Well-informed tour guide, Mike, gave us a broad overview of the history of the civil rights…read moremovement in Birmingham from 1865 to 1965. Nice mix of walking and riding in a van. Good pacing of presentation, especially given how much information there was. Really learned a lot. Cannot recommend enough. Tour included outer areas like Dynamite Hill and the Bethel AME -- places you won't see if just walking between City Hall and 16th Street Baptist.

One of the best tours I have ever taken in any city or on any continent. Fascinating and…read moreinformative historical tour with a blend of walking and motor coach transport. Brilliant! Highly recommend.

Awesome museum. Was immediately greeted with some history on how the Birmingham Barons began and…read morehow the culture of the Negro League's started. Lots of great artifacts like the uniforms, baseball bats, balls and of course all of the amazing GREATS from Willie Mays to Hank Aaron to one of my favorites, The Big Hurt. Picked up a jacket and a tshirt on clearance.

This is one of those "Must See" places, if you care anything about the preservation of history…read more Just like most things in America, there was a division in sports between Black people and Caucasian people, which required Black people to create their avenue for baseball. This museum gives a historical account of how Negroes formed their own league in the South and how great they were at playing professionally with very little resources. I was invited to the Negro Southern League Museum's annual celebration as a guest. What a wonderful and heartfelt event. I had the opportunity to meet and admire some of the local players that played in Major League Baseball along with some of Birmingham's public and civic leaders. Although, I've toured the museum before, it was still amazing to see the old uniforms, read about the history of Negroes in baseball and how great they were at a time when they were not being recognized for their greatness! Yes, it was a struggle, but as history has taught us "Greatness" is usually born out of struggle. So, visit the museum, take your family and friends. Most of all take the children, they deserve to learn about how "Greatness" can be born out of struggle. I will continue to go back each year to celebrate America's history of Negroes in baseball.

Very nice and interesting place. Historic Landmark with very cool architecture and even a nice…read moreplace to chill a little

I wish I could share more about this place, but unfortunately it was closed on Monday -- the only…read moreday we were in Birmingham. Since we couldn't go inside, I decided to walk across the nearby bridge to at least get a view from a distance. When it's closed, there really isn't a way to get much closer, so you're limited to exterior views only. From the photos and reviews others have posted, it looks like a really cool and educational spot, especially if you're interested in industrial history. It seems like the tours give you a great glimpse into what factory life looked like back when it was one of the biggest steel suppliers in the U.S. Knowing it operated for around 90 years before shutting down in 1971 makes it even more fascinating. Even though I didn't get the full experience, the scale of the structures and the history behind the site were still impressive from afar. I'd definitely plan to return on a day they're open to properly explore it -- it looks like a unique and worthwhile stop if you're in town.

I appreciate the spacial aspect of the courtyard of the Arlington. There is the inside section…read morewhere the food is served. There are inside mens and ladies room which is always a plus. The annual event is really the last reunion before the game for people that went to school with. Thank you Sheila Tyson for the annual love.

Enjoyed a magic city classic event and loved the inside and outside scenes. This is annual so will…read morereturn next or to a sooner event

100% worth the visit, particularly for young African Americans who are not learning about our…read morehistory in the country in school or at home. When you see what those before you had to endure in order for you to be able to walk into a restaurant LEGALLY...just go.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 16th St Birmingham, AL…read more I wanted to visit this museum, in fear that this history would be deleted, omitted, whitewashed or hidden from public view. As much as insensitive, out of touch people, politicians, or organizations may feel, being reminded of the atrocities committed by their fore parents, we as Americans of indigenous/african descent must endure the pain of oppression, injustice inflicted on our fore parents and threatened to repeat every day, it's a part of our reality politically and socially. These museums provide us with a baseline for freedom deferred also the intestinal fortitude and courage that sustained us.

