zip Tour
Anyone ages 6 and up who is at least 4 foot 2 inches tall will love flying through the trees on this awesome adventure! You'll start at the parking lot and then walk 10 minutes to the Adventure Area of Eureka Mines Trail in the Red Mountain Nature Preserve. Here, you will find your one-hour journey awaits. You'll climb rope bridges and zip along the beautiful forest canopy for an hour on this breathtaking tour. Each visitor is equipped with a helmet and harness to keep him or her safe and secure while on the course. Young children may choose to do the course in tandem with a parent or adult. For each zip line section, you will drop in off a platform high in the trees and then soar through nature on your way down. Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared for the weather - this activity is entirely outdoors.