Freedom Monument — The National Monument to Freedom has over 100,000 names. (Caleb Turrentine / The Bama Buzz)

It’s been a busy year in Alabama when it comes to new businesses and other developments in every corner of the state. Here’s our recap of some of the biggest new openings and a few closings from around Alabama in 2024.

Openings in Birmingham

Daves — Entrance at the new Dave’s Hot Chicken in Vestavia Hills. (Dave’s Hot Chicken)

The Edge development opens in Homewood with multiple eateries and shops
Dave’s Hot Chicken opens new location in Vestavia
New Cooper Green Medical Clinic opens at UAB
Nashville-based restaurant chain Joyland opens new location in Avondale

Openings in Montgomery/Central Alabama

Montgomery got its own whitewater rapids course in 2024. (Montgomery Whitewater)

National Monument to Freedom opens, honoring the legacy of enslaved Americans
Montgomery Whitewater Park zip line courses
Perennial, a locally-sourced, sustainable restaurant
Alabama Mineral Springs bottling plant opens in Jemison
Montgomery Lions Club Children’s Sensory Trail opens

Openings in Huntsville/North Alabama

Land Bridge 2 — Scientists studied Natural Bridge Park over the weekend. (Wild Alabama / Facebook)

Welcome Center in Ardmore
First Solar manufacturing facility for solar panels
Natural Bridge Park in Winston County remains open to the public despite ownership change
River Heritage Trail opens beside Tennessee River in Florence

Openings in Mobile/Gulf Coast

The Admiral’s grand lobby. ( The Admiral Hotel / Facebook)

Gulf State Park Pier reopens to the public after 9 months of repairs and construction following Hurricane Sally
The Admiral Hotel opens in downtown Mobile
Edward O. Wilson Science Research Center opens at Alabama School of Math and Science