What to See

Are you attending the 54th Annual Circle K International Convention August 5-9 in Birmingham? Take time to visit these hot spots in an around the city.

Vulcan Park and Museum Vulcan, Birmingham, Alabama's colossal statue is the world's largest cast iron statue and considered one of the most memorable works of civic art in the United States. Designed by Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti and cast from local iron in 1904, it has overlooked the urban landscape of Alabama's largest city since the 1930s. Driving Directions (8 mins)

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark The only 20^th-century blast furnace in the country that’s being preserved and interpreted as a museum. These industrial artifacts typify the first 100 years of Birmingham's history and the technology that drove America’s rise to world industrial dominance. Sloss is also an unusual community gathering place and hosts a wide variety of concerts, festivals and conferences.

Did you know? Sloss has a ghost. Theopholus Calvin Jowers swore that as long as there was a furnace in Jefferson County, he'd be there. Driving Directions (7 mins)

Talladega Superspeedway The drivers here wanna go fast like Ricky Bobby. It’s one of the biggest, fastest, most competitive motorsports facilities in the world, where records for both speed and competition have been established. The track visitors daily van tours during working hours except on weeks around events. Adjacent to the track is the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum, which also is open daily.

Did you know? The Superspeedway can accommodate more than 143,000 seated guests and thousands more in the 212-acre infield. Driving Directions (1 Hour)

Desoto Caverns State Park One of the most beautiful and historic show caves in the United States. Learn of the history about the prehistoric Indians who lived and died in the caverns, Confederate soldiers who mined the caves for saltpeter, early Indian traders who visited, and moonshine-making during Prohibition times. Outside attractions include a trail maze, gemstone panning, bow and arrow shoot, pedal go-karts and a squirt gun maze.

Did you know? Desoto features an awesome sound, light and water show in the Great Onyx Cathedral, which is larger than a football field, higher than a 12-story building and full of onyx stalagmite and stalactite formations. Driving Directions (1 Hour) FREE ADMISSION

Moss Rock Preserve A beautiful 250-acre nature preserve with streams, waterfalls, wildlife and more. It’s currently home to four rare species of plants and a rare variant of Little River Canyon Sandstone Glade—one of only 35 occurrences known around the world. Moss Rock Preserve's Boulder Field is a favorite among rock climbers, with numerous technical formations that appeal to climbers of all skill levels. Driving Directions (25 min) FREE ADMISSION

Birmingham Museum of Art The Birmingham Museum of Art houses more than 24000 works from around the globe, offers free admission, a variety of exhibitions, and programs for all ages. Walking Directions (5 min) FREE ADMISSION

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Located in Alabama as a center for education and discussion about civil and human rights issues. $5 admission for college students, free on Sundays. Driving Directions (3 min)

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Volunteer based organisation promoting public knowledge of plants and gardens. Driving Directions (10 min) FREE ADMISSION

Shop ’til you drop

• Colonial Brookwood Village
  Macy’s, Belk, Z Gallerie, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grille & Bar and more. Driving Directions (10 mins)
  
  
• Colonial Promenade Tannehill Target, Premiere Cinemas, Rue 21, JC Penney, Bath & Body Works, Taco Bell and more. Driving Directions (33 mins)
  
• Patton Creek Dick’s Sporting Goods, Rave Motion Pictures, DSW, Barnes & Noble, Panera Bread, Wings Sports Grille and more. Driving Directions (16 mins)
  
• Riverchase Galleria. Alabama's No. 1 free tourist attraction, boasting one of the largest skylights in North America. Belk, Macy's, Sears, JC Penney, Banana Republic, Aldo, Cache, bebe, Arden B and more. Driving Directions (16 mins)
  
• The Summit Saks Fifth Avenue, Parisian, Carmike Cinemas, Bruno's, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Barnes & Noble, Old Navy and more. Driving Directions (16 mins)
  
• Watermark Place Outlet center featuring Pacific Sunwear, Gap Outlet, Nine West, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and more. Driving Directions (6 mins)

Also check out…

Downtown Homewood Famous for shopping, small retail and specialty shops along an old-style main street. Includes high-end antique galleries and the new Soho Square, a mixed use residential-commercial area. Make sure to stop by local landmark Savage’s Bakery.

Five Points South Dance, people watch and enjoy gastronomical delights at the city’s top entertainment district. It’s a trendy atmosphere full of new people and a wide selection of dining options. It’s also the leading location for Birmingham nightlife.
English Village, Mountain Brook Village and Crestline Village These three distinct shopping areas are linked by tree-lined sidewalks. English Village features restaurants, coffee houses and garden shops. Mountain Brook Village has funky art shops, high-end boutiques and home furnishing stores. Crestline Village has a nice mix of restaurants and high-fashion shops.

How’s the weather in Birmingham?

Check out www.WeatherChannel.com to see the convention forecast.