Kingdom Mortgage

Just because something has been gently used doesn't mean it isn't stylish or appealing. That's what makes a visit to Second Hand Rose so much fun. This is the area's oldest designer consignment boutique. Whether you are looking to update your wardrobe for work, want to add a few items to help create a new look, or just want to update your already stylish taste, this is the place to do it without obliterating your budget. And since Secondhand Rose is always consigning new arrivals all the time, the inventory is always changing which means it pays to regularly come in and browse!

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.