Where will you go in 2017? If you follow the advise of The New York Times, Birmingham, Ala., should be on any traveler’s list. Birmingham was named on the New York Times’ list of 52 Places to Go in 2017. The national publication cited the revitalization of Birmingham neighborhood Avondale as a main attraction. “Birmingham’s nickname, ‘The Pittsburgh of the South,’ seems apt anew, thanks to the revitalization of the Avondale neighborhood, where artists, restaurateurs and young entrepreneurs are taking over brick warehouses and Queen Anne cottages.”

This is one of the Magic City’s first accolades for 2017, following a year of record accolades. As part of the Birmingham Business Alliance’s image enhancement program to support economic development in the region, the BBA tracked 43 accolades for Birmingham in 2016 – those are positive mentions in national publications or favorable rankings on lists where we are compared to other areas of the country. That’s the most Birmingham has received since the BBA began tracking it in 2011, when the city received four accolades. The BBA works closely with its marketing firm, Development Counsellors International (DCI), which specializes in marketing places, to boost Birmingham’s image.

“While DCI is not responsible for all the accolades Birmingham has received over the years, their work is definitely reflected in the areas where Birmingham is showing up the most,” said Lauren Cooper, vice president of communications for the BBA. “They are continuously talking with journalists nationally and internationally about downtown revitalization, our innovative entrepreneur and business culture, and our efforts as a leader in global human rights. Telling a great story and backing it up with improving demographics has people everywhere looking at Birmingham with fresh eyes.”

Most recently Birmingham was named one of the top 10 cities where you can live well on a $60,000 salary by CNBC, and international travel guide Frommer’s highlighted the city on its website in “Been to Birmingham Lately? You’re in for a Surprise.” Here are a few other notable 2016 accolades:

Birmingham One of the 26 Hottest Food Cities of 2016, Zagat
Birmingham One of the Best Places for Women to Start a Business in 2016, Thumbtack
Birmingham ranks No. 2 in the Country for Median Income Growth, The Wall Street Journal

Click here to see some of the best accolades from 2016 and beyond.