Alabama: The Metropolitan Region
Tourism Information
The Metropolitan Region is a diverse slice of the state.
You'll find speed at Talladega Superspeedway, big-city
living in Greater Birmingham, peaches like no others in
Chilton County, the roar of water rushing over Noccalula
Falls and M-Class cars easing along assembly lines at the
Mercedes plant in Vance. Attractions, activities and events
are waiting for you in places like Birmingham, Tuscaloosa,
Anniston and Gadsden.
Central Alabama is rich with recreational opportunities and
rich in history, art, and natural beauty.
At the Westervelt-Warner Museum in Tuscaloosa, more than 400
pieces of art from the late 18th and early 20th centuries
offer a fascinating look into American life. The Kentuck
Museum in neighboring Northport plays host each October to
the Kentuck Festival of Arts.
Stay and play at Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort in
Hoover or tee off at any one of more than 30 other golfing
venues in the region. Enjoy thrilling roller coaster rides
at Alabama Adventure theme park in Bessemer, motorcycle
racing at Barber Motorsports Park, or heart-pounding NASCAR
racing at Talladega Superspeedway.
Birmingham, home to Vulcan, the world's largest cast iron
statue, hosts the Birmingham Museum of Art, the largest
municipal museum in the Southeast. Enjoy its magnificent
permanent collection of more than 21,000 works, including
the finest collection of Wedgewood outside of England.
Visit the Alabama Theatre for the Performing Arts, home of
the largest Wurlitzer theater pipe organ in the South. Enjoy
ballet, theatre, and concert performances at the Alys
Stephens Center, explore the world of jazz at the Alabama
Jazz Hall of Fame, or enjoy the annual Birmingham
International Festival and City Stages.
Trace state, national and world history at the Berman Museum
in Anniston, Birmingham's Civil Rights Institute,
Moundville's Archaeological Park, The American Village in
Montevallo, DeSoto Caverns in Childersburg, or Horseshoe
Bend National Military Park near Dadeville.
Explore pioneer or antebellum architecture at the John
Looney House in Ashville, Magnolia Grove in Greensboro, and
the McAdory, Owen, and Sadler homes in Bessemer. Shop for
special gifts at Mountain Top Flea Market in Attalla or
enjoy the outdoors at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham,
Minooka Park in Jemison, Ruffner Mountain Nature Center in
Birmingham, or Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden.
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