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As far back as 1882, Birmingham's Sloss Furnaces produced iron which was a key factor in the establishment and development of the city of Birmingham. The furnaces produced iron for more than 90 years, and that industrial past is now preserved at the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. When you experience a tour of this remarkable facility, you will be struck by the intricate web of pipes and tall smokestacks constructed. Your guide will give you details on how it all worked, and how the eventual production of iron not only shaped the future of Birmingham, but of the whole country as well.

Venture out into wide open spaces when you make plans to spend some quality time outdoors at Oak Mountain State Park. The popular attraction is the state's largest park and offers plenty for the nature lover to enjoy. In addition to offering some of the finest mountain bike trails in the country, you'll also find vacation cottages, golf, improved camping, picnicking, tennis, swimming, hiking, backpacking and horseback riding facilities. The park is also the home of the Alabama Wildlife Center.

A romantic date doesn't have to be elaborate. Sometimes, a stroll in the park and a relaxing picnic is the perfect way for the two of you to focus on each other while enjoying Birmingham's natural beauty. A great place to do that is Vulcan Park. The site's focal point is the largest cast-iron statue in the world and it was created for the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. There are activities for kids and families, but the park is lush and expansive enough for you two to find a quiet out-of-the-way spot to enjoy each other's company.

The Birmingham Barons are an AA Minor League baseball team affiliated with the Chicago White Sox. They play their home games at Regions Park in Hoover. The sports team gained widespread but brief attention in 1994 when Michael Jordan became part of their team after he retired from the NBA.