ChantelMarie Customz

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.

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.

Go on an unforgettable adventure when you visit the appropriately-named Alabama Adventure! This is the summer park where great memories are made. Beat the summer heat when you take the plunge at Splash City that features rides and attractions in the Magic City section while Marvel City offers amusements for the smaller kids to enjoy. And mom and dad will appreciate the dining options and shopping destinations that are available on Celebration Street. Plus, there's a summer concert series that features the popular American Idol finalists, so make sure to include Alabama Adventure in your vacation plans.