I'm always amazed at how many residents of Birmingham and Alabama (and probably anywhere) are unaware of the myriad places in their neighborhood that are worth visiting. Natives tend to stick to the familiar. Transplants moan about being in a cultural backwater. Recently we did our Showcase Recital at Boutwell Auditorium. We gave directions using the Birmingham Museum of Art as a landmark--and many didn't know the place. What a shame! The Birmingham Museum of Art is definitely a regional treasure. It has a world-class Wedgewood collection, which prompted my then 5-year-old son to comment that this museum had "way too many dishes". He was soon won back by the display of samurai weaponry.
Personally, I am fascinated by native American quillworking. Before Europeans tra
ded for beads, native American women used dyed porcupine quills to decorate clothing. BMA has some nice examples--I think better even than the Denver art museum.
We usually plan our visits around the special exhibitions. The museum is open every day except Monday and a few holidays. Admission is free, with a donation box at the entrance. Parking is free (after validation) in the museum's lot off of 21st Street.
Friday, March 9, 2007
Birmingham Museum of Art, Alabama
, which prompted my then 5-year-old son to comment that this museum had "way too many dishes". He was soon won back by the display of samurai weaponry.
. Before Europeans tra
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Green Top BBQ, Dora, Alabama
7530 Hwy 78
205 648-9838
33 deg 43' 43.11"N
87 deg 00' 49.61"W
Based on posts on Google Earth and Roadfood.com, we stopped at the Green Top BBQ last weekend. The food was delicious and inexpensive. The staff was friendly and efficient. The atmosphere evoked the best of the Heart of Dixie: Nascar on the TV over the counter; white-bearded, overalled gentlemen wearing United Mine Worker baseball caps filled a booth by the window. We'll definitely stop by again.
A good description (with a photo) is at DixieDining.com.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Ajars Auto Parts, Birmingham, Alabama
2905 Cherry Avenue
Birmingham 35214
Formerly Cherry Avenue Towing and Salvage. Mr. Estis, the owner, told me that the company change happened just last week!
This is the only junkyard we've found so far where you can poke around the cars yourself. The juxtapositions are fascinating. The personal belongings left behind are poignant.
My son is an art student who is interested in customizing cars. He loves this place. The people are friendly, informative and helpful. We're going back for the chief:
