Echo Highlands - Birmingham, AL Area Guide

Originally part of the early Center Point homestead, Echo Highlands began with the arrival of settlers along Barber Springs at the head of Five Mile Creek in 1816. A well was dug and a grocer established near the end of the 19th century, bringing greater wealth to the area. A blacksmith and post office were in place by 1900 and rounded out the area into a town. As Center Point continued to develop separately, Echo Highlands flourished with the continued growth of Birmingham throughout the 1900s and was eventually incorporated into the city proper.

Drive south down 73rd Street to spend a quiet afternoon immersed in the local lore of Jefferson County. The Southern Museum of Flight showcases a number of historic planes and helicopters in its indoor hangars and outdoor displays. Stop by Tuesday through Saturday to educate yourself on the region's rich history of aviation.

Head just east of Echo Highlands along Center Point Parkway to discover the varied fine-dining and hip, low-key restaurants locals have been enjoying for years. Whether you're searching for authentic international cuisine or some of America's classic flavors, the surrounding Echo Highlands area has you covered.

Taste of China on Center Point Parkway delivers on the promise of fresh-to-order Chinese food using only the best ingredients to provide a high-caliber experience. The large seating area makes Taste of China a great place to bring along a few friends, and sizable portions leave enough for everyone to share. Order the crispy sweet-and-sour chicken with an egg roll on the side to see how Taste of China transforms the classic Chinese menu.

Ken’s Hickory Pit BBQ marries the classic roadside diner experience with freshly smoked meats drizzled in a variety of sweet and spicy sauces. Stop by for breakfast for a piping hot cup of black coffee served alongside one of the diner's signature skillets. Those coming in for lunch or dinner can order the pork plate large enough to sample the various barbecue sauces provided.

True to its name, On Tap Sports Cafe provides the Birmingham area with around 75 beers on tap at any given time. Stop by on Main Street to order a round of drinks just in time to catch the Crimson Tide game on one of the many televisions around the bar. Hankering for a bite to eat? The sizable big daddy quesadilla or the cowboy burger provide enough food to satisfy even the hungriest of customers.

Route 79 cuts through the neighborhood's center, bringing locals southwest into Birmingham or northeast to the greater Alabama countryside. Despite the lack of access to ride-share services such as Lyft and Uber, Birmingham's many cab companies provide transport throughout the area, though hailing one in Echo Highlands can prove difficult, so call ahead.

Public parking can be found easily along the neighborhood's northeastern residential side streets. Echo Highlands' roads lack designated bike lanes, though cyclists can make use of the numerous recreational trails throughout Birmingham. The neighborhood's relative distance from the downtown area means Echo Highlands residents rely on an automobile to get around.

Those in search of a fun afternoon outing with the kids can drive north into Pinson to visit the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. Escape into nature and explore the hiking trails as they wind through the densely forested area with birds, fish and other wildlife carefully preserved thanks to the efforts of Alabama's Forever Wild Program. Bring your dog along on-leash to join you on your scenic walks, or enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the serene seating areas within the park.

Stop by the nature preserve facility before you go to sign you and your family up for one of the many annual nature walks or bird watching trips hosted on the Turkey Creek Tract, or speak with a Turkey Creek representative to get involved in other upcoming events.

The cost of living for the greater Echo Highlands area averages 3 percent higher than Birmingham city average cost. A typical one-bedroom apartment in the area costs around $450 per month. Local pubs charge about $5 per pint of beer. Echo Highlands gas prices tend to remain around 10 percent lower than the nation's gas average cost.

Drive east into Center Point along Center Point Parkway to visit the number of conveniently located shops within the Center Point Shopping Center, including Walgreens, Dollar General, RadioShack, and Hibbett Sports. Local Echo Highlands grocery stores include Walmart and Food Giant.

Those willing to drive west into Gardendale can support local producers while browsing the open-air vendor stalls of the Gardendale Alabama Farmer's Market. Bring the dog along on-leash to enjoy the sun while you choose from a variety of fresh seasonal produce and handmade arts and crafts. The Gardendale Alabama Farmer's Market opens each Thursday between May and September.

Go shopping for antiques and sit down for lunch at East 59 Vintage & Cafe on 1st Ave. N. This unique boutique carries all types of fun vintage furniture, clothes and more. The menu features healthier breakfast and lunch items at reasonable prices. Enjoy a steaming cup of coffee or one of the craft beverages as you browse the merchandise selection.

Perfect for accentuating that special occasion or reminding someone they're in your thoughts, the floral arrangements at Ann's Balloons & Flowers come cleverly composed with both color and aroma in mind. Purchase a stargazer lily arrangement or work alongside the store owner to design a unique and thoughtful gift for your loved one.