Things That Make Birmingham Magic – April’s Magic City Art Connection
One of Birmingham’s most popular events is coming up—the Magic City Art Connection, now in its 36th year. The annual festival is always held during the last weekend in April at Birmingham’s Linn Park downtown. The event takes place Friday—Sunday when the park is transformed into a fresh and vibrant artistic hotspot and a juried art event awards prizes in a number of categories. Featured during the festival will be more than 200 locally and nationally known artists, music, dance, kids’ art experiences, sculpture installations, food, special tastings and more. Something for everyone—especially Kids The beauty of the Magic City Art Connection is that it offers a little something for everyone and a chance to truly experience the community spirit that Birmingham provides. The festival is divided into four quadrants with one, the Imagination Festival, being solely dedicate for children. You’ll find free hands-on arts and crafts directed activities that children can create and take home. The Imagination Festival also hosts a stage for performances and music throughout the event. Workshops are offered each day by artists, and representatives from the Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham Children’s Theatre, Birmingham Education Foundation, Alabama Environmental Council and AMOR—Alabama Multicultural Organization. There’s even a parade each day. Best of all, kids 15 and under are admitted free! [rl_gallery id=”1945″] Those who love art will find the other three quadrants filled with distinctive art creations for sale in the areas of jewelry, painting, fiber, clay, furniture, glass, metalwork, 2D and 3D Mixed Media to name a few. One featured award-winning artist is Bethanne Hill, whose visual creations and iconic explorations of regional folklore featuring Southern landscapes are influenced by her love of primitive art, specifically Australian Aborigines and their way of mark making. Find her at booth 386 and see what you think! How did this Magic City Art Connection achieve being named one of the Best Festivals according to readers of Birmingham Magazine and AL.com’s Best of Birmingham annual poll? Perhaps it’s because of a combination of music and food offered in addition to all the fun artistic activities going on. A wide variety of food vendors set up shop at Park Place on the southern end of Linn Park during the event. This year they include: City Bowls 2, Magic City Sweet Ice serving Italian ice and gelato, Pazzo Big Slice Pizza, Porky’s Pride Smoke House, Rae Rae’s Catering, Sorelle, Taco Morro Loco, and everyone’s local favorite for popsicles, Steel City Pops. Need a break from art collecting? Stop in and enjoy the intimate live music stage in the Park Place Café. Local talent will be featured throughout the weekend. To see the schedule, click here. So, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy some great live music. Something for everyone—especially Grown ups But that’s not all. Both Saturday and Sunday, foodie lovers who want to explore a variety of tastes, cocktails and beverages can purchase separate tickets to the exquisite Corks & Chefs. Held each day from Noon—3 p.m. in a large tent adjacent to the festival, Corks & Chefs offers an explosion of flavors and the place where food from Birmingham restaurants is paired with wine, craft beer, spirits, cocktails, and special tasting seminars and demos, all inside the downtown contemporary art festival. Saturday restaurant partners include: Brick & Tin, Carrigan’s Public House, Eli’s Jerusalem Café, Freddy’s Wine Bar, Habitat Feed & Social, Nabeel’s Cafe & Market, Ocean, and Tropicaleo to name a few. Sunday offers: Arrington at Pursell Farms, Chez Lulu, Continental Bakery, EastWest, Roots & Revelry, Root to Tail, The Essential, The Southern Kitchen & Bar, and Yo’ Mama’s. So there’s something to tickle just about anyone’s taste buds. But plan to preorder tickets, this is always a sellout event. Tickets can be ordered here. [rl_gallery id=”1944″] Why call it Magic City Art Connection? Good question. Birmingham is called The Magic City for a very good reason—once the three main ingredients for making iron were discovered near, railroad lines were built, industries grew and the city’s rapid growth earned it the nickname it holds today, the Magic City. That magic continues to be expressed today through the lens of the Magic City Art Connection festival. Details April 26 through the 28, 2019: Magic City Art Connection Linn Park 710 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203 Street parking is available near the festival. Additional event parking can be found here. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students (with I.D.) and free to children 15 and under. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Visit www.magiccityart.com for more information or to order advance tickets. Drive time from The Retreat at Mountain Brook: Approximately 15-17 minutes.
