B-Metro's City Guide

CityGuide JULY2018

THE

• Arts • Festivals • Beer • Coffee • Festivals • Food • Pets • Schools • Health and more!

THE

BEST of the City

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+Top 50 Over 50

Proud Sponsor 2800 Cahaba Village Plz, Birmingham, AL 35243

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2 CITY GUIDE 2018

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STORY

LIVE ONE CONNECT @ THE SUMMIT

G U S M AY E R + S A K S F I F T H AV E N U E + F R E E P E O P L E + A M E R I C A N T H R E A D S SOUTH MOON UNDER + LIZARD THICKET + ABHI + THE COWFISH + TRADER JOE’S S T E E L C I T Y P O P S + W E S T E L M + B E D B AT H & B E YO N D + A P P L E + S E P H O R A + L U S H N O W O P E N : F R U T TA B O W L COMING SOON: SHAKE SHACK, ANTHONY VINCE NAIL SALON

B-METRO.COM 3

LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT HOME IN BIRMINGHAM? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED.

PROUDLY SERVING THE STATE OF ALABAMA

AUBURN • BIRMINGHAM • CHILTON • CULLMAN • NEW! DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM • NEW! HOMEWOOD • HUNTSVILLE

I-459 SOUTHWEST • INVERNESS • LAKE MARTIN • MOUNTAIN BROOK VILLAGE • MOUNTAIN BROOK CRESTLINE • NORTHERN/GARDENDALE NORTHWEST/JASPER • ONEONTA • OVER THE MOUNTAIN - ACTON ROAD • OVER THE MOUNTAIN - ALFORD AVE • SHELBY SHOALS • TRUSSVILLE/EAST • TUSCALOOSA

EXPLORE OUR APP 4 CITY GUIDE 2018

B-METRO.COM 5

LIBERTY PARK At Liberty Park, you’ll discover a remarkable hometown of classic architectural

bedroom on the main floor with a large walk-in closet leading conveniently

styles, park-like landscaping and charming neighborhoods that make living

to the laundry room. An open floor plan, The Mitchell offers a magnificent

here the ultimate choice for today’s sophisticated buyers. The 5-bedroom,

foyer leading to the great room, dining area and gourmet kitchen. This is a

4-bathroom, 3-car garage, 3,244 sq feet Mitchell home plan is a masterpiece

floor plan designed for a seamless transition among cooking, eating, and

of design and craftsmanship. The Mitchell features a spacious master

relaxing, bringing friends and family closer together.

Come visit Liberty Park today.

N E W H O M E S • H I G H LY R AT E D V E S TA V I A H I L L S S C H O O L S • S W I M C E N T E R • T E N N I S C E N T E R • P A R K S • P L AY G R O U N D S • W A L K I N G T R A I L S All information and depictions herein believed accurate but not warranted or guaranteed and subject to change without notice. All information should be independently verified. Liberty Park Joint Venture, LLP, Liberty Park Properties, Lifescape Builders, LLC, Drummond Built Homes, LLC and their respective builders, employees and agents are not responsible for errors or omissions. All rights reserved.

THE MITCHELL

Main Level Plan

Second Level Plan @libertyparkcommunity

@libertyparkal

(205) 945-6401 | libertypark.com

@libertypark

Life is Better at The

Ridge.

The Ridge is where lake and life truly meet. Whether you’re looking for a new getaway in the most pristine homes and homesites available in South Ridge Harbor, a rustic-modern design in Russell Cabins, or a classic farmhouse–style home in Ridge Run, The Ridge offers all this and more. The Ridge residents have access to an array of amenities, including The Ridge Marina, Beach Park, and The Ridge Club, a 10-acre recreation complex with tennis, fitness center, swimming, and children’s play park.

RUSSELLLANDSONLAKEMARTIN.COM

8 CITY GUIDE 2018

| 256.215.7011 |

LAKE MARTIN, ALABAMA

Russell Cabins

HOMES & HOMESITES AVAILABLE

Ridge Run

South Ridge Harbor

B-METRO.COM 9

LET YOUR COMPUTER BE YOUR CAMPUS.

the

METRO

team

EDITORIAL

Joe O’Donnell Editor/Publisher joe@b-metro.com

Robin Colter Creative Director robin@b-metro.com

Rosalind Fournier Associate Editor

ros@b-metro.com

ADVERTISING/MARKETING Cathy Fingerman Associate Publisher

cathy@b-metro.com

Joni Ayers Marketing Specialist joni@b-metro.com

Amy Tucker Marketing Specialist amy@b-metro.com

Mary Drysdake Marketing Specialist mary@b-metro.com

Elizabeth O’Donnell Accounting elizabeth@b-metro.com

Contributing Writers Gabby Bates, Lee Ann Brown, Josh Byers, Micah Cargo, Jesse Chambers, John Croyle, J’Mel Davidson, Cherri Ellis, Heidi Elnora, Rosalind Fournier, Tom Gordon, Trevor Hale, Lanier Isom, Tracy James, Angela Karen, Joey Kennedy, Brett Levine, Theresa Long, Andy McWhorter, Lindsey Osborne, Paget Pizitz, Phillip Ratliff, Cynthia Ryan, Dallas Teague Snider, Tommy Stevenson, Charlie Thigpen, Jan Walsh

Contributing Photographers Billy Brown, Edward Badham, Jared Bash, Marc Bondarenko, Cameron Carnes, Liesa Cole, Eric Dejuan, Elizabeth DeRamus, Joseph De Sciose, Lindsey Griffin, Beau Gustafson, Brian Francis, Beth Hontzas, Jim Lafferty, Angela Karen, Nik Layman, Meg McKinney, Art Meripol, Jaysen Michael, Michael Moore, Karim Shamsi-Basha, Jerry Siegel, Chuck St. John, Becky Stayner

ONLINE LEARNING The University of Alabama offers many exceptional academic programs online for distance learners. From bachelor’s to master’s and doctoral programs, Bama By Distance has developed dynamic, convenient courses for you to pursue your educational goals – on your own time from anywhere with an internet connection. Earn your degree from UA and rise with the Tide.

BamaByDistance.ua.edu/bmetro 10 CITY GUIDE 2018

B–Metro is published monthly by Fergus Media LLC 1314 Cobb Lane South Birmingham, AL 35205 (205) 202-4182 Printed by American Printing Co., Birmingham, AL

First things First: peruse the dessert menu.

Consider “old Fashioned� a Compliment. and a darn good CoCktail. have your steak and eat it, too.

2300 Woodcrest Place at the e mbassy suites birmingham 205.879.9995 For Menus & Additional Information, visit RuthsChris.net B-METRO.COM

11

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Ruth’s Chris Steak House The sounds emanating from the dining room of a great restaurant—the conversations, the laughter, the movement of the wait staff— can be absolutely intoxicating.

In the main dining room at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Homewood’s Embassy Suites Hotel, there is one more sound that is hard to confuse with any other.

The sizzle of the steak. Call it the music of dinner at Ruth’s Chris.

Ruth’s Chris has a fascinating history.

The Ruth’s Chris Steak House legacy began when a single mother, Ruth Fertel, mortgaged her home for $22,000 to purchase the “Chris Steak House,” a 60-seat restaurant in New Orleans. More than 40 years later, the restaurant’s success continues to be driven by an adherence to Ruth’s core values, which are to de-

liver the highest quality food, beverages and service in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The Birmingham restaurant tucked into the atrium of the Embassy Suites has been charming diners for more than two decades now.

One of the exciting things about dining at Ruth’s Chris is the variety of food available within the classic steakhouse format.

Sizzling blue crabcakes and the barbecued shrimp make excellent choices for appetizers. The lobster bisque or the fresh mozzarella and heirloom tomato salad are equally enticing for the soup and salad course. And the desserts are indeed something to behold.

It is the signature steaks, and that sizzle that makes Ruth’s Chris something special indeed.

 ruthschris.net

2300 Woodcrest Place Birmingham, AL 35209 | Embassy Suites | 205.879.9995

EVERY CANCER PATIENT IS UNIQUE. AND AT OUR NEW CENTER, THEIR CARE WILL BE, TOO.

The Grandview Cancer Center is about to open its doors, bringing this community an important new resource for cancer care. A full range of care, from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up, will be available right here. Services will be provided by a team of cancer care specialists using advanced technology and cancer treatment options. Jennifer De Los Santos, M.D., is the Cancer Center Director.

She is a renowned radiation oncologist whose research in breast cancer treatment has gained international attention. She joins more than 20 board-certified physicians and a dedicated staff who will provide our patients with personalized care. To learn more, visit GrandviewCancerCare.com.

Jennifer De Los Santos, M.D. Cancer Center Director

3670 Grandview Parkway • Birmingham 205-971-1800

Independent Member of the Medical Staff at Grandview Medical Center.

B-METRO.COM Look Forward.

13

CityGuide BIRMINGHAM METRO

THE

METRO

Volume 9 Number 9

A PUBLICATION OF

63. BIRMINGHAM FROM THE TOP

We live in a picturesque city best viewed from above.

Written by Rosalind Fournier / Photography by Beau Gustafson

70. WHAT’S COOKING?

Looking for a tasty night out? Try the cooking school at the Grand Bohemian Hotel.

Written by Robin Colter / Photography by Chuck St. John

76. BARISTAS OF BIRMINGHAM

The best cup of joe is served with a friendly smile.

Written and Photographed by Jeffrey Rease

84. THE BIG GUY UP THERE

If this city has an icon, it has to be Vulcan.

Written by Phillip Ratliff, Photography by Beau Gustafson

90. TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME

An afternoon with the Birmingham Barons is always a home run.

Written by Joe O’Donnell, Photography by Chuck St. John

98. THIS IS MY BIRMINGHAM

Local celebs point us to their favorites.

Written by Joe O’Donnell and Rosalind Fournier

the lists...

16. Chronicle by Joe O’Donnell 18. List: The Arts 20. List: Attractions 24. List: Beer 26. List: Coffee 106. The Best of the City Directory 30. List: Festivals 125. Positive Maturity’s 5th Annual Top 50 Over 50 36. List: Food 40. List: Hospitals 42. List: Music 46. List: Outdoors 50. List: Pets 52. List: Retirement 54. List: Sports 56. List: Shopping 58. List: Schools 62. List: Theatre 152. B-Curious: There’s no place like Birmingham. By Joey Kennedy

Special Promotional Sections

This page: Art on the rocks cover photo by beau gustafson 14 CITY GUIDE 2018

JULY2018

Standout style you can show off with your feet up.

At first glance all you see is style, but look closer and you’ll find that this great-looking sofa also has the power to recline at the touch of a button. Yes, really. With duo™ by La-Z-Boy, you get the best of both worlds – the comfort you know and love, plus a variety of styles and over 900 fabrics and leathers to choose from. Discover duo, a sofa so surprising it will sweep you off your feet. See the full line at la-z-boy.com/AL-TN.

Hoover • 2944 Highway 150 • 205-733-1937 Greystone • 5401 Highway 280 • 205-437-0280 Irondale • 1811 Crestwood Blvd • 205-956-1994

Join the conversation.

B-METRO.COM 15

Chronicle

HE HAS THE ABILITY TO KNOW EXACTLY WHEN HIS MOM NEEDS A REALLY BIG HUG— RIGHT DOWN TO THE SECOND.

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CHILDREN A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY

and at Children’s of Alabama, we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential.

That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine.

1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H B I R M I N G H A M , A L 3 5 2 3 3 (205) 638-9100

16 CITY GUIDE 2018 Hug- Simon 3.5 x 9.25 - bMetro.indd 1

ChildrensAL.org

4/30/18 9:11 AM

hen you live somewhere a long time one of two things happens. You develop a wellworn path around the city, retracing your steps over and over again. Or you become an intrepid explorer, appreciating the ground you’ve already covered, but also setting out for new locations, new experiences that can add unexpected riches to your life.

Most of us, myself included, fall somewhere in between, relishing the familiar, but open to that little hidden-away spot that you just stumble upon.

That’s why each July we bring you the City Guide, a special issue of B-Metro that wraps the city up in some handsome packaging and unfolds some great ideas for exploration.

Along with directory listings that encompass everything from the arts to local sports, we have put together features that bring to life some purely Birmingham experiences.

Because of our topography, the valleys and hills that make up our city, we are privy to some really great views. Rosalind Fournier found some of the best ones in our feature “Birmingham From the Top,” starting on page 63.

Learning to cook great food, favorite coffee baristas, Barons baseball, Vulcan as city icon; we explore all of these in features this month. It’s our way of suggesting some perfect ways to experience a great city.

I hope you enjoy this month’s issue.

B-METRO.COM 17

THE

ARTS

room for music events and private parties.

3025 6th Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35233 205-731-9420 dreammeccastudio.com

AEIVA

The Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts (AEIVA) opened in January 2014 as UAB’s dynamic institute of visual art, engaging with art of regional, national, and international significance.

1221 10th Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35205 205-975-6436 uab.edu/cas/aeiva

Showcases fine art and antiques.

2817 18th St. S., Homewood, AL 35209 803-4059 4seasonsantiquesandart.com

Gallery 1930

Red Dot Gallery

Alabama Artists are showcased in this upscale gallery in English Village in Mountain Brook.

1930 Cahaba Rd., Birmingham, AL 35223 205-870-1930 artgallery1930.com

Arceneaux Gallery

The gallery is a locally owned family business and local artist venue to sell and display works.

1830 29th Ave. S., Homewood, AL 35209 205-802-5800 arceneauxgallery.com

Art Alley

Unique collection of local and Southern artists, as well as a intriguing collection of copper and bronze sculptures.

109 Broadway, Homewood, AL 35209 205-879-1105 artalleybham.com

Artists Incorporated

This gallery’s local artists offer a full range of fine art in all media.

3365 Morgan Dr., Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-979-8990 artistsincorporated.com

The Atchison Gallery

A well-rounded selection of original works of art, photography, mixed media, prints, custom framing,and installation services.

2847 Culver Rd., Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-871-6233 theatchisongallery.com

Beverly McNeil Gallery

The Beverly McNeil Gallery is located in Lakeview adjacent to the headquarters for Portraits, Inc. 2801 6th. Ave. S., Mountain Brook, AL 35233 205-879-1222 portraitsinc.com

Canary Gallery LLC

Located in the loft district, the Canary Gallery is a place to view work from local artists, host an event, take an art class, or enjoy a glass of wine.

2201 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203 205-224-5300 canarygalleryllc.com

Daniel Day Gallery and Dream Mecca Studio Daniel Day Gallery/Dream Mecca Studio is a venue for local artists with a gallery and media 18 CITY GUIDE 2018

Paperworkers Local

A resource dedicated to enriching the community through exhibitions, workshops and classes and by providing affordable studio space.

