The main point of our trip to Birmingham was to see an exhibit at the art museum. However, we are…read moreearly rises (especially with the 1-hour time difference from home), so we had some time in the morning to fill. My wife determined that the local botanical garden opened by 7 a.m. (!) and was also free, so we opted to stop here before the museum opened later at 10 a.m. We made it here by around 7:30 a.m. A word of caution - the highway interchange nearby was nightmarish. We missed 2 turns (even with a navigation app running). I don't think it was just me. So be careful and add a few extra minutes to get lost. Once finally off they highway and through the final roundabout, we proceeded along a road bordering the gardens. On the other side appeared to be an expensive hotel and an upscale shopping / dining plaza. The garden was having some sort of plant sale, and crowds were apparently expected. They had traffic control cones in place, but we arrived early enough so that parking was still plentiful. When we left, it seemed like the lot had mostly filled up. The gardens are quite large. They are divided up into sub-areas and there is a large map posted about 100 yards inside the main gate. No paper maps were on offer, so I guess you can take a photo of theirs and use that. We first strolled to the Japanese Garden. We had this to ourselves until almost when we left. This area is quite large by itself. They have koi ponds, a tea house, etc. It was nice. We took an alternate path back to the map pavilion. From there, we explored other areas (mostly dedicated to specific flowers). Some of the terrain is hilly. We routed through the vegetable garden and eventually ended up back at the central formal rose garden. This was being watered periodically that morning and some of the brick paths in it were flooded. They seemed to have some satellite restrooms in remote areas, in addition to the main set near the gate. We spent almost 2 hours here and probably could have spent even more time, but we wanted to drive to our prime stop. If you have any interest in botanical gardens, this is a very worthwhile stop.

One of the first things I appreciated was free parking and free entrance, which is always an…read moreattractive feature. From there, it just kept getting better. You can easily spend hours exploring the many trails that wind through beautiful flowers and plants, the serene Japanese Gardens, and even an active beehive community--which was my favorite part! We were on a bit of a time limit and didn't get to walk the entire property, but we still managed to spend about two hours covering roughly three miles, and it never felt rushed. While it's still a little early in spring for everything to be in full bloom, there were still plenty of gorgeous floral displays to enjoy. Some of the trail directions can be a bit confusing at times, and we did end up wandering off course once or twice. That said, it was never difficult to find our way back to the main trail and continue exploring. If you're looking for a place to meander, slow down, and truly enjoy nature, this is absolutely the place to do it. A peaceful and rewarding experience overall.

Had about a 50 person event in Dread River's private event room and it was great. The staff was…read moresuper friendly, food was great, and the space was prepared perfectly. Mashala, the Event Coordinator, was amazing throughout the entire process. She definitely went above and beyond to help us out. Would recommend!

Great service, bartender was super friendly and attentive, fun guy to talk to. Only had time for…read moreone drink but it was pretty good, I would order again for sure. Menu was extensive but it only had about 8 in house cocktails? The rest of the menu was food, beer etc kinda expected more options from a distillery. Ambiance was a little off, the outside of the building is nice, but inside when you get down to it was a little rough around the corners, it's my own preference, but having a bunch of big screens with sports on while serving chicken wings kinda kills the distillery vibe and makes the place seem more like a sports bar. It's not horrible, just seems like they were trying to cross a distillery with a buffalo wild wings.

I attended a rehearsal dinner at Clubhouse on Highland. I had never been and it did not disappoint!…read morePerched high on a hill there are many steps to get into the venue. However, if you need, you're able to drive to the back and have handicap access. The inside is comprised of spacious rooms with plenty of charm intended for hosting events, parties or receptions. Each room brings so much charm and detail. This place isn't to be missed!

This was the second occasion in which I had an opportunity to visit this beautiful building. Both…read morein regards to celebrating art and creatives. This is the perfect place to have an intimate showing or and afternoon or evening celebration. The space is big enough for seating and also moving around or dancing. I could envision an intimate wedding or reception. There seem to be plenty of street parking. This is definitely a neighborhood vibe with a couple of bars and restaurants across the street. The Art Hun Gallery did a wonderful job of showcasing some local artist. I would go back.

Harambe is a great event space, great customer service & they provide everything you need. We had a…read moreprivate musical night & the video wall added the perfect touch. The stage lighting makes all the difference & plenty of space to dance, eat & make memories. Call Elias - he goes above & beyond for your special event.

From the owner: With 35 years of experience serving the Birmingham community, The Harambe Room, located in…read moreBirmingham’s fine arts district behind the Lyric Theater on historic 4th Avenue, is a versatile event venue offering over 3,000 square feet of contemporary, exposed brick loft-style space, accommodating approximately 250 guests. The venue provides various setup configurations, including tables, chairs, a stage, and a sound system upon request. Additional services encompass event planning, catering, custom cakes, sweets, a full cash bar with bartending services, and DJ entertainment. The Harambe Room is suitable for a wide range of events, such as weddings, receptions, baby showers, private dining, parties, luncheons, business meetings, and general events.

In search of a venue for our rehearsal dinner in March. Fingers crossed, if the weather…read morepermits--we'll enjoy the outdoor patio of this space! This is the penthouse of the Kress building and is used for an array of events. You bring in your own caterer and alcoholic beverages. There is a bocci ball court and enough space if you want to have a band. The inside will hold between 100-175 and add the outside, it holds 275, I believe. Great view of downtown Birmingham--and right next to Alabama Theater and McWane Center. If you look in the distance, Vulcan is directly ahead. Really a great space for anyone looking to hold an event. Check it out!

