Ruffner Mountain Park - Birminghams Hidden Jewel

For those that have not visited Ruffner Mountain Park, you have missed out! What a wonderful expanse of wildlife and nature. Walking trails and scenic views abound, and it is all absolutely free!

The shame of it is, the lack of use by the population that surrounds the park. Hopefully with the expansion and new facilities, this park will start drawing more locals and tourists. From the story in the Birmingham News, it sounds like the folks that take care of the park are on their toes and moving forward.

It has been my pleasure to know Kathy Freeland and she is totally sold out on the park. Please, please take the time to connect to the link above. You won't be disappointed. Because you will be at Ruffner in a heartbeat.

My Favorite Oasis

Birmingham is a beautiful city in the spring. Every corner you turn there are tulip trees in bloom with skirts of lavender and tulips! The dogwoods in white and pink warm our spiritual hearts and remind us of the promise of new life in a new year.
But these wondrous sites are just along the normal highways of the city. To get the full impression of the full beauty Birmingham has to offer, take a short drive to the Botanical Gardens.
From the time you drive or walk in the gates you are met with blinding beauty and tranquility. Once inside the garden the worries of the day will quickly melt away and your most difficult decision will be which flower lined path to take.
The sweet smells, curious textures and visual beauty almost overload your senses, leaving you at ease, yet excited about what you may experience around the next corner.
It is not unusual to happen upon someone just sitting in some little niche with a half smile on their face, with eyes staring off into a picturesque scene. Of course you can always find the curious folks searching through the plantings for the names of some favorite herb, shrub, tree or flower. They usually love sharing their knowledge or questions. The garden just seems to bring out the best in people.
So from the bottom of my heart, I wish to thank the Garden Staff and the city of Birmingham for giving us such a wonderful place to visit and escape the hustle and bustle of every day life.