staci1

We are thinking of driving from South Florida to Birmingham, Alabama over Christmas break for a change of scenery. Can you suggest any must see places such as nature, restaurants, museums, etc. Also, are there any special holiday events in the area? What is the weather like at the end of December? My husband and I are traveling with my teenage daughter. I am looking forward to reading any feedback you can provide.

starrs

Any particular reason for Birmingham? For how long of a period of time? There are some other ideas nearby in west GA too.

staci1

We will probably have about 5 days. Living in South Florida, it takes FOREVER to drive anywhere out of the state. We have been to Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee in December many times because they are all within a one day drive. We have never vacationed in Alabama and the drive seems reasonable. I thought Birmingham because it was a bigger city, but I am open to ideas!

fmpden

Personally don't think there is much in Birmingham. The Civil Right museum is well done but depressing when thinking what Birmingham was like in the 50s and 60s. There is a park with reproductions of historical buildings outside of Birmingham that is slightly interesting if you have never seen the originals. And there are some wineries in the area.

Good luck

AustinTraveler

How about someplace different in Florida? Have you visited the Panhandle? December can be an iffy month weather-wise but it can also be pretty nice.

I would suggest Destin or east of Destin (Grayton Beach, etc.).

Or maybe New Orleans? I think it would be maybe a half hour longer drive than to Birmingham.

starrs

What about staying at Callaway Gardens and taking day trips to different locations - including Birmingham?

Take a look at this link -
http://www.callawaylodgeandspa.com/l...tasy-in-lights

starrs

Callaway Gardens to -
Birmingham = 150 miles - 2.5 hours

Historic Westville - about 60 miles and 1 hour
Hike Providence Canyon State Park - about 8 miles from Westville
Drive through Eufala, AL to see the beautifully decorated antebellum homes - about 30 miles from Westville

FDR's Little White House - about 15 miles and 22 minutes
Hiking at FDR State Park - 10 miles and about 15 minutes

Another day trip idea = Plains, GA, SAM shortline railway and eat at Yoder's in Montezuma (Mennonite restaurant)

staci1

Thanks, fmpden. It sounds like you guys are talking me out of Birmingham.

Austin Traveler, we have been to every nook and cranny in Florida. I do like the area you mentioned though.

Starrs, thanks for all the suggestions. We really enjoy Callaway Gardens but have never been to the other places you mention. I will check those out later. There is also a Wild Animal Park in the area that my daughter liked

Gretchen

Birmingham has GREAT restaurants--Frank Stitt's home town. Go to Montgomery to see the Maya Lin Civil Rights memorial at the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Have you done Charleston properly?
Asheville

starrs

If your budget would allow, I'd go to Cumberland Island and stay at the Greyfield. When you check out the prices, remember it includes the food and (non-alcoholic) drinks. You could mix it with another location if several days there are too much.

http://www.greyfieldinn.com/


Someone mentioned Grayton Beach and anywhere along the village of 30a would be wonderful.
www.30a.com
There's a new hotel at Rosemary Beach -
http://www.thepearlrb.com/?gclid=Cj0...AcAaAp7y8P8HAQ
Or you could rent a place.

VERY quiet = Cape San Blas and/or Indian Pass
A bit busier (but still quiet) = St. George Island
All are near the historic Apalachicola and, as someone said above, the fabulous Apalach oysters will be in season.
Be sure to eat at the Indian Pass Raw Bar.

Get out on the water with Miss Judy Charters -
https://www.facebook.com/missjudicharters



Gretchen is right. There are some really great restaurants in Birmingham. I just came up short thinking of a destination type hotel for the holidays and/or things to see and do nearby.

starrs

^^^ for several days using B'ham as a base.

staci1

Great-Thanks again. We decided to go to Callaway Gardens and do day trips from there. That Greyfield Inn looks very nice but we could never fit that into our budget.