Oak Mountain Lodge-Inverness

Everyone knows that spring is in full swing in Birmingham when it's time for the Magic City Art Connection. This hugely popular festival was recently selected as a Top 20 Southeast Event and is held every April. Locally established artists as well as newcomers are featured along with various chefs from some of the city's most notable fine restaurants who offer delectable samples of their cuisine. Additionally, there are children's workshops in art, music, theater, and dance. It is a feast for all your senses!

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.

History and nature intertwine at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. The park is of particular interest to history buffs as it was where the Confederate Army replenished its iron supply during the Civil War. The attraction is also significant because of the attack of the Confederate forces on March 31, 1865 that destroyed the workers' cabins when they were all set on fire. Today, the park is a drastically calmer place that offers hiking trails, horseback riding, picnic areas, and various camping sites that feature log cabins.

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.