Was invited to a bridal party that was booked with BPT and had THE BEST time of our lives! Jay was…read moresuch a great host! He kept us entertained and the music flowing! Had a superb time at the bar stops Tin Roof was the best my only complaint would be the seats my toosh was tender afterwards but I'd definitely do it again

We had soo much fun jay was the best host driver. We laughed and sang so much. You bring your own…read moredrink and he'll hook up the Bluetooth to your music. Which makes it a perfect party. I highly recommend this if you're in Birmingham. The owner was really nice to work with. He gave us a credit from a time we had to cancel a while back.

On April 25 of last year, I read a lengthy article in the NY Times entitled "Scrap-Iron Elegy" by…read moreMichael Tortorello and it was accompanied by many photos. The article is about a somewhat elderly couple named Joe & Hilda Minter and the astounding number of fascinating sculptures that Mr. Minter has made out of scrap iron & other found objects, which occupy every single inch of space on their half-acre property. Some of the sculptures have strong political messages and Mr. Minter is quite a character. For lack of a better description, his work comes under the heading of Roadside Art (see my 9/30/12 review entitled M. T. Liggett [in Mullinville, KS] for another example). Last night I called the Minters (having obtained their phone number by looking them up on People Search [I don't want to list their number - but it's easy to obtain in that manner, and I do think it's polite to call ahead instead of just appearing at their front door]) and I made arrangements for us to visit late this morning. They left us to wander around at our leisure - and walking is very precarious, so watch where you step - and when we were finished, Mr. Minter joined us for awhile and we had quite a conversation. The article mentions the Minters' very constrained financial state, and we thought it was only fair to give them a donation after touring their extraordinary yard exhibit. Further, my husband bought a beautiful t-shirt designed by Mrs. Minter - and I bought a book that Mr. Minter wrote, which includes some photos. It took him many years to write the book and someone kindly helped him publish it. He inscribed it for us and it will serve as a wonderful memory. Mrs. Minter told us that their dream is to have a postal stamp showing one of Mr. Minter's sculptures. For a most unique and special experience, I highly recommend visiting the African Village in America (that's what Mr. Minter calls his yard show). (Update on 4/10/14): Yelp has inexplicably listed the Minters' phone number, although one digit is incorrect.

As an LSU fan, it pains me to admit that anything sports related in Alabama is great, but this…read moreplace is awesome. The number of sports legends connected to this state across every major sport is amazing. Names like: Jesse Owens, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Bo Jackson, Mia Hamm, Evander Holyfield, Charles Barkley, etc, tc, etc. There are tons more that I am not naming. Seeing all of the exhibits and HOF plaques in the 3-floor museum took about 90 mins for us. For the most part everything was great. I take away the 5th star because they let former segregationist governor George Wallace in because he won 2 Golden Glove championships when he was in high school. Really? That's the accomplishment? Someone wins that every year and he's the only one in here for doing so little. That and Geaux Tigers!

Boom. Y'all support these good people. The displays are awesome. This is real history. I really…read morewent there for a High-school Christmas luncheon that I was invited to. The room was accommodating and was decorated with sports accomplishments of many artists. I was highly impressed with the display of Larry Kenon, who was attended Ullman High school. I am including several photos that I took

Movies on the mountain continues to be a fun time. Madagascar, popcorn, perfect weather. Funny…read moreenough, I still don't mind going to catch an animated movie by myself at my big age. lol Life is meant to be enjoyed and I'm taking advantage of doing so. Fun family, friend or solo event.

Vulcan Park and Museum is an excellent spot for panoramic views of Birmingham and an easy addition…read moreto any visit to the city. It's just a short drive from downtown, and one of the best perks is that parking is free and you can walk around the statue grounds without paying anything. Even if you don't go inside, the overlook alone is worth the trip for the skyline views and photo opportunities. If you're interested in the history behind the statue and its restoration, there's a museum on site that adds a lot of context. Admission is $8, and that ticket also lets you take the elevator up inside the statue to about three-quarters of the way to the top, which gives you even higher and more impressive views of the city. Overall, it's a great mix of scenery and local history. Whether you just want a quick stop for the views or a deeper dive into Birmingham's past, it's a worthwhile visit.