Birmingham Area Attractions

Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
Instruments and memorabilia of Alabama jazz greats are exhibited in the restored Carver Theatre. (Every 1st and 3rd Fri., 6-8 p.m.) “Swing & Wings,” swing dance classes by Pasquale’ Williams; $10 per person. (Every 2nd Fri., 8 p.m.) “An Evening on the Moon” Comedy Nite. (Every 3rd Sun., 7-9 p.m.) “On Stage at the Carver” Open Mic Poetry. (Every 4th Sun., *except in December, 4 p.m.) Jazz Jam Fest, a free concert at the Carver Theatre. (Dec. 18, 4 p.m.) Winter Solstice concert. Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 1-5. Admission: free. 1631 4th Ave. N. 254-2731.

Alabama Adventure
Formerly Visionland, Magic Adventure Theme Park and Splash Beach Water Park.  Two parks consisting of more than 50 acres of rides, shows and attractions. Located I-20/59W at Exit 108-Birmingham.
Admission charged,  Personal Checks, Travelers Checks, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover
Discounts for seniors, group, child,  Open daily May–Aug., weekends only Apr., Sept. & Oct.

Alabama Men’s Hall of Fame
Native American leaders, Civil Rights-era peacemakers, modern philanthropists, scientists—all are honored in special displays in Samford’s University Library. Free of charge. Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 7:30-midnight, Fri. 7:30-5, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 2-midnight. 726-2362.

Alabama Museum of the Health Sciences
A component of Historical Collections at UAB, this museum is dedicated to the preservation and display of equipment, instruments and objects that trace the evolution of health care through seven centuries of progress and innovation. Open Mon.-Fri. 9-5. Admission: free. Third floor of Lister Hill Library, 1700 University Blvd. 934-4475.

Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
Boxing hero Joe Louis and baseball legend Willie Mays are two of many Alabama figures honored. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. 1-5. Admission: adults $5, seniors $4, students $3; family and group rates available. 22nd St. N. at Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. 323-6665. ashof.org

Alabama Veterans Memorial
Visitors can learn about each of the 20th century’s five wars, including more about those who served and lost their lives. Open daily, sunup to sundown. Across from Liberty Park. Admission: free. 298-0045.

Aldridge Gardens
A 30-acre botanical garden with a lake and walking trail. (Nov. 9, 10 a.m.) Evergreen Hanging Baskets for the Holidays, $30. (Nov. 19, 10 a.m.) Caring for Holiday Plants, $15. (Dec. 2-4) “Home for the Holidays” Open House. Hours: 8-5 Mon.-Sat.; 1-5 on Sunday. Free admission. 3530 Lorna Rd. 682-8019. aldridgegardens.com

American Village
Recreated colonial village and historic park where visitors recreate the great American experiment in liberty and self-government. (Dec. 11,    5 p.m.) Festival of lessons and carols. Regular admission: adults $8.50, seniors/students $8. Located 30 miles south of Birmingham, just off I-65 at exit 234. Montevallo. 665-3535.

Anniston Museum of Natural History
Exhibit: Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10-5; Sun. 1-5. Admission: adults $4.50, children (4-17) $3.50, children 3 and under free. 800 Museum Dr., Anniston. (256) 237-6766.

Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens
The Greek Revival home dating from 1845 exhibits numerous period antiques. Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10-4, Sun. 1-4. Admission: adults $5, students $3, children under 6 free. 331 Cotton Ave. SW. 780-5656.

Barber Motorsports Park
Barber’s relocated collection of over 750 motorcycles and 45 cars is the largest collection in the United States and possibly the world. The facility also boasts a world-class 2.3 mile Road Course. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. noon-5. Barber Motorsports Pkwy., off Rex Lake Rd. 327-RACE.

