Heading down there this weekend, what to do? (Birmingham, Huntsville: hotel, house)

[NoleFanHSV]

So the other half and I are visiting your fine city this weekend. We have no plans but want to get out of Huntsville for a bit. Anything going on for Saturday?

[Tourian]

Check out this thread:
//www.city-data.com/forum/birmi...spend-day.html

[raj kapoor]

If the weather is as nice as today, the Botanical Gardens would be a great time before or after a nice brunch/lunch in Crestline Village. The zoo is across the road in the other half of Lane park. Under renewal but it does have some nice new exhibits to go with those yet to be redone or replaced.

The flowering trees are so nice now: a stroll down Jemison Trail along Mountain Brook Pkwy would be nice. (this is the road that goes east from Brookwood Village) A drive down Cherokee, Beechwood, Overbrook, Brookwood Roads would also be a really nice way to get to know a part of the city that few ever see. If you do, you will understand the love. (have a GPS if you ever want to find your way back out)

I always recommend SEASONS52 at the Summit as great place to have lunch or dinner. But I add the caveat that this should include at least one local establishment of which there are so many execellent and various kinds.

Of course seeing the LIGHT TUNNELS (two of four are complete) downtown next to Railroad Park/Regions Field.

Lunch or dinner at Ross Bridge Resort would be a special afternoon or evening. Shula's at the Hyatt Regency is a great dinner as well.

Google (such as BLACK AND WHITE) to see what is going on in the music scene such as Iron City, Workplay, Bottletree, and so many more. There will be something out there if you want it.

I should mention if you are downtown, you might want to drop by and check out TEXAS DE BRAZIL by having a drink, since they are coming to BS. Also, across from the Tutwiler Hotel is the Lynn Henley Annex of the Birmingham Library. I highly recommend you go to the annex to visit the 'reading room' and most important the Children's Room with the fantastic classical Murals. All the murals in the annex were restored some years ago and they are exceptional. This is a Carnegie Library, with all the grandeur that implies. A beautiful and awesome place.

Kelly Ingram Park is a nice stroll on a pretty day. I don't approve of some interpretive art in the park but it does not take away from the overall sense of place, across from the Sixteenth Street Baptist or the Civil Rights Institute.

As you can see, traveling to me is eating and walking........and sometimes , walking and eating. lol

Have a good time.

raj

[NoleFanHSV]

We ended up going to the Botanical Gardens. I was really impressed. We didn't get to go through all of it, but most if it. I wish our Botanical gardens were as nice. Been once and was dissapointed.

[raj kapoor]

Originally Posted by NoleFanHSV

We ended up going to the Botanical Gardens. I was really impressed. We didn't get to go through all of it, but most if it. I wish our Botanical gardens were as nice. Been once and was dissapointed.

I am glad you were able to go. I had planned to myself and then things changed.

raj

[NoleFanHSV]

Originally Posted by raj kapoor

I am glad you were able to go. I had planned to myself and then things changed.

raj

We had some places we need to shop at the summit and near the galleria. We ended up eating at Cajun Steamer for lunch. I really like their gumbo.

I'll say this. I've pretty much sworn off the summit. It's just too darn crowded and the traffic just sucks. The galleria and the area around it can be bad, but I've always had an easier time getting in and out of traffic.

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by NoleFanHSV

We had some places we need to shop at the summit and near the galleria. We ended up eating at Cajun Steamer for lunch. I really like their gumbo.

I'll say this. I've pretty much sworn off the summit. It's just too darn crowded and the traffic just sucks. The galleria and the area around it can be bad, but I've always had an easier time getting in and out of traffic.

Well, here's a trick: Get off 280 at Pump House Road and go the back way. Two stop lights. Much easier.

[raj kapoor]

Originally Posted by NoleFanHSV

We had some places we need to shop at the summit and near the galleria. We ended up eating at Cajun Steamer for lunch. I really like their gumbo.

I'll say this. I've pretty much sworn off the summit. It's just too darn crowded and the traffic just sucks. The galleria and the area around it can be bad, but I've always had an easier time getting in and out of traffic.

Yes, the Summit has no real system of well defined roadways within the parking areas. I drive very carefully there. (two weeks ago a woman rolled over in her haste to make a turn on a two way parking lot road) I believe that justifies your statement. I find that people stop where there are no stop signs, and they don't stop where there are signs. This can only be dealt with by the most defensive driving. One must consider that a lot of visitors to the Summit are what I refer to as 'THE ENTITELED'.
Of course you were there on the weekend. That is usually not my time to go to The Summit.

On the other hand, the Galleria has much more traffic, but the garages and roadways are more controlled.
Not to mention that the Galleria has seven major entrances and the Summit has two.

It is easy to move between it and Patton Creek Center too. (next time there you should try Jesse's Seafood and Steak (google); a really good restaurant with a very comfortable environment)
I don't recall if I have had the gumbo at Cajun's. With all the great Greek restaurants down here I am spoiled when it comes to gumbo and west indies salad. (I prefer the roux based as opposed to the red)

raj

[NoleFanHSV]

Originally Posted by raj kapoor

Yes, the Summit has no real system of well defined roadways within the parking areas. I drive very carefully there. (two weeks ago a woman rolled over in her haste to make a turn on a two way parking lot road) I believe that justifies your statement. I find that people stop where there are no stop signs, and they don't stop where there are signs. This can only be dealt with by the most defensive driving. One must consider that a lot of visitors to the Summit are what I refer to as 'THE ENTITELED'.
Of course you were there on the weekend. That is usually not my time to go to The Summit.

On the other hand, the Galleria has much more traffic, but the garages and roadways are more controlled.
Not to mention that the Galleria has seven major entrances and the Summit has two.

It is easy to move between it and Patton Creek Center too. (next time there you should try Jesse's Seafood and Steak (google); a really good restaurant with a very comfortable environment)
I don't recall if I have had the gumbo at Cajun's. With all the great Greek restaurants down here I am spoiled when it comes to gumbo and west indies salad. (I prefer the roux based as opposed to the red)

raj

When I say Galleria, I suppose I meant the patton creek center by the rave. We didn't go to the mall. I honestly felt there was much more traffic at the Summit, but it was closer to lunch and I think they have more eating establishments as well.

In regards to the galleria, most people just park it and then shop. With the summit, you park, go to one or two places, then get in the car and go to other places. I fell there are just more cars to deal with over at the summit.

Cajun Steamer's Gumbo is roux based. Very dark and rich.

[Tourian]

Well to be fair, people have to park and drive and park and drive at Patton Creek just as they do at the Summit. But I totally agree that Summit sees way more cars then Patton Creek. There's so many other ways to get in and out of either it just makes it far more manageable. Except maybe weekend or holiday nights around the Rave.

Summit has two ways in, as mentioned and if you ever make it a point to use the back way in you will laugh at how quiet and easy it is compared to the raging death race that is going on at the main entrance.