In Celebration of National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day
There aren’t many sandwiches popular enough to have their very own National Day of recognition and celebration, but Grilled Cheese is one of them, and there are several great reasons why. Grilled Cheese sandwiches serve as one of the ultimate comfort foods, with origins in the 1920s when inexpensive sliced bread and American cheese became easily available in the United States. Originally it was made as an open-faced sandwich, with variations evolving through the years. Luckily for residents at The Retreat at Mountain Brook, the penultimate grilled cheese sandwich (or two), is available within a few short minutes away at one of Birmingham’s trendiest, hip restaurants, MELT Avondale and MELT Food Truck, affectionately known as Matilda. Located in the revitalized neighborhood of Avondale, near downtown Birmingham, MELT offers what has been deemed as the “Best Grilled Cheese” by numerous reviewers on TripAdvisor. Customers can choose from the classic MELT grilled cheese featuring cheddar, Monterey jack and American on Texas toast, or MELT’s other unique crowd favorite, the Mac Melt, featuring house-made mac-n-cheese in a grilled cheese on Texas Toast (Yes, it’s a sandwich!) MELT was also selected by food publication and online resource Spoon University as the number one restaurant in Alabama to eat the best grilled cheese. MELT is owned by Harriet Despinakis and Paget Pizitz are the owners of Melt Avondale and Melt Food Truck. “We’ve had customers from nearly all 50 states come in to try our renowned grilled cheese sandwich variations,” Pizitz says. “For us the key is freshness, simplicity, and a combination of great flavor, perfectly grilled on our Texas toast.” In case you want more location to try this combination of gooey delight, Birmingham has plenty! Try these other local restaurants: Birmingham Breadworks, where you can pair a grilled cheese sandwich with their fresh vegetarian-friendly cream of tomato soup featuring crushed tomatoes, smoked paprika and cream. Meanwhile, just a hop skip and a jump from The Retreat is Crestline Bagel on Church Street where you can order a twist on the classic sandwich, the restaurant’s Open Face Cheese Melt on the freshly made bagel of your choice, along with your choice of Swiss, Mozzarella, Cheddar, American or Pepper Jack. Or be creative and order a combination for over the top cheese flavor! Other restaurants known for their grilled cheese sandwiches include Paramount, located in downtown Birmingham, which offers a gourmet-style sandwich featuring a blend of gouda, goat cheese, mozzarella, and sundried tomatoes for a mouthful to exquisite tastes. Go for the grilled cheese sandwich, but hang around to enjoy the variety of more than 20 classic and modern arcade games and local brews on tap. Of course, residents of The Retreat may want to prepare your own custom creation in our beautifully appointed updated kitchens featuring espresso cabinetry and designer plank flooring. Position yourself in your home sweet home and try this recipe for the Ultimate Grilled Cheese courtesy of Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa. So, no matter what day of the year it may be, it’s always a great day to enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich, no matter what combination of cheeses you may prefer. So, this Friday, April 12, enjoy, but don’t forget, grilled cheeses are a perfect comfort food enjoyable anytime of the year! #GrilledCheeseSandwichDay
Get outdoors! It’s finally spring in Birmingham, Alabama
Spring is finally here, or at least it will be on March 20th. And as the weather begins to warm and we start seeing more sunny days than rainy ones, now is the time to take advantage of the many activities close to home here at The Retreat at Mountain Brook. With so many things from which to choose, it’s hard to make a list that includes everything, but here’s a sampling of some of the popular things to do and places to visit close where you live. Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve If hiking and exploring nature and history are your thing, check out Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. Mined for its iron ore from the 1800s through the 1950s, Ruffner Mountain features over 14 miles of trails ranging in difficulty level from Easy to Difficult. With scenic overlooks, quarries, and sites that let you see the remnants of Birmingham’s mining and industrial past, Ruffner Mountain offers something for serious hikers, nature lovers, bird watchers, or anyone who just wants to spend some time strolling in this urban oasis just 15 minutes from the Retreat at Mountain Brook. Flora Johnston Nature Park If you’re looking for a nature walk that’s a bit closer to home, and maybe a bit less strenuous (and doesn’t have “mountain” in its