“Do you know why we’re having cake today?” I ask my five- and three-year-old children. They stand on step stools at the counter. Their mouths curl upwards and their eyes dance in anticipation.
“It’s the ninth birthday of our family.” I tell my kids and cut into a cake full of sprinkles.
“Happy anniversary!” My husband and I cheer. I place fat slices of cake on plates, hand them out, and we all dig in.
My husband and I lock eyes. Our eyes also twinkle with anticipation. As a celebration of our marriage, we will spend our first night away on a 20-hour Birmingham staycation. After research and recommendations from friends, we have two different Adventure Paths. We are excited to be tourists in our city, exploring special Birmingham-only options!
Where to Stay
Adventure A: Elyton Hotel
The 16-story Elyton, built in 1909, is “home to the former iconic Empire Building, one of the South’s best-known architectural landmarks.” The hotel is “celebrated as a symbol of Birmingham’s golden era and one of the country’s great industrial and manufacturing centers. Rising from the corner of 1st Avenue North and 20th Street – one of four buildings built at the intersection that were so large the corner was called the ‘Heaviest Corner on Earth’.”
Adventure B: Grand Bohemian
The Grand Bohemian, a boutique hotel offering a luxurious experience through decor, food, and spa, is located in Mountain Brook, a short walk from the Birmingham Zoo, Mountain Brook Village and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Our Decision
Ultimately, the desire to stay downtown and walk to dinner influenced our decision to stay at the Elyton. From the moment we checked in, we marveled at the history and grandeur of interior details. We also relished the view from the rooftop bar of the entire cityscape, including Vulcan!
Where to Drink + Eat
Adventure A: Adios for cocktails + Helen for dinner
Adios, located on 1st Avenue South and 22nd St North, is an oasis inspired by Mexico City. Guests can savor “classic cocktails made unique by incorporating Mexican-made-and-grown spirits” while enjoying a cozy interior filled with tropical plants, art (“such as antique stained glass from a chapel in TK, Mexico and prints from Oaxacan artist”), and a Dia de los Muertos ofrenda. Both owners and operators, José Medina Camacho and Jesús Méndez, were born in Mexico and “immigrated with their families to northern Alabama in the early 90s and began working in the food & beverage industry at an early age.”
From Adios, walk two blocks to Helen. Helen, led by Chef Rob McDaniel and Emily McDaniel, is named for the Chef’s grandmother and pays tribute to his memories cooking over her indoor grill. Expect contemporary Southern food (steak, chicken, duck, fish with surprising and interesting appetizers and sides) sourced seasonably from local suppliers. The restaurant is located in “a two-story 1920s-era shotgun-style building” on 2nd Ave North. The interior boasts both intimacy and celebration through partnership with “local artisans, such as iron workers, wood workers, and other artists.”
Adventure B: Mayawell Bar for cocktails + Ovenbird for dinner
Mayawell Bar, located one block off Pepper Place, specializes in tequila + mezcal and offers both classic + innovative cocktails with a Latin Flair. Owner and operator Neill Crook opened Mayawell after travel to Mexico City where “he fell in love with everything he experienced there: the food, the people, the culture, and especially the drinks.” Sit at the bar or a table and enjoy the welcoming, intimate space indoors or on the inviting rooftop, weather permitting.
From Mayawell bar, walk one block to Ovenbird. The restaurant is owned by Chris and Idie Hastings and is nestled in Pepper Place. The menu “focuses on the amazing seasonal southern ingredients we know and love that takes inspiration from the live-fire traditions of Spain, Portugal, Uruguay, Argentina and, of course, the American South.”
Our Decision
Due to proximity to the Elyton, we decided to enjoy tequila cocktails at Adios and a celebratory dinner at Helen. We were transported from Birmingham to Mexico City to a grandmother’s kitchen in one short evening. What a whirlwind!
Where to Breakfast
Adventure A: Frothy Monkey
Frothy Monkey hails from Nashville and has two locations in Birmingham. Expect excellent black coffee as well as specialty coffee and tea drinks. Enjoy breakfast and homemade pastries inside the cozy, light-filled restaurant or sit on the patio to take in fresh air.
Adventure B: The Essential
The Essential is a neighborhood bistro owned and operated by Kristen Hall and Victor King. The cozy interior boasts subway tiles, plenty of natural light, and both wood and marble. Local Alabama produce and locally roasted coffee enhance breakfast here!
Our Decision
After a restful night’s sleep (away from our children!), we walked a few blocks to Frothy Monkey where we enjoyed a lengthy breakfast on the back patio, our own personal oasis.
Where to Enjoy Nature
Railroad Park is a “19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city.” The park runs along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets and is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. The park boasts a lake, rain curtain, wetlands area, and many ponds + streams. There is space for kids to play, and many local events take place at this stunning park! Walk around the park to enjoy different views of the city and admire found objects used to build the park (such as railroad ties).
Rotary Trail is the “Rotary Club of Birmingham’s 100th anniversary gift to the Birmingham community.” Snap a selfie in front of the iconic Magic City sign and then marvel at walking into a landscaped, cut-out, four-block pathway. The trail was finished in 2015 and was created from a vacant railroad right-of-way.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens are open year-round, and each trip feels different due to its size and seasonal plants in bloom. Choose a different section of the garden to visit (roses, Japanese garden, fountain, winding path over a stream), and then pick a favorite plant for the day. The Gardens offer a cafe and plenty of space to explore!
With full stomachs and sunshine overhead, we wanted to explore all the wonderful green space in our city. We definitely got our steps in after walking around all three of these places!
