Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/157113
•pg_30-43_ICI__BMT_pg3-58 8/12/13 8:47 PM Page 32 BIRMINGHAM, AL "Facebook/50YearsForward" and on Twitter its "@50YearsForward." But there's more to Birmingham than Civil Rights. This most charming of Southern cities has great family-friendly attractions sure to fill up your days. Here's a couple of places to start: The Birmingham Zoo, Alabama Adventure, McWane Science Center, Railroad Park, Red Mountain Park, Splash Adventure Waterpark, the Barber MotorSports Park and the world famous Talladega Motor Speedway. For a little trendy shopping head to Riverchase Galleria, The Summit, The Shops of Grand River or the Five Points South shopping district. Birmingham, the self-dubbed home to "the Oscars of dining" has multiple James Beard Foundation Award winners and nominees. Visitors can experience everything from traditional "soul food" and Southern cuisine to eclectic dining options from around the world. Birmingham is one of America's top family reunion destinations. To plan a family reunion, go to (u)www.birminghamal.org/reunions(eu). The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Center can accommodate virtually any kind of event across four separate buildings: Arena, Concert Hall, Theatre and Exhibition Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Processional Gallery Hall. For a look into the city's Civil Rights history go to (u)birThe Exhibition Hall has over 220,000 sq. ft. The facility has iminghamal.org(eu). There you will find links to all of the 60 meeting rooms – the largest can accommodate 1,950 peoprominent Civil Rights locales within the city from Sixteenth ple. Street Baptist Church, to the Birmingham Civil Rights Offsite meeting venues include: the Birmingham Institute, Kelly Ingram Park, the Fourth Avenue Business International Center, the Birmingham Zoo and the Barber District and the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. You'll find a Vintage Motorsports Museum. complete list of 2013 Civil Rights events in the menu bar to Birmingham has over 15,000 hotel rooms; the largest a 757the right under "Upcoming Events." room Sheraton Birmingham Hotel. If you prefer to get your information through social media, Birminghamal.org has more info on everything there is both a Facebook and Twitter page—-on Facebook its Birmingham. The 50th anniversary of key moments in the Civil Rights Movement is just one reason NBC's Today show listed Birmingham as one of 2013's hottest places to travel. The city has events scheduled throughout the year that brings the lessons of Civil Rights to a new generation and reminds older generations what they've accomplished and what still needs to be done. MIAMI, FL This tropical paradise is often thought of as an adult playground, and while that is true, it's also a family-friendly destination second to none. The year-round warm weather and sandy beaches serve as a great playground for the entire family. There are beach games, boating, cycling and museum hopping opportunities. Take the kids to Zoo Miami (formerly known as Miami Metrozoo), Jungle Island, Miami Children's Museum or the beaches at Crandon Park on Key Biscayne or Matheson Hammock on the mainland. The kids would also enjoy time at Family Amusement Center and Gardens; Oleta River State Park, Everglades Safari Park, The Marjory Stoneman Douglass Biscayne Nature Center, Miami Seaquarium and Duck 32 B M & T ••• July/August 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Biscayne Bay at night, Miami