1. People Of Birmingham Are Vulcan's Subjects
A mythical Roman god watches over Birmingham—Vulcan. Vulcan, the god of the forge, is a nod to the iron and steel industry of years past. The statue of Vulcan is the largest cast iron statue in the world at 56-feet.
2. Seriously, Vulcan Is Everywhere
Here is where Birmingham people make offerings of quarters to the god and receive blessings of carbonated beverages in return.
3. They're Not Flirting, It’s Southern Charm
You’ll notice that they’re super friendly in Birmingham. You may be inclined to think they’re flirting if you’re not from the South. It’s just southern charm, though. The sweet accents, the friendly demeanor…enjoy it.
4. Birmingham Folks Know There’s More To The Storyteller Fountain Than Meets The Eye (Maybe)
It might look like a fairy tale fountain, but some people here believe the sculpture is satanic. There’s lots of lore around the sculpture and many think if you visit in the wee hours of the morning you’ll stumble upon satanic rituals. Others think it is all nonsense. Check it out and be your own judge.
5. That Smell On Morris Ave Is Freshly Roasted Peanuts
If you get near Morris Avenue, you’re going to wonder what is happening to your senses. That has been happening here since 1907 and it’s The Peanut Depot roasting peanuts. For the full effect, stop in and try some. The cajun peanuts are highly recommended.
6. The LightRails Are A Permanent Trippy Installation
The colorful 18th Street viaduct light installation by RailRoad Park is pretty darn trippy. Think Mario Kart rainbow road level trippy. Bill Fitzgibbons from San Antonio designed the light-art installation and it’s here to stay.
7. Gang Green Is Cool Here
And not the kind where your body parts fall off. We’re talking about the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Blazers. Once you set foot in Birmingham, you have to love them. Go Gang Green!
8. Eighty Percent Of Your Conversations Will Involve Roll Tide From Now On
Source: ESPN YouTube Channel
It’s all about football and the Crimson Tide in Birmingham, but that’s not the only ‘roll tide’ conversations people from Birmingham have. There’s also baseball, basketball, golf, gymnastics, rowing, soccer, softball…you get the idea. There’s plenty to talk about, so brush up on your “how to throw in a ‘roll tide’ at just the right moment” skills.
9. Every Event Is Basically Cinderella’s Ball
Break out your best clothes and get excited… something is happening. You know, that thing. Yes, people from Birmingham treat every event here like a grand event, and why not? Any excuse to get dolled up is a good excuse.
10. People From Birmingham Know That Grape Soda Is The Bomb Dot Com
In Birmingham it’s all about the Grapico. It’s a caffeine-free grape soda. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t really taste like grapes. But it’s purple and sweet. You have to try it on a hot summer day to get it.
11. Popsicles Are A Year-Round Sweet Treat
Birmingham, where childhood dreams come true. It doesn’t matter what season it is or how cold it is outside, the popsicles at Steel City Pops are always great. Summer? Try the lime pop. Spring? Get the pink grapefruit with pink peppercorns. Fall? Sweet potato pecan. Winter? Maple bacon with bourbon. Boom.
12. Jim N’ Nick’s BBQ Will Blow Your Mind
Birminghamers barbecue everything. Try the smoked buffalo wings, the bar-b-q nachos, the bar-b-q quesadilla or just go straight for the ribs. It’s all good. Don’t overlook the sides…especially the homemade bar-b-q chips.
13. Dewya Want To Hear Local Birmingham Music?
Dewya.com has all the great Birmingham music. It’s an internet-based radio with three channels: Birmingham Mountain Radio (alternative), Substrate (cutting edge indie) and Vulcanite (hip hop). It’s a must-listen when you want to hear the best, local Birmingham music. Now you know!
14. Everything Happens At The Alabama Theatre
Want to see a great film? How about the ballet? The opera? A concert? Just about anything you want to see happens at the Alabama Theatre and you’re going to be glad that it does, because it will be the most gorgeous theatre you’ve ever been in.
15. The Sweet Tea Chicken Sandwich At Saw’s Will Ruin You For Life (In A Good Way)
If you’ve ever been a fan of the Chick-fil-A sandwich, then the sweet tea chicken sandwich at Saw’s is going to rock your face off. It’s super juicy on the inside, super crispy on the outside and fried in veggie oil to perfection. It’s quite possibly the best chicken sandwich on the planet.
16. Watching Movies Gets Even More Awesome In August
For three full days in August you can binge-watch the greatest films in eight venues and party like a rock star while doing it. The Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival showcases over 200 films and has been named one of the 25 coolest film festivals in the world for 2014. Do it.
17. You’ll Have To Wait In Line On Sundays
Since there are so many churches, you can only guess what it’s like to try and go out to eat for lunch on Sundays. It’s maddening. If you’re going to do it anyways, then pack some fruit snacks to bring with you so you don’t end up getting hangry.
18. There’s No Better Place To Shop Than The Pepper Place Market....
April through December, Saturdays are for the Pepper Place Market. It’s the place to get local artisans foods and crafts, meet local farmers, see great music and pick up great finds you’re not going to see anywhere else.
19. ...Unless It’s The Summit
The Summit has one million square feet of shopping. Yes, one million. You’ll find it a the intersection of US Highway 280 and Interstate 459. There’s everything from a Juicy Couture and Apple (duh) to restaurants like Primeaux Cheese & Vino and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Ready…set…go get that iPhone!
20. Saturday Nights Are Best Spent At Todd English P.U.B.
Put on your best fancy pants and head on over to this gastropub (translation: lots of nice drinks, lots of nice food, in your belly) for an impressive selection of drinks and eats. Bonus points for ordering your pint in a terrible cockney accent.
21. Driving Is Great...If You’re Into Life-Endangering Stuff
Turn signals? Nah, who needs them. Flashing yellow lights? Oh, those mean stop completely so you can text your BFFL. Driving here means watching everyone else and driving defensively. You’ve been warned.
22. Don’t Believe The Words: ‘It’s Just Off 280’
Just don’t. It’s a traffic nightmare. Nothing is ‘just off 280’.
23. Ziplining Downtown Is Normal
Where else can you zipline downtown? In “tree city” you can enjoy ziplining in the 19-acre Red Mountain Park. Not only can you zipline, but you can also hike, see a concert, climb through a beanstalk forest and more.
24. Birmingham Is Home To One Of The Greatest New Music Venues Of The 21st Century
If you’re going to see any live bands in the city, then you need to know where to go: Bottletree Cafe. Flavorwire named them one of the 10 greatest new music venues of the 21st century. They have all the best bands, massage chairs and great food—even vegan food. And did I mention the massage chairs?
25. Birmingham Is Better Than Ever
Birmingham has been going through a rebirth and an urban renewal. The new tagline for Birmingham is ‘the diverse city’ - and with all the great outdoors, nightlife, cuisine, arts and entertainment…you’ll see why pretty quick.
What have you had to explain to out-of-towners about Birmingham? Tell us in the comments below!
