Gracefully Staged

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.

The dream of flight is something that is almost as old as history itself. Learn about some of man's earliest attempts to become airborne at Birmingham's Southern Museum of Flight. See vintage aircraft, classic instruments, flight gear and more when you go from exhibit to exhibit in this fascinating venue. The many stories of southern aviation are preserved and investigated through the many interesting and creative exhibits that allow history to take flight for every visitor who passes through this entertaining museum.

While getting to the Bama Flea Mall and Antique Center may be a bit of a drive (it is in Leeds, Alabama), it is most definitely worth the extra effort! There are over 400 dealers who offer their wares in a shopping area that stretches out over 57,000-square-feet. The market is open seven days a week and vendors are constantly bringing in old and new items on a daily basis. Find everything from guns, knives, collectibles, jewelry, sporting items, antiques and lots more.

Twice a year NASCAR fans rev it up and go to the Talladega Superspeedway for some highly adrenalized excitement! Every spring and fall, the Talladega Superspeedway gives fans what they want in the form of the biggest, fastest, most competitive motorsports action in the world. This is where many records for speed and competition have been established. So be ready when the checkered flag goes up, as the action will be non-stop!