Bresco

While countless cities across the country hold a National Veterans Day Parade, the one that happens in Birmingham holds special significance as this is the city where the first Veteran's Day Celebration was held back in 1947. The tradition of honoring the men and women who fight for our freedom is still very much alive in Birmingham. The parade and festival held downtown features more than 5,000 participants, 15 bands and more than 50 floats.

The theatrical tradition of drama, comedy and music is alive and well at Birmingham's Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center. This is the city's premier performance art and entertainment venue that consistently presents one must-see performance after another. Some recent guests to the center's stage include Al Pacino, Colin Quinn, and Ricky Scaggs. This is also the home of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. So don't wait—get your ticket for that upcoming show before it's sold out!

If the idea of going on an actual safari doesn't quite fit into your schedule or your budget, then a trip to the Birmingham Zoo is the next best thing. This incredible zoo features over 1,000 animals and birds all presented in their meticulously recreated habitats and attractions. In addition to giraffes, lions, monkeys and hippos, the facility features a variety of special exhibitions as well as special presentations designed especially for the kids.

Birmingham's natural beauty, as well as the natural beauty provided by some of the most beautiful plants and flowers, shines brightly at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. You will be breathlessly enchanted by the gardens of roses, camellias, wildflowers, ferns that flourish in this truly serene and calming setting. Other highlights include a Japanese garden and teahouse as well as the largest greenhouse in the Southeast. Forget the stress of your day and come and breathe in the beauty of the floral attractions in bloom at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.