A curated list of quirky, meaningful, and unforgettable places featured in my book Secret Birmingham and often highlighted on WhatCherithinks.
Map
Sections
3
Food & Restaurants
To-Do
Shopping + Products
Food & Restaurants
My go-to spot for great coffee and a great place to work. Friendly vibes and the perfect mix of productivity and relaxation. Ideal for writing, meetings, or a quite moment with a great latte.
The Red Cat Coffeehouse @ Pepper Place
Legendary cafeteria-style restaurant. Perfect if you love a meat + 3.
Niki's West
Delicious sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and a warm, nostalgic feel. Locals love it. Once you go, you will, too!
GENERAL
Davenport’s is one of those neighborhood pizza places everybody loves—great pies, relaxed vibe, and always the right choice when you don’t feel like cooking.
Davenports Pizza Palace
Italian cuisine with a Southern spin by an award-winning chef. Comfort meets creativity in every bite, making this a must-try spot for anyone who loves bold flavors with a local twist. Perfect for date nights, foodie adventures, or treating yourself ...
Bottega
Alabama’s oldest restaurant. Love going here for good food, but also for the history. It’s like a restaurant and museum in one. So many interesting photos.
The Bright Star Restaurant
To-Do
A powerful, ever-evolving outdoor art installation created by folk artist Joe Minter. Filled with found art, cultural memory, and history, this space is one of Birmingham’s most meaningful hidden gems.
Joe Minter's African Village in America | Birmingham AL
A cozy, plant-filled haven where you can shop greenery, sip coffee, and soak up good vibes. Perfect for plant lovers, gift seekers, and anyone who wants a little serotonin boost.
House Plant Collective
A quiet escape with great views, remnants of mining history, and nature that feels worlds away from the city. Perfect for a peaceful hike, a mindful moment, or part of a Secret Birmingham adventure.
Ruffner Mountain
One of Birmingham's most iconic sites. Great for exploring, photography, and learning about Birmingham's ironmaking past. History loves, creatives, and anyone who enjoys unique places will love it here.
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
Best views of Birmingham. Iconic statue. A must-see if you're visiting Birmingham. Great for picnics, photos, and sunsets.
Vulcan Park and Museum
World-class art collection. Free to explore. Great museum shop.
Birmingham Museum of Art
It’s actually the largest motorcycle collection in the world, and seeing it up close is wildly impressive. Definitely worth a visit.
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
Shopping + Products
One of Birmingham’s most popular Saturday spots. Local produce, fresh flowers, indie makers, live music, and the kind of community energy that makes you fall in love with the city all over again.
Pepper Place Farmers Market
Cozy bookstore vibes. Coffee available. Great author events.
Little Professor Bookshop
Variety of shops + great dining options.
The Summit Birmingham
Love going here for good deals on popular brands. Plus, they have a food court and a drive-in movie theater.
The Shops of Grand River
Great place to shop for high quality items crafted right here in Alabama.
