Marina & Cesar
Things To Do
Vulcan Park and Museum
The spot of one of our very first dates in Summer 2022 & where Cesar proposed in October 2025. Vulcan offers the best views of the Birmingham skyline. If you're brave enough, you can climb to the top of Vulcan and get a view of Birmingham from above! Vulcan is Birmingham's most iconic symbol and he's a *cheeky* homage to the city's history in ironworks and industrialization. Historical Fun Fact: In 1904 St. Louis hosts the World's Fair. Vulcan’s feet and legs are shipped to St. Louis, but when the Fair opens on April 30, there was not much of Vulcan to see! The last piece (Vulcan’s head) is shipped to St. Louis for sculptor Giuseppe Moretti to supervise Vulcan’s assembly. Vulcan is dedicated at the World’s Fair in the Palace of Mines and Metallurgy and christened with water from the Cahaba River. Vulcan won the Grand Prize in the mineral department at the Fair; Moretti also won a medal. Depending on what time you go, you might need to purchase tickets in order to enter the park.
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
Sloss Furnace is a legendary landmark and tribute to Birmingham's history in iron and industrialization. It's still an active furnace where blacksmiths and artisans learn the trade and hone their skills. Explore the museum, attend a festival, or take a ghost tour if you dare!
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Gardens are beautiful if you want to enjoy fresh air and easy, scenic walks among the flowers. Entry is free!
Birmingham Museum of Art
Marina and Cesar have a shared love of all things aesthetic and make it a point to visit art museums whenever they travel somewhere new. Birmingham's Museum of Art is perfect for rainy days and the spot where they had their engagement pictures taken. Bonus points: entry is free with a small, suggested donation.
Pepper Place Farmers Market
Saturday morning early birds gather at Pepper Place Farmer's Market to find the freshest produce, flowers, and homemade baked goods. Locals love Pepper Place and for good reason! Bonus: The Red Cat Coffeehouse on the corner of 2nd and 29th is a great local spot for a cup of joe to fuel you while walking around the market.
Railroad Park
Great place for getting your steps in while enjoying some greenery in the midst of downtown Birmingham. Marina enjoys the people, puppy, and turtle watching! Railroad Park is a wonderful spot for picnics and strolls-- Cesar and Marina have enjoyed quite a few here!
Saturn
Indie music venue, bar, coffee cafe with plenty of board, card, and arcade games! You can't be bored at Saturn. Cesar and Marina have attended performances here and enjoy hanging out with friends to play a game or two.
The Collins Bar
Quirky bar without a traditional menu that's a Birmingham staple. Tell the bartenders what your preferences are, and they'll craft a unique drink on the spot based on your specific taste!
House of Found Objects
Funky and uniquely curated atmosphere. Offering unique cocktails named after regular patrons.
The Garage
If weather permits, this is one of the coolest hidden gems Birmingham has to offer. Dive bar in the front, eclectic garden in the back! The Garage has been around for decades and offers some of the best sandwiches and soups for an easy lunch spot. Heads-up: The Garage is cash-only but they do have an ATM on-site.
Trattoria Zaza
Trattoria Zaza is one of our favorite, chill date night spots! Laid-back pizza and pasta joint that offers coffee, drinks, and amazing brunch as well! We recommend their pizza + salad combo.
Bettola
Cozy spot for Italian food near Pepper Place. Another one of Cesar & Marina's early date locations and the spot where Cesar mustered up the courage for their first kiss.
Lé Fresca
Elevated Italian dining with seasonal menu offerings for a romantic date night. Reservations are recommended! The citrus olive appetizer paired with the braised beef ravioli entree changed Marina's life and she still dreams about this meal frequently.
Dos Hermanos (Taco Truck)
No-fuss taco truck with Cesar's favorite marinated chicken tacos. (He dreams about these tacos and gets them almost every time he visits Birmingham. The staff recognizes him because he frequented their truck so often!) Marina usually orders the asada tacos con aguacate y limon. Perfect for an easy, eat-in-the-car date that pairs perfectly with their pickled veggies and a Mexican coke! Heads-up: Dos Hermanos is cash-only, so be sure to bring some with you if you give them a try.
The Bright Star
The Bright Star is Alabama's oldest family-owned restaurant, serving Southern and Greek faire since 1907. Over the decades, this restaurant remained true to its roots serving a Southern style “meat and three” lunch and a more upscale steak and seafood menu in the evenings. The Bright Star has been awarded numerous culinary titles, including the James Beard Foundation's distinguished "An American Classic". Many celebrities, athletes, and other notable figures frequent The Bright Star and autograph pictures to display on the restaurant's walls.
Niki's West
Casual dining spot if you're in the mood for large portions and Southern fare. Niki's West is the best no-fuss, family-owned "meat and three" restaurant in Birmingham! Pro-tip: Be sure to make your selection and know what you want before you step up to the counter to order.
The Summit Birmingham
Major shopping and restaurant options!
Little Professor Bookshop
Local indie bookstore with an amazing atmosphere! Marina attended book club here for several years and loves supporting local businesses whenever possible.
Hanna Antiques Mall
One of the best and oldest antique stores in Birmingham that's highly curated. It can be pricey, but Marina and Cesar enjoy walking around and window shopping for their future home. They have some truly unique pieces and a huge salesfloor!
Sozo Trading Co.
Sozo is one of Marina's favorite non-chain thrift stores in Birmingham. Great if you're in the mood for thrifting a more intentional selection that doesn't feel like a traditional thrift store. They have an assortment of handmade items to support their mission work in Uganda, a curated "boutique" of elevated styles, as well as a few permanent vendor booths along the perimeter of the store.