Berman Museum of World History
Exhibiting over 3,000 objects related to world history in five galleries. Exhibits: (Nov. 13-Jan. 29) Works by local artist Diana Cadwallader. Museum hours: Tues.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 1-5. Admission: adults $3.50, children (4-17) $2.50. 840 Museum Dr., Anniston. (256) 237-6261. bermanmuseum.org

Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The 67-acre garden features rhododendron, camellias, wildflowers, ferns, roses, even a Japanese garden. Adult Classes: (Nov. 5, 9 a.m. or 1 p.m.) Whimsical Woodland Sprites; (Nov. 8, 6 p.m.) Holiday Wreaths and Swags; (Nov. 15, 9:30 a.m.) Simple Holiday Greenery Arrangements; (Nov. 19) Gourd Baskets. (Dec. 8-9, 3:30-5:30 p.m.) Holly Day Magic, for ages 5-11; children transform natural materials into unique gifts—traditionally a sell-out event. $20. Hours: Daily, sunrise-sunset. Admission: free. 2612 Lane Park Rd. 414-3900. bbgardens.org

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
BCRI is dedicated to encouraging communication and reconciliation of human rights issues worldwide. The Institute also houses a self-directed museum and memorial dedicated to the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement. (Dec. 8, 10 a.m.) “Heritage Alive.” (Dec. 17, noon-2 p.m.) Children’s Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration. (Dec. 27, 7-9 p.m.) Family Kwanzaa Celebration. Exhibits: (Dec. 6-21) An Exhibition Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 1-5. Admission: adults $8, seniors (65 and up) $5, college students with ID $4, under 17 free. 520 16th St. N. 328-9696. bcri.org

Birmingham Museum of Art
The BMA, the largest municipal museum in the Southeast has an outstanding collection of over 22,000 works of art dating from ancient to modern times. (Every first Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.) Jazz Brunch. Reservations recommended; call 254-2775. (Sundays, 2 p.m.) Free Topic Tours. ArtBreaks, at noon: (Dec. 13) “Chiaroscuro: Technique and Metaphor in Religious Paintings;” (Jan. 10) “The Secret Life of Furniture.” (Dec. 30, 6 p.m.) Kwanzaa Celebration. (Jan. 26, 6:30 p.m.) Hiden Lecture: “Inside the Palaces of Renaissance Venice.” (Jan. 27, 6-10 p.m.) Cajun Dancing. $30, advance purchase only; includes two drinks and appetizers. (Jan. 28,    11 a.m.-4 p.m.) Chinese New Year Family Day, an array of film, dancers and acrobats, arts and crafts. Exhibits: (Through Jan. 15) Heart Gallery of Alabama, 25 portraits of children in the Alabama foster care system in need of a permanent family. (Through Dec. 31) Old Masters to Modern Methods: Prints from the Birmingham Museum of Art. (Through Dec. 18) Through the Looking Glass: Birmingham Celebrates Senegal. (Through Jan. 1) Stitching Beauty: Kuna Indian Textiles from Panama. (Dec. 4-Feb. 26) À la dernière mode: Eighteenth-Century French Ceramics from the Permanent Collection. (Ongoing) Town of the Creek Nation, 1790. The Museum’s Terrace Café is open for lunch from 11-2. Free Admission. Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10-5; Sun. noon-5.  2000 8th Ave. N.      254-2566. artsbma.org

Birmingham Race Course
Live greyhound racing year round! 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; matinees Wed. at 2 p.m./ Sat. at 1 p.m. Must be at least 19 years of age to bet. Free admission and parking. 1000 John Rogers Dr. 838-7500. birminghamracecourse.com

Birmingham Zoo
Home to 700 animals from many continents, including many endangered species. (Every Fri., 10 a.m.) Wild About Books, a story time and animal encounter sponsored by Books-A-Million. (Dec. 16-23 & 26-30, 5-9 p.m.) ZooLight Safari; enjoy half a million twinkling lights, the ZooLight Express train, a wildlife show, hot cocoa and holiday photos in the Alabama Barn. Admission charged; free for members. (Dec. 17,      9-11 a.m.) Holiday with the Animals; watch the animals unwrap and play with enrichment gifts. (Jan. 28, 10 a.m.) Groundhog Day prediction. Regular hours:   9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission: adults $11; children (2-12) and seniors $6; members free. Admission is half price on Tuesdays for individuals and families. 2630 Cahaba Rd. 879-0458. birminghamzoo.com