A beautiful venue directly above Avondale Brewery. A great place to hold events, smaller concerts,…read moreand weddings. We were here for a album release party and concert.

From the owner: Birmingham has become synonymous with good beer. So it should come as no surprise that more and…read moremore couples are making hops a part of their love story, too. Above Birmingham's famed Avondale Brewery is a simple, understated space that doubles as the perfect venue for a rehearsal dinner. Exposed brick, hardwood floors, and stringed lights come together to create a romantic atmosphere that can accommodate up to 140 people. "Past couples have said their rehearsal dinner upstairs set the weekend off right and made for the perfect night," says Lauren Fitch, events manager for the space. With plenty of room to bring in outside decor and freedom to choose a caterer, the space is great for couples seeking a customized evening. Avondale provides seating for up to 75 people, and guests are privy to the brewery's beloved beers. "Couples who want a relaxed, romantic evening with their loved ones would enjoy this space," Fitch adds. "The space is beautiful with simple decorations, is warm, and is inviting." - Birmingham Magazine

Cool place for college games. You get a good variety of fans cheering for there teams. Huge screens…read moreto watch the games. They have a great SEC drink menu (recommended by our server) and the food was great with big portions.

2:30pm on a Saturday and it was not busy at all. Walked in and it looked nice, nothing super fancy…read morebut nice. I sat down and maybe the wobbly table should have been my first red flag. The chairs sucked to add to it. I find the bathroom, whoever thought it was such a good idea to put a faucet that high was special because you have to turn the water low enough or push the faucet to the side to prevent from it splashing all over you. My in-laws got there a few mins before us and got everyone waters which that was good. The waitress, it took her forever to come back by to ask for drinks or starters. Granted we were waiting for a few other people but my husband wanted a soda and we were going to go ahead and get an appetizer. I decide to stick with my water because I just felt like I would get a drink if I asked for something different. Which I was right. My husband had to wave the waitress down for his soda. She accidentally brought him diet. She never brought back his drink. I had to get up and ask the hostess about our his drink and that we were wanting to order an appetizer. The hostess apologized and said they were really busy. I know I had to fix my face because I looked around, saw our table, and two other tables, about 6 people at the bar that the bartender handled, and looked back at the hostess like, "wtf?" The rest of our group shows up. Waitress comes back. Still no drink for my husband and gets our appetizer orders along with the remaining drink orders. When the appetizers comes out, it was a guy who brought it to us and we asked him about the soda and he apologizes and gets it for us...finally. Nothing special about the appetizer just chips and dip. We finish it and once again...the waiting game. The rest of our group still had yet to get their drinks. She comes back after another long wait, drink less, and gets our orders. My father in-law mentions the drinks, she apologies, and gets them. The wait it took for our food to come was ridiculous. I hate to imagine how long we would have had to wait if it was actually busy. Maybe it might have been worth my wild if the food was phenomenal but the moment it was sat in front...I knew it was not gonna be good. I got the Alfredo with shrimp. It looked like some soup. The sauce to noodle ratio was not good. The sauce was so runny that I had to lean it and eat the noodle like Naruto eating ramen. 5 measly pieces of shrimp. The sauce was also very gritty. How something that is so runny also be gritty, I don't know but I've had lean cuisine frozen alfredo dinners better than this $29 plate. 3 of us ordered Alfredo, only one got a piece of bread but I'm not asking for bread because I don't want to wait 30 mins to get it. My son looked at me and legit said, "we should have just gone to Olive Garden" knowing good and well I don't care for Olive Garden but also knowing it would have been better than whatever this plate in front of me was called. When walking to my car, I looked at everyone and said, "I'm sorry but this place sucked. I've been curious about it and now that I've experienced it...there is nothing here that would bring me back." So I suggest spend your money elsewhere because there is nothing that makes this place standout enough to have the audacity to have nonexistent service and charge $29 for soupy Alfredo

Great Place for an event, large or small!…read more I planned my husband's company Christmas party here in 2009. The staff are very easy and pleasant to work with. Great quality and options for menu choices. And above all the facility is absolutely gorgeous! You cannot go wrong hosting an event here whether a lunch or huge banquet. In the Spring/Summer they have Brunch on Sundays and also jazz or Bluegrass evenings on the porch. Great Southern style food and atmosphere...all provided with Southern Hospitality!

During the Christmas season, had lunch here with 5 girlfriends. The home was beautifully decorated…read morefor the holidays. When we arrived we were greeted and given a Christmas drink to enjoy while taking in the beautiful decorations and then escorted to our table. It was a very limited menu....Turkey and Dressing, Steak Poivre or Vegetarian all of which come with a salad and dessert. This Christmas lunch is only done for 1 week in December and reservations are a must! Cash only. The dining area overlooks downtown Birmingham. A nice way to enjoy the holiday season! The rest of the year Rucker Place hosts weddings and private events.

I came when they were closed. It said on internet and door they would be open. It is a nice gallery.read more

Small Gallery off the Grand Bohemian Lobby…read more This small, but interesting gallery is located directly off the lobby of the Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook, Alabama. The varied offerings stir emotions as you move from room to room and boast painting as well as three dimensional artwork. I love that you can wander and view at your own pace as you move through the gallery. The exhibits display local artists' work and cover a broad range of perspectives and styles. They rotate the displays to keep the viewing fresh for visitors. Very relaxing!