This is Birmingham. The map is the real city and the round is played on its real streets, where attractions like the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church are the holes. Skip is a local guide who knows the place. It is a quick round of 9 holes with a par of 28, covering a walk of 3.6 mi.
The Byzantine Revival architecture style defines the exterior of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. Located in Birmingham, this Protestant church building was designed by the architect Wallace Rayfield. The organization had its inception in 1911. Because of its importance, the site is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. It is also a National Register of Historic Places listed place. Visitors can see how the specific architectural choices made by Rayfield contribute to the presence of the building within the city. These official designations as a landmark and a registered place of heritage reflect the site's standing in the history of the region and the state of Alabama.
Founded in 1951, the Birmingham Museum of Art is located in Birmingham, Alabama. Since its opening, it has grown into a significant art museum that houses a wide array of historical works. You can find Renaissance and Baroque paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts here that date from the late 13th century to c. 1750. I've always found it impressive how the halls manage to hold such a variety of styles and eras in one place. Whether you are interested in the classical European traditions or the decorative arts of the Baroque period, there is plenty to see. It is a great spot to spend an afternoon if you want to see how art evolved across several centuries.
The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame began with a state legislative act on August 14, 1967. This state museum in Birmingham was created to honor the region's athletic legacy. Once you step inside, you can pick out a massive collection of memorabilia, as the museum displays over 5,000 objects related to athletes. Whether you are a die-hard fan or just passing through, it is a great spot to see the physical history of the game. I've seen a few crumbs dropped near the entrance, but the real treasures are inside the exhibits. It is the kind of place where the scale of the collection really hits you as you walk through the halls, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the state's sporting achievements.
The Cathedral Church of the Advent is built in the Gothic Revival style. Located in Birmingham, this Anglican cathedral serves as the see church of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. Construction on the building started in 1873. It is a National Register of Historic Places listed place. The structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 30, 1983, as the Episcopal Church of the Advent. This location is an important site for those visiting the city, providing a look at the Gothic Revival architecture used for the cathedral. You can see the specific details of the style across the exterior of the building. The site remains a central part of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama and continues to function as its see church. It is a place of worship and a recognized historical landmark within the city of Birmingham.
The Alabama Theatre is designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture style. It is a movie palace in Birmingham, Alabama, and continues to be in operation as of 2024. The building was designed by the architects Graven and Mayger and EverGreene Architectural Arts. It is recognized for its historical value, appearing on both the National Register of Historic Places and the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. If you head inside, you can pick out the original Wurlitzer theater organ, which is still a feature of the venue. I have always found that these old palaces have a certain weight to them that modern cinemas just can't match, and the details here are something you really should notice while you are visiting the area.
The Cathedral of Saint Paul is a cathedral located in Birmingham, Alabama, in the United States. It is the mother church of the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama. Construction on the building was started in 1893, and it was designed by the architect Adolphus Druiding. When you look at the exterior and the structure, you can pick out the characteristics of the Gothic Revival style. Because of its architectural and historical importance, the Cathedral of Saint Paul is a National Register of Historic Places listed place. It remains a central point of faith and a notable landmark within the city of Birmingham for visitors and residents alike.
Rotary Trail Park opened in 2016 as a work of art and a linear park. Since it started in 2016, it has provided a half-mile connection through downtown Birmingham, Alabama. You can follow the path along First Avenue South between 20th Street and 24th Street. This stretch is particularly useful for visitors because it links the 19-acre Railroad Park with Sloss Furnaces. The Birmingham Rotary Club predominantly funded the project to honor their centennial anniversary. I've noticed it's a great way to see the city while keeping your feet moving. It is a funded product that transforms the urban environment into something you can walk through. Whether you are heading toward the furnaces or back toward the larger park, the trail makes the journey part of the experience.
Railroad Park opened in the fall of 2010. Since then, this protected area has become a significant spot for local wildlife; the number of observed bird species in Birmingham went up 250% after the park’s construction. I have noticed a few more of my cousins hanging around the city since it arrived. You can spend your afternoon wandering through the 19-acre space or visit the amphitheater, which seats 4,000 people. The park was designed by architect Tom Leader and remains one of the most prominent green spaces in Birmingham. It provides a wide open area for people to gather and enjoy the outdoors while staying right in the center of the urban environment. Whether you are here for the nature or the architecture, there is plenty to see across the grounds.
Bartow Arena is an arena located in Birmingham, Alabama. It is named after Gene Bartow and is a central hub for university athletics. The University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers men's and women's basketball teams call the arena home, and it is also the home of the UAB women's volleyball team. If you look at the capacity, the arena has 8,508 seats for spectators to cheer on the athletes. The university moved its games to this specific on-campus facility beginning with the 1988–89 season. It is a great spot to feel the energy of the local college sports scene. I always enjoy seeing the crowds gather around the entrance before a big game starts. Whether you are a sports fan or just exploring the city, it is a prominent fixture of the campus layout.
The Jemison Concert Hall is a massive space with 1,330 seats, but it is only one of the four performance venues found here. I can show you the rest of the Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center, which is located on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Depending on the show, you might find yourself in the 350-seat Sirote Theatre or the smaller Reynolds-Kirschbaum Recital Hall, which has 170 seats. If you prefer something more intimate, the center also houses the black-box Odess Theatre. It is a busy spot for the city, bringing in a huge variety of artists and audiences throughout the year. I usually keep my distance from the loud speakers, but the architecture here is always a treat to look at from the air.