2717 7th Ave. S., Ste. 203, Birmingham, AL 35233 paperworkerslocal.com

Four Seasons Gallery

GALLERIES

truly eclectic selection from local fine artists and craftsmen. 3831 Clairmont Ave., Birmingham AL 35222 205-595-3553 nakedartusa.com

Gallery Services

Located in the Pepper Place area, Gallery Services is a warehouse converted to a gallery, office, and production space.

2901 3rd Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-326-4100 galleryservices.com

This fine art gallery features the works of the gallery owners Scott Bennett and Dori DeCamillis, select pieces by other local and occasionally national artists, and student works.

1001 Stuart St., Homewood, AL 35209 205-870-7608 reddotgallery.com

Sojourns

A gallery/ shop full of unique items, sourced through fair trade from around the globe.

2017 3rd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203 205-323-5680 adventureartpeace.com

Grand Bohemian Gallery

The Grand Bohemian Gallery, located within the Grand Bohemian luxury hotel, is one of the most eclectic and visually stimulating of art galleries.

2655 Lane Park Rd., Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-203-4714 grandbohemiangallery.com

Space One Eleven

Ground Floor Contemporary

Space One Eleven’s mission is to provide professional opportunities for artists, create a forum for public understanding of contemporary art, and offer arts education to area youth.

2409 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203 205-328-0553 spaceoneeleven.org

Lite Box Gallery

Stephen Smith Fine Art specializes in modern and contemporary fine art with a primary focus on artists whose work engages social issues.

5104 Gary Ave., Fairfield, AL 35203 ​205-305-1451 stephensmith.gallery

A cooperative art gallery committed to promoting and expanding the visual arts scene.

111 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. S., Birmingham, AL 35233. 903-641-6209 groundfloorcontemporary.com Located in the Young and Vann building, Lite Box Gallery features regional emerging artists.

1731 1st Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203 205-716-1665 liteboxgallery.com

Liz Lane Gallery

Pottery, jewelry and a large collection of contemporary art on paper, wood and canvas.

1923 29th Ave. S., Homewood, AL 35209 205-903-0585 lizlanegallery.com

Maus Contemporary Gallery

Maus Contemporary Gallery is a gallery and space dedicated to supporting creativity with a focus on experimental and issue-driven works.

2411 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203 205-413-2999 betapictorisgallery.com

Naked Art

Located in Forest Park, Naked Art features a

Stephen Smith Gallery

MUSEUMS Birmingham Museum of Art

The Birmingham Museum of Art sparks the creativity and imagination of Birmingham by connecting its citizens to the experience, meaning, and joy of art. The museum contains more than 24,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and decorative arts. The museum’s collection of Asian art is considered the finest in the Southeast, and its Vietnamese ceramics one of the finest in the U.S. The Kress Collection features Renaissance and Baroque paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts from the late 13th century to mid18th, and the 18th-century European decorative arts include superior examples of English ceramics and French furniture. 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35203

205-254-2565 artsbma.org

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Audi Birmingham presents The Audi Q5: the most powerful rite of passage yet zontally oriented lines underscore the impression of width and comfort, and a three-dimensional trim strip runs across the entire width of the instrument panel. The new equipment lines concept offers customers a broad selection of colors and materials.

The new, high-efficiency air conditioner is available in two versions. A three-spoke multifunction steering wheel is standard; additional functions such as steering wheel heating are optional. Seat features range all the way to a pneumatic massage function. When it is dark, the optional ambient lighting (standard with design selection) creates an attractive atmosphere in 30 different colors. The workmanship quality in the new Q5 is uncompromising.

Audi presents another successful model. The SUV with the four rings combines the sportiness of an Audi sedan with a multifaceted character and a highly flexible interior. Whether in its connectivity, efficiency or driver assistance systems – the new Audi Q5 once again sets standards in its segment.

The Q5 SUV from Audi takes a sporty and taut stance on the street. A sculpturally flared Singleframe grille with a solid frame dominates its aerodynamically flat front end. It is available with headlights that are either in LED or high-resolution Matrix LED technology with dynamic turn lights.

A distinctively curved and strongly undercut shoulder line gives structure to the side view. The strongly emphasized wheel arches are a reference to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, and the low greenhouse tapers back down early. Just as at the front, horizontal lines at the rear convey an image of width and presence.

The tail lights are also available with optional dynamic turn signals.

The tailgate wraps around the C-pillars – a typical feature of the Q models from Audi. A diffuser insert integrates the exhaust tailpipes.

The interior offers a lot of space for five persons, and it surpasses the previous model and its competitors in key dimensions. Its hori-

 audiofbirmingham.com

1314 Grants Mill Way, Irondale, AL 35210 | 888-810-0776

B-METRO.COM 19

ATTRACTIONS Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Barber Vintage Motorsport Museum

The museum houses over 750 motorcycles and 45 cars and is the largest collection in the U.S. The Barber Motorsports Park is a 740-acre multipurpose motor racing facility.

6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy., Leeds, AL 35094. 205-699-7275 • www.barbermuseum.org

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Sixty-seven acres of glorious nature in all its splendor, everything from Southern wildflowers to a Japanese Garden with tea house and bonsai.

2612 Lane Park Road • 205-414-3950 www.bbgardens.org

Alabama Wildlife Center

Alabama Iron and Steel Museum

Located at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, the Museum houses a variety of exhibits dedicated to the iron industry of Alabama. 10-4 daily • 12632 Confederate Pkwy., McCalla, AL 35111 • 205-477-5711 • tannehill.org

Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame

Houses exhibits from famous Alabama Jazz artists who made major contributions to the world of jazz.

1701 B 4th Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203 205-327-9424• jazzhall.com

Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame pays tribute to local and state sports heroes and legends. 2150 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Birmingham, AL 35203 9-5 Mon-Fri. 205-323-6665 • ashof.org

Alabama Theatre

Built in 1927, The Alabama Theatre host live events and performances as well as films.

1817 3rd Ave. N., Birmingham AL 35203 205-252-2262 • alabamatheatre.com 20 CITY GUIDE 2018

Alabama’s largest wildlife rehabilitation center cares for injured and orphaned native wildlife and returns them to the wild. The Treetop Nature Trail is an elevated boardwalk in the woods.

Oak Mountain State Park. 100 Terrace Drive, Pelham, AL 35124 • 205-663-7930 • awrc.org

Aldridge Gardens

Among the walking trail and six-acre lake, find beauty, tranquility and nature and art in balance.

3530 Lorna Rd, Hoover, AL 35216 (205) 682-8019 www.aldridgegardens.com

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Across the street from the historic 16th Street Baptist Church, the Institute showcases how our city has changed and how we helped change the nation. It’s both a museum and a forum for understanding the universal problem of racism and discrimination. Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5 520 16th St. N., Birmingham, AL 35203 1-866-328-9696 • bcri.org

Birmingham Holocaust Education Center

An extensive Holocaust research library, archives, and the permanent exhibition Darkness Into Life.

Mon-Fri 10-3 (please call ahead) 2222 Arlington Ave., Birmingham, AL 35205 205-795-4176 bhamholocausteducation.org

American Village

American Village transports visitors back over 200 years. Costumed historical interpreters lead visitors through interactive experiences.

3727 Highway 119, Montevallo, AL 35115 205-665-3535 www.americanvillage.org

Birmingham Negro Southern League Museum

The Negro Southern League Museum presents the history of African-American baseball.

Mon 11-5, Tues 8-5, Wed-Fri 11-5, Sat 12-5 120 16th St. S., Birmingham, AL 35233 205-581-3040 • www.birminghamnslm.org

Arlington Home & Gardens

Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens is a former plantation house, built between 1845–50, and 6 acres of landscaped gardens near downtown.

331 Cotton Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211 205-780-5656 arlingtonantebellumhomeandgardens.com

Birmingham Zoo

The 122-acre Birmingham Zoo features sea lions, rhinos and endangered species from six continents. Attractions include: Train, carousel and children’s zoo. The Trails of Africa makes the Birmingham Zoo a national leader in the care and

DIAMOND SMILES DENTISTRY

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“Before Diamond Smiles Dentistry, I was apprehensive about going to the dentist. Dr. Luna and his staff are so welcoming and thorough that it is now an enjoyable experience! They truly make you feel amazing and will go to any length to help you achieve your best smile!”

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Photo by Frank Carnaggio

HOOVER

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112 BROADWAY STREET HOMEWOOD, AL 35209 (205) 847-1415

SUITE 102 HOOVER, AL 35244 (205) 988-9700

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B-METRO.COM B-METRO.COM 21 21

conservation of threatened elephants.

9-5 Mon-Fri, 9-7 Sat-Sun 2630 Cahaba Rd., Birmingham, AL 35223 205-879-0409 • birminghamzoo.com

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

Dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and operation of historic railway equipment.

1919 9th St., Calera, AL 205-668-3435 • hodrrm.org

The Lyric Theatre

Built in 1914, the Lyric is one of few theatres still existing that was specifically designed for vaudeville shows. Today it has been restored as a vibrant performance and event venue.

1800 3rd Ave. N. Birmingham, AL 35203 205-252-2262 • lyricbham.com

McWane Center

Designed to inspire a lifelong love of learning, McWane Science Center has welcomed millions of visitors since opening its doors in 1998 to see, hear, touch, and experience the wonders of science. Also offering IMAX Dome theater.

Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 10-6, Sun 12-6 200 19th St. N., Birmingham, AL 35203 205-714-8300 • mcwane.org

America’s oldest baseball park, Rickwood Field served as the home park for both the Birmingham Barons and Birmingham Black Barons.

1137 2nd Ave. W., Birmingham, AL 35204 205-458-8161 • rickwood.com

1966, is one of the largest aviation museums in the Southeast, with 100 aircraft to enjoy.

Tues-Sat 9:30 am-4:30 pm 4343 73rd St. N., Birmingham, AL 35206 205-833-8226 southernmuseumofflight.org

Sloss Furnaces

Uptown, the BJCC & TopGolf

Rickwood Field

Sloss Furnaces produced iron for nearly 90 years, giving rise to the wealth of the city. Now a National Historic Landmark, Sloss Furnaces, with its warren of pipes and smokestacks, offers a glimpse into South’s great industrial past. It also serves as a unique community gathering place for major music and food festivals.

Tues-Sat 10-4, Sun 12-4 and for special events 20 32nd St. N., Birmingham, AL 35222 205-254-2025 • slossfurnaces.com

Southern Environmental Center

The Southern Environmental Center educates individuals and organizations on ways to build more livable communities.

900 Arkadelphia Rd., Birmingham, AL 35254 205-226-4934 • bsc.edu/sec

Southern Museum of Flight

The Southern Museum of Flight, established in

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Uptown is a premier entertainment district with restaurants/bars. One million guests visit the BJCC for concerts, conventions or meetings each year. Top Golf is located nearby.

2221 Richard Arrington Blvd. N., Birmingham, AL 35203 205-458-8700 • bjcc.org uptownbham.com

Vulcan Park and Museum

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue; 56 feet tall, he stands at the top of Red Mountain.

Vulcan Park and Museum and features spectacular views, an interactive history museum, and a premier venue for private events.

Museum: Mon-Sun 10-6; Observation Tower: 10am-10pm 1701 Valley View Dr., Birmingham, AL 35209 205-933-1409 • visitvulcan.com

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

PREFERRED IMPORTS

PRE-OWNED LUXURY CARS FOR LESS Rami Achdut, owner of Preferred Imports, has more than 30 years of experience in the automotive sales industry. Rami has built his business utilizing an innovative sales approach allowing our team to uncover a consumer’s true motivation behind the purchase of their next vehicle. This approach allows us to add-value to every consumer’s car buying experience. This strategy has allowed Rami to attain a sales record of over 50,000 cars, while simultaneously executing the successful merger and acquisition of multiple dealerships in the greater Birmingham area. These accomplishments alone speak volumes to the integrity, quality, and passion inherent within the culture here at Preferred Imports.

The pre-owned luxury car business sometimes garners an unfavorable reputation due to consumer’s misconception a fair price correlates with sub-par reliability. Here at Preferred Imports, we triple check every vehicle prior to delivery to ensure safety and mechanical reliability. Additionally, we offer a no questions asked 30day exchange policy to assure the satisfaction of all customers. Preferred Imports quality reputation and strong relationships allow our finance team to work with all credit criteria, offering competitive financing as low as 2.5% APR. Moreover, we offer on-site service with discounted parts to ensure a positive experience from day one.

Come see us and we will show you what quality means.

• WE WILL BEAT OR MATCH ANY PRICE

• FINANCING AVAILABLE FOR ALL TYPE OF CREDIT STARTING AT 2.5% APR

• HIGHER TRADE -IN VALUE

• MOST OF OUR CARS ARE 1 OWNER OFF LEASE.

• 30 DAYS EXCHANGE • WE WILL BUY YOUR CAR EVEN IF YOU DON’T BUY OURS

• IF WE DON’T HAVE WHAT YOU WANT WE WILL GET IT!

 PreferredImports.com

2415 4th Avenue South | Birmingham, AL 35233 | 205.828.0000

BEER

the sale of their first keg on July 4, 2008, in the owner’s hometown of Birmingham.

Offerings now include five yearround brews, four seasonals, and an occasional one-off.

114 14th St. S., Birmingham, AL 35233 205-286-2337 goodpeoplebrewing.com

Trim Tab Brewing Company

The creation of TrimTab Brewing Co. was a long, winding journey. Its members came from all walks of life, but all were bound by a love for craft beer.

2721 5th Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35233 828-545-4746 trimtabbrewing.com

The J. Clyde

Known as a premiere beer bar, the J. Clyde’s patio is a lively slice of Birmingham on picturesque Cobb Lane. • 1312 Cobb Lane, Birmingham, AL 35205 205-939-1312 • Jclyde.com

On Tap Sports Cafe

Great beer selection on tap and in bottles. Sports and good food. At the Galleria, Fultondale, Liberty Park (coming soon), and Inverness. ontapsportscafe.com

Pale Eddie’s Pour House

A neighborhood gathering spot with free-flowing ales and lagers, craft and high-gravity beers in addition to a unique selection of wine and liquors.

2308 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203 205-297-0052 • paleeddiespourhouse.com

Rogue Tavern

Rogue Tavern has a great beer selection, a well-regarded menu, and live music. 2312 2nd Ave. N. Birmingham, AL 35203 • 205-202-4151 • roguetavern.com

Todd English P.U.B.

BREWERIES Avondale Brewing Company

Avondale Brewing Company named all of their beers after the folklore of Avondale. They craft brew with the same unique character and style.

201 41st. St. S., Birmingham, AL 35222 205-203-4556 • avondalebrewing.com

Back Forty Beer Company

This Gadsden brewery is adding a location in Birmingham this year at Sloss Docks along First Avenue North with a restaurant and beer garden with live music. Sloss Docks, Birmingham, AL 256-467-4912 • backfortybeer.com

Cahaba Brewing Company

Cahaba Brewing Company provides Birmingham with clean and consistent craft beers with a broad variety of flavors and styles.

