ON THE ROAD: Birmingham
Danny Montelaro
South Louisiana Area President, Regions Bank
Montelaro travels to Birmingham, Alabama, to Regions’ headquarters at least once a month for business. Needless to say, he has become quite familiar with the city of about 212,000 located in the heart of the Yellowhammer state. Montelaro knows just where to stay, where to eat and what sights to see (here’s a hint: he’s a fan of the rolling hills and valleys). He shares insight on the best way to travel to the picturesque town nicknamed the “Magic City.”
TRANSPORTATION (iStock No. 14362043)
Well, it depends on the weather, as crazy as that sounds. Total drive time is about five-and-a-half to six hours. Flight time—when you add in getting screened at the airport and everything—is about the same. It is a toss-up.
ACCOMMODATIONS (Tutwiler.jpg — cut this pic out)
I usually stay at the Hampton downtown. It’s not sexy, but it is homey. It is called the Tutwiler. Some say it is haunted. They have all kinds of stories about lights coming on and off. I haven’t had the joy of that.
RESTAURANTS (iStock No. 46934918 — cut this pic out)
One of my favorite places is Bottega in the Five Points South neighborhood, right next to downtown. This is a place that is uniquely Birmingham. Most of the dishes at Bottega are Italian-inspired (the Beef Carpaccio is very popular—but it’s all good).
ENTERTAINMENT (Regions Field AP.jpg — try putting a circular frame around this one)
Birmingham offers scenery that is unmatched by other cities of its size—lots of rolling hills and valleys which create some really spectacular views. Also, downtown is seeing a lot of new attractions with an entertainment district and a baseball park (Regions Field) recently built.
TRAVEL TIP
Bring reading material. Bring your iPad. Bring a book. There is no telling when or where you are going to get stuck. And you will. You need to be prepared when you ask yourself, “What am I going to do to entertain myself for three or four hours?” I would say just relax and enjoy the ride.
