Vestavia Bowl

The theatrical tradition of drama, comedy and music is alive and well at Birmingham's Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center. This is the city's premier performance art and entertainment venue that consistently presents one must-see performance after another. Some recent guests to the center's stage include Al Pacino, Colin Quinn, and Ricky Scaggs. This is also the home of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. So don't wait—get your ticket for that upcoming show before it's sold out!

While getting to the Bama Flea Mall and Antique Center may be a bit of a drive (it is in Leeds, Alabama), it is most definitely worth the extra effort! There are over 400 dealers who offer their wares in a shopping area that stretches out over 57,000-square-feet. The market is open seven days a week and vendors are constantly bringing in old and new items on a daily basis. Find everything from guns, knives, collectibles, jewelry, sporting items, antiques and lots more.

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.