Christina Rickey, Broker/OwnerFri, July 11th, 2008
BIRMINGHAM’S VILLAGES
Here it is, the weekend. Normally, I’d be previewing and showing properties to a buyer looking for their next home. This weekend, I’m free (unless someone wants to find their next home) and deciding what to do. With gas prices up and no desire to drive very far but still get out of the house, you may be wondering what to do that is different and fun. Why not escape locally and explore the many villages in and around Birmingham with their unique, quaint shops, boutiques and favorite local eateries.
Maybe your shopping and dining excursion will begin in Homewood, just a short distance from downtown Birmingham. Downtown Homewood boasts upscale clothing shops, high-end antique and art galleries, and home decorating stores, to name a few. There is old-style shopping along the newly renovated 18th Street, and the new Soho Square for modern-day shopping with an interesting mix of trendy boutiques and restaurants. Browse the Pink Tulip, a women’s clothing and accessories store; Homewood Toy and Hobby Shop, a traditional children’s toy store filled with unique toys and a large selection of hobby accessories; adventure through At Home Furnishings where you can find trinkets and furnishings to warm-up your décor; visit Savage’s Bakery, or O’Henry’s coffee shop, both local landmarks; and browse Smith’s Variety, which brings back memories of the five and dime.
For more southern charm and small-town atmosphere, enjoy picture-perfect Mountain Brook Village, only three to five minutes from Homewood. Beautiful storefronts abound along tree-lined sidewalks. Famous for their limeades, Gilchrist Soda Shop (a must stop for my grandaughter and me) has been a Mountain Brook staple since the early 20th century. Enjoy shops like Etc., Carousel, Village Sportswear, Bromberg’s, Christine’s, Jonathan Benton Bookseller, Smith’s Variety, and Little Hardware, where store owners and employees welcome you to browse through luxury décor, high-end clothing, treasures, gifts, books, staples, and jewelry. Grab some food at Davenport’s Pizza, or Browdy’s.
Located a few miles from Mountain Brook Village nestled between Euclid and Montevallo Roads, a large clock tower welcomes you to Crestline Village. Crestline Village has more than 80 shops and restaurants for your enjoyment. Casual and fine dining includes Bacca’s, Bongiorno’s, Crestline Bagel, Inc., La Paz, Zoe’s Kitchen, and Surin of Thailand. Crestline Village is known for its many children shops including clothing, toys, and accessories.
Another stop, close to the heart of Birmingham, is English Village on Cahaba Rd. Here you’ll find restaurants, coffee houses and garden shops. For a relaxing afternoon pamper yourself at the Richard Joseph Salon Spa; have lunch outside on the brick patio at Café Ciao’s, or read a magazine and enjoy a cup of coffee at Joe Muggs .
If the burbs are where you want to be, visit the Town of Mt. Laurel, located off of Hwy 41 in unincorporated Shelby County. Saturday morning at the Mt. Laurel Farmer’s Market, held from June through September, is a great way to start the day. There are also 29 shops and restaurants within the town, among them: Mt. Laurel Hardware and General Store, Bella Couture Bridal, Blue Moon Photo Studio, Main Street Florist, The Blue Room Salon Spa, Simplicity Unique Gifts, and Little Blessings Children’s Clothing. Eateries include The Standard Bistro, The Rose Garden Tea Room, Jimbo’s Soda Fountain, and Area 41 Pizza.
Besides Birmingham’s many villages, I’m sure there are other places all of us can enjoy, such as American Village in Montevallo, the Mcwane Center or Civil Rights Institute downtown, and the Farmers Market at Pepper Place on Saturdays. Share your favorite close-in places for fun and relaxation.
Posted by Christina Rickey at 02:11 | Permalink |