Personally, I can’t believe it is already July, and we are talking about our 4th of July plans! That also means that the IN nominations are closed and we are shipping the IN guide book off to the printer. Whew!

But, no sense in waiting till the book is out, when you have me as an IN leak!

So in the spirit of being patriotic and ready for some 4th of July cookouts, this week’s IN spots are all about some Birmingham Barbeque. “It’s just sooooooo good!” - Michael N. Check out the list after the jump…

Here at the IN headquarters, we are wrapping up our nominations for IN spots. It has been so much fun to read all of your responses. More than 3,000 nominations have come in, and we still are picking more up from the IN boxes from around town.

Personally, I have really enjoyed hearing the positive feedback people have about the city. Everyone knows we have challenges, but I love knowing that we also have so many favorite IN spots to choose from.

Without further ado, I’ll begin leaking the chosen IN spots. Drumrollllll…..

And this week’s IN spot is….

April showers bring May flowers … that’s if you stock up at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens big sale. Big is an understatement. This is the largest plant sale in Alabama history! Lots to choose from, good prices and all proceeds go to the Gardens. I myself want to do everything possible to support the Gardens and keep the admission free. It will break my heart if they ever start charging. To attend the sale is free too and the hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Happy planting!

More after the jump…

You know it’s spring here when, at the first sign of warmth, people are throwing on the T-shirts, shorts, and sandals. It seems we in Alabama can’t stand to be cooped up in our houses when the sun is shining, the trees are budding, and the breeze is just right. We’re ready to move our activities outside. And naturally, that includes eating.

Enjoying a meal outside is one of the great pleasures of this time of year, especially when the clock springs forward and allows the sun to illuminate the city in golden light in the evenings. And plenty of local restaurants are happy to oblige (though I wish more of them would do it).

There is no entry for “Best Chicken Salad” in my trusty Menu of Menus, which leaves the title to be hotly disputed in all corners of our fair city. The arguments come down in some fairly defined quadrants: traditional celery vs. nouveau; with nuts vs. smooth; chicken chunks vs. pulled meat; dried fruit vs. those who shudder at the mention of raisins. What cannot be disputed is that every chicken salad eater in the Birmingham Metro area has their favorite recipe, and all other concoctions aren’t worth a crosswise sniff.

It’s Friday. That usually means it’s time to finalize weekend plans. And we say, it’s time for a Fiesta … Fiesta 2007 that is. October is Hispanic Heritage Month. Head downtown to Linn Park Saturday to celebrate all things Latino from noon to 8 p.m. Take the kiddies — through music, art, food and cultural activities, they’ll have fun learning about Latin American countries and won’t even realize it’s educational. Cost: Free.

Not all the traffic heading to Tuscaloosa Saturday will be for the early football game. At least a few of those cars will be navigating to the Kentuck Festival of the Arts. Putting the highlight on folk and traditional crafts for 36 years, this art show has gained high status in the art community. Besides stuff to look at, there will be food, music and activities for the kids. Considering who Alabama is playing Saturday, we suggest you don’t wear orange.

Cost: $10 daily, children under 12 free. Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

It’s not too late to get tickets for the Original Blue Brothers Band appearing at the Alys Stephens Center tonight. But if it is too late for you, one of the guys is hanging around town all weekend. Saxophone guru “Blue Lou” Marini will give a free jazz workshop at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame 10 a.m. Saturday. First come, first serve so don’t be late. Then Sunday, he’ll appear with members of the Magic City Jazz Orchestra and Night Fight Big Band to bring big-band sound to the Hall at 4 p.m. Cost: $10.

So what’s the local connection you ask? While “Blue Lou” has played with tons of stars over the years, it wasn’t until 2003 that he recorded his own work with the Magic City Jazz Orchestra backing him.

Just a quick mention. If you like … no, love motorcycles, Barber Motorsports Park is the place to be this weekend for the 3^rd annual Vintage Festival. Get all the details here.