name), check out Flora Johnston Nature Park. Located less than five minutes away from The Retreat at Mountain Brook, the Flora Johnston Nature Park features an upper and a lower trail that follow along a branch of Shades Creek. With small rock outcroppings and scenic views of the creek, Flora Johnston Nature Park is a peaceful, beautiful and easy walk for people of all ages. Birmingham Botanical Gardens If you love nature but aren’t in the mood for mountain and woodland trails, then you’ll definitely want to check out one of Birmingham’s treasures – Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Located just 5 miles from the Retreat at Mountain Brook, Birmingham Botanical Gardens is over 65 acres containing over 12,000 different types of plants, 25 unique gardens, more than 30 works of original outdoor sculpture, and several miles of walking paths. Open from dawn to dusk 365 days a year, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a great way to spend an hour, an afternoon, or all day. Avondale Once you’re finished hiking and exploring nature, you’re going to be hungry and thirsty. Why not satisfy that hunger and thirst in Avondale? Located just a few miles from The Retreat, Avondale is one of Birmingham’s hippest, revitalized neighborhoods. Born as a neighborhood for textile mill workers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Avondale has become a hot spot of restaurants, brew pubs, and entertainment. Whether it’s a cup of coffee at the Abbey Coffee Shop (a profit project of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama), pizza for lunch at Post Office Pies, dinner at SAW’s Soul Kitchen, dessert at Big Spoon Creamery, and live music at Saturn, there’s something for everyone in Avondale. With the days getting longer and the weather getting warmer, now is the time to get out and explore all the great things to do and places to visit close to home here at the Retreat at Mountain Brook.
De-stress with a new address – at The Retreat at Mountain Brook
Are you a medical student, anxiously awaiting The Match Day, March 15, 2019, when you’ll learn where you will spend the next several years as a resident and what state you’ll live in to complete your medical residency? Are you moving to Alabama to participate in a residency or fellowship at University of Alabama School of Medicine, St. Vincent’s, Children’s of Alabama or Brookwood Baptist Medical Center? If so, read on… It’s an extremely exciting time…but can be very stressful. So, if you’re stressing about where you’re going to live, let us help! Pick up the phone and call 205-976-9722 or reach out to us via email and talk with one of our friendly leasing team members (ask about the specials we’ve created just for you) and start to de-stress with the right address. The leasing team at The Retreat at Mountain Brook is here to help to make your transition as easy as possible! Our staff, who we hope you will consider as your on-site home team, will strive to take care of your living details in whatever ways they can while you are busy at work. We are prepared to assist first with a personalized tour of our beautiful community, and then to make your time here with us as carefree as possible. The Retreat at Mountain Brook is located just 6.5 miles from UAB’s campus. You’ll pay about half of what you would pay at comparable apartment communities, but have up to twice the square footage. We are a recently re-imagined luxury apartment community, gated, nestled against one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the country, with manicured grounds with a naturally forested backdrop. Our apartment homes’ large size is legendary. We offer home to curb valet trash service, chef-inspired kitchens, granite countertops, stainless appliances, wood plank flooring, electric fireplaces, sunrooms, balconies, fenced backyards, double vanity sinks and walk-in closets, and AT&T U-verse for a strong internet connection – to name just a few of our remarkable features. But, back to the stress. We know that medical school and residency is extraordinarily stressful. Since we are a different sort of community, we are serious about assisting our community members and striving to make their time at home as positive an experience as possible. As a medical resident, you are about to undergo years of both physical and mental challenges. What tools can you use to successfully cope with these challenges? While a little unorthodox from the perspective of marketing a luxury apartment community, we think these are differentials we should bring to your attention — like our 24-hour state of the art fitness center, tennis courts, 3 resort-style saltwater pools and nearby hiking trails. Now, congratulations and welcome to the Magic City, Birmingham, Alabama, where you can call the Retreat at Mountain Brook your home. Just say yes to the address!