Center for Cultural Arts
Hours: Mon. & Wed.-Fri. 9-6, Tues. 9-9, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 1-5. Imagination Place closes at 5 p.m. daily. General admission: adults $3, children $2, free for members. Corner of Broad and 5th Streets, Gadsden. (256) 543-2787. culturalarts.com

Desoto Caverns Park
Visit one of the first officially recorded caves in the U.S.A.! Hours: (Nov.-March) Mon-Fri. 9-4:30, Sun. 1-4:30. Admission: Caverns entrance - adults $9.99, ages 4-11 $7.99, under 4 free; outside attractions -$2.99 each, or purchase a value pack. DeSoto Caverns Pkwy, Childersburg. (256) 378-7252. desotocavernspark.com

Gadsden Museum of Art
The museum’s permanent collections focus on regional history as well as living local and Alabama artists. American and European paintings, sculpture and decorative arts enhance the main collections. Hours: Mon.-Wed. & Fri.10-4, Thurs. 10-8, Sun. 1-5. Admission: free. Elliott Community Center, 2829 W. Meghan Blvd. (256) 546-7365.

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
Visit the official railroad museum for the state and see railroad memorabilia, locomotives, cars and equipment. (Nov. 25-27) Polar Express. (Nov. 26-Dec. 18) Santa Special. Museum admission is free; charge for train rides. 1-800-943-4490. heartofdixierrmuseum.org

Isabel Anderson Comer Museum and Arts Center
Hours: Tues.-Fri. 10-5. Admission: free. 711 Broadway, Sylacauga. (256) 245-4016. comermuseum.freeservers.com

Kentuck Art Center and Museum
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat. 10-4:30, Sun. 1-5. Admission: free. 503 Main Ave., Northport. (205) 758-1257. kentuck.org

McWane Center
The center is filled with hands-on science exhibits and a giant-screen dome IMAX Theater. Take your kids to the center’s regular weekend workshops and labs. Adventure Hall Exhibits: (Through Dec. 1) Model Trains, locomotions galore! (Through Jan. 22) Einstein. (Through Dec. 31) Dinoroars!  IMAX Films: (Through Jan. 6) Santa vs. The Snowman, a laugh-out-loud showdown. (Through Jan. 6) Adrenaline Rush: The Science of Risk. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 1-5. Admission: for IMAX or Center $9 adults, $8 kids and seniors; for both $16/$14; IMAX on Sundays only $5. 200 19th St. N. 714-8300. mcwane.org

Mercedes-Benz Visitor Center
Displays with historical and current photography, video, artifacts, interactive modules and actual vehicles are used throughout the facility to tell the Mercedes story. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5. Plant tours available. Mercedes Dr., Tuscaloosa. (205) 507-2253. mbusi.com

Oak Mountain State Park
All types of activities are available, including cabin rental, a demonstration farm, horse trail rides, golfing, picnic areas, boat rental, swimming, tennis, hiking and bicycle trails and fishing. Hours: Daily 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $2. Oak Mountain State Park Rd. 620-2524. dcnr.state.al.us

Paul W. Bryant Museum
Memorabilia of the coach and the Crimson Tide’s winning seasons fill this museum for football fans. Hours: Daily 9-4. Admission: adults $2, seniors and children $1. 300 Paul W. Bryant Dr., Tuscaloosa. (205) 348-4668. bryantmuseum.ua.edu

Riverchase Galleria
A shopping city under the western hemisphere’s longest skylight with over 200 specialty shops, plus department stores. (Through December) Santa Photos, Sears wing. Hours: Mon.-Sat.10-9 and Sun. 12-6. Hwy. 31 S. 985-3039. riverchasegalleria.com

Ruffner Mountain
Birmingham’s 1,000-acre nature preserve. (Nov. 5 & Dec. 3, 10 a.m.) Storytime on the Mountain hosted by Books & Co. featuring a nature story and activity.(Nov. 19, 10 a.m.) Native American Tools & Weapons with archaeologist Larry Beane, $7. (Dec. 10, 9 a.m. until dark) Marty’s Mondo Mines Hike; strenuous hike, bring lunch and water. $15. Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. 1-5. 1214 81st St. S. 833-8264, or 833-8112 on weekends. uffnermountain.org

