Apple Valley - Birmingham, AL

Apple Valley's origins date back to the beginnings of Center Point, where settlers along the head of Five Mile Creek settled in 1816. The Roebuck, Reed and Truss families dug a well and built a homestead and grocer in the surrounding area. By the beginning of the 20th century, a blacksmith shop and post office sprung up and the area became known as Center Point. A local school was constructed in 1924, and the area continued to grow and flourish alongside Birmingham. Following Apply Valley's annexation in the mid-20th century, the neighborhood retained much of its rural and suburban roots, turning the area into what it became today.

Those looking for a quiet afternoon of fun for the whole family can visit the Southern Museum of Flight off Interstate 59. The enormous historic plane exhibits provide entertainment for the kids while adults can immerse themselves in the region's aviation history.

Whether you're in the mood for a quick and rugged roadside meal or an upscale restaurant serving the best in international cuisine, the greater Apple Valley area has you covered. Head north into Pinson to enjoy the suburb's fast food joints and chain restaurants, or go downtown to sample the some of Birmingham's unique flavors . Open early for breakfast every morning, Ken's Hickory Pit BBQ on Pinson Valley Parkway marries the traditional diner menu and atmosphere with smoked meats and savory sauces. Order a breakfast of eggs and grits for a pure southern breakfast, or stop by during the afternoon for a pork plate with enough meat to try all the different sauces available - along with beans, slaw and fries sure to satisfy the hungriest customers.

Drive southeast to Trussville Crossings Boulevard to dine in style at the Konomi sushi bar. The long tables and wide booths make the place perfect for bringing along a group of friends while you enjoy sizable portions of steak and shrimp noodles or spicy teriyaki chicken. If the dinner prices seem a bit steep, stop by during lunch hours to take advantage of the daily lunch discount.

Promising Philly cheesesteaks designed, cooked and served by a Philadelphia native, T-Bones Authentic Style Philly Cheesesteaks and Hoagies brings customers back time and time again for its quick service and some of the best cheesesteaks available in Birmingham. Order a cheesesteak with a side of ranch fries to enjoy the rich classic meal in all its glory, complete with gooey cheese drizzled over thinly sliced steak. The owner loves to chat, so be sure to stop by and send your compliments to the chef if you enjoy the meal.

Bourbon Street Bar & Lounge along Cooper Hill Road ensures Apple Valley residents don't have to travel all the way into downtown to party with Birmingham's electric night scene. Order the baby, an enormous gin or vodka cocktail mixed with lemon and sugar, to sample the bar's signature drink and summon the courage necessary to brave the karaoke stage. If singing isn't your thing, hit the dance floor and cut loose with locals any night of the week.

Routes 75 and 79 run alongside the neighborhood's eastern and western edges, making travel south into Birmingham and north into the surrounding region a breeze. Though Birmingham lacks access to ride-share services such as Lyft and Uber, the city's cab companies ferry residents throughout town. Call ahead if you know you'll need a cab.

Public parking is freely available throughout the neighborhood, most commonly along the residential side streets. Cyclists can take advantage of the bike lanes incorporated into a few of the area's major roads, though most residents rely on an automobile to make the most of the surrounding area. The Birmingham Jefferson County Transport Authority services Apple Valley with bus stops along Westchester Drive.

Those looking to spend a day of fun out in the sun can look no further than northwest Pinson's Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. Open Wednesday through Sunday each week, the nature preserve varies its hours with the season, so check the website to know when it closes.

Turkey Creek is home to a number of endangered species who flourish in its carefully preserved ecosystems. Bring the family along to marvel at the lush greenery and thriving wildlife. The park allows dogs on leashes as well, so bring along your favorite pooch for a scenic walk along one of the preserve's many hiking trails. The preserve features annual nature walk and bird watching events each year, so check in at the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve facility to sign up for a fun escape into nature.

The greater Apple Valley area's cost of living averages 8 percent greater than Birmingham overall. A typical one-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood costs $482 for one month's rent. A ride south into downtown along the CTA bus line costs $1.25. Local pubs charge around $5 for a pint of beer, and the area's gas prices tend to stay around 10 percent beneath the national gas average.

Apple Valley residents drive north into Pinson to take advantage of the town's high volume of valuable stores along Center Point Road, including CVS Pharmacy, Winn-Dixie and Rite Aid. Stop by the Rite Aid Redbox to pick up a couple movies before you head back for a fun family night in. Food Giant and the Pinson Farmers Market make up the other local grocery chains in the area.

Head west of Apple Valley to Mount Olive Road on any Thursday between the end of May and September to support local produce at the Gardendale Alabama Farmers Market. Chat with local farmers while browsing the fresh organic ingredients and handmade goods. Bring your dog along on-leash to enjoy the time out in the sun. Drive southeast of Apple Valley to Trussville to feast your eyes on the expansive collection of vintage furniture and classic home decor in Trussville Antiques & Interiors. The mall's wide range of antique vendors stock the warehouse wall to wall with mid-century and more modern pieces, all laid out in charming thematic room displays to help you quickly find the pieces you're looking for.

Soca Clothing in downtown Birmingham makes your trip well worth it with a range of designer clothing focused both on fashion and comfort. The store accepts consignment clothing from certain designers, and the back room contains discount pieces you should check out before you leave.