Marie Kondo would LOVE the Retreat at Mountain Brook
If you’ve been watching any Netflix in 2019 (and who hasn’t?), you may have just run across the crazy hot new series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo featuring lifestyle guru Marie Kondo who takes the concept of an organized home to a new level. It’s always great to start a new year, leaving behind the old and ushering in the new; and Marie Kondo would love The Retreat at Mountain Brook because there is so much space for organizing. One of our very favorite apartment homes is the Beaumont, a 3 bedroom/2.5 bath town home containing a spacious 1,670 sq. ft. of living space. Opportunities for living the organized life you want abound in this magnificent jewel; a large walk in closet in the master bedroom, abundant cabinet space in the kitchen, and outdoor closet space accessed from your porch, for those out of season items that need to be tucked away. During the series of inspiring home makeovers, Marie helps clients clear out clutter and choose joy by taking stock of their current inventory of clothes, books, paper, miscellaneous items, then sentimental items, determining their value in your life. Calling her process, the KonMari method, she advises that only items the spark joy in your life should remain. In her lifestyle blog, Marie advises you that “When you imagine your ideal lifestyle, you are really clarifying why you want to tidy and identifying the kind of life you want to live once you have finished.” Those are great words to consider because identifying the kind of life you want to live is important. And surrounding yourself with joy through the lifestyle you choose is a great path. We think that a fresh, clean space can be a powerful motivator to help you relax and enjoy life. Coming home to a luxurious space to live can be a game changer after a busy day at work, traveling out of town, or even bringing in groceries (unless you are smart and get Shipt to do that for you! They currently deliver from Target, Costco, Publix, Kroger and New York Butcher Shop.) As for things that bring joy, residents enjoy the Retreat’s state of the art fitness centers – and as warm weather approaches, one of 3 resort-style pools. Our clubhouses offer a spot for residents and guest to watch sports, have a get-together or a cup of coffee on the house from our signature coffee bar. Add to that the apartment community’s convenient location in near many of Birmingham’s fastest growing companies, shops, local dining, entertainment and you just may agree that The Retreat at Mountain Brook has everything you need to live a joy filled life every day.
Meet the Retreat at Mountain Brook Team
Meet the people at The Retreat at Mountain Brook who love to make living fun! “When we say, we’re here to serve, we mean it. It’s at the core of our mission and we think about it every day. From the time we first meet a prospective resident, to move in day and beyond, we want you to be proud to call The Retreat at Mountain Brook home.” Lauren Turner — Community Manager Favorite Quote: “Your hair was put on top of your head to remind you that you aren’t in control of everything.” Fun Fact: I get 8 make up subscription boxes in the mail every month, I am obsessed. Personal Interests: Spending time with my family, shopping and reading. And eating. Favorite thing about being on The Retreat Team: This team is best I have ever worked with. There is a lot of teamwork and everyone actually gets along. I look forward to coming to work every morning! Colby Cartwright — Assistant Community Manager Favorite Quote: “Let your smile change the world, but don’t let the world change your smile.” Fun Fact: When I was in high school, I fell and broke my hand that I write with and had to relearn how to write. Then about 2 weeks later, I broke my foot. #Winning Personal Interests: I love sports, basketball, football, and even gymnastics! I can tell you everything about any team! Favorite thing about being on The Retreat Team: I am so excited and proud to have joined this dynamic team! This team and community is changing the way you view where you lie your head; that this isn’t another apartment community, this is a lifestyle. Dylan Hoover — Leasing Consultant Favorite Quote: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it” Fun Fact: I have no ligaments in my right elbow. Personal Interests: I love sports, but baseball is my passion. I enjoy spending time with my son and wife, going hiking, the Zoo, and watching Disney movies. Favorite thing about being on The Retreat Team: I love how everyone is high energy and always show willingness to find the perfect home for someone. Taylor Gallups — Leasing Consultant Favorite Quote: “I was here, I lived, I was here, I did, I’ve done, everything that I wanted. And it was more than I thought it would be. I will leave my mark, soul, everyone will know, I was here.” –Beyonce Fun Fact: I’ve never had a cavity. Personal Interests: I love healthy living, running daily and painting. Favorite thing about being on The Retreat Team: Being new, the team welcomed me with open arms! This gives me clear sight of how the team strives for everyone to feel…WELCOMED! I am excited for all adventures that lie ahead! Amory Strange — Leasing Consultant Favorite Quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world” –Mohandas Gandhi Fun Fact: When I was growing up it was a family tradition to have dessert before dinner on my birthday every year. Personal Interests: I love cooking, drawing, hiking, and animals. Favorite thing about being on The Retreat Team: Everyone has been so nice and welcoming. I especially love the feeling of family and community that radiates from this team.
