En Route Heating & Cooling

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 sweeping brush strokes that adorn some of the world's most amazing paintings and the details that give a deep dimension to the mesmerizing sculptures on display are just two fine examples of the incredible work that is housed at the Birmingham Museum of Fine Art. The facility proudly features one of the most extensive collections in the southeast. When you walk in, you'll be struck by the incredible range of artistic expression that is represented by the more than 24,000 objects. Learn about Asian, European, African, pre-Columbian and Native American traditions by taking in each group's respective artistic expressions rendered in a variety of mediums.

The Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival is held every August in Birmingham. The celebration is an opportunity for young and aspiring filmmakers to have their work presented to audiences who are just as enthusiastic about the art of creating a memorable movie. The event is an important acknowledgment of independent film and cinema, and attracts some of the most creative minds from all over the world. Also, it is an opportunity to meet key people as various mixers and receptions take place between screenings.