Andy Facer, Director of Visit USA (UK), shares the hidden attractions of Birmingham, Alabama.
Birmingham is Alabama’s largest city and located in the heart of the State, a short 50-minute flight or around a 2-hour drive from Atlanta.
Once you have immersed yourself in the rich American Civil Rights history or visited the world’s largest motorcycle collection, it’s time to experience some of the city’s fantastic nightlife.
Birmingham’s restaurants are receiving rave reviews, none more that Highlands Bar and Grill that won the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award in 2018 as the most outstanding restaurant in America. Highlands previously had been a finalist for the award for nine years in a row before winning in its 10thyear. The same year Highlands pastry chef Dolester Miles also won big taking home the award for most outstanding pastry chef. Once you have experienced these gastronomic delights, its time to experience the city’s nightlife.
If you’re looking for somewhere that offers a great night out and is mysterious and obscure, then I think I may have the perfect place for you! Located in the Avondale district of Birmingham, Alabama you will find the Marble Ring. Looking for the inside scoop? Then read on to learn how to find this very well-hidden roaring 20’s themed speakeasy.
Ask a local and most will be able to give you a rough idea of the location of the Marble Ring, but it’s still a mystery for some on how you actually find the way in. Your first point of reference is to locate Hot Diggity Dogs on 5th Ave South and 41st Street South. Climb the staircase and you will be hit with something straight out of Dr. Who, a TARDIS! Enter the tardis and pick up the phone, if you’re lucky, you will enter through the secret door! The Marble Ring only seats 80 guests at a time, hence the exclusivity.
Once inside, the attention to details is exceptional, bar tenders in white shirts and braces and servers dressed as flappers. You will be shown to your seating area and this is where the fun begins! Included in each seating area is a pull chain, when activated a bulb lights up behind the bar and alerts that staff that you require service. The Marble Ring offers a great cocktail menu as well as a selection of beers and soft drinks.
This is an amazing location for a unique, upscale night out or maybe a secretive date! The atmosphere is laid back with softly played Jazz music in the background – we can only imagine what happens in the huge copper bathtub in the middle of the venue!