Birmingham has long been known as a leading industrial center. Much more than iron and steel production, this graceful Southern city has also emerged as a vital cultural and economic center for the region. Today, Birmingham serves as headquarters for one Fortune 500 company and five Fortune 1000 companies.
Birmingham has been a key contributor in the history of not just this state, but the entire United States. The city has played an important role during the Civil Rights Movement and heart-touching story is recounted at the famous Civil Rights Institute.
The city presents its visitors with all types of things to do. There's the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame for music lovers, and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame for sports fans. The International Motor Sports Hall of Fame and the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum are other nearby attractions. Families can flock to Alabama Adventure, an exciting theme park, or McWane Center, a hands-on science museum. And finally, golfers hit the links by tackling area courses that help make up the esteemed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.
Golden Flake is Alabama's largest producer of potato chips and other popular snacks and it is also the second largest in the Southeast. The factory, which produces 100,000 pounds of chips each day, provides tours free of charge.
Public transportation is limited. Birmingham has a bus system but it may not get you to everywhere you might like to go. However, there are taxis available. If you're staying at a major hotel, most of them have a shuttle service to provide transportation to and from the airport. Birmingham also has a large airport with several carriers and service to numerous places. Get a car rental to make your trip to Birmingham a little easier. You can choose from popular suppliers and get cheap car rental in Birmingham from companies such as Alamo, Hertz, Budget, and Thrifty.