Birmingham represents the best of the New South in the upfront way it addresses its past, while urging all to create a better future. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute gives an unparalleled view of our Civil Rights heritage – it alone is worth a trip to Birmingham. Even if you are not into heritage travel, Birmingham thrives as a golf destination and is worthy of family travel.

    Begin by surveying beautiful vistas from the surrounding mountain lookouts. From a bird’s eye view, you’ll see why golfing conversations are the norm. Every duffer wants a good tee time at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Okay, it’s tough to get that one without booking months in advance. Not to worry. There is no shortage of beautiful, challenging golf courses to play. Family outings and reunions are plentiful at nearby state parks where activities range from hiking, fishing, exploring waterfalls and horseback riding along trails first paved by American Indians.

    The reviews are in. Families love the McWane Science Center in a renovated department store in downtown Birmingham. If your family is into baseball, see the Birmingham Barons play at Metropolitan Stadium with all the hot dogs, ice cream and sodas you can stand – its affordable. If you’ve been to a Major League Baseball game, you know that’s no small order. Afterwards, escort the kids to Rickwood Field to begin understanding the field’s rich history in Negro Leagues Baseball. The Birmingham Zoo has a distinguished African savannah filled with wildlife. Automotive enthusiasts will taste nirvana at the Mercedes-Benz Visitor Center and the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, home of the largest motorcycle museum in the South. You may even develop an endearment for roasted peanuts!

    Kelly-Ingram Park stands alone as both a park and monument to the Civil Rights Movement. It is stirring to say the least. Across the street Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is, along with the Memphis Civil Rights Museum, a definitive place to explore the modern Civil Rights Movement in relation to American and world history. Nothing is more genuine in helping teens understand our recent past. Few things will better anchor them to reasons to strive for a brighter future.

    Fourth Avenue District includes the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, Eddie Kendrick & The Temptations Memorial Park, and nightclubs that underscore the city’s rich musical heritage. The visible business accomplishments of A.G. Gaston in the Black community will inspire you.

    One visit here and you will better interpret how ordinary folk advanced the Civil Rights of African Americans, Latino Americans, Asian Americans and European American females. For that reason alone, Birmingham should stir a deep sense of appreciation in everyone that has an interest in American Heritage. Though Birmingham performs equally well as a destination for family reunions, church conferences, a pleasant surprise for many is that it makes an outstanding golf trip. And if you’re looking for Jazz, R&B, Blues and a good Southern breakfast in the package, come on down!