Last Minute Christmas Shopping in Birmingham
The Holiday Season has finally arrived and with Christmas just days away, you’ll still find plenty of great shopping in and around The Retreat at Mountain Brook. Now is the best time to finish checking off all of those gifts you plan to give for those on your “nice” list, with all sorts of stores close to home. The Idea Specialists at The Retreat at Mountain Brook in Birmingham, have checked out several buzz-worthy shopping-hives nearby in Leeds, Mountain Brook, kitschy Forest Park, and Homewood. We think you’ll find the perfect spot to begin and end your holiday shopping, finding exactly what you need to complete your Yuletide shopping checklist. Brookwood Village Christmas is the season of giving. You may still need to find the ideal gift for your loved one or colleague. The Retreat at Mountain Brook is conveniently located just minutes from Brookwood Village between Mountain Brook and Homewood. This is where you want to go when really pressed for time and need one-stop shopping. Visit Brookwood’s Concierge Desk for gift certificates that can be used anywhere mall-wide, and delight friends and family with abundant choices to spend their holiday dollars from you. Homewood – Alabama Goods This special little shop is full of locally made and crafted goods, featuring makers from across Alabama. Voted “Best Gift Shop in Homewood” you’ll find pottery, books, home décor and SO much more all made right here in Alabama. Located at 2933, 18th Street South, Homewood, Ala., 35209. The Outlet Shops of Grand River Another shopping mecca sure to delight gift-givers is The Outlet Shops of Grand River in Leeds, Alabama — also a quick drive 10-15 minutes from The Retreat at Mountain Brook. Voted the “Best Shopping District in Birmingham,” by Birmingham Magazine, and honored by Audubon International for Environmental Design, this amazing shopping destination features shops like Coach, Artists Incorporated and Mountain High Outfitters. For the budding or seasoned chef, be sure and visit Le Creuset to find the latest in kitchen accoutrements, or Michael Kors for a lovely selection of leather goods to give and receive! Located at Grand River Blvd East, Leeds, Ala. 35094. Crestline Village – Mountain Brook Who would think about finding fabulous gifts in a pharmacy? Well, the Idea Specialists, that’s who! We scoured the sidewalk shopping in Crestline Village in Mountain Brook, and found Crestline Pharmacy, which not only has a fabulous — and we mean fabulous — gift shop and a Christmas Store located just around the corner. They also offer free gift wrap! ….and right around the corner from Crestline Pharmacy is Oak Street Garden Shop, which you’ve heard us speak of many times. Go to Oak Street for paper-whites, amaryllis and spruce shavings to make your apartment have the heavenly smells of the Holiday! Forest Park Also, literally just minutes from The Retreat at Mountain Brook is Zoe’s Boutique, seriously, one of the best and most entertaining re-sale store in Birmingham. Here you will find clothes for men and women and gifts for all; contemporary and vintage, accessories, costumes … wigs and all other sorts of cool stuff! Those who love Zoe’s have a flair for life — seeking adventure, laughter and a sunny disposition. They often find unique clothes and gifts for just a song and giggle as the leave — a bit happier than when they came in! Located in downtown Forest Park at 3900 Clairmont Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama As always, the team at the Retreat at Mountain Brook is here to help! Let us know what we can do for you this holiday season!
