Get ready for a wild time when you set out for Alabama's Sipsey Wilderness Area. This is the third largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi and is located in the Bankhead National Forest. Located just 90 miles northwest of Birmingham, the outdoor area offers camping, fishing, hunting, horseback riding as well as numerous streams that are perfect for a canoe ride. The amazing canyons and bluffs range from 50 to 200 feet high, and the trails were created by Native Americans and offer a unique way to view this rustic pocket of nature.
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.
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.