Do you really need an excuse to enjoy a weekend getaway with your boo?
Here is how to have the ultimate couple’s weekend getaway in Birmingham-everything you need to know!
Relax and reconnect with your special someone with a weekend trip to Birmingham. Fill your schedule with fun, fill your plate with delicious food, and make memories together that you will never forget!
As locals to the Birmingham area, Table & Thyme has curated a weekend getaway guide with excitement and enjoyment in mind.
We cover everything you need to know about having fun in the Magic City, from things to do, places to eat, and even hidden gems only the locals know about.
Ready for an adventurous weekend together?
Check it out!
Places to Stay: Special Weekend Getaway
Weekend getaways are all about, well, getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Magic City or simply want to experience Birmingham with new eyes, there are many ways to make a weekend stay in the city a magical one!
For starters, you can book a night in one of Birmingham’s most popular hotels!
Stay at the historic Redmont Hotel Birmingham!
Feeling adventurous? Book a stay in one of Birmingham’s coziest Bed and Breakfast spots!
For couples looking for a more private, restful place to stay, check out some fan-favorite AirBNBs in the area!
Things to Do During Weekend Getaway Trip
Once you know where you will be resting your head and unwinding between your exciting excursions, it’s time to explore all of the incredible things to do in Birmingham, Alabama!
Being such a large city, there is something for everyone to enjoy. You just have to know where to look!
Museums and Tours
Birmingham Museum of Art
Browse an extensive collection of art and artifacts from cultures across time and space.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Learn the impactful history of the Civil Rights Movement, how it influences the story of Birmingham, and vice versa.
Kelly Ingram Park
A cultural landmark to the city of Birmingham, and the United States as a whole, Kelly Ingram Park features a walking tour of handcrafted sculptures and glimpse of the city’s deep civil rights history.
Vulcan Park and Museum
Get up close and personal with Vulcan, the massive statue that watches over Birmingham from Red Mountain, and learn about the unique history of the Magic City.
Birmingham Ghost Tours
Feeling spooky? Take a guided tour with some of Birmingham’s resident ghosts!
Barber Motorsport Museum
Take a trip to the world’s largest motorcycle museum!
Brewery Tours
Schedule an all-inclusive tour of some of Birmingham’s most hopping breweries!
Sloss Furnaces
Visit one of the city’s national historic landmarks, located near Downtown, to learn how Birmingham came to be.
Outdoor Weekend Getaway Ideas
For couples that enjoy the outdoors and staying active, Birmingham’s beautiful scenery and outdoor attractions are the perfect way to spend your weekend getaway!
Birmingham is the home of one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world due to its unique natural resources. While the mountains filled with iron drew the attention of early settlers in the area, the Cahaba River and picturesque Appalachian landscape continue to captivate visitors and the local community alike.
Take a relaxing stroll through the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and pick up a new garden plant at the gift shop!
Or, spend a day with the delightful animals at the Birmingham Zoo, which houses over 500 animals of 180 species!
Speaking of animals, the Alabama Wildlife Center, located in Oak Mountain State Park, offers an exclusive look into the state of Alabama wildlife as the largest rehabilitation center in the state! Learn how injured birds are cared for and hike the dynamic Treetop Nature Trail to the scenic birdwatching deck.
Grab your hiking gear and walk one or more of the numerous trails in and around the city, such as the Vulcan Walking Trails near Red Mountain, the Rotary Trail in Railroad Park, or a stroll through Moss Rock Preserve.
Some of us prefer to take the road less traveled. If that sounds like you and you, you may enjoy the adventure of traversing Birmingham’s untamed terrain.
Several known hikes in the area lead to hidden waterfalls in Jones Valley, like Village Falls, Turkey Creek Falls, Peavine Falls, and the Falls at Falling Rock.
Live Music and Entertainment
Depending on when you plan your weekend getaway in Birmingham, you may be able to catch some live entertainment at one of the city’s show venues!
Where to Eat: Weekend Getaway Edition
The right food makes the occasion complete. Turn your couple’s weekend getaway in Birmingham into an unmatched dining experience with this list of 11 local restaurants you’ll love!
LA LIBERTAD
Located in Pelham
$-$$
- A lively restaurant with authentic Salvadorian cuisine.
- Loved by locals and tourists alike.
- High customer rating
ROJO
Located in Highland Park
$$
- Uniquely blended Latin and American inspired menu.
- Gluten sensitivity-friendly.
- Quirky and energetic atmosphere and location.
BRICK AND TIN
Located in Mountain Brook
$$
- Chic and modern restaurant and menu.
- Frequently rotated food offerings with a focus on local foraging and sourcing of fresh ingredients.
