Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
Garden & Gun features Birmingham in new article—here’s what they said
Reading time: 3 minutes
If you are looking for things to do in the South, Garden & Gun (G&G) is one of those “go to” page-turning publications.
This week, the popular magazine featured The Magic City with a story titled “What’s New in Birmingham.”
Did they get the list right? We think so.
Here is who they profiled:
Elysian Gardens — music, food & the outdoors
The funky sculpture garden near the railroad tracks in Avondale brought on two new restaurants this summer; Kuntri Kitchens and A&D Wings and Things. This place is perfect for music fans who like to see their favorite bands, such as String Theory.
Disney coming to Birmingham Museum of Art
G&G nailed this one. In 2024, everyone will be taking their families and friends to the Birmingham Museum of Art to see the Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume exhibit, which features 70 costumes from over 50 years of classic and modern Disney films, including:
- Captain Jack Sparrow’s pirate garb
- Cruella De Vil’s fashionable frock
- Cinderella’s glass slipper
- Belle’s ball gown from Beauty and the Beast
- Mary Poppins’ dress from Mary Poppins Returns
The show runs from February to August. Check out the Bham Now story on this once-in-a-lifetime exhibit.
New trails popping up everywhere
Over the past few months there have been a number of new trail openings and announcements happening across Jefferson County, thanks to the Freshwater Land Trust.
It caught Garden & Gun’s attention. Here is the latest:
- Five Mile Creek Greenway Extension opens
- New trail connecting Crossplex to Red Mountain Park
- Bryant-Jordan “spur” off the Kiwanis Club Vulcan Trail
Civil Rights National Monument restoration and expansion
In 2023, we remembered the 60th anniversary of the Civil Right events that occurred in Birmingham from the Children’s Crusade to the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church, killing 4 little girls. It has truly been an emotional and important year for the city.
Restoration projects also abound in the civil rights district, from the A.G. Gaston Motel to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. One can’t miss attraction discovered by G&G is the new A.G. Gaston exhibit at the newly restored coffee shop/dining spot at the Motel.
Cantina is back!
The placing of Cantina Tortilla Grill in West Homewood on Garden & Gun’s “What’s New” list was a pleasant surprise for locals like me. After a brief hiatus, the return of Jorge and Aimee Castro’s Cantina has brought smiles to longtime fans of this beloved Mexican restaurant.
It’s really cool that a national publication such as G&G recognized Cantina’s return.
Who did Garden & Gun miss?
Did Garden & Gun miss any other “What’s New” happenings in The Magic City?
Can you guess who will make the 2024 list? A new $50 million Amphitheater near the Protective for example? Let us know who will make the list by tagging us on social media at @bhamnow