4500 5th Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35222 205-578-2616 • cahababrewing.com

Ghost Train Brewing Company

Ghost Train is a family-owned brewery. With over 15 years of brewing experience, Taylor and Paige DeBoer have been involved in the Birmingham craft beer scene for many years.

2616 3rd Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35233 205-201-5817 • ghosttrainbrewing.com

Good People Brewing Co.

Good People Brewing Company was born, with 24 CITY GUIDE 2018

GREAT BEER BARS

This is classic pub territory with a splash of celebrity at Uptown Birmingham.

2221 Richard Arlington Jr. Blvd. N., Birmingham 205-307-3700 • toddenglishpub.com

5 Point Public House and Oyster Bar

Mugshots

In keeping with the pub tradition, 5 Point offers over 40 craft beers, including those brewed in Alabama as well as other ales and lagers from around the country.

1210 20th St. S., Birmingham, AL 35205 205-918-0726 • 5pointpublichouse.com

Brät Brot

A new biergarten in the Lakeview district serving up specialty beers, wine and cocktails as well as German delicacies for lunch and dinner. 2910 6th Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35233 205-847-4888 • bratbot.com

Carrigan’s Public House

An industrious space turned into a great neighborhood bar with plenty of beer choices and a rooftop bar area overlooking the loft district.

2430 Morris Ave., Birmingham, AL 35203 205-440-2430 • carriganspub.com

Hop City Craft Beer and Wine

Hop City features an impressive beer package selection, 60 draft choices, wine and homebrew supplies and an on site beer bar with patio.

2924 3rd Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35233 205-279-2337 • hopcitybeer.com

Three locations in the metro, Vestavia, Inverness and Uptown, mean great burgers and beer within an easy drive. mugshotsgrillandbar.com

Paramount

Good pub grub and beer and creative cocktails in an industrial-chic space with vintage video & arcade games. • 200 20th St. N., Birmingham, AL 35203 • paramountbirmingham.com

Revolve Kitchen & Brew

The food at this American beer garden and tavern off Highway 280 can be paired with 75 beers.

611 Doug Baker Blvd., Ste. 103, Birmingham, AL 35242 •205-545-8523 • revolvekb.com

Slice Pizza & Brew

Slice has a great selection of local beers and some of the city’s best pizza.

725 29th St. S., Birmingham, AL 35233 205-7159300 • slicebirmingham. com

The first step to saving energy is seeing how you use it.

Want to learn how to lower your power bill? Alabama Power gives you the tools you need to manage your daily energy use. Our online resource center helps you find the energy-saving tips, products and programs right for you. And with our energy checkup, you can learn about your home’s energy use and get recommendations on how to save money. You can even set email alerts to help monitor how you’re using energy. We offer all of this so you’ll have the tools you need to help lower your power bill.

Explore ways to save at AlabamaPower.com/energyusage Manage your bill by logging in at AlabamaPower.com/myusage

© 2018 Alabama Power Company

tions: Downtown Homewood; Brookwood Village Mall; Highland Park; Regions Harbert Plaza. ohenryscoffees.com

The Red Cat

COFFEE

With two locations, Pepper Place and Railroad Park, the Red Cat is part of the vibe of our city.

Great food and occasional music.

2901 2nd Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-616-8450 1701 1st. Ave S., Birmingham, AL 35233 205-518-0779 theredcatcoffeehouse.com

Revelator Coffee

Designed to cultivate meaningful experiences, Revelator offers a bright and open space, with stay-awhile appeal.

1826 3rd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203 2510 Park Lane Ct. S. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 • 205-224-5900 revelatorcoffee.com

Satellite

Coffee and cocktails in the heart of Avondale and attached to one of the city’s best music venues, Saturn. Board games and vintage video games.

200 41st St. S., Birmingham AL 35222 205-703-9545 saturnbirmingham.com

Seeds Coffee Co. East 59 Vintage and Café

COFFEE HOUSES The Abbey Coffee Shop

The Abbey is a community coffee shop in the Avondale neighborhood of Birmingham. Coffee from Red Bike Coffee in Irondale. Baked goods are made right at The Abbey.

131 41st St. S., Birmingham, AL 35222 205-703-9538 theabbeybham.com

Caveat

A new coffee shop in Homewood.

2832 Linden Ave., Homewood, AL 35209 205-820-7414 caveatcoffee.com

Enjoy a cup of coffee, savor breakfast and lunch options, peruse vintage furnishings, attend classes, and host events.

7619 1st Ave N., Birmingham, AL 35206 205-838-0559 east59.net

Innova Coffee

Innova comes from the Latin word “renewal” and the owners want you to experience a sense of renewal every time you stop by.

4700 Colonnade Pkwy., Birmingham, AL 35243 205-447-9777 innovacoffee.com

Lucy’s Coffee and Tea Church Street Coffee & Books

Everything’s fresh from the coffee to their famous Breakup Cookies and Treehuggers to housemade granolas and biscotti. You’ll find a great selection of books as well as regularly hosted book clubs.

81 Church St., Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-870-1117 churchstreetshop.com

Crestwood Coffee Company

Daily soup specials. Wine and a great selection of local, micro, and specialty beers.

5512 Crestwood Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35212 205-595-0300 crestwoodcafe.com 26 CITY GUIDE 2018

When you come into Lucy’s, you’ll experience great art, eclectic furniture and smiling employees. Lucy herself might fix your coffee.

2007 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35233 205-328-2007 Lucyscoffeeandtea.com

Octane

Enjoy great coffee in Uptown Birmingham.

2221 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Birmingham, AL 35203 • 205-545-5076 octanecoffee.com

O’Henry’s Coffees

More than just coffee, O’Henry’s has been a community gathering place since 1993. Four loca-

At Seeds what started out as a hobby quickly developed into a passion for coffee and two shops.

174 Oxmoor Rd., Birmingham, AL 35209 205-259-6405 2808 7th Ave. S. Ste. 105 Birmingham, AL 35233 • 205-312-9947 seedscoffee.com

Starbucks

Many locations around Birmingham. Visit their website and use the Store Locator. starbucks.com

Sweet Jon’s

A Revelator coffee shop located in Homewood at the former site of Octane.

2821 Central Ave., Birmingham, AL 35209 205-545-5076 sweetjons.com

Urban Standard

Urban Standard offers simple hospitality in an inviting atmosphere. Daily fueling with coffee and food, staples that make a city a home.

2320 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203 205-250-8200 urbanstandard.com

Woodlawn Cycle Café

Started out as a coffee bar, has morphed into a must-experience boutique eatery in Woodlawn.

5530 1st Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35212 205-224-4011 woodlawncyclecafe.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Attorney and Certified Family Law Specialist, Jennifer Rose, answers readers’ questions about family and matrimonial law.

ASK JENNIFER

Before You Get Divorced

Dear Jennifer, I’ve been thinking about getting a divorce for some time but I want to make sure I cover my bases before I file. Is there anything I should be doing before I serve him papers? Been together 12 years, no children.

A planner in Pelham Dear planner, Here are five things I think everyone should do before filing.

1. Figure out your basic finances: Get documentation that shows how much you and your spouse make. This could be through check stubs or by getting a copy of your taxes. Document all your liabilities and bills. After you have this in hand, figure out what it takes to run your life now and then work from there to figure out a post-divorce budget.

2. Make a list of what your assets are: Make a list showing everything you own jointly as well as everything you brought into the marriage. Don’t forget to include retirement or pension plans, artwork, valuable collectibles, etc.

3. Make three “wish” lists: Now that you know where you stand financially, what you owe, and what you own, clear your head and rationally make three wish lists. The first list should be your absolute best case settlement scenario, keeping in mind that it must still be reasonable or you are setting yourself up for a letdown.

The second list should be the absolute minimum you would accept and still be ok with your divorce settlement. The third list is exactly like the first list except you reorganize the items from most important starting at the top of the page to least important at the bottom. Make a copy for yourself and your attorney. This gives your attorney a clear direction of what you are looking to accomplish, and it will also save you time and money as it will cut out some of the back and forth that would be needed to figure out exactly what you are wanting. Lastly, the list serves as a personal reminder of what you were looking to accomplish in your case before the emotions of divorce may have had time to cloud your judgment.

4. Take care of yourself: Even the most amicable divorce is stressful and you need an outlet to release some of that stress.

Whether your stress buster is time at the gym, running, massage, or even talking it out with a friend, you need to make sure to get started early and keep it up throughout and even after the conclusion of your case. I also highly recommend seeking out a therapist to talk to for short and long term support while you readjust to your new normal.

5. Hire the right attorney: Make sure you find someone who is experienced in handling cases like yours, someone who you can talk to, and someone who understands your goals. There’s nothing wrong with interviewing multiple attorneys to find someone you feel comfortable with. Ideally, you want someone who will try to work out a great settlement if possible but also someone who is not afraid to go to court. While I don’t believe you have to hire the most expensive attorney you can find, I’d caution against hiring a very cheap one. Attorneys set their own rates, and an attorney with an extremely low price is indicating how much they and the public value their service.

Hope this helps, Jennifer Jennifer G. Rose is the founder and lead attorney at The Rose Law Firm LLC. One of only a handful of certified family law specialists in the state, Jennifer and her firm have won dozens of awards for their work in the field. Those wishing to reach her may call 205-323-1124 24 hours a day or visit rosefamilylaw.com.

Her firm gives complimentary initial consultations in person.

Have a family law question you’d like to have answered?

Send an email to askjennifer@theroselawfirmllc.com and you could be in our next article.

No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Ted’s Restaurant Ted’s is a place for regulars.

For owners Tasos and Beba Touloupis, it was a place for family, their own and the extended family they made of Ted’s customers.

“Ted’s has allowed us to have a family life. It has given us so much, so much,” Tasos says. “The opportunity to have the time with the family was priceless. We were blessed.”

Then there is the Touloupis extended family at the restaurant.

The diversity is startling.

Lawyers and sales people. Bankers and construction workers.

Cops and docs. “The customers have become good friends. The connections we have made over 17 years is like a community network,” Tasos says. A typical lunchtime may bring 250 diners to the restaurant.

“I feel like you come into Ted’s, you are going to experience what Birmingham is all about. We are honored to be a part of that,” Beba says.

So honored in fact, Tasos and Beba decided it was time to spruce up the exterior of the restaurant to align with the extraordinary development of Parkside, new ball park, new apartments, and anew look at Ted’s.

The south side of the building sports a simple, bold color scheme of white and green (an echo of UAB) with the message, Welcome to Ted’s in the Heart of Birmingham since 1973.

The north side of the building has been transformed into a mural that captures the landmarks of the city in the same white and green.

So at first blush there is a lot of visual change at Ted’s. But the new sign still has the original clock which stopped working some years ago and is prohibitively costly to repair. It remains stuck at 3:22. Some things at Ted’s just don’t change.

 tedsbirmingham.com

328 12th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233 | 205.324.2911

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Fancy›s on 5th is an Oyster Dive + Burger Bar located in the heart of Avondale right across from the park. Named for the Elephant Miss Fancy , the 1920s Avondale Zoo’s main attraction and mascot, Owners Harriet Despinakis and Paget Pizitz with executive chef Joey Dickerson want this eatery to be everything you love about your favorite burger bar and local oyster dive, but taken to a new level. They joke that there is nothing fancy about this place except the name.

The house mascot is Octavius the Octopus. You can find him in two locations, perched in neon purple over the bar and looming above the mafia booth dressed in Iron and Edison lights. Octavius keeps watch over Fancy’s and all her guests. The restaurant stays true to the Avondale neighborhood. Fancy’s is casual, charming and comfortable.

On the tables and booths, you can find Magic Eight balls and rubix cubes and with your guest check you receive a fortune telling fish. Accents such as these make their guests to feel at home.

Harriet and Paget are also the owners of MELT Avondale and Melt Food truck.

430 41ST STREET SOUTH, AVONDALE, AL, 35222

|

205-777-3662

 fancyson5th.com

FESTIVALS efitting animal rescue services. dodahday.org

Fiesta

Alabama’s largest celebration of Hispanic culture is a colorful event in downtown Linn Park on September 29th. Learn about the many Hispanic countries and their cultures through art, music food and dance. fiestabirmingham.com

Greek Festival

The Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral Greek Food Festival is the focal point for thousands from Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and Georgia who for three days experience the Greeks’ legendary zest for life. At the festival you can find authentic Greek cuisine, Mediterranean and Orthodox Christian souvenirs in the gift shop, and Greek dancing. Oct. 4-6. birminghamgreekfestival.net

Sloss Music & Arts Festival

Photos provided by Red Mountain Entertainment

Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival

The Annual Barber Vintage Festival (October 5, 6, and 7) is one of the most highly anticipated motorcycle events in the world. The three-day festival features food and entertainment, a swap meet with hundreds of vendors selling vintage motorcycles and parts, as well as the AMCA and VJMC gatherings, and the Motorcycle Classics show. barbermuseum.org

Birmingham ArtWalk

Artwalk is an arts festival that transforms Birmingham’s loft neighborhood into an arts district, featuring the work of more than 100 visual artists, live musicians, street performers, food and drink vendors, and children’s activities. People of all ages can enjoy being downtown at a safe, familyfriendly, community event. Friday night (9/7/18) has been compared to a huge gallery opening with a street festival atmosphere, while Saturday (9/8/18) afternoon caters more to the family crowd with special children’s activities. birminghamartwalk.org

Gumbo Gala Taking place twice a year, Restaurant Week is a 10-day culinary affair where locally owned and operated restaurants offer incentives for patrons to revisit their favorite restaurants or to experience new ones. August 10-19, 2018. bhamrestaurantweek.com

Bob Sykes BBQ and Blues Festival

BBQ and blues. What could be better? Held in Historic Downtown Bessemer. bobsykesblues.com

Breakin’ Bread: The Local Flavor Festival

The city’s premier food festival designed to showcase the culinary talents of Birmingham’s best chefs from independent restaurants. Event is held in early fall. birminghamoriginals.org

Sloss Furnace is the location for this spicy event/ cooking competition. Proceeds benefit Episcopal Place, which provides independent living for seniors and special needs adults. episcopalplace.org/gumbo-gala

Magic City Brewfest

This will be the 12th year anniversary of Magic City Brewfest presented by Free the Hops. Magic City Brewfest is a weekend dedicated to learning about craft beer and sampling the best that Alabama has to offer. There will be 150+ individual beers available including many rare, specialty and cask ales which have never been seen before in Alabama.

The festival is held at Avondale Park, August 10-11. freethehops.org

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

In the Mexican tradition, this festival commemorates the deaths of loved ones through music, dance and shrines. Second of November in the streets of Pepper Place. barehandsinc.org

Birmingham Restaurant Week Experience Birmingham’s rich culinary culture during Birmingham Restaurant Week.

