The summer has certainly flown by. Kids are heading back to school, summer vacations are winding down and our weekly routines are slowly falling back into place. Even so, Birmingham still has so much to offer before the seasons change, so we’re taking advantage of every opportunity we can find! Check off these activities from your bucket list before summer turns to fall in a few short weeks. Here are 10 things to do in the Magic City before summer officially comes to a close.
Take a Pedal Tour
Soak in the last few weeks of summer on Birmingham’s very first group pedal bike. Take a private tour with up to 14 of your best friends and see the sights of Avondale, Pepper Place, Lakeview or Downtown Birmingham by bike. The tour lasts two hours and includes stops at your favorite watering holes including Good People, Carrigans, Tavern on 1st, Rouge, Pour House, Pizitz and many more. Whether you’ve lived in the Magic City your whole life or you’re new here, this tour is a must-do for everyone! Pricing starts at $199. For more information, visit birminghampedaltours.com.
Ride in style with Birmingham Pedal Tours to the best bars that the Ham has to offer. Image: Birmingham Pedal Tour
Go Diving
No need to dig out your passport and book a flight when you can scuba dive right here in Birmingham. Blue Water Park in Pelham boasts 26 acres of scuba diving potential. While the depth of the quarry ranges from 4 to 140 feet, the quarry has an average depth of 100 feet. Don’t worry if you’re a newbie, there are several training pools and instructors to help you get your feet wet — pun intended. Once you’re certified and ready to dive in, you’ll be able to explore sunken cars, boats and even a school bus. This is an experience you won’t forget. Head on over to bluewaterparkal.com to check scuba diving off of your summer bucket list.
Explore all that Blue Water Park in Pelham has to offer this summer. Image: Blue Water Park
Tour Birmingham’s Newest Distillery
Cheers to the long days, hot weather and cold drinks. There’s no doubt that Birmingham has been booming with new breweries, bars and now distilleries. Downtown Birmingham’s newest distillery, Dread River Distillery, is now open for tours, tastings, and more. Sip on a delectable cocktail and enjoy the rich history of Dread River and the Magic City. From gin, vodka, and rum to whiskey, bourbon and rye, there is something from everyone at Dread River. Take a tour and see how this distillery handcrafts each of their liquors. Dread River is also home to an event space that is perfect for rehearsal dinners, birthday parties or any other special celebration. Visit dreadriver.com for more info and be sure to drink responsibly, Bham!
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Enjoy a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Thrillseekers, have you ever wanted to get a bird’s eye view of the Magic City? At Southern Balloon Journeys, you can! The perfect way to send off summer is with an adventurous ride on a hot air balloon right here in Birmingham. See your state from the sky as you fly over the towns and farmlands of central Alabama. A hot air balloon adventure is truly a once in a lifetime experience, so mark it off your bucket list before summer comes to a close. For more information, visit flysbj.com.
Stroll Through a Farmers Market
Summer produce is still at its peak so make plans to head down to your community’s local farmers market. Stroll down the streets and enjoy the summer weather as you meet vendors, shop handmade gifts and goodies and munch on delicious made-from-scratch treats. Supporting your local farmers market is a great way to stay involved in your city and keep your fridge stocked with nutritious, ethically sourced food for you and your family. See our round-up of the best Birmingham farmers’ markets here.
Stroll through the streets of Pepper Place on Saturday mornings. Image: The Market at Pepper Place
Enjoy a Rooftop Bar
On a hot summer’s evening, there’s nothing more enjoyable than sipping on a cold cocktail and taking in the views (and breeze) from a spot on top of one of Birmingham’s iconic buildings. Some of our favorites include Moon Shine at the Elyton Hotel, Roots & Revelry, the Redmont Hotel and Carrigan’s Public House. Enjoy $6 craft beer specials at Moon Shine on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., $6 well drinks on Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and $6 glasses of house wine on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Enjoy a cocktail, delicious bites, and the stunning views at Moon Shine on top of the Elyton Hotel. Image: Moon Shine
Give Civil Axe Throwing a Go
New to Birmingham is Civil Axe Throwing, and it’s as fun as you’re imagining. Axe throwing is easy to learn, designed with safety in mind and the perfect activity for family outings, team building workshops or birthday parties. With professional instructors on-site to help you get started, you’ll be a hatchet-throwing expert in no time! For more information, visit civilaxethrowing.com.
Pick up a new hobby at Civil Axe Throwing this summer. Image: Civil Axe Throwing
Attend a Birmingham Barons Game
Baseball is America’s favorite pastime, so you can’t let summer turn into fall until you’ve attended a Birmingham Barons game or two. With the regular season ending in early September, you only have a few chances left to support our hometown baseball team. Choose from any of their special promotion games including Friday night Fireworks, $1 hot dogs on Tuesdays and, everyone’s favorite, Thirsty Thursday. Load up the family, take in the views of downtown Birmingham from a seat at Regions Field, and soak up every last second of summer. To see their full promotional schedule and purchase tickets, visit milb.com.
Float Down the Cahaba River
Nothing says summer in the South more than floating down a river in a tube with your best friends and no agenda. Mark a day off your calendar, grab your friends and a cooler or two, and take the short trip to Montevallo where you can rent a tube and drop in the Cahaba. You’ll wind down the river for up to 6 hours until you reach a spot where you’ll be picked up and taken back to your original drop-in spot! Relax, unwind, and take in the beautiful scenery of Alabama’s gorgeous Cahaba River. For more information, visit alabama.travel.
Enjoy a Birmingham Taste Tour
Be a tourist in your own city and sample the best bites that Birmingham has to offer during a taste tour. Birmingham Taste Tours is a privately owned company that offers an interactive three-hour walking food, drink, and historical tour for visitors and locals alike. Patrons snack on eclectic tastings from Birmingham’s most authentic locally owned restaurants while strolling up and down the streets of the Magic City’s budding neighborhoods. With four unique tours to choose from, including our favorite, the brunch tour, this is sure to be the highlight of your summer. To book your spot and earn your official Birmingham foodie badge, visit bhamtastetours.com.
Birmingham is the new hot spot for foodies. Taste your city with Birmingham Taste Tours. Image: Birmingham Taste Tours
Enjoy every last minute of the summer season, Birmingham!
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