Tours

For visitors that have a little time to spend in Birmingham, there are many interesting and fun tours to take. For the most part, an automobile is the best means of transportation, as parking is not the problem that it can be in other cities.

Linn Park Around the area of Linn Park, start with a nice breakfast or brunch at the Cafe Dupont. From there, you could walk a short distance to the Birmingham Museum of Art and the BJCC Theatre. After that, you might want to make your way southwest to Kelly Ingram Park.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute In the historic African American district, you can find the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the Carver Theatre, the location of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. Try the steak at Sarris Restaurant. Also nearby are the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and Museum and the McWane Science Center, with its 360-degree IMAX theatre.

Alabama Adventure The Stardome Theater always has a famous comedian or two on their schedule. The nearby Regions Park, home of the Birmingham Barons, hosts concerts and sports games all year. Enjoy lunch at Ali Baba Persian Restaurant. Drive to neighboring Bessemer, and see the Alabama Adventure amusement park.

Homewood The Homewood neighborhood offers many cultural attractions. The BJCC East Exhibition Hall, BJCC Arena and BJCC Concert Hall are all within walking distance of one another. Enjoy the Italian creations at Brio Tuscan Grill, then catch a show at nearby Harrison Theater.

Talladega South of downtown Birmingham, is Oak Mountain State Park, which offers hiking and biking trails, campsites and swimming. Drive south to Montgomery, the state capital and the site of a world renowned Alabama Shakespeare Festival. The city of Talladega is located about an hour from Birmingham. NASCAR enthusiasts will know this city as the home of the Talladega Superspeedway. On the racetrack grounds, you will find the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.

Many visitors opt to plan their trip with a professional tour company; getting around on a bus sure beats walking.

Walking Tours J & J Tours Inc. ( +1 205 414 7560 ) Landmark Tour and Travel ( +1 205 326 6444/ http://www.travellandmark.com/ ) Brimingham Convention and Visitors Bureau ( +1 205 458 8000/ http://www.birminghamal.org/ ) L & E Tours ( +1 205 781 2480 ) Connection Tours ( +1 205 822 7323 )

Bus Tours Excursions Unlimited ( +1 205 324 9491 ) Murry's Charter and Tours ( +1 205 980 5994 ) Victory Tours ( +1 205 923 5900 ) Camelot Bus Charter and Tours ( +1 205 525 1721/ http://www.camelotcharters.com/ ) Southeastern Motor Coach Inc ( +1 205 791 1966/ http://www.southeasternmotorcoach.com/ )

Air Tours Magic Express Airlines Inc. ( +1 205 956 8142/ http://www.magicexpressair.com/ )

Fishing Tours Lake Purdy Let's Go Fishing ( +1 205 991 9107 )