Diamond Detectives

While the name may echo the classic television show Star Trek, there's nothing otherworldly about the Vulcan, the world's largest cast-iron sculpture. This visually compelling structure was created to pay tribute to the city's early iron industry. It weighs over 60 tons, stands over 55-feet-tall and was originally constructed for the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. Today the attraction stands next to an observation tower in the center of Vulcan Park that allows a somewhat closer look at this fascinating piece of history.

Nature lovers are not the type of people who can just admire natural beauty from afar—they enjoy getting as close as possible to various sites and areas in the great outdoors that attract their interest. One such place is Ruffner Mountain. This is a 1,000-acre nature preserve that is located just five miles from the center of Birmingham. This unique urban forest features 10 miles of hiking trails over ridgetops and through valleys that provide for stellar views of nature all along the way. The trail ends at a point that offers a spectacular view of the city. The forest not only features native plants and animals but also a small nature center with exhibits and a gift shop.

The Birmingham Festival Theatre has become synonymous with unforgettable performances. And that reputation has been duly earned, as the entertainment venue has hosted well over 200 productions that have involved more than 50 directors and nearly 1,000 actors and 500 crew people. Staggering numbers to be sure, but even more impressive is that an estimated 100,000 people have watched these various performances. If you are looking for something truly memorable, then make plans to take in a show at the Festival Theatre, where excellence is the only tradition that matters!