Student Life

Church of the Highlands

Church of the Highlands is located in beautiful Birmingham, Alabama, with campuses in Auburn, Montgomery, & Tuscaloosa. Highlands is well known not only because of its size, but also because of the life-giving experience provided in weekly services. The atmosphere at Highlands is unique. Pastor Chris Hodges presents the gospel in an easily understandable way for people to apply to their everyday lives. Highlands recognizes that life change happens in the context of relationships.  Relationships are found through our vibrant and growing small groups. Each week thousands of people meet in Highlands small groups to encourage each other in the Word, play, pray, and have fun!

The enthusiasm at Highlands is contagious. After spending just a few minutes in the Highlands environment, you will soon understand why we have experienced tremendous growth over the past 10 years. God is at work in our state and we are honored to be a part.

Birmingham AL

http://www.birmingham365.org/
http://www.birminghamal.org/index.aspx
http://www.informationbirmingham.com/

The state of Alabama is often referred to as “Alabama the Beautiful” and there are lots of reasons why. The entire state is full of exciting places to visit and Birmingham is at the heart of all the action. Birmingham is the largest city in the state with a population currently estimated at 242,820, and a metro population of 1,079,089.

Nestled at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at the cross-section of two major railroads, the city was once the primary industrial center of the southern United States. At the height of the nation's manufacturing age, the city grew so fast in population, it was called the "Magic City". Today, Birmingham has transformed itself into a medical research, banking, and service-based economy, making it one of the nation's most livable cities with a vibrant downtown, a burgeoning loft community, a world-class culinary scene, and more green space per capita than any other city in the nation!

Birmingham also boasts 99 historic neighborhoods and is often referred to as the cradle of the American Civil Rights Movement. The average high temperature in the city is 65°; the average low is 51°. The city is centrally located in the southeast and easily accessible to major hubs in the region.

Major Malls

Riverchase Galleria


3000 Riverchase Galleria, Suite 1000
Hoover, AL 35244
(205) 985-3020

Riverchase Galleria is Alabama's number one free tourist attraction, boasting one of the largest skylights in North America.  Anchor stores include Belk, Macy's, Sears, JCPenney with a four-star, four-diamond preferred Wynfrey Hotel and a 17-story office tower attached to the two-level shopping mall.  Other retailers include: Banana Republic, Cache, bebe, Arden B. and many more. Be sure to save some time for the Galleria's great dining and entertainment.

The Summit


I-459 at Highway 280

(205) 967-0111

This shopping destination continues to thrive and expand. A recent addition brought shops such as Coldwater Creek, Anthropologie, Merrell, and J Jill to the list which already includes Williams-Sonoma, Old Navy, Restoration Hardware, Chico's, The Pottery Barn, a luxury spa and some very good restaurants. 

Trussville Shopping

The booming suburb of Trussville includes three large shopping areas. Target, Books-a-Million, and Old Navy anchor the mall on U.S. 11.  A second shopping area, the Pinnacle Tutwiler Farm shops, sits above this area and is anchored by Belk and Best Buy. The third cluster of shops occupies both sides of Chalkville Mountain Road, just after the first I-59 Trussville exit, with a Wal-Mart Supercenter, other fine shops and restaurants on one side and a Kohl's anchoring the other.

Vestavia City Center

This well designed shopping area just south of the city houses a great independent bookstore, Milestone Books, along with great places to eat such as Panera Bread, Sekisui Japanese & Sushi Restaurant, and Nonna's Italian restaurant.  Also in the complex are Stein Mart, Publix, and Starbucks. Located off of Hwy 31 South in the heart of Vestavia.


Colonial Brookwood Village


Shades Creek Parkway

(AL 149 between US 280 and US 31)
(205) 871-0406

Home to several specialty retailers like Gus Mayer and Betsy Prince as well as larger retailers such as Belk and Macy's. Also houses several particularly good restaurants. Garage and courtesy valet parking is available.

The Shops of Grand River


6200 Grand River Blvd. East

Leeds, AL 35094

(205) 699-3700

The Birmingham areas newest shopping outlet! New home of Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Nike Factory Store, Kenneth Cole, DKNY, Talbots and Chico's outlets, as well as many more. Check out the store directory for a complete listing.

Birmingham's Top Ten Attractions

1. Birmingham Zoo
2. Vulcan Park and Museum
3. Alabama Adventure
4. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
5. Birmingham Museum of Art
6. McWane Center
7. Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
8. Barber Motorsports Park
9. Riverchase Galleria
10. Talladega Superspeedway
     

Birmingham’s Top Ten Restaurants:

1. Joe’s Italian Pizza, Pasta, and Café
2. Bottega Café
3. GianMarco’s
4. Surin West
5. Highlands Grill
6. Chez FonFon
7. Flip Burger Boutique
8. Iguana Grill
9. Konomi
10. Saw’s Barbeque