30 CITY GUIDE 2018

Do Dah Day Festival

Rhodes and Caldwell Parks along Highland Avenue is the site for this dog friendly festival.

Dress up your doggie and head on down. Ben-

Sloss Music & Arts Festival

B-METRO.COM 31

Magic City Art Connection

Magic City Art Connection is an annual contemporary art festival held in April in Linn Park downtown.

Visitors enjoy art from more than 200 juried artists from around the country, more than 40 interactive art workshops and activities for kids, mouthwatering food creations from renowned chefs of Birmingham’s finest restaurants, 100 wines and many craft beers from around the world to sample. magiccityart.com

Moss Rock Festival

On the first full weekend in November, The Preserve in Hoover, Alabama becomes home to art, design & environmental lovers everywhere as the annual Moss Rock Festival kicks off. This one-of-akind outdoor fall festival welcomes 12,000 visitors annually to explore nature, art+design, and smart living themes. mossrockfestival.com

a music discovery festival. Takes place on August 3rd and 4th. secretstages.net

Sidewalk Film Festival

A celebration of new and independent cinema in downtown Birmingham, SideWalk has delighted film buffs since 1999. Movies are screened in 11 venues downtown, in the historic theater district which is anchored by the historic Alabama Theater with the newly restored Lyric right across the street. Attendees can sample many different independent films that they might not otherwise be able to see. August 20 – 26, 2018. sidewalkfest.com

Slicefest

Our city hosts the oldest and largest Veterans Day parade in the US held on Veterans Day each November. nationalveteransday.org

Birmingham’s largest food and music block party is hosted by Slice Pizza & Brewhouse each June.

Slice Pizza & Brewhouse hosts the event to celebrate the restaurant’s anniversary and thank the Birmingham community for their support. Over the past five years, the event has grown to a full-blown festival bringing in local and regional music talent paired with local craft beer and specialty pizzas. slicefest.com

Secret Stages

Sloss Music & Arts Festival

National Veterans Day Parade

Secret Stages hosts a weekend filled with up and coming new music from local and regional bands, Birmingham 3320 2nd Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35222 205.324.9521 M-F: 8:00-5:00 S: 9:00-2:00

32 CITY GUIDE 2018

Sloss Music & Arts Festival is a two-day music and lifestyle event that takes place at Sloss Furnaces Pelham 221 Industrial Park Drive Pelham, AL 35124 205.663.1336 M-F: 8:00-5:00

NaDia de los Muertos tional Historic Landmark on Saturday, July 14th and Sunday, July 15th, 2018. Sloss Fest is 40 bands on four stages plus craft beer and creative cocktails, arts and crafts, live iron pouring demonstrations and much more. The festival is a celebration of the city’s creative culture. This year’s lineup includes Chris Stapleton, St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, AJR, 21 Savage, Vance Joy, LANY, Louis the Child and more. slossfest.com

Southern Voices Festival

A celebration of writing, music and art attracts a full house each year to see and hear the works of noted Southern writers and artists. Hoover Library. hooverlibrary.org/sv Tuscaloosa 711 21st Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 205.758.8621 M-F: 8:00-5:00

Creating spaces that indulge the mind, body and soul.

Birmingham, AL Destin, FL 205-783-1350 850-460-8990 Atlanta, GA (Coming July 2018)

www.stockandtrade.com

B-METRO.COM 33

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Fourteen Refreshing Private Residences Located Along Historic First Avenue North

THEFRANKLINONFIRST.COM 34 CITY GUIDE 2018

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Birmingham’s grocery district was vibrant and booming the year the Franklin, Stiles & Franklin Grocery Company stepped into their brand new building on First Avenue North. The year was 1913, and First Avenue North and Morris Avenue were filled with hundreds of merchants: the farmers, the bakers, the butchers, the craftsmen, and the artisans. Freshness abounded. The streets were filled with the diverse sounds and aromas and dialects of freshness. This was a city of new beginnings. It was a city of new citizens. Some traveled across town to be here. Some traveled across the county. Many traveled across the ocean. But now they were all here to trade: to trade what they had grown or made or baked or butchered. This was the grocery and produce district. Apples and cabbage and corn and bread spilled from the back of wagons and trucks. Fresh eggs and sausages and hams were displayed with pride. Fresh breads were peddled like newspapers. This was the grocery district and everything was fresh. And it was a magical place, a place where diversity of skill, artistry, strength, race, language, and nationality connected. And lived. And worked.

And at the center of this special district was the Franklin, Stiles & Franklin Grocery Company.

Today there is a fresh new beginning on this corner. There is a fresh new beginning for this building. The Franklin: 14 intimate residences at the corner of fresh thinking, fresh connectivity, fresh galleries, fresh entertainment, fresh urban parks, and fresh life.

THE FRANKLIN A FRESH NEW WAY TO LIVE. SALES AND MARKETING BY

AND ASSOCIATES

SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Devin Broder 334.318.1418 | Ellis Terry 334.301.0314 2329 First Avenue North

Satterfield’s Photo by Beau Gustafson

FOOD RESTAURANTS Abhi

Modern Asian-fusion.

The Summit 205-969-6858. abhiatthesummit.com

Avo and Dram

Californian-style cuisine and whiskey bar. • 2721 Cahaba Rd., Mountain Brook • 205-871-8212 avorestaurant.com

Bamboo on 2nd

Asian fusion and sushi.

2212 Second Ave. N., Birmingham 205-703-0551 bambooon2nd.com

bartaco Homewood

Tacos and tequila. 1017 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood 205-875-8226 bartaco.com

Bettola

Creative Italian.

2930 Second Ave. S., Birmingham, AL • 205-731-6499 facebook/BettolaBirmingham/

205-939-1000 bottegarestaurant.com

The Bright Star

Traditional American and Greek. 304 19th St. N., Bessemer, AL 205-426-1861 • thebrightstar.com

Café Dupont

French-inspired bistro dining downtown.

218 20th St. N., Birmingham, AL 205-983-7999 bistro218.com

Fine dining downtown.

113 20th St. North, Birmingham (205) 322-1282 cafedupont.net

Blueprint on 3rd

Cantina Tortilla Grill

Bistro 218

American brasserie.

3000 3rd Avenue South Birmingham 205479-3000

The Fish Market

Greek-inspired seafood.

612 22nd St. South, Birmingham 205-322-3330 thefishmarket.net

Latin street food. 2901 2nd Ave. S., Birmingham 205-323-6980 cantinabirmingham.com

Full Moon Bar-B-Que

Breakfast and meat and three 3028 Clairmont Ave. S., Birmingham 205-254-9780 boguesdiner.com

Chez Fonfon

Galley and Garden

Bottega

Chez Lulu

Bogue’s Restaurant

Frank Stitt’s classic Italian.

2240 Highland Ave. S., Birmingham, AL

Frank Stitt’s French bistro.

2007 11th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-939-3221 fonfonbham.com Charm in English Village.

1911 Cahaba Rd., Mountain Brook 205-870-7011 chezlulu.us

Dreamland Bar-B-Que

“Ain’t nothing like ’em nowhere.”

1427 14th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-933-2133 dreamlandbbq.com

El Barrio Restaurante Y Bar

Creative, Mexican-inspired food.

2211 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham 205-868-3737 Elbarriobirmingham.com

Fancy’s on Fifth

A relaxed burger and oyster joint .

430 41st St. S., Birmingham 205-777-3662 fancyson5th.com

Melt

36 CITY GUIDE 2018

Photo by Beau Gustafson Photo by Andi Rice

Great barbecue. Eight locations in metro Birmingham. fullmoonbbq.com Fine dining in an elegant, historic home.

2220 Highland Ave., Birmingham 205-939-5551 galleyandgarden.com

GianMarco’s

Great neighborhood Italian 721 Broadway St., Homewood 205-871-9622 facebook/GIANMARCOS

Gus’s Hot Dogs

Classic Birmingham hot dog stand.

1915 4th Ave. N., Birmingham 205-251-4540

Highlands Bar & Grill

2018 Beard Award winner for best restaurant in the U.S. 2011 Eleventh Ave. S., Birmingham 205-939-1400 highlandsbarandgrill.com

Hot and Hot Fish Club Sophisticated Southern dining.

2180 11th Court S., Birmingham 205-933-5474 hotandhotfishclub.com

La Paz

Casual Mexican.

99 Euclid Ave, Mountain Brook 205-879-2225 eatatlapaz.com

Little Savannah

Farm-to-table bistro.

3811 Clairmont Ave, Birmingham 205-591-1119 littlesavannah.com

MELT

Comfortable and creative grilled cheese.

4105 4th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-917-5000 meltbham.com

Mr. P’s Deli

Butcher shop, grocery and great sandwiches.813 Shades Crest Road, Hoover 205-823-6136 mrpdeli.com

Niki’s West

An original, classic meat and three.

233 Finley Ave. W., Birmingham 205-252-5751 nikiswest.com

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BEST of the city

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HOME

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Ocean

A great, upscale seafood restaurant.

1218 20th St. S., Birmingham •205-9330999 •oceanbirmingham.com

Ollie Irene

Chef Chris Newsome’s reborn restaurant.

75 Church St., Mountain Brook 205-769-6034 oceanbirmingham.com

OvenBird

A live-fire restaurant from Chris Hastings.

2810 3rd Ave. S., Birmingham 205-957-6686 ovenbirdrestaurant.com

thepizitz.com/food-hall

Post Office Pies

Wood-fired and wonderful.

209 41st St. S., Birmingham 205-599-9900 postofficepies.com

Red Pearl Restaurant

Authentic Chinese at an Oriental market.

243 West Valley Ave., Homewood 205-945-9558 superorientalmkt.com

Rojo

Lively patio and Mexican/American food.

2921 Highland Ave., Birmingham 205-328-4733 rojobirmingham.com

Creative pub grub with video and arcade games. 200 20th St. N., Birmingham 205-320-2824 paramountbirmingham.com

Ruth’s Chris

Perry’s Steak House

Steaks, chops, seafood, wine and cocktails. 4 Perimeter Park S., Birmingham 205-968-1597 perryssteakhouse.com

Satterfield’s

Pho Que Huong

Saw’s BBQ

Paramount

Family-run Vietnamese restaurant.

430 Green Springs Highway, Homewood 205-942-5400

Classic home of sizzling steaks.

2300 Woodcrest Pl., Birmingham, AL 205-879-9995 ruthschris.net Casual yet fine dining.

3161 Cahaba Heights Rd., Vestavia 205-969-9690 satterfieldsrestaurant.com The original Saw’s in Homewood.

1008 Oxmoor Road, Homewood 205-879-1937 sawsbbq.com

Pizitz Food Hall

Saw’s Soul Kitchen

Traditional Southern soul in Avondale.

215 41st St. S., Birmingham, AL 35222 205-591-1409 sawsbbq.com

Skycastle

American classics and sports on TV. 2808 7th Ave. S., Birmingham 205-578-6080 skycastlebham.com

Slice

Pizza and beer.

725 29th St. S., Birmingham 205-715-9300 Slicebirmingham.com

BUSINESS v

Fresh, thoughtfully prepared food served daily from 11-9. 1922 29th Ave S., Homewood • 205-820-7100 realandrosemary.com

Roots and Revelry

Fine dining in restored Thomas Jefferson.

1623 2nd Ave N., Birmingham 205-730-1907 roots-revelry.com Southern progressive dining in the Elyton hotel downtown. 1928 1st Ave. N., Birmingham. 205-226-9298. theyardbirmingham.com

A classic steam table.

328 12th St. S., Birmingham 205-324-2911 tedsbirmingham.com

Urban Cookhouse

Texas de Brazil

Upscale Brazilian at Uptown.

2301 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N., Birmingham 205-588-8333 texasdebrazil.com

Todd English P.U.B.

Modern English pub fare at Uptown.

2221 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Birmingham, AL • 205-307-3700 toddenglishpub.com Italian specialties and a great Sunday brunch. 207 20th St. N., Birmingham 205-202-5612

Birmingham

Real & Rosemary

The Yard

Ted’s Restaurant

Trattoria Centrale

Food hall with a host of culinary choices.

1821 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham 205-939-3111

trattoriacentrale.com

Healthy, locally sourced meals in Homewood, Mountain Brook, The Summit, and downtown. •urbancookhouse.com

Vino

Upscale American and Mediterranean fare. 1930 Cahaba Rd., Mountain Brook 205-870-8404 vinobirmingham.com

Whistling Table

New restaurant from the folks of Shindigs food truck fame.

3916 Clairmont Ave, Birmingham 205-407-5460 whistlingtable.com

| COMMUNITY v

INNOVATION v

WEATHER CENTER v

ABOUT US

Good news from home.

Stay informed, get inspired and share some good news about the state we call home. Visit AlabamaNewsCenter.com

38 CITY GUIDE 2018

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Finding talent of any kind is hard enough in this employment market. But finding the ideal candidates that fit both skill-wise and the company culture? Well, that takes full-time commitment! One that requires considerable focus, time and a strong network stocked with dedicated people. The kind of people who get a thrill from connecting the right individuals with the right opportunities.

This is where ITAC hopes to become part of your longterm solution.

Because at ITAC, we are different. We do not think like other recruiters. We value relationships over numbers and are dedicated to sticking around for the long-haul rather than the short-term win. It’s hard to put into words, but what we do is both beautifully simple and incredibly difficult.

That’s where the work part comes into the picture.

We make a point to ask all the right questions, and also take

BIRMINGHAM, AL

|

HUNTSVILLE, AL

|

the time to really listen to the answers. These insights matter, in fact they are the lifeblood of ITAC as they allow us to carefully evaluate each job opening and every candidate to facilitate the best possible matches. For us, it’s about connecting great people with great companies…large or small…and seeing those partnerships thrive. The goals here are not simply to be another common recruiting company in your market.

At ITAC we go far beyond the common as we strive to deliver the extraordinary.

ITAC offers a variety of placement options including, temporary, contract staffing, contract-to-hire and direct-hire options. We have 5 offices across the southeast and a network spanning the entire country to help match professionals with great companies. From the front desk to the corner office, we are well equipped to fill most any position in your company!

(No hand trucks, back-braces or forklifts though!)