- Located near shops and boutiques, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and the Birmingham Zoo.
THE COPPER TRAIN
Located in Alabaster
$
- Small, family-owned Southern style cafe and bistro.
- Creative menu items for breakfast, lunch, and on-the-go.
- Local coffee shop with affordable pricing.
PHO SIZZLE
Located in Trussville
$$
- Expansive menu of Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese cuisine with generous serving sizes.
- Quiet and relaxing environment.
- Made-to-order rolled ice cream and bubble tea.
SAW’S JUKE JOINT
Located in Crestline
$$-$$$
- Southern “hole-in-the-wall” barbeque spot with a state-wide following.
- Live music with an emphasis on blues and jazz tones.
- Entertaining atmosphere and filling portion sizes.
GIANMARCOS
Located in Homewood
$$$
- Upscale Italian restaurant with a nearly perfect customer rating.
- Extensive and well-paired wines and gourmet menu items.
- A local beauty for fine dining.
CAFE DUPONT
Located in Downtown
$$$
- Classy and chic menu of regional delicacies and Southern flair.
- High-end presentation and excellence service.
- Located in historic Downtown Birmingham.
PAPPADEAUX
Located in Vestavia
$$$
- Popular seafood kitchen with fresh ingredients and taste.
- Known for Cajun-inspired flavors and Southern comfort spice.
- Highly rated service and experience overall.
DREAMLAND BBQ
Located in Five Points South
$$
- World famous restaurant and staple of Birmingham.
- Authentic Southern comfort barbecue and menu.
- Customers say, “it is almost impossible to have a bad meal at Dreamland.”
THE PIZITZ
Located in Downtown
$-$$
- A vibrant food hall with over 10 food stalls of diverse offerings, including a full bar.
- Located in a mall-style food court for a fun and community-centered environment.
- Mix-and-match to create a unique and memorable dining experience.
Hidden Gems in Birmingham
Birmingham isn’t nicknamed the ‘Magic City’ for nothing. There is charm to be found all over!
Shake up your weekend getaway trip with these top 14 hidden gems in and around Birmingham that you just can’t miss!
Two locations in Downtown Birmingham and Five Points South
A quirky shop filled with oddities and interesting finds. It is a great place to pick up a souvenir!
Located in Five Points South
A small metaphysical shop and cafe situated in a beautiful historic home. Stop by for a tasty afternoon latte and a glimpse into one of Birmingham’s beautiful residential districts!
Located in Cullman
A one-of-a-kind attraction you don’t want to skip, this hidden gem features world-famous monuments and wonders in awe-inspiring miniature form!
Located in Alabaster
Go old school with your couples weekend getaway and spend the day playing endlessly at this vintage-themed arcade!
Located in Bessemer
Feel like a kid again and skate under the funky laser lights to groovy tunes!
Located in Helena
Visit the heart of small-town Helena, situated on the banks of Buck Creek and filled with quaint dining, boutiques, and natural beauty!
Lover’s Leap Lookout
Located in Bluff Park
Witness the charm of Birmingham’s picturesque mountain valley at the top of Shades Mountain. Standing at the historical lookout point, you will see the names of lovers who carved themselves into the limestone, dating back to the early 1800s!
Located in Woodland Park
Visit artist Joe Minter’s “African Village in America” exhibit, filled with intricately decorated sculptures and garden spaces that speak to African heritage and historical legacy in a variety of ways.
Location Varies
Try new things by attending one of Birmingham’s many annual cultural food festivals! Examples include a Greek Food Festival, Slavic Food Festival, and more!
Located in Pelham
Cool down and tie up your skates for a fun skating session on the ice rink!
Located in Vestevia
Test your detective skills with a fun and interactive murder mystery dinner!
Location Varies
Book an engaging pedal party tour to see your favorite places in Birmingham in a whole new light!
Located in Hoover
Schedule some shopping for your weekend getaway at the popular Riverchase Galleria, which features numerous stores, food stalls, and entertainment in an architecturally outstanding mall!
Also located in Birmingham, Table & Thyme is a hidden gem you don’t want to miss!
We bring elegance to every event with chic taste and our gourmet catering menus. Next time you plan an event in the Magic City, or want to elevate your weekend getaway with a stylish and appetizing dinner, book with Table & Thyme!
Our gorgeous grazing tables offer a variety of flavors, and our convenient Graze Boxes are the perfect choice for date nights!
In the meantime, you can get your fill of insanely-good food content, event inspiration, and so much more by tuning in to our weekly blog and following Table & Thyme’s social media channels using the links below!
For more information on Table and Thyme, contact them today! Follow us on our social media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest to see the other amazing events, lavishing grazing tables and beautiful graze boxes we have created.
