2 6 | T R A V E L P L A N N E R S G U I D E

STUDENT FRIENDLY

ATTRACTIONS

ALABAMA JAZZ HALL OF FAME Erskine Hawkins, Nat King Cole, Lionel Hampton and other legendary greats are immortalized in the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, within the historic Carver Theatre. Approximate tour time: 1 hour

ALABAMA SPORTS HALL OF FAME From Paul Bear Bryant to Jesse Owens to Willie Mays, memorabilia and memories of Alabama s sports heroes are enshrined at this Hall of Fame. Approximate tour time: 1 hour

ALABAMA THEATRE Built in 1927, the Alabama Theatre is one of the nation s last operating movie palaces, featuring first-run and revised films, concerts and events. Approximate tour time: 1 hour

ALDRIDGE GARDENS Aldridge gardens provides hands-on outdoor learning experiences designed to help students make a connection between what they have learned in books and what goes on in the environment around us. Approximate tour time: 1 hour

AMERICAN VILLAGE At the American Village, costumed historical interpreters guide students on a trip back in time to rediscover the story of America s journey for liberty and independence. Approximate tour time: 2 ½ hours

BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS The Gardens are Alabama s largest living museum with more than 10,000 different plants in themed areas. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens also has the largest horticulture library in the U.S., conservatories, a wildflower garden, two rose gardens and Japanese Gardens with a traditionally crafted tea house. Approximate tour time: 1 hour

BIRMINGHAM CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE The Civil Rights Institute s multimedia facility is known for its permanent gallery, a moving portrayal of America s trek from the Civil Rights struggle to a racial progress. The permanent exhibition houses an extensive collection of artifacts and much more. Approximate tour time: 2 hours

BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART The Birmingham Museum of Art features an outstanding permanent collection of more than 18,000 works of art from many cultures, including European, American, Asian and African. The museum is also home to the largest museum collection of Wedgwood china. Approximate tour time: 2 hours

BUD S BEST COOKIES Ever since owner Bud Cason was a 12-year-old boy working in his aunt s bakery, he knew he wanted to own a cookie factory someday. Today, Bud s Best Cookies facility can output more than 1 million cookies per hour in dozens of varieties a feat that makes it the world s most modern cookie factory. Approximate tour time: 1 hour

CAHABA PUMPING STATION The Cahaba Pump Station has been providing quality water services to Birmingham-area residents since 1887. Today, this historic set of structures is a learning center and a working museum. Several buildings have been renovated in keeping with their original design and house early tools, equipment, photographs and other artifacts. Approximate tour time: 1 hour

GOLDEN FLAKE POTATO CHIP FACTORY Try a tour of Golden Flake Snack Foods, the company that s been in the business of creating the South s crispiest chips since 1923. Your group will have a blast learning about the production process firsthand and sampling the South s original potato chip. No appointments necessary, but groups of ten or more should call ahead to avoid a wait. Children must be five years old or older. Approximate tour time: 1 hour

JONES VALLEY URBAN TEACHING FARM At Jones Valley Teaching Farm, three acres of vacant downtown property are used to grow organic produce and flowers, as well as educate the community about healthy food. JVTF offers a monthly series of organic gardening classes and also conducts several educational programs for children and adults. Its Second Saturday Series welcomes the general public to learn about organic farming methods and fresh, local food. Visitors may also take a self-guided tour of JVTF s demonstration farm downtown, which showcases sustainable farming methods. Please call ahead for an appointment. Approximate tour time:

45 minutes 1 hour