It was time for another quick adventure, so I called up two of my favorite travel buddies Oh Nikka and Wendy. I asked them what city we should visit next since our last escape to Nashville, Tennessee! They were super excited and we quickly decided on visiting Birmingham, Alabama since it was super close and the city is full of historical moments!
Birmingham is credited with the founding of Veterans Day. The first celebration was held in 1947, and the city is home to the nation’s oldest and largest Veterans Day celebration.
Birmingham is known as the “Magic City” due to its rapid growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was also dubbed “Iron City” because it was the only place in the world where all the ingredients for making iron—coal, iron ore, and limestone—are found within a ten-mile radius.
Birmingham played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Kelly Ingram Park, and the 16th Street Baptist Church are significant historical sites related to the movement.
The city is home to the world’s largest cast iron statue, Vulcan, which is a symbol of Birmingham’s industrial roots. Vulcan stands 56 feet tall atop Red Mountain and offers panoramic views of the city.
Birmingham boasts one of the finest motorsports parks in the world, the Barber Motorsports Park, which includes a world-renowned motorcycle museum with over 1,600 vintage and modern motorcycles and race cars.
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is Alabama’s largest living museum with more than 12,000 different plants, and it’s free to the public.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a leading medical research institution and one of the top employers in the city. UAB’s medical center is known for pioneering advancements in healthcare.
Birmingham has a burgeoning food scene, with several James Beard Award-winning chefs and a variety of restaurants that showcase Southern cuisine and innovative culinary creations.
The city is home to Rickwood Field, the oldest professional baseball park in the United States, which opened in 1910. It’s still used for vintage baseball games and special events.
This National Historic Landmark operated as a pig iron-producing blast furnace from 1882 to 1971 and is now a museum of history and industry. It also hosts events and is rumored to be haunted, making it a popular spot for paranormal enthusiasts.
These interesting tidbits reflect Birmingham’s rich history, cultural significance, and diverse attractions.
For our “Girls Road Trip” the girlies(Wendy & Nikka) and I worked with Toyota who provided us with the 2024 RAV 4! The RAV 4 is known for it’s blend of practicality, performance, and advanced technology.
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 is known for its blend of practicality, performance, and advanced technology. The 2024 RAV4 offers multiple powertrain options, including a conventional gasoline engine, a hybrid version, and a plug-in hybrid model called the RAV4 Prime. The RAV4 Prime can deliver an impressive combined 302 horsepower and has an all-electric range of around 42 miles.
The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims are designed for off-road enthusiasts, featuring rugged styling, enhanced suspension systems, and all-wheel-drive capabilities to handle various terrains. Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5+ suite is standard across all trims, which includes features like pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and lane tracing assist.
The 2024 RAV4 comes with a standard 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Higher trims offer a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a premium JBL sound system. The hybrid models of the RAV4 are known for their excellent fuel efficiency, with the hybrid version achieving an estimated 40 mpg combined, making it an eco-friendly choice for those looking to save on fuel costs.
The RAV4 boasts a roomy interior with plenty of cargo space. It offers up to 69.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded down, making it a versatile option for families and outdoor adventures.
The 2024 RAV4 features a bold and dynamic design, with a sleek exterior, a modern interior, and a range of vibrant color options. The Nightshade Edition adds a sporty touch with blacked-out accents and wheels.
See all the fun, the ladies and I had inside, Birmingham is such a nice city to visit!
Rickwood Field, the oldest professional baseball park in the United States
The Vulcan Iron Statue
“Four Spirits” Sculpture Memorial to 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing
16th Street Baptist Church
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Political Activist Angela Davis childhood home
