Birmingham AL

[BucksandDucks]

I have to come down there next Thursday to take my dog to the vet (Veterniary Surgery of Birmingham). Will have most of the time free starting mid afternoon I'm sure.

Where is the best place to stay since I'll be spending the night? Doesn't have to be a luxury hotel but I don't want to get robbed either. What else is there to do? any sporting goods stores to go pass the time in? good eats and atmosphere?

Thanks!

[duckdodger]

Let me know where the vet is located and I can suggest some places close. I would avoid north and west of downtown. There's a store called Mark's Outdoors that's worth a visit in Vestavia not far from most locations. Then Bass Pro in Leeds. Can also suggest some eats if you're interested.

[pondman]

I'm in B'ham at least 4 or 5 days every month. Let me know the area and I can get you some info.

Pond

[Laus]

Saws juke joint for bbg and beers, they've also got really good specials. Otey's is a good drink spot in crestline village. I'd stay at the Hampton Inn on hwy 280 near Homewood and Mountain Brook, safe part of town, not expensive. Really depends where you need to go to for the vet.

Where are you taking your dog?

[BucksandDucks]

Looks like the vets in I would say SE B'Ham on action rd. off of 459. Seems to be NE of Hoover. I have no real idea about B'ham, have only driven through so any help on what to do and especially where to stay would be appreciated.

[Laus]

Really shouldn't have a problem in that part of town. There are plenty of places to stay in that part of town, courtyard or drury inn are right there in the colonade area. you have miss myras bbg near by its real good especially the white sauce, i'd go there for food. there is also good food at the summit, crowded though. Marks outdoors isn't to far, i dont care for it but people seem to like it. There are lots of good local food and drink in bham, most of that part of town is bigger retail/restaurants.

FYI. Hwy 280 is horrible traffic. Usually starts around 3pm.

Hope your dog is okay.

[RedEyed Duck]

If you're going to Marks Outdoors, I'd just stay in Vestsvia. It's a very nice area, my granddad lived there for many years. If you go to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, look up Bubba Church. Best of luck with the dog!

[BucksandDucks]

cool...thanks for the info yall.

and the concern about the dog. She's going to have knee surgery, and hopefully will be ready to hunt by next season!

[deltadukman]

If you like a good bourbon drink, one of the coolest bars I've ever been to is on the Mountain Brook side of town. Its called Dram Whiskey Bar. Really cool place.

http://www.dramwhiskeybar.com

[duckdodger]

You could stay in Vestavia but I'm not sure there are any hotels real close. Check this one out.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/b ... -marriott/

Birmingham Marriott
3590 Grandview Parkway · Birmingham, AL 35243 USA

This one or any in this Hwy 280 area would be great. One exit from Acton Rd. and less than 15 minutes from any location listed so far. If you need anything feel free to pm me and I'll give you my phone number I'm in Birmingham.

Good luck with the surgery.

[cvines]

Don't waste your time with marks unless you enjoy over paying for stuff and they have very little duck hunting gear

[duckter]

Hampton inn in Mountain Brook - on hwy 280. Perfect location and convenient to e'erything. Homewood is very close by - restaurant called Brio's or Bravos or something like that - great food and great. atmosphere. Mark's outdoors maybe 8-10 minutes away.

[Laus]

Stay it the Hampton inn in Mtn brook. You can walk to dram whiskey bar, go to davenports pizza palace, theres a good breakfast place, ect... Its a good central location.

This topic is making me miss it bad, i live in asia now. No pork, budweiser cost over 5 bucks, bottle of bourbon 200$. Looking froward to getting back.

[driveby]

I would suggest staying on highway 150 behind the Hoover Galleria. You can jump on the interstate and be at Acton road in a couple minutes, the traffic isn't nearly as bad as Hwy 280, and there is about anything you would want all right there.

[pondman]

I will second what Laus said. Try to hit Davenport's Pizza and Dram. I think some one else mentioned SAW's Juke Joint BarBQ. Avondale Brewery is fun stop and they have really good beer. If you want some upper end eats without the upper end price tag, go to Botega Cafe. Not Botega. Both are good, but the Cafe is cheaper and usually has some fantastic local talent wandering around. If you really want fine eats go to Highlands. Great food (Frank Stitt restaurant), but it is high.

If at all possible stay off of Hwy 280.

Pond