Situated in the centre of the state of Alabama, in the scenic foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Birmingham is the largest city in the state, as well as a vibrant commercial and cultural hub. Visitors can look forward to exploring an attractive green city, surrounded by beautiful ridges and valleys, with many pleasant views and some wonderfully welcoming locals. The city’s downtown area features an array of quaint antique stores, art galleries, unique boutique shops, a range of excellent dining opportunities and a vibrant nightlife. While shopping is certainly the main drawcard, visitors will also find a number of nationally recognised attractions such as the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the Birmingham Museum of Art and the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, which occupies the historic Carver Theatre for the Performing Arts in Birmingham's historic Civil Rights District.