How to plan the ultimate Birmingham staycation in Uptown

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(BJCC)
(BJCC)

Looking to plan a summer vacation, but don’t have time to hop on a plane or drive for hours? Lucky for you, Birmingham has everything you need to create an unforgettable staycation—especially if you center your weekend around the BJCC and the Uptown Entertainment District.

Whether you’re looking for luxury hotel stays, drool-worthy local eats or can’t-miss activities, here’s your guide to living it up as a tourist in the Magic City.

What to do in Birmingham’s Uptown Entertainment District

(BJCC)
A massive crowd came out to see Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight and Stephanie Mills at Legacy Arena on May 17, 2025. (BJCC)

Whether you’re into live music, sports, outdoor spaces or a little bit of everything, there’s no shortage of things to do when you plan your staycation in Uptown.

Find delicious eats + drinks in Uptown

Eugene's Hot Chicken
Grab a delicious bite to eat at Eugene’s Hot Chicken or any of the delicious restaurants in Uptown. (Patience Itson / Bham Now)

No staycation is complete without treating yourself to the best eats and drinks your destination has to offer. In Uptown, you’ll find restaurants and bars to satisfy any craving, including:

P.S. Want to satisfy that sweet tooth? Locally-owned K&J’s Elegant Pastries serves up custom cakes and sweet treats Tuesday through Saturday.

Click here to learn more about these and other restaurants in Uptown.

Staycation in style at the Sheraton and Westin hotels

(BJCC)
Two state-of-the-art hotels are located on the BJCC campus. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

When you’re on vacation (or staycation), it helps to start and end your day at a comfortable, relaxing home base. Luckily, there are two state-of-the-art hotels in the heart of the Uptown Entertainment District offering modern, chic accommodations and direct connections to the BJCC campus.

  • Located across the street from the BJCC’s main campus, The Sheraton Birmingham Hotel is a convenient place to stay if you plan on attending any events at Legacy Arena or Protective Stadium. With spacious rooms, a fitness center and other thoughtful amenities, The Sheraton Birmingham is a stylish way to spend your staycation in the Magic City. (Oh, and did we mention that it’s pet-friendly?)

Fun fact: The BJCC recently completed a $5M renovation of The Sheraton Birmingham’s lobby, which added a new signature restaurant called &More by Sheraton.

  • The Westin Birmingham places guests in the middle of all the excitement in Birmingham’s Uptown Entertainment District. Inside, you’ll find luxurious, pet-friendly accommodations, on-site parking and a refreshing rooftop pool with stunning views of the Birmingham skyline.

Ready to plan your next staycation in Birmingham’s Uptown Entertainment District? Visit the BJCC’s website to learn more and tag us @bhamnow with your favorite things to do in Uptown!

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Nathan Watson
Nathan Watson

Senior Content Producer + Photographer

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