Alabama lies in the Deep South, as its nickname, the 'Heart of
Dixie', proclaims. It is rich in all that the South is known
for-natural beauty, down-home food and hospitality, but it carries
the proud legacy of the civil rights struggle as well. The state
was the site of the landmark Montgomery bus boycott and the
'Freedom March' led by Dr Martin Luther King.
Alabama's varying landscape and personality make it a
destination of both non-stop activity and laid-back escape. At its
southern tip, the sugar-white sand and crystal clear waters of the
Gulf Coast beckon. Alabama's beaches, unlike those of neighbouring
Florida, are free of amusement parks and large-scale
commercialisation. Instead, there are the stately antebellum
mansions and gardens of Mobile as well as the rolling farmlands and
quiet towns of the southeast.
Further north, the pace of life picks up in sleek Birmingham,
with its great jazz, and the Talladega Superspeedway, which can
seem like a small city itself during NASCAR racing events.
Alabama's northernmost region is situated at the foothills of the
Appalachian Mountains, overflowing with stunning views, lakes,
waterfalls and caverns. In autumn, when trees blaze red and gold,
it is a paradise for campers, hikers and mountain bikers.
The state has a strong, sometimes fanatical, sports culture as
well. It is home to the country's most heated rivalry in American
college football, between the University of Alabama's Crimson Tide
and the Auburn University Tigers. During the Iron Bowl, when the
two come together in a season-ending clash, the entire state enters
into a frenzy of competitive spirit.
Time Zones
Climate Info
The average annual temperature in Alabama is 64°F (18°C), with
the northern counties experiencing cooler temperatures and the
southern counties having relatively warmer temperatures, influenced
by the Gulf of Mexico. The average summer temperature is 79°F (26°
C) and the average winter temperature is 48°F (9°C). The best time
to visit Alabama would be in summer or autumn, outside of the
tornado season and when visitors can witness the fiery colours of
the autumn leaves. Snow occasionally falls in the northern regions
and frosts are periodic.
The airport is conveniently located five miles (8km) from
Birmingham's downtown business district.
Time Difference:
GMT 6 (GMT 5 from the second Sunday in March to
the first Sunday in November).
Contacts:
Tel: +1 205 595 0533
Getting to the city:
Several shuttle services, including the Airport Express and the
Birmingham Door to Door, operate between the airport and the city,
but reservations must be made prior to arrival. Taxi services are
available 24 hours a day at ground level outside the baggage claim
area.
Car rental:
Rental car counters are located at ground level near the baggage
claim area and Concourse B. Vendors include Alamo, Avis, Budget,
Dollar Thrifty, Enterprise, National and Hertz.
Airport Facilities:
Facilities at the airport include restaurants, bars, shops,
fax/copy and package delivery services, currency exchange, wireless
Internet and tourist information. Two ATMs are available on the
upper level between Concourses B and C. The business centre is
located in this area as well.
Car Parking:
Daily, hourly and long-term remote (with shuttle service to
terminal) parking is available. On Airline Drive, there is also a
'cell phone lot', in which those picking up arriving passengers can
wait free of charge until the passengers contact them and let them
know they are ready.
The institute is homage to the spirit of both well-known and
unsung civil rights heroes. Visitors take a self-directed journey
through the permanent exhibitions, which chronicle the history of
segregation and the civil rights struggle in America. It is a
'living institution', using the lessons of t....
The institute is homage to the spirit of both well-known and
unsung civil rights heroes. Visitors take a self-directed journey
through the permanent exhibitions, which chronicle the history of
segregation and the civil rights struggle in America. It is a
'living institution', using the lessons of the past to shed new
light on human rights issues today.
Located atop Red Mountain, Vulcan Park is home to the world's
largest cast iron statue, the second tallest statue in America
after the Statue of Liberty. The statue of the Roman god is
surrounded by a 10-acre green space offering panoramic views of
Birmingham.
Located atop Red Mountain, Vulcan Park is home to the world's
largest cast iron statue, the second tallest statue in America
after the Statue of Liberty. The statue of the Roman god is
surrounded by a 10-acre green space offering panoramic views of
Birmingham.
Opening Time:Park: Daily 7am to 10pm. Observation balcony: Monday
to Saturday 10am to 10pm, Sunday 1pm to 10pm. Museum: Monday to
Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 1am to 6pm
The Birmingham Zoo, Alabama's most popular non-profit
attraction, brings 800 wild animals to the centre of Birmingham.
There is an interactive aviary, where parrots land on visitors'
shoulders, a savannah safari exhibit and a sea lion show. Picnic
areas and a food and gift shop are available.
The Birmingham Zoo, Alabama's most popular non-profit
attraction, brings 800 wild animals to the centre of Birmingham.
There is an interactive aviary, where parrots land on visitors'
shoulders, a savannah safari exhibit and a sea lion show. Picnic
areas and a food and gift shop are available.
The South is the home of NASCAR, and about 30 minutes from
Birmingham lies the legendary Talladega Superspeedway, one of the
most competitive motorsports facilities in the world. More than
143,000 guests can be accommodated in the stands and thousands more
in the 212-acre infield. The sheer volume ....
The South is the home of NASCAR, and about 30 minutes from
Birmingham lies the legendary Talladega Superspeedway, one of the
most competitive motorsports facilities in the world. More than
143,000 guests can be accommodated in the stands and thousands more
in the 212-acre infield. The sheer volume of fans, let alone the
record-breaking speed of the racers, makes a visit unforgettable.
When no events are scheduled, tours are available daily. Adjacent
to the track is the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and
Museum, also open daily.