MOBILE, AL

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ATLANTA, GA

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NASHVILLE, TN

itacsolutions.com

700 Montgomery Highway, Suite 148, Birmingham, AL 35216 | 205.326.0004

HOSPITALS BIRMINGHAM AREA

St. Vincent’s East

50 Medical Park Dr E, Birmingham, AL 35235 www.stvhs.com/east

St. Vincent’s St. Clair

7063 Veterans Pkwy, Pell City, AL 35125 www.stvhs.com/stclair/

Shelby Baptist Medical Center 1000 1st St N, Alabaster, AL 35007 www.brookwoodbaptisthealth.com

UAB Hospital

1802 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233 www.uabmedicine.org

Grandview Medical Center

3690 Grandview Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35243 www.grandviewhealth.com

Brookwood Baptist Medical Center

2010 Brookwood Medical Ctr Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209 www.brookwoodbaptisthealth.com

995 9th Ave SW, Bessemer, AL 35022 www.medicalwesthospital.org

1600 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233 www.childrensal.org

701 Princeton Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211 www.brookwoodbaptisthealth.com

604 Stone Ave, Talladega, AL 35160

St. Vincent’s Birmingham

810 St. Vincent’s Drive, Birmingham, AL 35205 stvhs.com/birmingham

Coosa Valley Medical Center 315 W Hickory St, Sylacauga, AL 35150 www.cvhealth.net

Saint Vincent’s Blount

40 CITY GUIDE 2018

Walker Baptist Medical Center 3400 Highway 78 E, Jasper, AL 35501 www.brookwoodbaptisthealth.com

Princeton Baptist Medical Center

Citizens Baptist Medical Center

1912 Al Highway 157, Cullman, AL 35058 cullmanregional.com

1201 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205 www.uabmedicine.org

Medical West

Children’s of Alabama

Cullman Regional Medical Center

UAB Hospital - Highlands

150 Gilbreath Drive, Oneonta, AL 35121 www.stvhs.com/blount/ ●

HOME HEALTH Alacare Home Health & Hospice

Alabama’s oldest family-owned home health provider, with branches serving almost every county in the state, it provides home health, hospice and palliative care; physical rehabilitation; and specialty programs in an in-home setting.

2400 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 104 Birmingham, AL 35244 • 205-739-7141 www.alacare.com

Let's Meet in Hoover Hyatt Regency Birmingham | Largest Meeting Space in Birmingham | Merk’s Bar

HYATT REGENCY BIRMINGHAM - WYNFREY HOTEL B-METRO.COM 41 1000 Riverchase Galleria, Birmingham, AL 35244 205.705.1234 | www.hyattregencywynfrey.com

MUSIC Alabama Symphony

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra has entertained audiences for decades, playing a variety of classical and popular music and hosting performances by some of the finest guest artists in the world. The talented musicians of the ASO bring to life some of the world’s most treasured musical masterpieces and introduce listeners to exciting new works and composers, performing concerts for more than 100,000 persons annually.

1200 10th Ave S., Birmingham, AL 35205 205-975-2787 alabamasymphony.org

Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center

As the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s performing arts center, Alys Stephens serves as a bridge to the arts for the community. The Alys Stephens Center quickly became the center for entertainment and arts education in Birmingham and central Alabama with more than 100,000 visitors annually.

1200 10th Ave S., Birmingham, AL 35205 205-975-2787 alysstephens.org

Moonlight on the Mountain

Listening is what makes The Moonlight different from other live music venues. Here, the performing artist is the most important person in the room while they are on stage. They cater to an audience who comes to pay respectful attention to the talent being presented.

585 Shades Crest Rd., Birmingham, AL 35226 205-317-4364 musiconthemtn.com The Nick serves live music and cold drinks. A staple in Birmingham’s music scene for over 30 years. The music heard almost every night of the week include local, regional and national acts.

The diverse range of acts add to the appeal of an evening at the Nick. You can hear blues, rock, punk, emo, hiphop, rap, pop, country, metal, bluegrass, rock-a-billy, roots rock or whatever your genre of choice.

2514 10th Ave S., Birmingham, AL 35205 205-252-3831 thenickrocks.com

This well known brewery in Avondale is also a major music venue with outdoor music on the stage behind the brewery.

201 41st Street South, Birmingham 205-203-4546 avondalebrewing.com

Bar 31

This bar and restaurant in Vestavia features live music, along with Southern soul food.

1485 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills 35216 205-824-3160 bar31birmingham.com

Iron City Birmingham

Marty’s PM

The city’s best late night spot. Bar is open 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Kitchen opens 11p.m. to 5 a.m. Seven days a week. Live Music Saturdays and Fridays.

1813 10th Ct S, Birmingham No phone. facebook.martysbirmingham 42 CITY GUIDE 2018

Alabama’s largest outdoor concert venue. Featuring top A list performers from all over the country.

Music of all genres.

1000 Amphitheatre Dr., Birmingham, AL 35214 800-745-3000 www.livenation.com/venues/14486/ oak-mountain-amphitheatre

Oasis The Nick

Avondale Brewing

Iron City Birmingham is a 22,000 square-foot full service grill, bar, event and entertainment venue in the heart of downtown Birmingham.

It is a top venue for music. The Grill at Iron City uses quality organic ingredients, produce from local farmers, Alabama Gulf Seafood and strives to produce a white tablecloth experience in a casual atmosphere.

513 22nd St. S., Birmingham, AL 35233 205-202-5483 ironcitybham.com

Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

k.d.lang coming to Alys Stephens Center Friday Sept. 14.

It’s all about the music. For 20+ years, The Oasis Roadhouse Bar has been one of Birmingham’s favorite hot spots. Opening daily at 3 p.m. for happy hour, Oasis has a down-home atmosphere that keeps out-of-towners and locals always coming back. The Oasis has been the start to fame for some great artists. Platinum recording artist Taylor Hicks still calls The Oasis “home.” Live music every week.

2807 7th Ave S., Birmingham, AL 35233 205-323-5538 oasisbar.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

ImageSouth Diagnostics has been providing quality outpatient medical imaging services to the greater Birmingham area for over 22 years. We are recognized throughout the community for combining imaging excellence with compassionate patient care.

We offer accessible, accurate, and affordable diagnostic imaging services in a caring environment at all five of our locations across the Birmingham area.

Patients appreciate cost savings, same day, evening, and weekend appointments, free parking, and caring staff members at all our locations.

We recently added brand new, 1.5T, wide bore MR scanners, at our Homewood and Shelby locations. Later this summer we will be installing a brand new 3T wide bore MR machine at our Greystone location. Patients now enjoy the best in MR technology in a comfortable, outpatient setting.

Patients love the increased clarity, speed, accuracy, and comGREYSTONE Phone: 205.995.4900 Fax: 205.995.0203

SHELBY Phone: 205.663.4674 Fax: 205.663.4807

fort these cutting-edge machines offer. Patient anxiety has been greatly reduced, and often eliminated, with the comfort of our new machines.

The PET/CT machine at our Homewood location is the only non-hospital affiliated one of its kind in Birmingham. PET patients at ImageSouth save money, and enjoy a private waiting area. This helps make, what can be a stressful situation, more comforting.

Physicians rely on our speedy scheduling, fast report turnaround, precertification assistance, and digital interfacing options. They trust our board certified radiologists with specialties in musculoskeletal, and neuroradiology, as well as our cutting edge imaging equipment to assist them in accurately diagnosing their patients.

When accuracy, accessibility, and affordability matter to you, come visit us at ImageSouth!

MONTCLAIR Phone: 205.592.4674 Fax: 205.592.4670

HOMEWOOD Phone: 205.870.1979 Fax: 205.870.1929

OPEN UPRIGHT MRI Phone: 205.871.3335 Fax: 205.871.3305

ď‚Ž imagesouthradiology.com

Pale Eddie’s Pour House

Pale Eddie’s is a tastefully-appointed, smoke-free neighborhood gathering spot with free-flowing ales and lagers. They offer a rotating selection of craft and high-gravity beers in addition to a unique selection of wine and liquors. They also regularly host live music acts with an emphasis on acoustic and singer/songwriter performances and have a separate area available for hosting private functions, receptions and other gatherings.

2308 2nd Ave N., Birmingham, AL 35203 205-297-0052 paleeddiespourhouse.com

Perfect Note

Perfect Note takes the dining experience with great food and entertainment to the next level.

While most fine-dining establishments treat music as an afterthought; and for most live music venues, fine-dining is non-existent, it is their goal to combine and excel at both in order to offer you a most memorable night out.

1845 Montgomery Hwy S. Hoover, AL 35244 205-986-7280 perfectnotelive.com

Rogue Tavern

When the sun sets, the music starts. Their stage showcases nationally acclaimed touring artists as well as local up-and-comers. Eat, drink, and enjoy the show at Rogue Tavern

2312 2nd Ave N., Birmingham, AL 35203 205-202-4151 roguetavern.com

Saturn

Saturn (music venue) is a facility located in Avondale just east of downtown Birmingham. It is owned by Alabama native and musician Brian Teasley along with the world famous Bowery Presents. The venue caters to both national and local acts and strives to be an important part of the community as well as an outlet for arts and entertainment within the greater Birmingham area.

200 41st St S., Birmingham, AL 35222 205-703-9545 saturnbirmingham.com

Tin Roof

Tin Roof is about giving musicians a place to play and a place to hang when they aren’t on stage. The tasty food, fun, eclectic environment have helped establish the Roof as the place to be for musicians and non-musicians alike. Over the years, their stages have hosted the famous, the should have been famous, and everyone in between. Tin Roof is located in Birmingham’s eclectic Lakeview neighborhood. Open daily for lunch, dinner and late night.

2709 7th Ave S., Birmingham, AL 35233 205-323-4356 tinroofbirmingham.com

WorkPlay

WorkPlay is a truly innovative entertainment complex. Its roots in live music and studio production give it mystique. While a creative complex, it is also a live music venue with regional and national acts, as well as an event space.

500 23rd St. S., Birmingham, AL 35233 205-879-4773 workplay.com

Zydeco

Since 1989, Zydeco has been playing music in Birmingham’s historic Five Points South business district. Zydeco provides great live music, food and spirits, and atmosphere. Zydeco is a threelevel venue that is unique to Birmingham for its ability to host multiple audiences with a variety of entertainment interests – all at the same time 2001 15th Ave S., Birmingham, AL 35206 205-933-1032 zydecobirmingham.com

Every Steak Is A Labor Of Love At Fleming’s, we believe that every steak you order should be the best you’ve ever had.

From hand selecting the finest beef to perfecting the aging and broiling processes, you can taste our attention to detail in every bite. And just like love, finding the right cut is a matter of personal taste - which is why we’re dedicated to serving you the finest prime steak and locally curated selections in Birmingham.

103 Summit Blvd. | Birmingham, AL 35243 | 205-262-9463 Visit FlemingsSteakhouse.com to reserve your table today

44 CITY GUIDE 2018

ALL YOU NEED IS

LUX E by

OUR NEWEST LOCATION INSIDE

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

129 SUMMIT BLVD BIRMINGHAM, AL 35243 INSIDE SAKS FIFTH AVENUE WWW.TONYAJONESSALON.COM | 205.870.4247 Monday: 10am-6pm Tuesday – Friday: 10am-8pm Saturday: 10am-6pm Sunday: 12pm-6pm

B-METRO.COM 45

OUTDOORS PARKS Moss Rock Preserve

Hoover’s Moss Rock Preserve is a perfect balance of nature and community. This beautiful 250-acre nature preserve is abundant with trees and plants, rock outcroppings, streams, waterfalls, wildlife and other unique natural features.

Currently Moss Rock Preserve is home to four rare species of plants and a rare variant of Little River Canyon Sandstone Glade – one of only 35 occurrences known around the world. Moss Rock Preserve’s Boulder Field is a favorite among rock climbers.

617 Preserve Way, Hoover, AL 35226 205-822-9348 hooverpreserve.com

Oak Mountain State Park

Oak Mountain State Park is a publicly owned recreation area located approximately 20 miles south of Birmingham in Pelham. It is the state’s largest

state park at 9,940 acres and is home to the Alabama Wildlife Center, Oak Mountain Interpretive Center, and Oak Mountain BMX Track. Park activities include hiking, swimming, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and golf. Mountain biking and hiking are two of the most popular activities at the park. With more than 50 miles of trails visitors have plenty of options to choose from be it a short loop or an overnight trip. The Red Trail has even been included on the International Mountain Biking Association’s (IMBA) list of EPIC rides.

200 Terrace Dr., Pelham, AL 35124 alapark.com/oak-mountain-state-park

Railroad Park

A 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city. Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, the park is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. Hailed as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family

activities, concerts, and cultural events, while connecting Birmingham’s downtown area with Southside and UAB’s campus.

1600 1st Ave. S., Birmingham Al 35233 205-521-9933 railroadpark.org

Red Mountain Park

Red Mountain Park offers 1,500 wooded acres located in Birmingham, three miles west of I-65 (Lakeshore Parkway Exit #255). Visitors enjoy over 15 miles of walking, hiking and mountain biking trails, Remy’s Dog Park and four unique outdoor adventures: the Vulcan Materials Zip Trip, the Hugh Kaul Beanstalk Forest, the 80-foot Kaul Adventure Tower with a 1,000 foot Mega Zip and Schaeffer Eye Center Segway Tours. Support these projects by visiting redmountainpark.org and making a tax-deductible contribution.

2011 Frankfurt Dr., Birmingham, AL 35211 205-202-6043 redmountainpark.org

The Rotary Trail Birmingham

This multi-million dollar gift to Birmingham and its citizens on behalf of Rotary transformed a vacant railroad right-of-way, or “cut,” into a pleasantlylandscaped, four-block walking/running/biking pathway. Initially, the trail is intended to connect two of Birmingham’s superior amenities – Railroad Park and the Sloss Furnaces Historic landmark.

2098 1st Ave S., Birmingham, Al 35233

Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve

Designed to advance the understanding of ecology in a rapidly changing world with over 1000 acres, the park seeks to protect the natural flora and fauna of the area while providing wonderful family friendly educational opportunities for the community. They also host a wildlife rehabilitation center. Trails, zip lines and quiet beauty await at Ruffner Mountain.

1214 81st St. S., Birmingham, AL 35206 205-833-8264 ruffnermountain.org

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park has more than 1,500 acres set aside for hiking, camp-

46 CITY GUIDE 2018

I’ll be honest, it could use a fresh coat of paint, but other than that...

“...Rustic, cozy little farmhouse with lots of natural light.”

SOME PEOPLE WILL TELL YOU ANYTHING TO CLOSE A DEAL. At LAH, however, your best interest is our top priority and earning your trust is worth more to us than closing a deal. We firmly believe in quality over quantity, and that goes for the homes we list, as well as our agents who list them. It’s no wonder our clients come back to us again and again. Better business just feels better. It’s really that simple.

ing and outdoor recreation. A miniature railroad chugs through the pines. From spring through fall, the blacksmith, miller and craftsmen demonstrate their trades. Craft shops occupy restored pioneer cabins and artisans chat with visitors from their front porches. The cotton gin, pioneer farm and working gristmill preserve a long-gone way of life.

Hiking trails retrace historic roadways. Artifacts of Alabama’s 19th century iron industry displayed in the Iron and Steel Museum put in perspective the massive stone furnaces.

