By Tom Leader Studio, courtesy Greater Birmingham CVB

For travelers who are happiest when they stumble onto a local favorite, Gip’s Place in nearby Bessemer hits the spot. Described by locals as a “neighborhood party” held only on Saturday nights, this local event features blues bands and others musicians who line up to play the backyard venue. Gip is Gip Gipson, an aging blues musician, who hosts the Saturday night parties and allows no swearing. Ashford took me there to meet Gipson during my stay, and my return on a bluesy Saturday night cannot come soon enough.

www.facebook.com/GipsPlace