Sweet Home Alabama

Birmingham was wonderful...both the city and the boy whose company I was enjoying :) It was so much fun to go to a place I'd never been or really even heard much about. It's kind of a hidden gem like Oklahoma City: a town that's passed through and passed over but that has a whole lot to offer for those who are willing to give it a chance. Here are the spots I can personally vouch for as places to go and see:

(1)

Mountain Brook: a really really really pretty neighborhood/town on the outskirts of the city. I would say it's kind of like Nichols Hills in OKC, but more spread out and bigger. We walked along the brook that runs through the town on Saturday morning and I "oooohhhed" and "ahhhhed" over the beautiful plantation-style mansions, most still decorated for Christmas. I will live there someday.

(2)

Vulcan Tower: I don't really remember the significance of it, but all you need to know is that it is a tower on a hill that overlooks downtown Birmingham and it has amazing views. Perfect at sunset.

(3)

Tip Top Cafe: A little hole in the wall place on top of one of the 'mountains' around town. Seriously awesome view and the best BLT I've ever had in my entire life. And I've had A LOT of BLTs. I'm sure it's even prettier in the spring and fall.

(4) Cocina Superior: a Tex Mex style restaurant kind of like Mi Cocina in Dallas, except instead of the mambo taxis, they have the El Chango: just like a swirl, except bigger and with a shot of some delicious liquor. I thought mambo taxis were dangerous....this is worse. But sooooo dang good.

(5) Any road along the hills. We drove around for a while as he showed me around and it's just a cool city with awesome scenery and a lot to look at (especially if you've never been and you're from a place known for the wind sweeping down the plains).

Such a fun trip - I can't wait to go back and see more!