12632 Confederate Pkwy., McCalla, AL 35111 205-477-5711 tannehill.org

FARMERS MARKETS Pepper Place Saturday Market

Every Saturday, April through December, the Market attracts thousands of people who visit booths filled with local farm produce, crafts and food. Musicians play at each market, and a local chef demonstrates culinary skills. Tents are set up at Pepper Place, 29th Street and into the Martin Biscuit parking lot. This upscale Farmers Market is the place to be on Saturday mornings. Pepper Place, 2nd Ave. South.

205-490-3176 pepperplacemarket.com

East Lake Market

The East Lake Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 8 to noon, May through October. Browse jams, jellies, relishes, and fresh bread made in the East Lake Community Kitchen, plus East Lake Farmers Market t-shirts and other gear. The East Lake Farmers Market and Mobile Market truck offer a variety of fresh produce and more. Held at East Lake United Methodist Church parking lot.

7753 1st Ave N. Birmingham, AL 35206 205-836-3201 eastlakemarket.org

West Homewood Farmers Market

If you’re ready for a slice of pie and Americana, the West Homewood Farmers Market is just the place to be during the warm summer evenings in West Homewood, Alabama. You’ll find Alabama’s favorite food trucks parked at the market along with 10+ local farms represented and all kinds of arts & crafts vendors. If it’s great music and great food you’re looking for... look no more! Every Tuesday evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., June, July and first Tuesday in August 160 Oxmoor Rd. Homewood AL, 35209 205-427-5665 westhomewood.com

Valleydale Farmers Market

At Valleydale Farmers Market, you’ll find a great line up of growers selling fresh, local produce,

Alabama honey, humanely raised meats, free range eggs, dairy, and homemade goods, as well as our wonderful artisans, selling all types of baked goods, soaps, handmade art, homemade pasta, locally roasted coffee, and more. Open every Saturday morning of the summer from 8 a.m. to noon.

4601 Valleydale Rd. Birmingham, AL 35242 www.valleydalefarmersmarket.com

Vestavia Hills UMC Farmers Market

Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church hosts a weekly farmers market May through August filled with seasonal vegetables, fruits, breads, and baked goods from local producers. Every Wednesday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

741 Montgomery Hwy. in Scout Square, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 vhumc.org/event/vestavia-farmersmarket/

More than just a full-service dog care facility, Just Happy Hounds offers a new spin on daycare, grooming, boarding and training.

We’re a dog fraternity where your pooch can make lifelong friends in a safe, happy and healthy canine recreational environment that’s filled with love and excellent care. The staff at Just Happy Hounds has over 100 combined years of experience and employs a staff veterinarian. Sarah Mills never thinks of it as a job, but rather as her passion, and loves every fur baby as though it was her own! Sarah also dedicates her spare time to numerous dog rescue charities. Just Happy Hounds, “Where We Make Sit Happen!”

2222 5th Ave South | Birmingham, AL 35233 | 205.777.3699

 justhappyhounds.com

48 CITY GUIDE 2018

Get more out of life at Danberry at Inverness Even more than larger floor plans, gorgeous architecture, and outstanding amenities— Danberry at Inverness frees you to create a lifestyle all your own, with Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care all right here. More peace of mind.

And a lot more fun!

Residents enjoy: • Flexible dining options • Transportation • Housekeeping • Fitness Center • Wellness Clinic • 24-hour nursing

–

• Indoor resort-style pool • Full-service salon & spa • Card & billiard rooms • Creative arts studio • Movie theater • And much more!

LIMITED

Call 443-9500 235 Inverness Center Drive Hoover, AL 35242

DanberryAtInverness.com

AVAIL ABILIT Y

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B-METRO.COM 49

PETS The Barking Zone

Daycare, boarding and training.

5196 Caldwell Mill Rd., Birmingham AL 35244 205-296-0855 thebarkingzone.com

Baths Barks & Bubbles Pet Spa 430 14th St. S Birmingham, AL 35233 205-214-3782 facebook.com/bathbarksandbubblespetspa/

Creative Dog Training

Training facility. Two locations, Homewood and The Summit.

2703 19th Place S., Homewood, AL 35209 205-877-3130 creativedogtraining.com

Dog Days Birmingham Cahaba Beach Dog Park

Dog park, day care, boarding, training, grooming.

3555 Cahaba Beach Rd. Birmingham, AL 205-397-3647 cahababeachdogpark.com

Daycare, boarding, grooming.

112 18th St. N. Birmingham, AL 35203 205-458-9364 dogdaysofbirmingham.com

Just Happy Hounds LLC Fetch Pet Care

Dog walkers, in-home sitters, boarding. Serving Alabaster, Birmingham, Chelsea, Fultondale, Helena and Pelham.

866-338-2463 fetchpetcare.com

Generation Dog’s Rub-a-Dub-Dub Dog Bathhouse & Spa

1722 28th Ave. S., Ste. J Birmingham, AL 35209 205-870-5085 rubadubdogbathhouse.com

Greater Birmingham Humane Society

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society, founded in 1883, is the largest and oldest humane society in Alabama. 300 Snow Dr. Birmingham AL 35209 205-942-1211 gbhs.org

Howling Hollows

Daycare, boarding, pet parties and events.

4420 Sicard Hollow Road, Birmingham, AL 35242.

205-977-7245 howlinhollowsfarm.com

50 CITY GUIDE 2018

Daycare, boarding, grooming, training.

2222 5th Ave. S. Birmingham AL 35233 205-777-3699 justhappyhounds.com

My Spoiled Pet Resort & Spa

Boarding, daycare and grooming.

4752 U.S. 280, Birmingham, AL 35242 205-980-5520 myspoiledpet.com

The Pawms Pet Resort

Two locations, Vestavia and Avondale Boarding, training, daycare V-205-823-5433 A-205-745-3933 pawms.com

Shelby County Humane Society

381 McDow Rd. Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-3916 shelbyhumane.org/

Sheppard’s Pet Supply

4410 4th Ave. S. A, Birmingham, AL 35222 205-703-0989 sheppardspet.com

Wags ’N Whiskers Comprehensive Pet Care

Training, daycare, boarding, grooming, pet taxi 2804 Crescent Ave. Homewood, AL 35209 205-902-9247 wagshomewood.com

We Talk Dog

Daycare and boarding.

1555 Cooper Hill Road Birmingham, AL 35210 205-588-4709 wetalkdog.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

At J. Wright Building Company, we truly love the art of building. We are designers and builders of fine artisan homes who take pride in our work, from the materials we use to the finished product. Due to our extensive knowledge and experience, excellent reputation, and focus on clients wishing to build custom homes, we are honored to have been hand picked as a member of the highly selective Southern Living Custom Builder Program. As members of this prestigious program, we are well regarded for possessing an ability to bring dream homes to life.

We start with your specific ideas about what you envision in your dream home. After that, we strive to create a truly custom home, designed specifically with you in mind, from the ground up. The end goal is a home that uniquely fits your individual needs, ideas, and budget.

850 Corporate Pkwy #104 | Birmingham, AL 35242

We believe that the process of building a home should be an exciting experience for homeowners. We are committed to providing clients with a pleasant building experience and excellent customer service throughout the process. If you are in the market for a pleasant home building experience with builders who truly enjoy providing high quality custom homes, look no further than J. Wright Building Company.

| 205.820.0100 ď‚Žjwrightbuildingcompany.com

RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES Danberry at Inverness

Danberry at Inverness offers a socially focused retirement lifestyle marked by the most advanced and in-demand residential design features.

Stunning architecture, lovely grounds with Lake Heather nearby, an impressive lineup of first-class fun and engaging activities focused on wellness— this is Hoover senior living that perfectly blends beauty and hospitality.

235 Inverness Center Dr., Hoover 35242 205-443-9500 realtysouth.com

Kirkwood by the River

Kirkwood offers programs and facilities for independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. Kirkwood has served approximately 1,500 residents and their families over the past three decades.

3605 Ratliff Rd., Birmingham, AL 35210 205-956-2184 kirkwoodbytheriver.com

Fair Haven

A 55-year Methodist Homes for the Aging legacy is now even grander. At Fair Haven you’ll find bright, spacious independent living residences, a state-of-the-art rehab center and redesigned community center that offers inviting social areas, the fun of a new ice cream parlor and more.

1424 Montclair Rd., Birmingham 35210 205-956-4150 fairhavenbirmingham.org

Mount Royal Towers

Mount Royal Towers is a full-service senior community located in Vestavia Hills. The professionals at Mount Royal truly believe that your retirement years can be the most wonderful time in your life.

300 Royal Tower Dr., Vestavia Hills, AL 35209 205-235-6735 mountroyaltowers.com

Warm and friendly care for older adults.

Independent Apartments Assisted Living Memory Care Short-Term Rehab (Age 55+) Long-Term Nursing Care Alzheimer’s/Dementia 1424 Montclair Road 52 CITY GUIDE 2018

Birmingham, AL 35210

Enriching lives every day.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR A TOUR CALL 205-956-4150 facebook.com/FairHavenBirmingham

205-956-4150

fairhavenbirmingham.org

SPECIAL PROMOTION

ATTORNEY MATT ABBOTT

“THE OUTLAWYER ” ®

ABBOTT LAW FIRM, L.L.C.

Attorney Matt Abbott “The Outlawyer®” is not your ordinary lawyer. He takes a different approach when it comes to personal injury and wrongful death litigation by setting himself apart from the rank and file. From his law office on Morris Avenue, Abbott represents the injured and their families in the litigation areas of tractor-trailer accidents, automobile accidents, defective product liability, and medical and pharmaceutical negligence.

Abbott also strives to protect those who are the victims of civil rights violations and/or employment discrimination. Abbott works to hold those accountable for fraud against the government by his involvement with qui tam actions under the False Claims Act, and is currently involved in litigation pending in multiple states across the country.

Abbott is licensed to practice law in Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia, and is admitted to the United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Alabama as well as for the Northern and Southern Districts of Mississippi, the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit and 11th Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. He belongs to the American Association for Justice, The National Trial Lawyers, the Alabama Association for Justice, the Mississippi Association for Justice and the Southern Trial Lawyers Association. Abbott also maintains membership with multiple National Personal Injury Legal Societies and Associations, as well as the National Police Accountability Project. Abbott’s legal peers awarded him an AV-Preeminent* rating with Martindale-Hubbell in 2010, at the age of 36.

All of his clients have his personal cell number to reach him anytime, and Abbott prides himself on client service and satisfaction. “My clients can talk to me like they are talking to their neighbor, says Abbott, and in the end, my goal is to help them ‘out-lawyer’ the other side…” Abbott has “two children, a cool ex-wife and a smoking hot girlfriend.” In his spare time, he enjoys college football, hunting/fishing, playing the drums, cold beer and he appears often to “enjoy a good rock show” at many of Birmingham’s live music venues.

2100 Morris Avenue | Birmingham, AL 35203 205.338.7800

 outlawyer.com

No representation is made that the quality of legal services toB-METRO.COM be performed 53 is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

SPORTS Birmingham Legion

PROFESSIONAL Birmingham Barons

The team, which plays in the Southern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and plays at Regions Field in downtown Birmingham. Baseball in Birmingham traces its history to 1885 with the establishment of the original Barons. The team has played at Rickwood Field, the country’s oldest surviving baseball stadium, The Hoover Met, and now Regions Field.

1401 1st Ave. S., Birmingham 205-988-3200 barons.com

Birmingham Bulls

The Birmingham Bulls are a professional ice hockey team in Pelham that plays in the Southern Professional Hockey League. The team is named after the previous Birmingham-area teams in the World Hockey Association and East Coast Hockey League.

Pelham Civic Center, 205-620-6870 bullshockey.net

The Legion is an expansion team in the USL, a professional soccer league with 33 teams in the US and Canada, playing at the Division II level, one division below Major League Soccer. The first season for Birmingham Legion FC in the USL will begin in the Spring of 2019.

2213 1st Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-600-4696 bhmlegion.com

Division I tournaments for baseball and softball as well as men’s and women’s basketball. samford.edu

Birmingham-Southern College

BSC fields mens and womens sport teams in 12 different sports. The school competes at the Division III level of the NCAA. bsc.edu

Miles College

COLLEGE UAB

Signature sports at UAB include the reborn football team (which works out in a new practice facility) and the men’s basketball team. Overall, UAB supports 18 NCAA Division I sports teams. uab.edu

Samford University

Samford fields 17 NCAA Division I (FCS) varsity teams and competes in the Southern Conference. The Bulldogs have competed in NCAA

The Miles Golden Bears compete in eight different sports for men and women athletes. miles.edu

University of Montevallo

The Falcons of Montevallo field teams of men and women athletes in 11 different sports in NCAA Division II. montevallo.edu

B-METRO’S

BEST EAT of the city

B-METRO’S

BEST

of the city

EXPLORE

B-METRO’S

BEST

of the city

SHOP

B-METRO’S

BEST PLAY Open Mon.-Sat.10:00-5:00

of the city

Hanna Antiques

27,000 Square Feet  100 Dealers  35 Show Cases B-METRO’S Rooms and rooms of antiques, curiosities and fun!

2424 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233

54 CITY GUIDE 2018

BEST I 205- 323-6036 I www.hannaantiques.com of the city

HOME

B-METRO’S

BEST

of the city

ARTS

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Mary Miller Executive Director, Ken Cater, immediate past president and current board president Jamie Laney

The Parkinson Association of Alabama is excited to announce the first ever Resource Center for Parkinson’s patients in the State of Alabama. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for patients, caregivers and families affected by Parkinson’s disease in the State of Alabama. We wanted to develop a place that could truly meet all of these needs while the Parkinson Association of Alabama raises funds for research and programs, and also raises awareness through events and marketing.

So we are pleased to introduce the State of Alabama to The Parkinson’s Disease Resource Center called PDLink. PDLink is funded by the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA) and the Parkinson Association of Alabama (PAA) and will serve to educate and support those with Parkinson’s disease and their families. There is a need statewide for resources and information about living with Parkinson’s disease, so we hope this new center will help with these needs. We have also hired a Care Navigator who will work directly with the patients and the healthcare community.

Cindy McMinn, our new Care Navigator, is a registered

nurse with a Masters degree in Nursing from the University of Alabama, Birmingham. She also served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Nurse Corps. Cindy is responsible for providing a comprehensive approach to managing PD. She will manage the data she collects from those with ParCindy McMinn, Care Navigator kinson’s disease and begin to develop the first ever registry for people with PD. She will also coordinate programs, speak at support groups, and provide information for new diagnoses and those with PD and their caregivers.

