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Metropolitan Region

Alabama Metro
By Grey Brennan

As home to two sports hall of fame museums, the world's oldest ballpark, great golf, championship fishing and the latest in motorsports racing, Alabama's Metropolitan region is primed for celebrating the Year of Alabama Sports.

In Birmingham, tour the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, where sports heroes and their memories live forever. Visit Rickwood Field, the world's oldest ballpark, and view America's largest motorcycle collection at Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. The AMA Superbike Championship in April and the Grand American Rolex Series in July occur at the adjacent Barber Motorsports Park. Metropolitan Birmingham also boasts a variety of fine restaurants, exciting nightlife, museums, historic sites and shopping. Birmingham's minor league Barons play at Regions Park in Hoover.

Travel to Talladega, where NASCAR offers thrilling racing adventures at the Talladega Superspeedway in April and again in October. Be sure to visit the International Motorsports Hall of Fame while you're there.

Experience the tradition of University of Alabama football when players take to the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa each fall. Visit the museum on campus dedicated to Alabama's legendary football coach, Paul "Bear" Bryant.

Enjoy some of America's best bouldering at Horse Pens 40 in Steele. Spend the day on the Cahaba River near Birmingham, a delightful place for the ultimate kayaking or canoeing experience. For amateur fishermen or pros vying for a championship bass, an abundance of opportunities await.

Visit Shelby County, home of Lay Lake, a popular site for bass tournaments, and Tallapoosa County, distinctive for great fishing on Lake Martin and great camping at Wind Creek State Park.