Tropical Smoothie Cafe

The Nick has made quite a name for itself when it comes to introducing Birmingham's nightlife audiences to some of the best up and coming rock bands that are on the verge of making it big. Groups that play everything from alternative rock, goth, emo and more are booked for gigs at this iconic venue. There's always something worth seeing on the performance schedule, so make sure to check The Nick's website frequently.

The many aspects of science come to life in a truly fun and interactive way at Birmingham's McWane Science Center. Plenty of interactive exhibits encourage visitors to reach out and touch while offering a close-up view of some of the world's most fascinating scientific principles. The museum houses an amazing collection of dinosaur fossils, an aquarium filled with colorful fish, and a multi-tiered playground. And don't forget to check out a science-themed or Hollywood hit feature at the center's IMAX theater.

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 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.