Cherith Glover Fluker
Q: What inspired you to write a book about these lesser-known gems?
A: I’ve always been a “show me the backstory” traveler. As I explored Birmingham for WhatCherithinks [her blog, whatcherithinks.com] and my freelance work, I kept stumbling on places we pass every day without knowing the people or stories behind them. Secret Birmingham became my way to shine a light on those overlooked corners. Much like my blog, the book invites local families to slow down, look more closely, and feel at home in their own city—while helping visitors see why Birmingham belongs on their itinerary.
Q: What was the most surprising or unexpected discovery?
A: I was very surprised by how many “little” places hold such big stories. Once you learn the who/why behind these things, they transform. The Rotary Trail sign is a perfect example: We all see it and pose for pictures in front of it, but understanding its history makes it far more significant. And the Porsche Sport Driving School at Barber is another. People travel from around the world to attend the school. As the largest of Porsche’s 13 worldwide schools—and the only one in North America—it draws a significant international crowd, as well as many participants from across the U.S. Those backstories turn everyday sights into true landmarks.
Cherith Glover Fluker
Q: How did you narrow a long list down to 84 entries?
A: It was hard. Birmingham made it a rewarding struggle. There are so many fascinating things in this city. My working list hit 150, and I could’ve easily published 100. I landed on 84 by using a simple filter: Entries needed an “aha” factor, stories that are often missed in school history classes, details that some locals couldn’t answer when I asked, and places that spoke to me personally. I wanted to tell stories I was truly curious about so readers could feel that excitement and inquisitiveness on the page. And I’m not done telling the secrets—I’ve been intentional about staying connected to the people and places that didn’t make this edition and already have ideas for how to feature them in future work.
Q: What is one hidden spot every local should move to the top of their list?
A: That’s such a tough question because I discovered so many places I didn’t know much about until I started researching for the book. But if I had to choose, I’d say Joe Minter’s African Village. I honestly didn’t realize the depth of its impact until I learned that his work has been featured in the Smithsonian American Art Museum and other national exhibitions. It’s a place that is often overlooked and sometimes misunderstood, but the more I’ve learned, the greater my appreciation has grown. Minter’s work is such an important part of Birmingham’s story.
Cherith Glover Fluker
Q: What do you hope readers take away about their connection to the city?
A: Birmingham belongs to all of us. When you know the stories of makers, migrants, activists, and everyday neighbors, you move through Birmingham with more pride and more care. My hope is that readers finish the book with a deeper sense of belonging and pride.
Q: Do you have a favorite anecdote or local legend who stood out?
A: For me, it’s very personal. My dad sold cars at Edwards Chevrolet, so when I uncovered its history during my research, I knew right away it had to be included. He built a successful career there and carried immense pride in his work. To him, the dealership was a symbol of consistency, of hard work, of building a legacy. Edwards Chevrolet became part of his identity. My dad passed away in 2019, but I know that connection was genuine because, when I returned more than a decade after his retirement from Edwards to research for the book, the staff welcomed me as though I was part of the family. That, to me, is the heartbeat of Secret Birmingham—ordinary landmarks made extraordinary by the people whose lives are intertwined with them.
Q: How does the book reflect Birmingham’s multilayered identity?
A: When people think of Birmingham, their minds typically go straight to its Civil Rights history. While that is an essential part of the city’s story, there are so many more layers. Secret Birmingham pulls back the curtain on those hidden facets and invites readers to see the city in its full depth and complexity. The book places civil rights history alongside steel-town grit, immigrant-owned shops beside legacy businesses, and green spaces next to art galleries. It celebrates Birmingham’s diversity. You’ll find faith, foodways, art, industry, and everything in between that makes the city what it is. My goal is for readers to experience the whole city, not just a single storyline.
Q: You’re from Talladega but have strong ties here. How did these treasures shape your pride in Birmingham?
A: I grew up in Talladega, and after college I settled in Pell City—but Birmingham has always been woven into my life. Growing up, it was “the big city” next door. At one point, both of my parents worked in Birmingham, so I spent many summers hanging out at their jobs. I even picked up part-time work in Birmingham as a teenager. Later, I worked for Jefferson County Schools. I’ve served on the Board of Directors for the Greater Birmingham Auburn Club, and I’m a proud member of the Birmingham Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. My son even lives in Birmingham, so the connection is both personal and generational.
Writing this book only strengthened that bond. The more I explored Birmingham’s hidden layers, the prouder I became. I’m not just proud of the landmarks, but of the people who keep showing up to build something beautiful. Birmingham and I are “real cool,” as I like to say, and I’m grateful for the chance to help tell its story.
Cherith Glover Fluker
Q: What’s next—any future projects or other “hidden cities” to explore?
A: Whew—right now, my focus is on enjoying this release and really leaning into getting the word out about Secret Birmingham. I also want to encourage people to not just read about these places, but to actually get out, see them, and engage with them. I already have a calendar full of events tied to the book, and that excites me just as much as the writing did.
Looking ahead, I’d love to expand some of this work through my blog, WhatCherithinks. It was challenging to narrow these vignettes down to 300 words. There’s so much more to say about many of these places and people. My blog gives me the space to dig deeper, share more stories, and keep the conversation going beyond the book’s pages. For now, I’m savoring this release, but I’m always looking for ways to continue telling Birmingham’s story.
If you promise to keep a secret, I can tell you this: Be on the lookout for me in a major travel publication next spring!
Editor’s note: We can’t wait!
Want to discover more? Pick up a copy of Secret Birmingham: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, and start exploring the city’s little-known treasures.