The New York Times highlighted 10 attractions to visit in “36 Hours in Birmingham, Ala.” Magic City is the destination of the 2009 Rejuvenate Marketplace and we at Collinson Publishing are happy to designate this article as a must read. The best part is, seven out of the 10 destinations listed in the story are fewer than seven miles and five minutes from the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC). Here’s to waiting for October 27 to roll around!

Fine Dining

Birmingham has made a name for itself on the national culinary scene for using fresh Alabama produce and Southern influence to serve up some of the best dining in the country. Total estimated time and distance to the Highlands Bar & Grill from the BJCC: six minutes, 2.85 miles. Total estimated time and distance to the Continental Bakery from the BJCC: seven minutes, 3.72 miles.

The Vulcan

Vulcan, the world’s largest cast iron statue, oversees Vulcan Park and Museum high atop Red Mountain. Built as Birmingham’s entry in the 1904 World’s Fair (he won first place!), the statue was cast from Birmingham pig iron in a Birmingham foundry. More than 100,000 visitors a year stand on Vulcan’s elevated platform for a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Total estimated time and distance to the Vulcan from the BJCC: seven minutes, 4.09 miles.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is the centerpiece of the city’s Civil Rights District. Total estimated time and distance to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute from the BJCC: two minutes, 0.93 miles.

Villages

Birmingham is situated in the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and has lots of quaint little areas. Total estimated time and distance to Little Savannah: seven minutes, 3.15 miles. Total estimated time and distance to the Mountain Brook Village: seven minutes, 4.66 miles.

Photos and captions courtesy of the Greater Birmingham CVB.