Alice Vol. 2 No. 3

definitely worth the wait in line. (Get
here before the lunch hour rush to
snag a spot at the front.) Saw’s is an
award-winning eatery, and it’s easy to
see why when the homemade sides are
just as delicious as the main course.
The details: 1008 Oxmoor Rd / $15 /
sawsbbq.com
2 p.m. There’s nowhere better to grab
dessert (and to relax after a satisfying
meal) than Church St. Coffee and
Books. Come here to lounge with a new
bestseller in the cozy upstairs reading
nook, buy a homemade gift for a friend
or try a tasty treat off the unique
café menu. The Breakup Cookie is a
cult-favorite and locally famous for its
chocolatey deliciousness.
The details: 81 Church St., Mountain
Brook / $10 / churchstreetshop.com
7 p.m. For a picture-perfect moment
after the sun sets, visit the Light Tunnel.
An underpass turned art installation,
the Light Tunnel is the creation
of artist Bill FitzGibbons. Using thousands
of LED lights on a computerized
system, FitzGibbons turned a historic
Art Deco tunnel into a technicolor wonderland
perfect for cyclists, pedestrians
and Instagram enthusiasts to enjoy.
The details: 2501 5th Avenue North /
Free
8 p.m. To wrap up your first day in
Birmingham, catch a show at Iron City
Music Hall. Originally built in 1929 as
an auto factory, Iron City now hosts
one of the most phenomenal music
scenes in Alabama. Featuring upcoming
acts such as Mayday Parade and
Sister Hazel, Iron City is the perfect
venue for a girls’ night out or a rockin’
date night. With its three stages, two
bars and restaurant, there’s sure to be
something that catches your eye at this
downtown music hall.
The details: 513 22nd St. S. / Varies /
ironcitybham.com
Day 2
The sun rises on day two and it’s
time to kick-start your last 24 hours in
the Iron City. Stretch your legs and get
ready for a day full of French cuisine
made with local ingredients and views
to die for. Use these tips, but also plan
ahead by making reservations if you’re
in the mood for a nicer sit-down lunch
or dinner under the city lights of Birmingham.
8 a.m. Let’s toast! If you’re in the
mood for a tasty morning treat, try
this: Trattoria Centrale. Start your
morning off right with Trattoria Centrale’s
famous French toast in a trendy,
European-styled café. If French toast
isn’t your thing, the café also offers
fresh scones, omelets, sandwiches and
orange juice — all made with local and
organic ingredients.
The details: 207 20th St N / Varies /
trattoriacentrale.com
If you’re closer to Clairmont Avenue,
Bogues remains open from 6 a.m.
– 2 p.m. and offers a unique spot for
breakfast, brunch or lunch. This Birmingham
gem offers traditional southern
hospitality and cuisine from biscuits
and gravy to a stack of blueberry
pancakes, not to mention the prices are
more than reasonable.
The details: 3028 Clairmont Ave / Varies
/ boguesdiner.com
9 a.m. If you want to see the true view
of Iron City, check out Birmingham’s
Vulcan Statue. Home of the largest
cast iron statue in the world, this giant
stands tall over the city. For just $6,
you can climb up the steps to the top
and view Birmingham in all its glory.
The overlook is a great photo-op and
can be accessed in the early morning
or late evening for spectacular sunrise
and sunset views. With Birmingham
known as “Steel City,” how could you
miss this 50-ton iron giant?
Alice May 2017 [39]