Birmingham has a lot more to offer than just being the location of the 2018 We Will Conference! Read below for some of the sites we’re most excited to visit this October.

(Just a small sampling of what Birmingham offers, and in no particular order!)

1. Sheraton Birmingham Hotel

When looking for a bite to eat, don’t discount the offerings inside the hotel itself! Stop by the Atrium Cafe, Casey’s Sports Bar and Grill or La Tazza for a quick and convenient way to satiate your hunger.

2. Octane Coffee

When you need a place to relax or meet up, head to Octane. Committed to sustainability, Octane seeks premium coffee from responsible farmers. Foods are inspired by the coffee’s region… – uptownbham.com

Distance from the Sheraton: 0.2 miles. Walk = 4 minutes

3. Topgolf

Topgolf is the premier golf entertainment complex where the competition of sport meets your favorite local hangout. You can challenge your friends and family to addictive point-scoring golf games that anyone from the hopeful pro golfer to your neighbor’s 7-year-old kid can play year-round. Just picture a 240-yard outfield with dartboard-like targets in the ground. The closer to the center or “bull’s-eye” you get and the farther out you hit your microchipped balls, the more points you receive. Score even bigger with Topgolf’s extensive food and beverage menu that is sure to impress even the pickiest foodies. It’s not golf – it’s Topgolf. Give it a shot! – Topgolf.com

Distance from the Sheraton: 0.5 miles. Walk = 10 minutes, Drive = 3 minutes

4. Five Points South

This “town within a city” features over 40 culinary destinations and 30 retailers. One of its most notable offerings is the Vulcan Park and Museum. Vulcan, Birmingham’s colossal statue, is the world’s largest cast iron statue and considered one of the most memorable works of civic art in the United States.

Distance from the Sheraton: 2.1 miles. Drive = 9 minutes

5. Civil Rights Institute

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a large interpretive museum and research center that depicts the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. The Institute showcases a walking journey through the “living institution”, which displays the lessons of the past as a positive way to chart new directions for the future. The permanent exhibitions are a self-directed journey through Birmingham’s contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and human rights struggles. Multimedia exhibitions focus on the history of African-American life and the struggle for civil rights.  – wikipedia

Distance from the Sheraton: 0.8 miles. Walking = 17 minutes, Drive = 5 minutes

6. Railroad Park

Railroad Park is a 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of the city. Hailed as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” Railroad Park is the ideal place to have a little lunch, throw a little Frisbee, take a little jog. – railroadpark.org

Distance from the Sheraton: 1.6 miles. Drive = 8 minutes

7. Urban Standard

Urban Standard “offers simple hospitality in an invited atmosphere. Daily fueling the community with coffee and food.” Their menu is truly drool worthy, with a variety of options that will tempt the palates of meat eaters and vegetarians alike!

Distance from the Sheraton: 0.9 miles. Walk = 18 minutes, Drive = 5 minutes

8. Botanical Gardens

Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens are home to over 12,000 different types of plants, 25 unique gardens, more than 30 works of original outdoor sculpture, and several miles of walking paths. With more than 350,000 annual visitors, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens qualify as one of Alabama’s top free-admittance tourist attractions. – wikipedia

Distance from the Sheraton: 5 miles. Drive = 10 minutes

9. First Avenue Rocks

First Avenue Rocks gives you a very unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in Birmingham. They have a variety of different rock walls ranging from beginner to expert difficulty. Whether you’re a first time climber or a rock veteran, you’ll love this place!!!!!! – TripAdvisor review

Distance from the Sheraton: 1.2 miles. Drive = 5 minutes

10. Red Mountain Park

Red Mountain Park encompasses 1,500 acres of land and features attractions that include over 15 miles of trails featuring 2 city overlooks, 3 tree houses, and adventures like the Vulcan Materials Zip Trip and Kaul Adventure Tower. But this is only the beginning.

Distance from the Sheraton: 8.9 miles. Drive = 15 minutes

11. Paramount

Paramount is a staple of Downtown Birmingham, featuring hearty food and an Arcade of more than 20 classic and modern games. Its interior blends the American Garage with those nostalgic memories from the past. Classic neon signs, butcher block, a vintage mural, shop lights and a wall of car rims help create that garage meets arcade atmosphere. A great place if you’re looking to eat and play!

Distance from the Sheraton: 0.9 miles. Walking = 15 minutes, Drive = 5 minutes

12. Birmingham Museum of Art

The Birmingham Museum of Art is one of America’s finest art museums and features a diverse permanent collection of art which is open to the public for FREE!
Distance from the Sheraton: 0.2 miles. Walking = 4 minutes, Drive = 2 minutes

13. Doodles

Do we really need to talk this one up? C’mon, it’s homemade italian ice and sorbets!! YUM <3 Distance from the Sheraton: 8.2 miles. Drive = 15 minutes

14. Sloss Furnaces

Sloss is one of the oldest and most famous structures in Birmingham- and one of the coolest. It’s now a sort of interpretive museum of industry and is home to a bunch of awesome metal artwork. It’s also a cool venue and, near Halloween, a haunted house. Furnaces were dangerous back in the day, and there are a bunch of ghost stories surrounding the site, making it one of the most haunted structures in town. – Buzzfeed

Distance from the Sheraton: 2 miles. Drive = 8 minutes

15. Color Tunnel

Don’t forget to take some nighttime selfies in the Color Tunnel! Located on 18th Street N, the rainbow-lit tunnel is artist Bill FitzGibbon’s answer to what was once a dark, uninviting underpass.

Distance from the Sheraton: 1.2 miles. Drive = 4 minutes

BONUS: ZYP Bikeshare

Tempted to visit all of the above locations? ZYP Bikeshare is a fun and affordable way to explore Birmingham. Just go to one of the many kiosks around the city (there’s one near the Sheraton), check out a bike and ride! Once you’re done, return the bike to the same station or any other station in the city. Easy! Purchase a 1-day pass for $6 or a 3-day pas for $12.

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