Destination Oktoberfest

By Heather Mark

For the AJC

Munich’s Oktoberfest celebrates its 199th birthday this year, but you don’t have to go all the way to Bavaria to enjoy that infectious oompah-pah beat. If you’re hankering for a fall festival full of sausages, sauerkraut and beer, check out these Southeastern Oktoberfest celebrations.

Alabama

Free the Hops. With your complimentary souvenir glass, drink $3 beers and enjoy German music and food. Designated drivers get complimentary food and non-alcoholic beverages. Must be 21. Sept. 19. Two sessions, noon to 4 p.m. and 6 to10 p.m. $15 each.Morris Avenue, downtown Birmingham. www.FreeThe Hops.org.

Where to stay

The Hotel Highland at Five Points South. Located a short DART Trolley ride down 20th Street to the fest. $125-$255 per night. 1023 20th St. South, 205-705-3450. www.The
HotelHighland.com.

Where to eat

Chez Fonfon. Chez Fonfon serves French-inspired dishes as well as sophisticated sandwiches in a casual setting. Entrees $16-$25. 2007 11th Ave. South, 205-939-3221.

Jim ’n Nick’s Bar-B-Q. For low-and-slow, lip-smacking southern barbecue, don’t pass up Jim ’n Nick’s. Tasty sandwiches such as barbecue pulled pork and catfish run about $8. 1908 11th Ave. South. 205-320-1060. www.JimNNicks.com.

Information

Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau. 2200 Ninth Ave. North. 800-458-8085. www.BirminghamAL.org.

North Carolina

Charlotte Oktoberfest. Use your complimentary 5-ounce glass to sample 350 beer selections from more than 100 breweries. Oct. 10. $50 early admission, $35, $20 designated drivers. Must be 21. Metrolina Tradeshow Expo, 7100 Statesville Road, Charlotte. www.CharlotteOktober
fest.com.

Where to stay

Westin Charlotte. Located a 10-minute drive from Oktoberfest, it’s within walking distance of the city’s historic South End. $149-$409, 601 S. College St., 704-375-2600. www.Westin.com / 
Charlotte.

Where to eat

Blue Restaurant and Bar. Feast on Mediterranean cuisine accompanied by live jazz (Wednesdays-Saturdays). Entrees about $25. 214 N Tryon St. in Hearst Tower. 704-927-2583. www.BlueRestaurant AndBar.com.

Tennessee

Germantown Street Festival. The whole neighborhood shuts down for this block party complete with three stages of entertainment and a 5-kilometer run. When you need a break from the beer, take tours of the neighborhood’s historic churches and homes. Oct. 10. Third Avenue North through Fifth Avenue North at Monroe Street, Nashville. www.HistoricGermantown.org.

Where to stay

The Hermitage Hotel. Stay in luxury and enjoy amenities including on-call limousine service, bath concierge service and pampered pet service. $339-$499, 231 Sixth Ave. North. 888-888-9414. www.TheHermitage Hotel.com.

What to eat

Loveless Motel and Café. Fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and a whole lot of Southern charm are served up daily. $6.95-$16.95, 8400 Tenn. 100, 615-646-9700, www.LovelessCafe.com.

Information

Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau. 501 Broadway. 615-252-4680. www.VisitMusicCity.com.

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