Thanksgiving in Birmingham, Black Friday and the Iron Bowl
It’s a big week in Birmingham, Alabama, starting with Thanksgiving, Black Friday and the Iron Bowl on Saturday, when rivals from The University of Alabama and Auburn University vie for the state championship and year-long bragging rights. So, let’s do a quick recap of what we have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, beginning with just a few of the reasons we LOVE living at the Retreat at Mountain Brook. Our 1, 2 and 3-bedroom flats and townhomes are LARGE – from 1,060 to 1,900 square feet Nestled against a neighborhood like no other – Mountain Brook, Ala. Beautifully appointed kitchens for entertaining Impressive Fitness Centers Free Wi-Fi in each resident clubhouse and a big screen TV Electric Fire Places Our location Look at these floorplans! The Retreat at Mountain Brook is located minutes from downtown Birmingham, Crestline, and Avondale. Easy access to I-59, I-20, 459 and 280, makes getting places a breeze, especially T-town/Auburn, and Black Friday sales. Here’s a list of shopping opportunities compiled of by BhamNow: Black Friday at Local Malls –The Galleria, The Summit and The Brookwood Village Mall will be open for Black Friday sales. The Riverchase Galleria:open 6pm – midnight on Thanksgiving Day, 6am – 10pm on Black Friday The Summit:closed on Thanksgiving, open 9am – 9pm on Black Friday Brookwood Village:closed on Thanksgiving, open 7am – 9pm on Black Friday. (First 250 people in line will receive a shopping tote, retailer coupons and a gift card valued from $5-$500.) Take a Photo with Santa –November 10 through December 24, head over to Bass Pro Shops in Leeds to see Santa. Take a FREE photo with him in Santa’s Wonderland! North Pole Pop-Up at The Summit: Starting on Black Friday, stop by The Summit for photos with Santa, locally-made candy, boutiques and more. Brrrmingham Ice-Skating Rink Opening Day –Not interested in a great deal on some shoes? Just want a family day? Enjoy Birmingham’s only outdoor ice-skating rink at Railroad Park. The rink opens at 10 am. Buy tickets in advance here. Christmas cards – Sure, you can pick up a box at the drugstore. Want your pup or kids on the front? You might consider Village Press in Mountain Brook Village. They’ve been doing something right since 1965. Get a ride – Want to avoid the traffic but take in the fun? Try a ride with UBERor LYFT. And then of course, you’ll want to know where to go to enjoy the Iron Bowl – here’s the details: The Iron Bowl – Even if you’re not a die-hard Alabama or Auburn fan, you won’t want to miss this game. Game details: Kickoff time: 2:30 CDT on CBS Where to watch: Iron City, SkyCastle and other sports bar faves in town. If you’re interested in gaming while you watch the game, check out the new Dave & Buster’s at the Riverchase Galleria! Grand opening is Monday, November 19. Druid City Music Hall is hosting a free Iron Bowl Gameday Party with doors opening at 11:00. Plan on staying in on Thanksgiving? Be sure and snuggle up with a Sherpa Throw from Target, or a faux fur comforter from nearby Pottery Barn at the Summit, both just a short drive away from The Retreat at Mountain Brook, a/k/a home sweet home? These cozy comforters offer up a stylish way to stay warm, while adding to the warmth of your décor. And, nothing says Thanksgiving like watching the Macy’s Day Parade to really get into the holiday spirit. Or, if TV is not your game, treat yourself to a good read and a premium bottle of wine from R & R Wine and Liquor in Crestline Village, about 12 minutes away from The Retreat at 81 Church St, Mountain Brook, AL 35213. Here’s a recipe for a great party dip. You’re welcome. And as always, from all the staff at The Retreat at Mountain Brook, we wish a happy Thanksgiving and a happy holiday season. Please call the office if we can provide service over the Thanksgiving holiday or anytime you need us! 205-956-9722
Looking for Spooky Things to do This Halloween Season?
