Generations of history convene in Birmingham, Ala., and several points of interest reveal the city’s past. Although many businesses and attractions are closed on this day, following is a list of things to do and see on a Sunday in Birmingham.
Eat World-Famous Fried Green Tomatoes at the Irondale Café
Start the day with an early lunch at Irondale Cafe in Irondale, Ala., which was the model in the movie Fried Green Tomatoes (1991). The movie was based on Fannie Flagg’s novel, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe (published in 1987). Serving cafeteria-style, choose from traditional Southern fare as country fried steak, fried chicken gizzards, turnip greens, fried okra and world-famous fried green tomatoes.
Movie posters and photos dot the green tomato-colored walls which sparks conversation about the movie and book with diners. Sundays, the Irondale Cafe serves lunch between 11 and 2:30 p.m. Arrive early because this is a popular Sunday lunch restaurant.
Meet the Iron Man at Vulcan Park and Museum
A very tall man overlooks the city and his name is Vulcan, named after the Roman god for fire and forage. Ask any Birmingham local and they will reminiscence about the old days when Vulcan held a torch with either a green or red light (1946 to 1999). The red light indicated a traffic fatality while green indicated there were no deaths on the roadways. Local lore states the light reached a point when it was always red and became a morbid reminder. During 1999 renovations, the light was removed.
According to Vulcan Park and Museum, Vulcan was crafted in the early 1900s for the St. Louis World’s Fair to represent Birmingham’s industrial strength, especially in iron production. Standing 56 feet tall and made of more than 100,000 pounds of iron, Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue. The park offers a panoramic view of Birmingham. Park grounds are open between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. and the museum is open 1 to 6 p.m. on Sundays and the Vulcan Observation Balcony is open 1 to 10 p.m. An admission fee grants access to all three activities.
Be Culturally Inspired in the Birmingham Museum of Art
Visitors will be pleasantly surprised by the broad collection of more than 24,000 objects spanning global cultures and centuries. Notable collections are Baroque and Renaissance artwork dating from the 13th century to mid-1700s; the extensive Wedgewood collection; Asian art featuring Vietnamese ceramics and pieces from Japan and China; and a vibrant American art collection including folk art. Photography with restrictions is permitted as long as the visitor registers their camera upon entering. Museum admission is free and donations are welcome. The Birmingham Museum of Art is open noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Be Inspired by the Courage of Others at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Located in Birmingham’s Civil Rights District, the institute documents struggles of the 1950s and 1960s while demonstrating lessons learned. Compelling exhibits focus on Birmingham’s role in the Civil Rights Movement. Nearby is 16th Street Baptist Church which was bombed in 1963 and four girls were killed. Kelly Ingram Park is steps away and was the site of several Civil Rights demonstrations during the early 1960s. The park serves as a reminder of the struggles for equality through a collection of statues.
On Sundays, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is open 1 to 5 p.m. Admission on this day is free and donations are accepted. Other days of the week, admission is $12.
Savor Heavenly Barbecue at Dreamland Bar-B-Que
Although an Alabama chain restaurant, when locals are asked for the best barbecue in Birmingham, Dreamland Bar-B-Que tops the list. Sniff the air and inhale the smoky barbecue aroma of ribs grilling. Barbecue ribs and chicken are popular fare and they are served with white bread and barbecue sauce. Side dishes as baked beans and cole slaw are homemade and banana pudding is a must.
