In Birmingham, groups can experience what is arguably one of the most outstanding dinners and pastries in America, if two new James Beard Foundation awards give any indication.
These accolades were recently given to Highlands Bar & Grill. The farm-to-table Hot & Hot Fish Club is another James Beard winner—this one is known for its farm-to-glass cocktails.
Elsewhere in the city, the recent opening of the Elyton Hotel, formerly the Empire Building and now part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, also heralded in a fresh foodie experience for groups via The Yard, global cuisine meshed with Southern flair, and a rooftop bar that is already seeing its share of cocktail receptions.
Larger soirees that also want a dash of local nightlife will want to check out Iron City, a 1,200-seat entertainment venue with two bars and open-air dining. In the light of day, the famed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is the perfect spot to watch the sun rising over the mountain at Oxmoor Valley. Follow this up with a tour of the largest private motorcycle collection in the world and some of the rarest race cars ever built at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.
On the development front, a $123 million expansion and renovation is underway at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex and construction on a 45,000-seat open-air stadium is currently underway and projected to be completed in time for the 2021 World Games. Near both of these is Topgolf Birmingham, a fun spot during meetings downtime that has golf simulations, full-service bars on each floor and a rooftop terrace.
