Please tell me the names (and state if outside Alabama) or nearest towns/county of your ancestral towns so I can plan the day-trip route, suggest galleries and storefronts, and estimate drive times.
Do you want the rental car picked up the night of Sept 2 (after your hilltop sunset) or first thing the morning of Sept 3? If you prefer the night before, I will find a rental location with evening hours near your hotel.
Would you like the cooking+wine class on Sept 2 afternoon/evening, Sept 3 evening after your return from the day trip, or Sept 4 (morning/afternoon)? Also confirm the importance of a cannoli lesson (required vs nice-to-have).
For the 4–6 hour boat experience on Sept 4, do you prefer staying closer (25–45 min drive from Birmingham) like Logan Martin/Locust Fork/Smith Lake, or are you open to a 1–1.5 hour drive (Lake Martin) for more island/snorkel options?
Do you prefer mid-range experiences (~$80–$150/person per activity), premium/private options, or budget-friendly group options? This helps me pick the best tours, restaurants, and private vs group bookings.