With Thanksgiving approaching, I have been reflecting on what I am grateful for this year. This city has given me so much to be thankful for in the time that my family has lived here. These are just 10 of the many things I am thankful for in Birmingham.
1. Great Friends
One of my favorite things about Birmingham is the people. I have called this sweet city home for the past 10 years, and each year has brought more kind and interesting people into my life. I am so thankful for all of my friends who bring joy into my life and am looking forward to the new friends I will meet here in the future.
2. Great Food
Birmingham has an amazing culinary scene. My family has our reliable favorites, but there are plenty of opportunities to try something new too. Whether my husband and I are looking for a date night location or somewhere the kids will love, our city never lets us down.
There are also plenty of nearby farmer’s markets and even orchards to pick apples, blueberries, and strawberries to keep my kitchen stocked with fresh food.
3. Lots of Outdoor Space
I love that the Birmingham area offers tons of parks to play in. We even have Oak Mountain State Park nearby, where my family can hike, canoe and kayak, and even visit the Alabama Wildlife Center.
4. Seasonal Fun
Whether it is spring, summer, autumn, or winter, Birmingham has fun activities for any age in any season.
5. Amazing Entertainment
Birmingham has a small town feel, but big town entertainment. The BJCC, Red Mountain Theater, Lyric Theater, and Alabama Theatre all feature concerts, comedians, and shows filled with singing and dancing that make our family glad to live in the area.
6. Fun Learning Opportunities
We are fortunate to drive only minutes and have access to awesome educational experiences like McWane Center, Birmingham Zoo, Botanical Gardens, Aldridge Gardens, Cook Museum, Vulcan Museum, and more!
7. Excellent Healthcare
I am so thankful to have amazing choices when it comes to hospitals, physicians, dentists, and other healthcare professionals for my family. With Birmingham being home to hospitals on the cutting edge of research like Children’s of Alabama and UAB Medicine, I know my entire family will be in good hands if they are sick or hurt.
8. Exceptional Education
In the Birmingham area, there are many great choices for educating your children between all of the great public school, private school, home school options available. I am thankful for the administrators, teachers, staff, and parents who pour into my children and allow them to learn well.
9. Freedom
While there are a lot of terrible things that have happened in our city’s history, many brave citizens have persisted in their pursuit of civil rights for all and have been victorious. Birmingham’s Civil Rights Institute is one place that helps us to remember sacrifices that were made in the past so that we call can appreciate the freedom we enjoy today.
10. Beautiful Art
Throughout the city, there are opportunities to see works of local artists, as well as world renowned artists. I am grateful that my children get to learn about and appreciate a wide range of art, from masterpieces in the Birmingham Museum of Art to street art like murals in downtown Birmingham.
