Birmingham, AL

Birmingham Museum of Art
DESCRIPTION: A fine regional museum with a nationally- recognized collection of international distinguished art from ancient eras to modern times; included are a sculpture garden, Asian art collection, contemporary art collection, 18th Century French Painting; you might find yourself drawn to the Native American Art Collection; a terrace Cafe onsite
ADMISSION: Free, except for blockbuster events
PARKING: Free behind the building; additional paid parking across the street
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Sat 10a-5p, Sun 12p-5p
ADDRESS: 2000 Eighth Avenue North  MAP
PHONE: 205-254-2565 or 2566
WEBSITE: http://www.artsbma.org

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
DESCRIPTION: Bills itself as the largest motorcycle museum in North America; one thing is certain, with 500+ motorcycles from around the world something will catch your eye and make you go “Hummm, I could see myself riding that”; motorcycle buffs will really appreciate the vintage race cars on exhibit
ADMISSION: Adults $10, children $6
PARKING: Free on-site
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Sat 10-5 Sundays 12-5
ADDRESS: 6030 Barber Motorsports Parkway   MAP
PHONE: 205-252-8377
WEBSITE: http://www.barbermuseum.org

Alabama Theatre for the Performing Arts
DESCRIPTION: Built in 1927 by Paramount Studios as a movie palace, it lasted in that function for 55 years; in 1987, the bankrupt theatre was purchased by a non-profit corporation who transitioned it to become the wonderful venue that today hosts concerts – including Will Downing, other performing arts, and special film presentations; in 1998, was completely restored to its 1927 grandeur with all the sparkling gold leaf, fancy organ chambers and more
ADMISSION: varies by concert
PARKING: downtown garages
DAYS & HOURS: dates varies by show, but shows usually start at 7:30p or 8p
ADDRESS: 1817 Third Avenue North  MAP
PHONE: 205-251-0418
WEBSITE: http://www.alabamatheatre.com

Bare Hands Gallery
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1996 as a non-profit art gallery supporting Alabama artists; features regular exhibits of contemporary visual arts, the gallery hosts discussions, workshops, musical performances and evening yoga classes
ADMISSION: $2
PARKING: on street
DAYS & HOURS: Wed-Sat 11a-6p
ADDRESS: 109 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd South  MAP
PHONE: 205-324-2124
WEBSITE: http://www.barehandsgallery.org

Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
DESCRIPTION: More than 4,000 pieces of memorabilia tell the stories of Alabama sports greats including all-time baseball greats Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Willie McCovery
ADMISSION:
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Sat 9p-5p
ADDRESS: 2150 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd North  MAP
PHONE: 205-323-6665
WEBSITE: http://www.ashof.org

Bessemer, AL

Bessemer Hall of History Museum
DESCRIPTION: This finely appointed Craftsman-style railroad depot testifies to the prosperity of Bessemer in the early 20th century. The former Southern Railway passenger station now serves as a local history museum
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Sat 9a-4p
ADDRESS: 1905 Alabama Avenue  MAP
PHONE: 205-426-1633 
WEBSITE: http://bessemerhallofhistory.blogspot.com

Tuscaloosa, AL

Mercedes-Benz Visitors Center
DESCRIPTION: The only Mercedes Visitor Center outside Germany and a must visit for car-lovers; the company’s history is presented in a factory tour of the dazzling state-of-the-art 24,000 square foot facility
ADMISSION: Free by reservation only
PARKING: Free on premises
DAYS & HOURS: Tue & Thu 8:30a-4:30p
ADDRESS: 11 Mercedes Drive  MAP
PHONE: 205-507-3300
WEBSITE: http://www.bamabenz.com