Never let it be said that there’s nothing to do in Birmingham, Alabama. The Idea Specialists at The Retreat at Mountain Brook are always on the prowl to provide you with the latest and greatest ideas for entertainment, decor, style and more! Check out these upcoming October events by following the links to the SPOOKTACULAR details. 1: Boo at the Zoo Presented by Wells Fargo Watch as the Zoo transforms into a destination of spooky attractions, themed rides and carnival games for 18 nights! Birmingham Zoo 2630 Cahaba Road Birmingham, AL 35223 • Oct 11, 2018 at 05:00 pm – 09:00 pm (Thu) • Oct 12, 2018 at 05:00 pm – 09:00 pm (Fri) • Oct 13, 2018 at 05:00 pm – 09:00 pm (Sat) • Oct 14, 2018 at 05:00 pm – 09:00 pm (Sun) • Oct 18, 2018 at 05:00 pm – 09:00 pm (Thu) • Oct 19, 2018 at 05:00 pm – 09:00 pm (Fri) • Oct 20, 2018 at 05:00 pm – 09:00 pm (Sat) • Oct 21, 2018 at 05:00 pm – 09:00 pm (Sun) • Oct 22, 2018 at 05:00 pm – 09:00 pm (Mon) • Oct 23, 2018 at 05:00 pm – 09:00 pm (Tue) 2: Up All Night (mare) Halloween Horror Marathon Magic City Midnight Movies is celebrating Halloween AND the one year anniversary of Magic City Midnight Movies with their biggest event yet! It’s sure to be an October night to fill you with fright! There will be 4 secret horror flick screenings, each revolving around the greatest holiday of the year – Halloween, including one film voted on by YOU, the audience! DATE AND TIME Sat, Oct 13, 2018, 6:00 PM –Sun, Oct 14, 2018, 2:00 AM CDT LOCATION Jumpin’ Jax Party Place 1840 Gadsden Highway #100 Birmingham, AL 35235 3: The Rocky Horror Masquerade Ball Don’t Dream It… Be It! Don’t miss Birmingham’s most extravagant Halloween event Alabama Theatre 1817 3rd Avenue North Birmingham, AL Friday October 19 2018 – 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM 4: Witches Ball 2018 in Birmingham This year is pirated themed and the decorations will be off the charts! The biggest and best Halloween party in Birmingham brought to you by Books, Beans and Candles (BBCMS), hosted by WorkPlay! WorkPlay Theatre 500 23rd St S Birmingham, AL 35233 Oct 20, 2018 7:00 PM | Saturday 5: 27th Annual Halloween Fairyland The Tannehill Halloween Festival, a non-scary fun-filled holiday event focused on the campgrounds, annually attracts over 6,000 visitors, most of them children. Begun in 1992, the Halloween event features park-sponsored programs during the afternoon and traditional Halloween candy “trick or treat” stops at more than 200 campsites during the evening. Park events include moonwalks, face painting, balloon animals, a bungee jump, along with a train rides for a small additional charge. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park 12632 Confederate Parkway, Bessemer, AL 35111 Oct 27, 2018 at 11:00 am – 09:00 pm (Sat) 6: Camp-O-Ween ALL overnight guests at Oak Mountain State Park are invited to attend our annual Halloween Celebration in the campground! Pack your costume and decorate your site! Sat, 27 Oct 2018, 11:00 PM – Sun, 28 Oct 2018, 03:00 AM Hosted By Oak Mountain State Park 200 Terrace Drive Pelham, Alabama 35124 7: Iron City Fright Club Presents: Halloween Iron City Fright Club will be showing the original “Halloween” beginning at 7:30pm. See you there! Mon Oct 29 2018 at 6:30 p.m. Ghost Train Brewing Co. 2616 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233
10 Free Things to do in Birmingham
Do you ever find yourself wanting to get out and explore the Magic City, but you don’t want to break the bank? You’re in luck! We’ve rounded up 10 interesting and entertaining activities that you can do in Birmingham without having to spend a dime. After all, the best things in life are free, right? From exploring a local farmer’s market to catching a show at one of Avondale’s coolest venues, here are 10 free things to do in Birmingham! 10 Free Things to Do in Birmingham 1. Admire the art at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon admiring beautiful pieces of art from the United States and Europe at Birmingham Museum of Art, where you can feast your eyes on more than 24,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and decorative arts. General admission and parking are free. An afternoon spent at the Birmingham Museum of Art is one full of visual stimulation and cultural exploration. 