Move over, Atlanta.
Chattanoogans no longer have to visit Georgia’s capital for a quick getaway that includes excellent restaurants, good music and a mecca of shopping sites. In recent years, Birmingham, Ala., has upped its game in entertainment, cuisine and nightlife, making it an ideal spot for Chattanooga and area residents to enjoy a short vacation close to home.
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Live Music Scene> According to the Birmingham Visitors and Convention Bureau, live music has become the city’s signature event. So far this year, the city has been host to superstar entertainers including Justin Bieber, Garth Brooks, Lady Antebellum with Hunter Hayes, Toby Keith, Dierks Bentley, Tim McGraw and Def Leppard. Van Halen will play on Sept. 17, Ariana Grande on Sept. 20, and Jackson Browne on Oct. 14, to name a few of the upcoming performances.> In the past, the city has played host to the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Elton John, Taylor Swift and AC/DC.
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Where to eat> Not only has the city earned a reputation for its many shopping and antique malls, but it’s also home to “the Oscars of dining” because of the restaurants and chefs that have earned the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award and/or nominations, the highest honor bestowed on food and beverage professionals in North America. For instance, Highlands Bar and Grill, owned by famous chef Frank Stitt, has been nominated seven straight years for Outstanding Restaurant in the Beard Awards.> Other top-rated restaurants include: Hot and Hot Fish Club; Bottega; Cafe Dupont; Chez Fonfon and Surin; Dreamland Bar-B-Que
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A revitalized city> According to resident Leslie Herring, “Birmingham has done a huge turnaround in the last few years and there are so many wonderful things to do now.”> Herring, 25, said that in the last five years, the city has attracted many young professionals to move into the area, which has created many events and social groups geared to those 35 and under.> “The revitalization of downtown is unbelievable,” she says. “Birmingham has gained numerous new restaurants, music venues, local breweries and parks. It has the amenities of a large city with a smalltown feel.> “Also, Birmingham is affordable compared to other cities.”
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Fun Facts> Birmingham is home to two winners of “American Idol”: Ruben Studdard in 2003 and Taylor Hicks in 2006. In 2005, Bo Bice, another Birmingham native, was runner-up.> The Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival was named one of Time magazine’s “Film Festivals for the Rest of Us” in the June 5, 2006 issue.> Birmingham is mentioned in songs by the Rolling Stones (“Rip This Joint”), Lynyrd Skynyrd (“Sweet Home Alabama), Emmylou Harris (“From Boulder to Birmingham”), Randy Newman (“Birmingham”), John Mellencamp (“When Jesus Left Birmingham”), and Bruce Hornsby (“Jacob’s Ladder”)