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Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama
We stopped in Birmingham en route to Jackson in western Tennessee, mainly because the ride from Sopchoppy Florida to Jackson was way too long for one day. We noticed immediately that you can drive FAST in Alabama on roads that don’t seem designed for it. Along one stretch, the speed limit was 55 or 60 mph going through an area with strip malls along both both sides of the road, and pedestrians grouped feet from the whizzing cars waiting to jaywalk across the street. I felt pretty out of control going 40 mph, and dared not go slower with cars zipping around me. In stretches where 55 felt comfortable, the speed limit was 70. On the other hand, once you got onto the interstate with its limited access entrances, all of a sudden the speed limit was 55 (maybe federal vs. state regulations governing here).
We had just a short time in Birmingham. A must-see was Vulcan Park with its huge statue of the Roman god of fire and forge topping an observation tower in homage to the city’s steel and iron industry history. The weirdness of the statue is particularly evident from the err….rear….and requires no further comment (see picture). The lower floors of the observation tower include a museum detailing Birmingham’s harrowing history vis a vis slavery, use of prisoner labor for the iron and steel works, civil rights or lack thereof, etc.
Dorian found the very cool Moss Rock Preserve in nearby Hoover, Alabama. I thought he must be mistaken when we drove into a multi-use residential/commercial area with shopping and restaurants, but a trail led us back into a magical area of huge boulders and waterfalls.
Rock climbing is popular here, and even encouraged. You can see why.
Ramona's sister Madelynn had recommended Slice Pizza and Brewhouse as a Fido-friendly eatery, and she did not steer us wrong. Slice had great apps and brews, and ended up being in the cool part of town - where Pippi enjoyed being fawned over by a group of wispy young ladies en route to some groovy club.
A dual-selfie taken on Vulcan's observation platform.
Pippi doesn't really like water outside of a dog dish (Moss Rock Preserve).
Would We Come Back Here?
Would We Come Back Here?
The campground we stayed at, Birmingham South, was well-maintained and they kept a watchful eye on any strange vehicles in the area. We know this because, when we first arrived, we were the strange vehicle. There were lots of train sounds at all hours of the day and night, which we really liked. However, sites closer to the road got traffic sounds, as well, which wasn't so great. I'd certainly consider staying at that private campground again, but I'd look at other options.
Would We Live Here?
Would We Live Here?
Alabama wasn't ever really a consideration--more of a way point, in our case. However, having seen the hip part of Birmingham and seeing the very cool Moss Rock Preserve nearby, Birmingham turned out to be a pleasant surprise.
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