These programs are the first ever of their kind for Parkinson’s disease, and we want to grow this program so that there will be Care Navigators for Parkinson’s disease across the State and then eventually the nation. Our annual fundraiser, Taste for a Cure, will be held on April 11, 2019 on World Parkinsons Day. We hope you will support our cause and our new programs by visiting our website at www.parkinsonalabama.com or www. pdlink.org

SHOPPING Brookwood Village

Brookwood Village is an indoor/outdoor shopping center where you will find anchor stores such as Macy’s, DSW, Target and The Fresh Market, as well as great dining options such as Brio Tuscan Grille, Cocina Superior, Hickory Tavern, Five Guys or Grille 29. shopbrookwoodvillage.com

Riverchase Galleria

Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, a trip to Riverchase Galleria is a must when you’re in town. You can spend the day shopping in more than 150 stores, people watching in the largest enclosed shopping center in Alabama or fueling a night out with a delicious dish from the restaurants that ring the mall. Key stores include Von Maur, Macy’s, Belk and H&M. shopbrookwoodvillage.com

Lane Parke

The redeveloped Lane Parke area of Mountain Brook Village brings shopping, dining, apartments, and the Grand Bohemian Hotel together in a beautiful setting. laneparke.info

56 CITY GUIDE 2018

The Outlet Shops of Grand River

The Outlet Shops of Grand River is an outlet mall in Grand River located minutes from Birmingham along I-20 at Exit 140 in Leeds. Among the signature shops at Grand River are H&M, Brooks Brothers, Coach, J. Crew and Talbots. Coyote Drive-in & Canteen features movies under the stars and is a great date-night and family-friendly destination within Grand River. shopsofgrandriver.com

Patton Creek

Patton Creek boasts a wide range of retail, dining, health and fitness tenants, near Riverchase Galleria. pattoncreek.com

Pinnacle at Tutwiler Farm

A large shopping center featuring Target, Home Depot and Belk, along with plenty of dining options and specialty shops. shoppinnacleattutwiler.com

Mexican Food, Fleming’s Steakhouse,Flip Burger Boutique, Frutta Bowls, Johnny Rockets, Macaroni Grill, Nothing Bundt Cakes, P. F. Chang’s, Panera Bread, Pieology Pizzeria, Seasons 52, Shake Shack – Summer 2018, Steel City Pops, Taco Mama, The Cheesecake Factory, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, Trader Joe’s, Urban Cookhouse, Village Tavern, and ZOËS Kitchen. thesummitbirmingham.com

Neighborhood Shopping The Summit

The Summit is a one-million-square-foot upscale lifestyle center located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 280 and I- 59 in Birmingham.

The Summit is a hub for food, fashion, special events, films, and anytime-style inspiration. The center also specializes in experiences, from food festivals to farmers markets to musical events. Key stores include Saks Fifth Avenue, The Apple Store and Trader Joe’s, along with many other firstin-Alabama retailers.

Don’t miss the wide array of restaurants located here either—Abhi,California Pizza Kitchen, Chuy’s

One of the real strengths of Birmingham’s shopping environment lies in the neighborhoods of the city. You will find excellent locally oriented shopping throughout the metro. Take for example Mountain Brook. The three villages, Mountain Brook Village, Crestline Village, and English Village, are full of great shops and restaurants.

Cahaba Village, right on Highway 280, also offers plenty of shopping opportunities from Diamonds Direct to Whole Foods Market. You will also find great neighborhood shopping just down from The Summit in Cahaba Heights. Within Homewood, you can find terrific retailers and restaurants in the middle of town.

Salvation Army - Center of Hope

UAB Blazer Hall

The Bell Center

Hallman Hill

30 years

OF GREAT BIRMINGHAM CLIENTS

*previously The Garrison Barrett Group

SCHOOLS BIRMINGHAM AREA

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Advent Episcopal School

Advent Episcopal School is an independent, coeducational school. pre-K through 8th grade.

2019 6th Ave. N, Birmingham, AL 35203.

205-252-2535 adventepiscopalschool.org

The Altamont School

The Altamont School is a coeducational, traditional college preparatory independent day school serving students in grades 5-12.

4801 Altamont Rd. S. Birmingham, AL 35222 205-879-2006 altamontschool.org

Catholic Schools, Diocese of Birmingham

The Catholic Diocese of Birmingham operates eight primary schools in metro Birmingham.

2121 3rd Ave. N. Birmingham, AL 35203 205-838-8303 bhmcatholicschools.com

Cornerstone Schools of Alabama

Cornerstone Schools of Alabama is a Christ-centered school serving inner-city students, K4-12.

118 55th St. N., Birmingham, AL 35212 205-591-7600 csalabama.org

Creative Montessori School

Creative Montessori School enrolls students at the toddler, primary, and elementary levels on a two-acre campus located in Homewood.

1650 28th Ct. S., Birmingham, AL 35209 205-879-3278 cmskids.org

Evangel Classical Christian School

Evangel teaches in the classical model, adapting these methods for our 21st century students.

423 Thompson Rd., Alabaster, AL 35007 205-216-0149 evangelclassical.org

Highlands School

Highlands School is an independent school distinguished by diversity, academic excellence, creative expression, and leadership.

4901 Old Leeds Rd., Birmingham, AL 35213 205-956-9731 highlandsschool.org

Hilltop Montessori

Hilltop is located in the town of Mt. Laurel. Hilltop offers an authentic accredited Montessori pro58 CITY GUIDE 2018

gram from 18 months of age through 8th grade.

6 Abbott Square, Birmingham, AL 35242 205-437-9343 hilltopmontessori.com

Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic

Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School combines academic rigor and corporate work-study.

2001 19th Street Ensley, Birmingham, AL 35218 205-787-9937 hfcristorey.org

Southminster Day School teaches children in a Christian atmosphere.

1124 Montgomery Hwy., Vestavia, AL 35216 205-822-9531 southminsterpcusa.org

Spring Valley School

Spring Valley’s mission is to provide excellence in education for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and learning differences.

2701 Sydney Dr., Birmingham, AL 35211 205-423-8660 springvalleyschool.org

Indian Springs School

Indian Springs School develops in students a love of learning, a sense of integrity and moral courage, and an ethic of participatory citizenship.

190 Woodward Drive, Pelham, AL 35124 205-988-3350 indiansprings.org

Jefferson Christian Academy

A Bible based school that focuses on the whole child; spirit, mind, body and a servant’s heart.

1500 Heritage Place Dr., Birmingham, AL 35210 www.jcaweb.net

Islamic Academy of Alabama

The Islamic Academy of Alabama is a non-profit, full-time Islamic school, located in Homewood.

1810 25th Ct. S., Birmingham, AL 35209 205-870-0422 iaak12.org

Westminster School at Oak Mountain

The Westminster School is a K-12 classical Christian school and is a ministry of Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church (PCA).

5080 Cahaba Valley Trace, Birmingham 35242 westminsterknights.org

PUBLIC SCHOOLS Jefferson County Board of Ed. 2100 18th St. S Birmingham AL 35209 205-379-2000 jefcoed.com

Birmingham Board of Ed.

2015 Park Place Birmingham AL 35203 205-231-4600 bhamcityschools.org

Homewood Board of Ed. John Carroll Catholic High School

A Catholic high school that calls its students, faculty, and parents into a partnership for learning.

300 Lakeshore Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35209 205-940-2400 jcchs.org

Joseph S. Bruno Montessori Academy

The academy turns students into future leaders, problem solvers, and global citizens.

5509 Timber Hill Road, Birmingham, AL 35242 205-995-8709 jbma.education

450 Dale Dr. Homewood, AL 35209 205-870-4203 homewood.k12.al.us

Shelby County Board of Ed. 410 East College St., Columbiana, AL 205-682-7005 shelbyed.k12.al.us

Vestavia Hills Board of Ed.

1204 Montgomery Hwy. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-402-5100 vestavia.k12.al.us/

Mountain Brook Board of Ed. 32 Vine Street, Birmingham, AL 35213 205-871-4608 mtnbrook.k12.al.us

N.E. Miles Jewish Day School

The N.E. Miles Jewish Day School is a K-8 SACS accredited, independent private school with high academic standards and a rigorous dual secular and Judaic curriculum.

4000 Montclair Rd., Birmingham, AL 35213 205-879-1068 nemjds.org

Southminster Day School

Hoover City School Board

2810 Metropolitan Way, Hoover, AL 35243 205-439-1000 hoovercityschools.net

Trussville City Schools

113 North Chalkville Rd.Trussville, AL 35173.

205-228-3000 trussvillecityschools.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Wendy LoVoy Art Studio Wendy LoVoy is a professional artist who created the interactive sip and paint industry in 2003. Wendy’s dreams, goals and aspirations were to educate people about art, support local artist, and to inspire the world to create. Through hard work, researching, and testing her theories and concepts-Wendy’s proven and successful step by step teaching method “Sips n Strokes method” has captured millions of people whom have never painted-to create a masterpiece. In 2008 Wendy launched the franchise division and opened the first Sips n Strokes® franchise in 2009. Since the opening of her first franchise Wendy has watched the world follow in her footsteps by opening business like Sips n Strokes®.

Wendy believes in giving back to her community and has raised over $250,000 for local schools and charitable organizations over the past 15 years.

Wendy teaches her famous Sips n Strokes® classes, adult classes, children’s classes and camp, corporate team building, and other life celebrations out her art studio in Inverness. To find out more information email info@ sipsnstrokes.com or visit www.sipsnstrokes.com

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Birmingham-Southern College BSC is a nationally known and respected fouryear, private liberal arts institution founded in 1856 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Small class sizes and attentive professors are part of the draw for students.

900 Arkadelphia Rd., Birmingham, AL 35254 800-523-5793 bsc.edu

Birmingham School of Law

Offering affordable quality legal education, BSL has a diverse student body of approximately 500 students. Most students attend law school while otherwise employed full time.

231 22nd St. S., Birmingham, AL 35233 205-322-6122 bsol.com

Jefferson State Community College

Jefferson State Community College is a two-year college in the Alabama Community College System. For more than 50 years, Jefferson State has led the way in providing excellence in education, value and personal attention.

4600 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, AL 35242 205-983-5911 jeffersonstate.edu

Register Now! Art | Cooking | Music ESL | Photography Languages | Antiques

Classes start in August. academyofthearts@samford.edu 205-726-2739

samford.edu/go/aota

60 CITY GUIDE 2018

Lawson State Community College

Lawson State is a two year, public, multi campus college, dedicated to providing affordable and accessible lifelong learning opportunities.

3060 Wilson Rd. SW. Birmingham, AL 35221 205-925-2515 lawsonstate.edu

lic university, affiliated with the University of Alabama system. UAB is an internationally renowned research university and academic medical center known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education. UAB’s reach stretches across classes, culture and continents.

1720 2nd Ave S., Birmingham, AL 35294 205-934-4011 uab.edu

Miles College

Founded in 1898 and located in Fairfield, AL, this historically black liberal arts college is affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

5500 Myron Massey Blvd., Fairfield, AL 35064 205-929-1000 miles.edu

Samford University

Samford University is a top-ranked, private university rooted in a Christian mission. Samford enrolls 5,509 students from 47 states and 29 countries within 10 academic units offering 30 undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees and 166 undergraduate majors. The university fields 17 varsity sports for men and women.

800 Lakeshore Pkwy., Homewood, AL 35209 205-726-2011 samford.edu

University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a pub-

University of Montevallo

The University of Montevallo caters to students who “seek personalized, hands-on education but crave the excitement of a large university experience.” With 60 majors and an average class size of just 23, Montevallo was named a Best Value School 2018 by U.S. News and World Report.

75 College Dr., Montevallo, AL 35115 205-665-6000 montevallo.edu

Virginia College

Virginia College in Birmingham is a careerfocused school offering limited class sizes to accommodate day or night schedules, where students can focus on areas including business, computer networking, cosmetology, health and medical, pastry and culinary arts, therapeutic massage, trades, and truck driving.

488 Palisades Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35209.

1-888-900-8558 realize.vc.edu

SPECIAL PROMOTION

For three decades, Mike Wedgworth has created some of the finest custom homes and residential communities in Birmingham, Alabama. His commitment to outstanding, quality construction is evident in each of the more than 250 homes he’s crafted for families here. His reputation has been built the same way as any new Wedgworth home or community one relationship at a time.

You can see Wedgworth’s craftsmanship in communities like Viridian, Glen Manor, Village Place and their newest neighborhood - Altadena Place.

205.967.1831

 wedgworth.net

B-METRO.COM 61

THEATRE Alabama Ballet

The Alabama Ballet is the state’s premiere professional ballet company. The company has achieved national prominence as one of only eight ballet companies in the world permitted by the Balanchine Trust to perform Balanchine’s Nutcracker®. The Alabama Ballet promotes the development of classical and contemporary ballet through high quality performances, dance education and community outreach.

2726 1st Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35233 205-322-4300 alabamaballet.org

1818 Data Dr., Hoover 205-444-0008 stardome.com

the direction professional theatre instructors.

Pelham, AL 35124 205-621-2128 southcitytheatre.com

The Extemporaneous Theatre Company

The Extemporaneous Theatre Company, founded in 2008, is a repertory-style company comprised of professional artists in theatre, comedy, and a variety of sub-specialties.

205-575-2264 extemporaneoustheatre.com

Homewood Theatre Arts Council of the Trussville Area Theatre

ACTA Theatre is a non-profit community theatre located in the heart of Trussville. There’s something for everyone at ACTA: children’s performances, musical theatre, comedy, dramatic arts, classics, tragedies and quality entertainment.

225 Pkwy. Dr. #103, Trussville, AL 35173 205-665-3902 actatheater.com

Birmingham Children’s Theatre Birmingham Children’s Theatre exists to educate, entertain and enrich the lives of children through the magic of professional theatre. One of the nation’s oldest and largest professional theatre companies for young audiences, BCT produces high-quality, professional theatrical entertainment and curriculum-relevant arts education experiences for children and families. BCT is the second largest employer of professional theatre artists in Alabama, and is Alabama’s only professional touring theatre company 2130 Arrington Jr. Blvd., Birmingham , AL 35203 205-458-8181 bct123.org

Birmingham Festival Theatre

Birmingham Festival Theatre is the city’s oldest theatre to produce contemporary and classic works. With a vision to present innovative works and give a voice to new plays by Southern writers, the intimate theatre has staged over 200 productions and has hosted almost 100,000 audience members since it was founded in 1972.

205-933-2383 bftonline.org

Comedy Club Stardome

You can enjoy a fun-filled evening of fantastic food, drinks and entertainment by the nation’s top comedians at the Stardome. If being in the audience is not your style, be sure to go on Open Mic Night and take the stage yourself.

62 CITY GUIDE 2018

A new group bringing theatrical productions to Homewood, Homewood Theatre offered a threeplay season in the spring of 2018.

1715 27th Ct S, Homewood, AL 35209 205-322-6737 homewoodtheatre.com

Opera Birmingham

Since 1955, Opera Birmingham has entertained audiences with world-class operatic productions and concerts. Over 50 operas later, the muchloved company is still going strong.

3601 6th Ave S., Birmingham 205-322-6737operabirmingham.org

Red Mountain Theatre Company

Under the leadership of Executive Director Keith Cromwell, RMTC stages classical musical theatre while incubating new works. We employ award-winning veteran artists alongside young professionals. For nearly four decades, we’ve cultivated one of the finest arts education centers in the South.