2. Visit the Birmingham Civil Rights District. Step foot in an iconic area of downtown Birmingham where many significant events of the 1950s and ’60s took place. These landmarks include 16th Street Baptist Church, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Kelly Ingram Park and Bethel Baptist Church, all of which were named the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument in 2017. Also, be sure to explore the nearby Fourth Avenue Business District, where the Carver Theatre houses the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. This is a perfect free activity if you want to learn about the history of the Magic City. The 16th Street Baptist Church is the beating heart of the Birmingham Civil Rights District. Across the street from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and diagonal from Kelly Ingram Park, the 16th Street Baptist Church was founded as The First Colored Baptist Church of Birmingham in 1873. Condemned by the city, a new church was designed by black architect Wallace Rayfield in 1911. During the Civil Rights Movement, black protesters met at the church to organize protests. On September 15, 1963, Ku Klux Klan members planted dynamite in the church’s basement, which killed four young girls — Addie Mae Collins, Carole Robertson, Cynthia Wesley and Denise McNair. A statue stands in their honor across the street from the church, depicting four girls, one releasing doves. 3. Stroll through Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Walk through what is known as “Alabama’s largest living museum,” with more than 10,000 plants. Widely recognized as the most visited free attraction in Alabama, guests can stroll through gorgeous gardens and get lost in nature. There are picnic tables, a gift shop and a café that serves lunch, too. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is one of the most beautiful ways to relax and explore the Magic City. Admission is free. 4. Spend an afternoon at one of Birmingham’s parks and trails. Birmingham is full of beautiful, fun and free parks and trails available for those looking to get some exercise, explore the city’s natural beauty or simply get some fresh air. A few of our favorites include: Railroad Park & Rotary Trail The Kiwanis Centennial Park and Vulcan Trail Red Mountain Park Oak Mountain State Park Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve Moss Rock Preserve Railroad Park hosts plenty of free cooking and exercise classes for Birminghamians. Visit their website to see the schedule. 5. Explore a local neighborhood. If you’re wanting to get to know our city a little better, we’ve got the guides you need. From the Theatre District and Downtown Birmingham to Old Town Helena, Mt. Laurel and Bluff Park, each of the city’s neighborhoods have their own unique personality with shops, eateries and fun activities to keep you busy all day. This is the perfect way to spend a weekend without having to break the bank! Here’s how to get the most out of each neighborhood: The Preserve at Moss Rock: Where Southern Style, Fresh Eats & Untouched Nature Meet Taste the World Along the Green Springs Corridor Bluff Park: Hoover’s 150-Year-Old Mountain Town A Day in Crestwood North: Where to Eat, Shop & Play Escape to the Gorgeous Town of Mt Laurel Old Town Helena: A Day of Boutiques and Eats! Lights Up on the Theatre District! Let’s Visit Leeds: Creativity Blooms Amid Small-Town Charm Second Avenue North: Where Creativity Meets Diversity What to Do in Avondale, the “Ham’s” Hippest Haven Buck Creek runs parallel to the railroad in downtown Helena and serves as the town park. 6. Take a tour of the Golden Flake Factory. Have you ever wondered how your favorite potato chips were made? Visit the Golden Flake Factory and see the process, from potato to chip! Eat hot and fresh chips right off the factory line at this interactive 45-minute tour. Tours are completely free, but you must call in advance to make a reservation. Tour times are at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. This fun and free opportunity to see how potato chips are made is perfect for kids of all ages. Eat hot and fresh chips right off the factory line at an interactive 45-minute tour of the Golden Flake Factory. Tours are free! 7. Have fun at one of Birmingham’s libraries. Don’t forget to take advantage of the free seminars, writing workshops, kids’ activities, plays, concerts and more at each of Birmingham’s public libraries. Admission is free, and there is always something new and exciting going on. Check out the schedules at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, Homewood Public Library, Birmingham Public Library, Emmet O’Neal Library and Avondale Public Library to see whats going on. The Vestavia Hills Library is surrounded by lush greenery, as well as walking trails, making it the ideal escape for a day of work or fun. 8. Explore Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. Admission is completely free to take a look at Alabama’s iconic industrial heritage, where pig iron was produced from 1882 to 1971. Sloss Furnaces is a national historic landmark that every Birminghamian or visitor to the Magic City
