Birmingham, AL

Kelly Ingram Park
DESCRIPTION: Pace Freedom Walk in the park slowly to digest the gravity, sacrifices and triumph as Civil Rights Movement theory met harsh reality at this National Historic site;; bronzed sculptures of police attacking civil rights protesters with a Billy-club, attacking police dogs, children jailed for protesting, three ministers praying for justice capture a truthful snapshot of the madness of Jim Crow in the 1960s -- it sends a visceral reminder to generations to come that America must never return to those shameful days; a statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and four paths along Freedom Walk converge towards a center that features a circular inscription with calming words of hope

ADDRESS: bounded by 16th Street North to 17th Street North and Fifth Ave North to Sixth Ave North  MAP

Ruffner Mountain
DESCRIPTION: A 1,000-acre wildlife preserve, is very close to downtown.  Yet miles of hiking trails give you great exercise and rewarding views; including a spectacular overlook with a view of the city; a small nature center houses and covered picnic pavilion make this popular with families

ADDRESS: east of Downtown adjacent to State Route 147 (Ruffner Road)  MAP

PHONE: 205-833-8264

Rickwood Field
DESCRIPTION: Though built in 1910 for the Birmingham Barons Baseball team (Whites), in 1924 the Birmingham Black Barons also took the field on alternating weekends with Negro Leagues Baseball to packed houses; Satchel Paige, Jimmie Crutchfield, “Mule” Suttles, Piper Davis and Willie Mays played here in the Negro Baseball Leagues and the Black Barons captured championships in 1943 and 1948; Willie Mays played on the 1948 Black Barons team prior to moving up to the Major Leagues; in a twist of irony, when the white Barons played Blacks sat in the bleachers, when the Black Barons played Whites sat in the bleachers; on the National Register of Historic Places
DAYS & HOURS: daily

ADDRESS: 1137 Second Ave  MAP

PHONE: 205-780-8023

WEBSITE: http://www.rickwood.com

Birmingham Botanical Gardens
DESCRIPTION: A feast for the eyes, ears, and nose awaits you at these lovingly maintained gardens; The Friends of the Garden promote knowledge and appreciation of plants and the environment with educational offerings

Mon-Fri 9a-4p, Sat 10a-4p, Sun 2p-5p

FREE admission, but donations suggested

ADDRESS: 2612 Lane Park Road  MAP

PHONE: 205-414-3950

WEBSITE: http://www.bbgardens.org

ADDRESS: 801 Golf Course Road  MAP

PHONE: 205-424-9540

Highland Park Golf Course
DESCRIPTION: If you need a challenge, only 1 mile from downtown and a recently completed multi-million-dollar renovation makes this a beautiful Par 70 course just the ticket; only 6000 yards over Rye fairways and Bent Grass greens, fees are $36-$46 with carts included; there’s a practice range and rental clubs are available; Tee time policy is 5 days advance reservation; major credit cards accepted

ADDRESS: 3300 Highland Avenue  MAP

PHONE: 205-322-1902

Don A. Hawkins/Roebuck Municipal
DESCRIPTION: Ideal for bargain hunters and only 10 miles from downtown, this Par 71 city facility is a bargain and a challenge over its 6500 yards; Green Fees $28 and include carts; no rental clubs or credit cards

ADDRESS: 8920 Roebuck Boulevard  MAP

PHONE: 205-836-7318

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
DESCRIPTION: 10 miles west of downtown, this Birmingham location has three courses among the Golf Trail, which is the largest in the world. The courses make maximum use of the Appalachian peaks and valleys, particularly those at Oxmoor Valley; pick your scenic fantasy and poison on the Ridge Course, Valley Course or Short Course

ADDRESS: 100 Sunbelt Parkway, Birmingham  MAP

PHONE: 205-942-1177 or 800-949-4444

WEBSITE: http://www.rtjgolf.com