Shima & Zaki
Explore
Aldridge Gardens
Aldridge Gardens is a lush 30-acre botanical garden in Hoover, Alabama located within close proximity of our wedding venues. Originating as an estate garden with three magnolia trees, the gardens have expanded to include a five-acre lake and half-mile walking trail, and feature thousands of wildlife species native to Alabama. It isn’t often that the South is covered with snowflakes, so be sure to look out for the rare Snowflake Hydrangea!
Civil Rights Institute
The Civil Rights Institute depicts the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. It is located next to the historic 16th Street Baptist Church, the site of a racially-motivated bombing in 1963, and Kelly Ingram Park, the location of many civil rights rallies and demonstrations in the 60s and even today.
Favorite Eats in Town
Big Spoon Creamery (4000 3rd Avenue S) Galley & Garden (2220 Highland Ave) Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (2808 7th Ave S) Highlands Bar & Grill (2011 11th Ave. S) John’s City Diner (112 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N) Ovenbird (2810 3rd Ave. S) Revelator Coffee (1826 3rd Ave. N) Steel City Pops (2821 Central Ave #109) Yo Mama’s (2823 2nd Ave N)
Oak Mountain State Park
At 9,940 acres, Oak Mountain is the largest state park in Alabama. It features over 50 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, as well as opportunities to canoe, fish, golf, and horseback ride. Just don't forget your sunscreen and repellent!
Pepper Place Market
Take a stroll through Birmingham’s most popular Farmer’s Market Saturday morning where you’ll find fresh donuts, artisanal soaps, and local music. Don’t forget to stop by the Piper and Leaf stand, featuring the best sweet tea in the south! Try Shima’s favorite flavor, Front Porch Special.
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
Sloss operated as a pig iron-producing blast furnace from 1882 until 1972. After closing, it became one of the first industrial sites , and the only blast furnace, in the country to be preserved and restored for public use. The site currently serves as an interpretive museum of industry and metal arts and as a concert and festival venue.