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Overview

Located outside of Birmingham, Bessemer is a city that is seated eight miles away from Hoover, and is located within Jefferson County in Alabama. The city was founded in 1887; however it was able to achieve its incorporation in 1889. Every year, tourists visit the city for various reasons such as business and for pure leisure.

Things to Do

The best time to visit Bessemer is during summer. This is when most of the locals and guests can enjoy fishing in the local ponds. If fishing is not really in the cards, guests can always cool off at the Bessemer City public pool which is also an excellent place for guests and locals to mingle under the sun. For early mornings, most people go on hiking trips. A popular venue of hikers is the Crowder’s Mountain State Park, which has set trails for beginners and experienced hikers alike. Those who want to have fun together with friends and family can check out Visionland, which is just a few miles away from Birmingham. Visionland is a theme park which gathers crowds at all times of the year. If Visionland does not appeal, perhaps Alabama Amusements is the place to go. Other theme parks in Bessemer include the Splash Beach Water Park and the Alabama Adventure Water and Theme Park. For those who prefer to hit the beach, guests can also head over to Fort Morgan Beach which is just a few minutes away from the heart of the city.

Exploring the City

Getting around the city includes a lot of ingenuity for guests, but basically it all boils down to the preferences of the people who want to go exploring. Generally, walking is an option for those who want to just check out the areas that are located nearby their hotels. There are also car rental options for those who have not brought their own vehicles. There are also public transportation options like taxis and buses.

Fast Facts

• Back in 1911, Bessemer was served by several railroad lines including the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, Alabama Great Southern, and the Birmingham Southern Railroad.
• The city has a small airport called the “Bessemer Airport” which is located at the southeastern part of the city.
• According to the 2009 census, Bessemer has an estimated population of 28,772.
• Bessemer is also the home of some noted people such as Neil Bonnett, Alex Bradford, Nelsan Ellis, Kerry Rhodes, Corey White, and Virginia Hill.
• Bessemer is the home of Matilda, a famous chicken that holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest living chicken at 16 years.
• The city was named after Sir Henry Bessemer, a scientist of British descent who was a huge contributor to the making of steel.

Best Dining Spots

Dining is a pleasure for guests who are visiting Bessemer as guests have a lot of choices to their stomach’s delight. Among the many restaurants, the Bright Star Restaurant shines above the rest with its share of signature dishes and fantastic ambiance. Bob Sykes Barbeque Incorporated is also a winner for a number of guests who love the specific taste that the food at the restaurant has. Another place where grilled food is a hit is the Stadium Grill which boasts of having a comfortable ambiance where locals and tourists can mingle and enjoy.