Birmingham, Alabama, may be better known as the center of the civil rights struggle in the 1950s and 1960s; but today, one of its top attractions is the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover - second only to the popular Alabama Gulf Coast beaches across the state. The Riverchase Galleria currently has over 200 stores, anchored by 5 department stores: JC Penney, Belk, Parisian, Macy's and Sears, as well as parking space for 5000 vehicles.





The Riverchase Galleria promises to provide a truly unique shopping experience. Its skylight, at two hundred feet in length, is said to be the longest in the world; furthermore, it attracts visitors from the neighbouring states of Florida, Tennessee, Georgia and Mississippi in hoards, cementing its position as one of the best places to shop in the Deep South, if not the country. As well as its anchor department stores, the Riverchase Galleria is also home to Sunglass Hut International, Victoria Secret Beauty, Claire's Accessories, Foot Locker, Banana Republic and American Eagle Outfitters, among a host of others.





Shopping, however, is not the only activity to indulge in at Riverchase Galleria. Visitors can dine at one of the Galleria's many restaurants and eateries. These include: Auntie Anne's pretzels, California Pizza Kitchen, and Godiva Choclatier, as well as a variety of restaurants at the nearby Wynfrey Hotel. Additionally, the architecture of the Riverchase Galleria is in itself a wonder, with a fabulous nine-story glass atrium for shoppers and visitors to marvel.





Famously, 2006 American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks, used to work at the Galleria, dressing up as an Easter Bunny every year. Just two weeks before his eventual victory, Taylor returned to Riverchase Galleria, for a rally in his honour, attended by an estimated 10, 000 fans. In this vein, the Riverchase Galleria often organises events, such as Pet Night, an attraction for pet loving shoppers, and Rockin' Shoppin', a regular event which combines live music and shopping from 5am to 9am! Other activities organised by the Riverchase Galleria include community programs like 'Mall Walkers', which allows anyone into the mall from 8am onwards to walk in a safe environment on the Galleria's 2nd floor. One trip around the second floor measures 1.14 miles, and is a great way for people to exercise in a safe, climate-controlled area.





With a multiplicity of exciting activities and events in which to participate, a fulfilling trip to the Riverchase Galleria often involves an overnight stay for out-of-town visitors; for those wishing to make their trip to the Galleria longer than an afternoon's worth of shopping, there are a selection of nearby hotels that offer affordable, comfortable accommodation for the night; this way, you can make the most of your trip to Birmingham and visit other nearby Alabama attractions, like the Birmingham Zoo, the Botanical Gardens and the Museum of Art.





About the author:


Andrew Regan is an online journalist who enjoys socialising at his local Edinburgh cricket club.