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
Sloss gives visitors a chance to see Birmingham’s industrial beginnings, as well as artwork by resident metal sculptors. (Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m.) Welding with Heather Spencer, $20/day. (Nov. 12-13) Ceramic Shell Molding for Iron and Bronze, with Julie Ward, $175+ materials; casting on Nov. 20. (Nov. 12-13) Combining Welding and Forging, with Heather Spencer, $200+ materials. (Nov. 18-29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.) Introduction to Metal Casting with Julie Ward and John Stewart Jackson, $200. (Nov. 19-20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.) Artists’ Open Studio: Bronze and Iron Casting, $75+ materials. Guided tours: Sat.-Sun., 1, 2 & 3 p.m. Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10-4, Sun. 12-4. Admission: free. 20 32nd St. N. 324-1911. slossfurnaces.com

Southern Museum of Flight
Visitors can see aircraft ranging from a 1910 Curtis Pusher to an F-4 phantom jet, to the crop duster that launched Delta Airlines. (December) Wright Brothers Month. Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9:30-4:30, Sun. 1-4:30. Admission: Adults $3, students and seniors $2, & children 4 and under free. 4343 73rd St. N. Take Airport Blvd. Exit I-59. Follow the signs. 833-8226.           southernmuseumofflight.org

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park
The Ironworks and a large collection of 19th century cabins give visitors a glimpse into the life lived in the 1800s. (Nov. 25-26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.) Crafters Open House. Hours: seven days a week, 7 a.m. to sunset. Campground open all year. Park admission: $2, adults; $1, children 6-11. 12632 Confederate Pkwy., McCalla. 477-5711. tannehill.org

The Summit
A total shopping experience and the only Alabama location for many of the country’s finest restaurants, this open-air center features more than 80 retailers and restaurants. (Nov. 11, 6 p.m.) Lights Up with fireworks finale. Hours: Mon.-Sat.10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun. noon-6 p.m. Highway 280 and I-459. 967-0111. thesummitonline.com

Vulcan Park
Home to the world’s largest cast iron statue and featuring spectacular panoramic views of Birmingham. Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge, was originally built in 1904 and has stood as a symbol of Birmingham for more than 100 years. Visitors to Vulcan Center find interactive exhibits and displays that give insight into the region’s history and industrial growth. (Every third Tues., except in Dec.) Vulcan Talks! lecture series: (Jan. 17) Birmingham Southern Railroad Company” with author Ron Mele. Exhibits: (Through Dec. 31) Cast in Iron: Metal Art, works from the Sloss Furnaces Summer Youth Apprenticeship Program. Tickets needed for Visitor’s Center exhibits and observation deck: $6 adults, $5 seniors, $4 kids. Park hours: seven days a week, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Vulcan Center and Tower open Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun. 1-6 p.m. 1701 Valley View Dr. 933-1409.           vulcanpark.org.

Watermark Place
Over 30 stores featuring women and men’s fashions, children’s clothes, home accessories, shoes and jewelry. (Every 3rd weekend) High Sidewalk Sale. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9-8 & Sun. noon-6 p.m. Exit #108 off I-59/20. 425-4554.

Westervelt-Warner Museum of American Art
Housing works by prominent artists such as George Catlin, Mary Cassatt, Thomas Cole, John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer, James A. McNeil Whistler and Andrew Wyeth. Over 400 pieces weave together a story of young America that is compelling, revelant and unforgettable. Visiting Exhibition: (Through Nov. 14) Legacy: A Tradition Lives On, realist paintings and sculptures of four generations of nationally and internationally known American artists, including Tuscaloosa native Evan Wilson—all connected by an artistic legacy of the old European masters. Hours: Wed.-Sat. 2-5 or by appointment. Admission: adults $7, students $5. Advance reservation required through tour reservation office, (205) 343-4543. 8316 Mountbatten Rd. at Northriver, Tuscaloosa. Take U.S. 82 (McFarland Blvd.), Rice Mine Rd. exit toward Lake Tuscaloosa. warnermuseum.org