48 hours in Birmingham: Enjoy stunning architecture, impressive art + more

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Birmingham is filled with beautiful architecture and design, and we’ve put together a list of must-see spots for every design lover, complete with gorgeous handcrafted pieces from Alabama Sawyer. They’re a local company that designs modern, environmentally sustainable products from fallen trees in the Birmingham area. Scroll on for your two-day itinerary.

Day One

Stop #1: Pepper Place

Formerly a Dr. Pepper Bottling Plant established in the late 1920s, Pepper Place is now the spot for one of Birmingham’s most beloved farmers markets. It’s also become a design and dining destination whose renovated century-old brick buildings will catch the eye of any history buff.

• Location: 2829 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
• Our recommendations:
  • Catch The Market at Pepper Place on Saturday mornings, and be sure to pop into FarmStand by Stone Hollow Farmstead.
  • Dine at Chef Chris Hastings’ James Beard award-winning restaurant, Hot and Hot Fish Club.
  • Stock up on Birmingham-themed goodies made by local designers and creatives at Yellowhammer.
  • Stop for a scoop of ice cream (or two) at Jeni’s.
• Design highlights:
  • Alabama Sawyer designed and crafted the benches outside of Jeni’s + the countertops, banquette and waitstation at Hot and Hot Fish Club.
  • Design lovers of all kinds must check out Design Supply to find artwork, fine furniture, antiques, decor and more.

SHOP + SAVE: Browse through Alabama Sawyer products from furniture and accessories to decor at the factory sale with Elegant Earth, open to the trade only March 2-4 and open to the public March 10-11 at Premo Factory. Details here.

Stop #2: Valley Hotel

Stay, eat or grab a drink at Valley Hotel in the heart of Homewood. You’ll be close to shops, restaurants and entertainment.

• Location: 2727 18th St S, Homewood, AL 35209
• What you’ll find: Stunning art installations.
• Design highlights:
  • Incredible 20-foot-tall mixed-material sculpture, The Outpouring, made by artist Salem Barker
  • A gorgeous handcrafted bench from Alabama Sawyer (at the entrance of the hotel’s signature bar, Ironwood Kitchen & Cocktails)
  • A beautiful installation by local sculptor Brad Morton, titled Tree of Dreams

Stop #3: Railroad Park

Take a stroll at Railroad Park. (Matthew Niblett / Bham Now)

Affectionately known as “Birmingham’s Living Room”, this lively greenspace is always bustling with active locals. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors, thanks to TLS Landscape Architects who worked with many others for five years to build this downtown central park.

• Location: 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• What you’ll find: Ideal views of trains rolling by and plenty of greenspace to explore await at Railroad Park. We recommend stopping by Red Cat Coffeehouse for your caffeine fix and a snack.
• Design highlights:
  • The countertops at Red Cat were organically crafted from reclaimed wood by Alabama Sawyer.
  • Unlike other places that went to great lengths to hide their train tracks, Railroad Park’s designers intentionally chose to feature the history and functionality of the currently-active tracks that run through the city.
  • Urban Supply, an up-and-coming development from Orchestra Partners, brings food, fun and fitness to Parkside.

Stop #4: CityWalk BHAM

Spot Alabama Sawyer benches throughout City Walk BHAM. (Alabama Sawyer)

City Walk BHAM is Birmingham’s newest attraction, comprised of 31 acres under the I 59/20 bridges that bring the community together.

• Location: 2200 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203—located underneath the I 59/20 interstate bridges through the Central Business District of Birmingham near the BJCC.
• Look for: A state-of-the-art skate park, performance space, art installations + more
• Design highlights:
  • Barge Design Solutions, Brasfield & Gorrie and many other entities brought City Walk BHAM to life.
  • Find unique handcrafted Alabama Sawyer benches and doors throughout the park.

BONUS: In the mood for art? Birmingham Museum of Art is full of incredible galleries to peruse, and it backs right up to CityWalk BHAM. If you have the extra time, check it out—admission is free!

Day Two

Stop #1: Bandsaw Building

Redeveloped by David Baker Architects in partnership with Locke General Contractors, this historic building is named after the rusted bandsaw that still remains in the building’s courtyard today.

• Location: 213 25th St N Suite C, Birmingham, AL 35203
• What you’ll find: Local small businesses June Coffee, Zephyr Barber, and Last Call Bakery all created their first brick-and-mortar locations here. Grab a signature latte and decadent pastry to kickstart your morning.
• Design highlights:
  • June Coffee Roasters boasts a breathtaking, modern interior you have to see for yourself.
  • Don’t miss the bandsaw sculpture in the courtyard.

SALE: Shop Alabama Sawyer‘s products at the upcoming factory sale with Elegant Earth, open to the trade only March 2-4 and open to the public March 10th from 9AM-4PM + March 11th from 10AM-2PM.

Stop #2: Morris Avenue Historic District

Morris Avenue is an architecturally rich cobblestone street lined with retail, dining, office and living space, plus true historic charm. Hungry? We recommend starting your journey with a delicious brunch at The Essential and strolling along from there.

• Location: Morris Avenue
• What you’ll find: Check out Mercantile on Morris and get a bite to eat at James Beard Award-nominated Pizza Grace. Stop by Alabama Peanut Co. and grab a drink from Carrigan’s Public House. P.S. You can wave hello to the Bham Now office!
• Design highlights:
  • Steiner Building—Located nearby on the corner of 21^st Street + 1^st Avenue North, this is one of the oldest buildings downtown and has Romanesque influences.
  • John Hand Building—Birmingham’s original Neoclassical skyscraper was designed by renowned local architect William Leslie Welton, who left his mark on many buildings and residences in The Magic City. 
  • It’ll be a bumpy ride in your car, but the cobblestone streets are a charming historic fixture.
• BONUS: Williams Blackstock architects is housed nearby on 1st Avenue North. They’re currently working on The Hardwick, an exciting new development on the Rotary Trail.

Stop #3: Birmingham Zoo

Who doesn’t love saying hello to some wildlife? The Birmingham Zoo is one of the state’s most popular award-winning attractions, featuring animals from all over the world, and amazing animal care and conservation initiatives.

• Location: 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
• Design highlights:
  • Designed by Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, the Zoo’s arrival experience includes a two-story building, restrooms, two plazas, outdoor classroom, natural play areas and an event lawn.
  • Alabama Sawyer crafted playrounds and benches you can spot around the Zoo.

Stop #4: Golden Age Wine

Round out your perfect weekend exploring The Magic City with a glass of wine and curated small bites from Golden Age Wine.

• Location: 2828 Culver Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35223
• What you’ll find: Located in the heart of Mountain Brook, this locally-owned spot prides itself in sustainably-grown wines and food with high-quality ingredients, placing an emphasis on farming and the environmental impact.  
• Design highlights:
  • Golden Age Wine’s bright, airy interior, designed by David Baker Architects, perfectly complements the robust wine selection.
  • The beautiful, light natural wood shelving throughout the shop was crafted by Alabama Sawyer.

There’s more to explore

Find beautiful Alabama Sawyer pieces at a number of other spots around the city. Scout them out using the map below and add your favorites to your weekend plans.

SALE: Love what you’ve seen from Alabama Sawyer? Shop their furniture, accessories and more at the factory sale with Elegant Earth:

• Where: Premo Factory, 1700 Vanderbilt Rd, Birmingham, AL 35234
• When: Open exclusively to the trade from March 2-4. Open to the public March 10 from 9AM-4PM + March 11 from 10AM-2PM.
• Details

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