Inspired by the English countryside, this 250-acre park features the Shakespeare Garden, which contains plants mentioned in the Bard's works. In addition, the manicured grounds include other gardens, outdoor sculptures, a thatched-roof pavilion, lakes, trails, picnic areas, and a 325-seat amphitheater. Also located within the Cultural Park are the Alabama Shakespeare Festival Theater and the Alabama Museum of Art. Symphony concerts, ballet performances, a Renaissance festival, Scottish Highland games, and art fairs are among the many events the park holds throughout the year.

One of the most interesting destinations in the area, this park is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Birmingham. Tannehill was the site of a large Civil War-era blast furnace that was destroyed by Union troops in 1865. Accompanying the restored furnace are a museum and, in the summer, working artisans recreating rural Alabama life circa the 1840s. There are also several hiking trails, as well as cabins for rent and a campground. The park is open daily.

Located on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, the Paul W. Bryant Museum is named after the legendary "Bear" Bryant, arguably the most famous college football coach in American history. In this part of the country, college football is as important as eating and breathing. If you're not lucky enough to go to a game on campus, this museum is the next best thing. State-of-the-art multimedia displays are combined with artifacts and documents to tell the colorful story of college football in Alabama. Admission is free, and the museum is open every day except major winter holidays.

The Moundville Archaeological Park, located on Highway 69 about 14 miles south of Tuscaloosa, is one of the most significant prehistoric sites in the United States and one of the most popular destinations in Alabama. The park consists of 26 earthen mounds, the Jones Archaeological Museum and a campground. It is believed that between 800 CE and 1400 CE, Moundville was home to as many as 5,000 indigenous people, making it perhaps the largest city in North America. The collections housed at the museum are among the most important of their kind in the country. Native Americans and children under five years are admitted free. Guided tours are available.

Located about an hour drive from Birmingham, the Anniston Museum of Natural History uses artifacts, documents and interactive exhibits to explain the natural world around us. The most popular exhibits are the large dinosaur skeleton reconstructions, but the museum also houses excellent collections of Native American artifacts and one of the most important ornithological (bird) collections in North America. The museum is open seven days a week, although it is closed on major winter holidays. There is also a museum store. Admission is USD4.50 for adults, USD3.50 for children ages 4-17 and free for children three and younger.

Said to be the best place in the state to mountain bike, Oak Mountain State Park offers 9,400 acres of beautiful central Alabama sprawl. Its features include 18 miles of bike trails, 20 miles of horse trails, camping, cabins and beaches. There is also a demonstration farm with livestock and a wildlife rehabilitation center. Golfing, boating, fishing, swimming and hiking accommodations are all available as well, and picnic areas and restrooms are situated throughout the grounds. The park is approximately a 30-minute drive south from the city center.

With the largest skylight in the western hemisphere situated atop a nine-story glass atrium, the Riverchase Galleria is considered one of Birmingham's must-see landmarks. Not only does the Galleria comprise 200-plus specialty shops and several large department stores, it also boasts more than 30 eateries, indoor landscaping and fountains, arcades, a NASCAR simulator and a merry-go-round.

Sure, Alabama is a partially landlocked state (with the ocean several hours away), but that doesn't mean you can't escape the hustle and bustle of the city and be on the water within 20 minutes of downtown Birmingham. From March through November, Five Mile Creek Canoe & Company offers canoeing and kayaking on 26 miles of Alabama waters. Rental rates start at USD25 for canoes and USD20 for kayaks. No padding experience? Don't worry. They'll give the inexperienced a short lesson. Tubing is also available. Reservations are required, with at least three days notice. Owned by the city of Brookside. - Terah Shelton

Located in the Bonnie Bolding Swearingen Hall at Samford University, the Harrison Theatre creates amazing visual and mind-stimulating experiences. The theater puts up theatrical performances with the help of students of the Samford's School of the Arts. You'll enjoy impressive performances, perfect usage of the stage and props, and passionate compositions. Apart from these stunning performances, a number of ballet, recitals and symphony orchestra concerts are regularly held here. With a schedule full of exhilarating art events spanning all genres, a visit to the theater will never disappoint. Some events are free, but it's advised to call and reserve tickets in advance.

With seating for over 19,000, the BJCC Arena is nothing short of impressive. The arena has an open-beam ceiling, making it an ideal venue for major events like the Southeastern Conference, Sunbelt Conference and NCAA's Mens' Football Tournament. Top artists hold concerts at this arena, and events like the Barnum & Bailey Circus have even made cameos here. Home to the Birmingham Steeldogs, the BJCC Arena is equipped with lighting, sound, scoreboard, video production and telecommunication facilities.