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.
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.
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!
The Birmingham Festival Theatre has become synonymous with unforgettable performances. And that reputation has been duly earned, as the entertainment venue has hosted well over 200 productions that have involved more than 50 directors and nearly 1,000 actors and 500 crew people. Staggering numbers to be sure, but even more impressive is that an estimated 100,000 people have watched these various performances. If you are looking for something truly memorable, then make plans to take in a show at the Festival Theatre, where excellence is the only tradition that matters!