11 ways to enjoy a beautiful day at Railroad Park
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You’ve got a day to spend in Birmingham and Railroad Park is at the top of your list of places to go and things to see. We know you want to capture those great mems for the ‘gram and sample some of Birmingham’s best offerings. Keep reading to find our top picks for 11 ways to enjoy a beautiful day at Railroad Park.
To get the full Railroad Park experience, we recommend heading down there on a weekend. Bring your mask—they’re still required in Birmingham. And bring your favorite form of contactless payment ‘cause we know you’re gonna want to stop along the way for meals and snacks.
1. Get breakfast at The Red Cat
Come early and come hungry, and stop by The Red Cat for breakfast or brunch. The Red Cat has put on their best summer weekend brunch menu with new lemon scones (available Sundays at RR Park). Have them with lavender earl grey fog (which just sounds like the definition of a cozy grey morning but maybe that’s just me) or your favorite coffee.
They are back in business and open for socially-distanced dine-in, curbside, takeout + delivery.
Location: 1701 1st Ave S #101, Birmingham, AL 35233
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | GoFundMe | 205.518.0779
2. Watch the skateboarders, skaters + bikers in the bowls at Railroad Park
While this picture was taken during the before times, these bowls are still just as much fun for skaters, skateboarders, scooter-riders + bikers of all ages.
Be warned: if you’ve got a little one and they have wheels, they are going to want to go down and up in these bowls. Again and again. And again. In fact, this could be a good spot to drink the beverage you just picked up at the Red Cat.
3. Do all the things at Railroad Park
If you like to move, you’ll be in heaven in The Magic City’s living room. Run, walk, skate, bike or fly a kite. Enjoy all the views you can get of the Birmingham skyline and the park itself.
While I’m not 100% sure if you’re allowed to lounge in the park yet or if you need to keep moving, I do know there’s a lot to see. People watch, say hello to the ducks, look up as the trains go past or throw something (preferably a frisbee or football) with a friend.
4. Grab a drink at Good People
After you’ve been moving for a while, you might be thirsty. In which case, Good People is just a short stroll away.
Here’s what they had to say about this historic moment we’re all living in:
“The name Good People stems from our incredible community and the togetherness that we achieve through our products. Like so many of you, we are upset and saddened by the obvious division within our society. We do not support hate, violence, oppression or injustice. We do support the good people calling for and working toward a loving, equitable, vibrant future. We believe that the conditions that have led to this moment can be changed even if they seem insurmountable now, and we’re proud to do our part to change them.”
Location: 114 14th St S, Birmingham, Alabama 35233
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | 205.326.4229
5. Eat a Chicago-style pizza at Tortugas
After a drink and all that moving, you know you’re gonna be hungry, so head over to Tortugas Pizza. It’s one of the few places in the ‘Ham where you can get *true* Chicago-style pizza. Plus, just look at that picture. Doesn’t it make you want to dig right in?
Location: 1304 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | 205.730.9249
6. Take a picture by the iconic Rotary Trail sign
While it’s not always bedecked in flowers, the Rotary Trail sign *is* always Instagram-worthy. Plus, it’s right at the entrance to the Rotary Trail, which is a lovely place to continue enjoying the day downtown.
As you head over there, you can imagine the day when this vision of Parkside has come to life.
7. Walk the Rotary trail + sit at Frank’s Table
The Rotary Trail took an unsightly place called “The Cut” and turned it into something beautiful for our city. Enjoy a walk or run, and when you get to it, check out “Frank’s Table.”
Be sure to tag your photos with #redrocktrailsystem and #hikethemagiccity.
8. Check out The Hardwick + the cool building across from it
The Hardwick was a 110-year old steel processing plant that’s now slated to become like The Pizitz. Imagine offices and restaurants in an old building that’s been fancified for modern times.
Across the trail, be sure to check out the extremely colorful art-covered building. Another fantastic backdrop for all your photo needs.
Location: 2308 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
9. Get a donut at HERO doughnuts
Although some of the windows are boarded up, HERO Doughnuts is open and ready to meet all your doughnuts needs after (or before, or during) a big day out.
Bonus: If you’re a first responder or healthcare worker, you can get 25% off your order for the month of June—just bring your work ID.
Location: 1701 1st Ave S Suite 135, Birmingham, AL 35233
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | 205.558.8011
10. If it’s the weekend, eat at The SwitchYard on 14th
Even if a baseball game isn’t happening, you can still finish up your day with some food or a drink at The Switchyard on 14th at Regions Field.
Location: 1401 1st Ave. South, Regions Field, Birmingham, AL 35233
Contact: Facebook | Instagram | 205.988.3200
11. Take pictures in the Rainbow LED Tunnel
Before you head home, stop off at the Rainbow LED Tunnel for the obligatory end-of-day photoshoot.
Finally, it’s not open at the moment due to COVID-19, but when it is, you have to stop by and check out the Negro Southern League Museum, too.
Now tell us, Birmingham, what are your favorite ways to enjoy a day at Railroad Park? Tag us on social @bhamnow and let us know!
