Visiting Birmingham, Alabama, with iPhone Travel Apps

Where is the best place to eat in Birmingham, Alabama? What should I see during a short trip? Recently traveling to Birmingham, I downloaded a handful of iPhone travel apps with hopes they would guide me on what to see and where to eat. Few Birmingham travel iPhone apps are available and after using them, I determined none stood out as being exceptional travel guides, however, they all have positive attributes making them useful.

"Birmingham Travel Guides, v4.1", Seller: FidesReef ($0.99)
This travel app is an offline guide not dependent on an Internet connection which means, travelers can use it while the iPhone is in airplane mode. It contains basic information including getting to Birmingham, the city's history including how it earned "The Magic City" name, and role during the Civil Rights era. Dozens of restaurants are listed under the "Eat" category with favorites including Irondale Café (inspiration for the Whistle Stop Café in the novel, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café) and Dreamland BBQ however, listings are inconsistent. Addresses and phone numbers are included but some entries lack descriptions.

There are a dozen Birmingham must-see sights listed such as the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Vulcan Park. Unfortunately, some listings do not include descriptions. Entertainment, getting around, places to stay, shopping and where to drink are also found in this app. The "Birmingham Travel Guides" iPhone app would be more useful if each business and sight listed linked either to its Web site or a GPS-enabled map. Overall, the app is useful for the first-time Birmingham visitor.

"Birmingham Sights, v1.2", Seller: Arctic Gerbil ($0.99)
This travel app takes a different approach from "Birmingham Travel Guides". It requires an Internet connection and lists attractions and other points of interest based on the user's location. Addresses and telephone numbers are included but they lack descriptions. It connects with Google maps enabling users to utilize the iPhone's GPS capabilities for directions to find a specific point of interest. The "Birmingham Sights" iPhone app also includes an area map pinpointing all listed sights. This app is useful for users already familiar with Birmingham's sights and for users on the go seeking attractions near their current location.

"Local Picks by TripAdvisor", Seller: TripAdvisor LLC (Free)
This foodie iPhone travel app uses GPS positioning to determine the user's location and locates 50 closest restaurants. Just like the TripAdvisor Web site, listings include user generated ratings, average price, cuisine, address, telephone number and restaurant's Web site. Traveler reviews can easily be accessed with a hyperlink to the restaurant's TripAdvisor listing. Unfortunately, listings omit hours of operation. Several of Birmingham's top-ranked restaurants are closed Sundays and Mondays and including hours of operation would enhance the visitor experience.

The Best iPhone Travel Apps for Birmingham, Alabama?
At publication time, there are limited iPhone Birmingham, Ala., travel apps available. While "Birmingham Travel Guides" and "Birmingham Sights" are not stellar, for $0.99 each they are worth downloading. "Local Picks by TripAdvisor" is excellent for pointing dining hot spots, hidden gems, and culinary superstars. This free app is worthy of every traveler's iPhone and can be used across the globe. All of these travel apps are available through the iTunes App Store.