VJ’s on the Runway
Birmingham

Meat-and-threes (your choice of a meat and three veggies) are as ubiquitous in the South as a tall glass of sweet tea, and VJ’s on the Runway serves up "some of the best southern cooking around town." Located near the airport in B’ham, you can stop in for some of the freshest collard greens and a delicious Reuben sandwich. Some regulars swear by the country-fried steak with onion rings while others order nothing but tamales and fried okra. Either way, everybody agrees that banana pudding and coconut pie make for the perfect meal ender. This no-frills restaurant is "a very unique and under-visited spot."

Alabama Crawfish Festival
Faunsdale

A little over 15 years ago, the Alabama legislature designated Faunsdale as the crawfish capital of Alabama. This quaint Southern town lives up to its honor by hosting an annual crawfish-focused festival every April. It’s "two days of crawfish, fun, arts and crafts, live music, children’s activities, and last but not least a crawfish-eating contest." Discover tons of crawfish in all forms--boiled, fried, or even in a pie! As you eat the tails or just after, start tapping your toes to the Zydeco bands playing festival-wide. If you miss the festival, Faunsdale Bar & Grill (the festival host) serves some of the best crawfish pie around. Read more.

Oak Mountain State Park
Pelham

Even though it’s just 15 miles south of Birmingham, many never make the trip to enjoy the state’s largest park. With 10,000 acres of "outdoor experiences," there’s plenty of room for everyone to enjoy this gem comprised of pine trees, lakes, and hiking trails, which lead to the top of the mountain and offer some beautiful vistas. "Best yet, the 1,200+ foot summit ridges are an easy walk/climb." Those seeking recreation can go fishing, swimming, or mountain biking on over 17 miles of roads or trails. There is also a wildlife center that rehabilitates over 2,000 injured creatures a year.

Dreamland Bar BQ
Tuscaloosa

While the original restaurant may just be a "hole in the wall," it upholds an "absolute Alabama tradition." That’s eating ribs, of course, and here, you’ll find some of the "best ribs around" served with sauce and white bread for dipping. Add to that some potato salad, coleslaw, banana pudding, and beer, and you’ve got the whole experience. "No need for bells and whistles--although there are christmas lights--because the attraction is the taste of the ribs." That’s all you need. Come and get it!

Giuseppes
Birmingham

Personalized service is so rare these days, but not at this "mom-n-pop" Italian restaurant where, if you call ahead, they will be "sure to know who you are" and might even be "waiting for you with whatever you want ready." Sit down and the very kind family will cook for you and serve you dishes that are made from old family recipes and made while you wait. Be sure to try the homemade bread. Some nights, they have live music for a romantic setting. "But all nights, the food is amazing and the prices are great."