Most first time visitors, and even those who have lived in Birmingham their entire life, are surprised to learn just how many things there are to do in Birmingham, Alabama. Let's look at just a few of the many attractions that Birmingham has to offer.

The Birmingham Race Course is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful race tracks in the United States. The Birmingham Race Course offers pari-mutuel wagering on live greyhound races, and simulcast betting on horse and dog races from other race tracks.

The Ruffner Mountain Nature Center is a forest oasis in the center of Birmingham. Just over 1,000 acres in size, the Nature Center is one of the top bird watching locations in the Southern United States, and is a haven for hiking, biking and outdoor activities in Birmingham.

Kelly Ingram Park is a historic park in Birmingham, which was the central focal point for grass roots demonstrations in the 1960s. Events that unfolded at Kelly Ingram Park horrified the nation and put the Civil Rights Struggle in the spotlight.

The Birmingham Children's Theatre has been entertaining Alabama Children with theatrical performances since 1947. The Birmingham Children's Theatre is one of America's largest professional theaters dedicated entirely to performing for children and families.

Previously known as the Visionland Theme Park, the Alabama Adventure Theme Park is the number two tourist destination in Alabama, and one of the top venues for people looking for activities in Birmingham. The park is one of the newest theme parks in the United States.

Located in the center of Birmingham's Civil Rights District, the 16th Street Baptist Church is an important landmark in Birmingham. In September 1963, a bomb exploded in the church, killing four young girls and injuring 22 others.

Standing watch over the city of Birmingham from Red Mountain is the Statue of Vulcan. The Statue of Vulcan is a unique attraction that can only be found in Birmingham, Alabama, and is a piece of history more than a century old.

For almost 60 years, the Birmingham Zoo has provided zoological wonders to visitors from Birmingham and surrounding areas. The Birmingham Zoo also enjoys distinction as the number one tourist attraction in the State of Alabama.

Although the Birmingham Museum of Art was officially formed in 1950, the museum can actually trace it's roots back to 1908. This means that for almost an entire century, the museum has been providing a valuable service to people looking for things to do in Birmingham.

The Alabama Ballet is one of the top cultural things to do in Birmingham, Alabama. The Alabama Ballet has set it's mission on an objective to promote the development of both classical and contemporary ballet.

The Southern Museum of Flight is located near the international airport in Birmingham, Alabama. Originally known as the Birmingham Air and Space Museum, the Southern Flight Museum is on a mission to acquire and preserve civilian and military aircraft.

Pete's Famous Hot Dogs is a Birmingham Tradition. The restaurant has served up an amazing assortment of dogs to Birmingham residents since 1915, and has been under the same proprietor for the last 60 years.

Very few cities found themselves at the heart of America's Civil Rights Movement as much as the city of Birmingham, Alabama. Birmingham was a city that found itself on the front lines of the Civil Rights struggle in the United States.

Barber Motorsports Park is Alabama's premier race track for both automobiles and motor bike racing. Still relatively new to the Birmingham area, Barber Motorsports Park features major racing events on a regular basis.

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra has filled Birmingham with delightful sounds since 1921. Conducted by Maestro Justin Brown, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra plays more than 150 concerts annually, including 15 free concerts each year for residents of Birmingham, Alabama.

Rickwood Field is the oldest baseball park still in use in the United States. The park enjoyed it's opening day in August 1910 and was home for the Birmingham Barons, who have played baseball since 1887.

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a state of the art museum and archive dedicate to the civil rights movement and the human rights struggle that changed the face of America during the 1950s and 1960s.

From the blast iron furnaces to an old antebellum home, Birmingham, Alabama's rich southern heritage is a breeding ground for ghosts, spirits and haunts of all types. Here are a few to make sure not miss on your next trip to the city.

Every city has its own attractions but few cities can boast the type of ground breaking, law creating history that Birmingham has to offer with its Civil Rights Tour.

Why stress over having to do your taxes, when you could hire someone to do them for you? Well, I have reviewed the top three tax accountants in Birmingham, Alabama.

Built in 1910, Rickwood Field was home to the Southern Association's Birmingham Barons and the Negro Leagues' Black Barons. Preservationists saved the historic stadium, and the current Barons play one game per season there.

For many years Birmingham was seen as a center of racism and violence. Today it offers a new look and a new feel, one that can be enjoyed by vacationers of all ages.

If you would like to see an amazing concert, there are three absolutely breathtaking music venues in which one must never miss. Whether you are a native of Alabama, or just passing through, there is always something to see and do at these music venues.

Birmingham offers music fans many opportunities to hear live music. Small clubs provided entertainment nightly in all sorts of styles. Larger venues provide concert space for classical, pop and Broadway acts.

Finding the right venue sets the perfect tone for your special day.

Donating your car in Birmingham, Alabama is a great way to clear your yard of any old clunkers that may be more rust than metal. Donating your car is a safe and efficient way to make a financial gift towards the future of a child.

There are literally hundreds of hotels to choose from in the downtown metropolitan area of Birmingham, Alabama; however, which ones are worth spending your time and money at? I review the top three hotels in the downtown area of Birmingham, Alabama.

Designated Targets by John Birmingham continues the story of time travel and alternate history so well begun in Weapons of Choice.

Birmingham, Alabama is a city that has played an important in the history of United States. Visiting this city will bring the past and the future together--and will certainly not be a disappoinment.