P.O. Box 278, Birmingham , AL 35201 (205) 324-2424 redmountaintheatre.org

Terrific New Theatre

Terrific New Theatre has served Birmingham for over thirty years. The mission of Terrific New Theatre is to promote non-profit community theatre in Birmingham, through presentation of a distinctive season of high-quality contemporary programs.

2821 2nd Avenue South, Dr Pepper Showrooms, Birmingham, AL 35233 205-328-0868 terrificnewtheatre.com

Theatre Downtown

Theatre Downtown is dedicated to exposing Birmingham audiences to the most entertaining, engaging, and innovative shows as well as serving as an outlet for original works and other artistic endeavors.

2410 5th Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35233 205-565-8838 theatredowntown.org

Virginia Samford Theatre

This playhouse is the origin of Birmingham’s theatrical legacy. Generations of performances have taken place in this space. A capital campaign restored the building and it reopened as the Virginia Samford Theatre in 2002. It serves as a beacon for local talent and performers are drawn to showcase their creativity.

1116 26th St. S., Birmingham, AL 35205 205-251-1228 virginiasamfordtheatre.org

South City Theatre

South City Theatre produce six mainstage plays each year, attracting approximately 3,000 audience members annually. The youth program, Acting Up, offers two workshops during the school year and a two-week summer camp, which allow children ages 9-16 the opportunity to study the craft of acting by producing a production under

Red Mountain Theatre Company’s Production of 42nd Street.

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THE

BHAM EXPERIENCE

BIRMINGHAM

FROM THE TOP WE LIVE IN A PICTURESQUE CITY THAT IS BEST VIEWED FROM ABOVE WRITTEN BY

64 CITY GUIDE 2018

ROSALIND FOURNIER

PHOTOS BY

BEAU GUSTAFSON

JOIN THE FIGHT FOR ALZHEIMER’S FIRST SURVIVOR.

At the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, people carry flowers representing their connection to Alzheimer’s — a disease that currently has no cure. But what if one day there was a flower for Alzheimer’s first survivor? What if there were millions of them? Help make that beautiful day happen by joining us for the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease.

Register today at act.alz.org/heartofalabama Walk to End Alzheimer’s - Heart of Alabama Sloss Furnaces | September 30, 2018 | 1 p.m. @HeartofAlabamaWalktoEndAlzheimers @EndALZBhamAL

Private lessons available for

•Piano •Guitar •Drums • Voice •Violin •Rock Band •Guitar Ensemble •Vocal Ensemble

800 Olde Towne Road, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 Near Chuck E Cheese's & behind Bruster's Ice Cream www.BirminghamSchoolOfMusic.com

B-METRO.COM 65

MOON SHINE

AT THE ELYTON

Moon Shine atop the Elyton Hotel serves up one of the best urban rooftop experiences in the city. The food and cocktails are on par with what you’d expect from a luxury hotel, but mix in eclectic decor, historic details and the chance to spot some of your favorite Magic City icons down below, and Moon Shine is a destination unto itself.

I

lost any vestigial fear of heights I might ever have had in 1999, standing next to Vulcan. The year is significant, because at that time, Vulcan was in dire need of repair, and for safety’s sake he was closed to the public. But an engineer tasked with monitoring the statue’s condition had invited me to join him on an up-close inspection. As we climbed the tower, it became clear we weren’t stopping at the observation deck.

He meant to take me to the Iron Man himself.

It was terrifying. It was cold and windy. There was no railing. All I could do was cling to the statue’s big toe and whimper. I think Vulcan and

VULCAN PARK 66 CITY GUIDE 2018

The namesake statue may be what attracts visitors to Vulcan Park and Museum in the first place, but along with an interactive history museum on site, the park now boasts Kiwanis Centennial Park and Kiwanis Vulcan Trail. There are spectacular views from everywhere up here. Learn about the full Vulcan experience starting on page 88.

CALL

205-408-4386 The Acadia

The Mountaineer

for more info!

NOW ALSO SELLING COMMERCIAL PLAY EQUIPMENT! CALL 205-408-4386 FOR MORE INFO!

3165 Cahaba Valley Road Birmingham, AL 35124

www.backyardalabama.com

THE

PIZITZ

Once a landmark department store, the beautifully renovated Pizitz reopened as a luxury apartment building in 2017.

The public knows it best for the bustling Food Hall on the ground floor, but the better-kept secret is what’s on top: a swimming pool and sun deck with grand views of downtown.

I both feared for our lives.

But here’s the thing: the experienced changed me. As we started down the ladder, I knew that no high place could ever be that frightening again. In fact, I began to seek out high places: rooftop gardens and swimming pools, sundecks, terraces high above the city, anywhere with a bird’s eye view of Birmingham—the natural terrain and urban skyscape alike, and the higher the better. Sometimes life’s just better at the top.

THE

HIGH SIDE

SOME OF THE BEST VIEWS IN THE CITY

The Roof at Redmont

Urban chic ambience and a great downtown view make the bar on top of the Redmont perfect for a drink after work or special event.

The Club

Since 1951, The Club has boasted one of the best views from atop Red Mountain. If you haven’t yet caught the sunset from up here, you need to.

 68 CITY GUIDE 2018

Tip Top Grill

It looks like a modest roadside diner from the front, but the back terrace of this Bluff Park breakfast/ burger joint has a stunning view of Shades Valley.

The Southern Kitchen and Bar

The Southern Kitchen & Bar in the Uptown district features dining with a view plus a rooftop dance party Friday and Saturday nights.

Temple of Sibyl

With its sweeping views and well-tended gardens, Temple of Sibyl is a symbol of serenity in Vestavia Hills.

The Woolworth

Opening soon: The Woolworth is planned as a social house/gastropub in 5 Points South replete with duckpin bowling, ping pong, and a large roof deck overlooking 20th Street.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

THE LASIK & CATARACT SPECIALISTS IN ALABAMA Founder and Medical Director of Alabama Vision Center, Dr. Price Kloess, says it is experience, training, and technology that sets the center apart when it comes to LASIK and cataract surgery. “We use advanced all-laser technology which insures precision, comfort, and peace of mind”. LASIK reduces dependence on contacts and glasses providing naturally clear vision. It takes only seconds to treat a lifetime of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Dr. Kloess is joined in practice with two other Corneal Specialist Ophthalmologists: Dr. Andrew Velazquez and Dr.

Andrew Bartlett. Dr. Holly Young and Dr. Derrick Franklin are also part of our team who have been voted Best Eye Doctors in Birmingham for three years in a row. Schedule a LASIK or CATARACT consultation to discuss your options with Birmingham’s most trusted eye doctors.

3928 Montclair Road, Suite 100 | Birmingham, AL 35213 | 205.592.3911 7191 Cahaba Valley Road, Suite 203 | Hoover, AL 35242 | 205.991.2021 613 1st Street North | Alabaster, AL 35007 | 205-620-2292

 alabamavisioncenter.com

THE

BHAM EXPERIENCE

WHAT’S

COOKING? LOOKING FOR A SPECIAL NIGHT OUT? TRY A UNIQUE COOKING EXPERIENCE AT THE GRAND BOHEMIAN HOTEL. WRITTEN BY

ROBIN COLTER

rue story. My mama always said that I would never find a husband if I didn’t learn to cook. I did not take her advice at the time—which, in fact, turned out to be the precise cause of my marital bliss. Picture this: a young, single gal with no interest in the culinary arts discovers that a young, single guy has opened up a quaint little 70 CITY GUIDE 2018

PHOTOS BY

CHUCK ST. JOHN

eatery down the street from her house.

She becomes a regular. He makes a killer peanut butter pie. The rest is history.

Fast forward 20 years. I’ve discovered both an interest and an aptitude for cooking. More importantly I have discovered the time to do it. But the Mister still fancies himself king in the kitchen. It’s the one place we are least likely to work as a harmonious team. Our differing tastes

and styles are never more evident than when we are together in the kitchen.

Still, we persist in the nightly cooking clash, where I start something and he decides to finish it his way. Or I question his choice of seasonings—too many? Too few? We definitely need some kitchen counseling. Perhaps we can find culinary balance with a little help from a trained professional—one who specializes in just

B-METRO.COM 71

this kind of discord. And we may have found our answer in Chef Joshua Towey and the Classes by Kessler at the Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook.

The Kessler Cooking School offers a variety of classes based on any food experience that suits your tastes and welcomes 72 CITY GUIDE 2018

you no matter what your skill level. It’s also one of only two stand-alone hotels in the United States that offers educational wine-blending classes as well. The state-ofthe-art commercial kitchen provides you with all the tools of the trade, and seasoned Chef Joshua Towey provides you

with all the direction to create a memorable meal.

Chef Josh is, without a doubt, the king of this kitchen, but he definitely wants you to be a part of the experience.

Class sizes range from 6-25 people and can be a great way to create a special eve-

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Patients at Magic City Dentistry enjoy a full-service dental practice that meets all of their dental health and cosmetic dentistry needs in the heart of Birmingham’s City Center. Magic City Dentistry was founded by Dr. G. Robin Pruitt, Jr., who has served the over-the-mountain community since 1994. He opened Magic City Dentistry in 2018 when he saw a need in Birmingham’s revitalized business and loft district for a more upscale practice in the area.

Here he is joined by Dr. David Sollenberger, who received his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry degree from the UAB School of Dentistry and completed a General Practice Residency at UAB Hospital. As the primary dentist serving patients here, Dr. Sollenberger brings a passion to meeting their needs and employing the newest techniques and procedures in an upscale, sophisticated setting.

Magic City Dentistry offers a competitively priced fee sched2117 1st Ave N | Birmingham, AL 35203

| 205.238.6800

ule; full-service dental care including preventative care, root canals, extractions, implants, and emergency service every day and on the weekends as well; and expanded cosmetic services such as Botox, dermal fillers, lip augmentation, and free whitening for current patients.

Between the 24 years experience of Dr. Pruitt as the practice owner, and the fresh new passion of Dr. Sollenberger, Magic City Dentistry promises patients will experience something different.

 MagicCityDentistry.com

Classmates for the evening: Chase, Jenny, Abby, Kyle, Chef Josh, Robin, Steve and Denise.

ning with friends or a reason to make friends of the strangers cooking next to you. I suggest you come with a sense of adventure, a healthy appetite– and be ready to dice, blend and saute like a pro.

Our k i t ch e n adventure was aptly titled Three if

by Sea. 74 CITY GUIDE 2018

We enjoyed fresh scallops with fingerling potatoes, a Gulf shrimp stew, and grilled cobia with fennel and oranges. All the ingredients were fresh, delicious and each of us took a role in the preparations.

Steve and I hand-picked basil for a salsa verde while Denise from Michigan diced up potatoes. Abby and Jenny (who were both celebrating birthdays) pan fried our scallops while Kyle used the very popular kitchen torch on fresh corn for our stew.

It was truly a group effort with Chef Josh guiding and giving us all sorts of kitchen tips and trivia along the way.

We ate throughout the evening as each component of the meal was plated up. The portions were quite sizable and

incredibly tasty. A wine steward checked in on us frequently, as several in our group were pairing their dinner with a light rose. It’s one thing to have a lovely meal out, but distinctly another to have had a hand in creating it yourself. It turned a memorable meal into a memorable experience that I’ll be quick to sign up for again.

We learned a lot. We ate a lot. And, more importantly, we laughed a lot that night. Each person there had a great time in addition to a great meal. As for Steve and I, we decided that laughter and cooperation might just be the most important ingredients of a successful kitchen experience.

Find out more about Classes by Kessler at www.mountain-brook.classesbykessler.com Left: Creative Director Robin Colter with husband and kitchen companion, Steve Colter.

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ON TIME SERVICE OnTime Service is a home services company locally owned

by Kerry and Carol Adkins providing electrical, heating and cooling, and plumbing services to homeowners in Jefferson and Shelby Counties. OnTime Service has become well known for its $59 dollar guarantee to arrive at customers’ homes on time.

OnTime Service is very picky about the licensed heating and cooling technicians and electricians we hire. They con-

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duct extensive background checks on prospective employees and perform random drug tests. They insist that their employees are professional, neat, and clean, that they have no visible tattoos or piercings and that they are non smokers. If an OnTime Service employee ever smokes, swears or leaves a mess in your home, the service will be free.

Kerry and Carol are very involved with their church and with a number of non-profit and civic organizations.

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B-METRO.COM 75

THE

BHAM EXPERIENCE

BARISTAS

Craig Stilley at Woodlawn Cycle Café

BIRMINGHAM

OF

ICED OR STRAIGHT UP BLACK, LATTE OR AMERICANO, THE BEST CUP OF JOE IS SERVED WITH A FRIENDLY SMILE. WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY

I

have a confession to make. Coffee isn’t really my thing. I haven’t acquired a taste for it. At least not yet.

But, I’m getting there. I grew up with parents who drank coffee. Dad liked it black. On cold, early morning fishing trips or on vacations in the family woodpaneled Country Squire station wagon, the eight-year-old me would ask for a sip of that hot black liquid from Dad’s ther-

76 CITY GUIDE 2018

JEFFREY REASE

mos. It tasted awful! My face would stay in a state of twisted disgust for about five minutes. I wouldn’t think of drinking coffee for over four decades more. Fruit juice in the mornings for me!

Then I met Lesa. A coffee lover. We’ve been married four years now. I go with her to coffeehouses, not to drink coffee myself—but to enjoy time with her as she savors a good latte. She always urges me to

taste it. I usually do and it seems that I am getting used to it. Frappaccinos actually might not be the closest I get to real coffee someday.

Over our frequent visits to coffeehouses, we’ve gotten to know the baristas (those who prepare and serve coffee) and learned more about coffee. A good barista will know about the flavors, origins, varieties, methods of roasting the beans and

Jared Lovett at Domestique Satellite

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Revelator Coffee’s Erika Wilson

Sweet Jon’s Café’s Darian Morris

Tyler Nash and his wife Anna own Innova Coffee

preparing coffee better than anyone. They are a wealth of information. And they can be some of the nicest people to meet. I am a portrait photographer, and as we got to know a few of these fine baristas, I found myself wanting to capture them with my camera in their element, doing what they love—making a lot of people happy. There are many in our area working at various popular, independent coffeehouses. This is the result of my project so far. I hope to photograph even more this year.

I began with our first coffeehouse hangout, Woodlawn Cycle Café, where Lesa and I spend a lot of time and have learned a lot from a few awesome guys.

Craig Stilley was my subject on shoot 78 CITY GUIDE 2018

MacKenzey Scott of O’Henry’s Coffees

number one. Craig has been in the coffee industry for five years, and is also a singer/songwriter in a band called A Slim Shadow (their first album is due out in late summer).

Lesa had been to Innova Coffee with a friend and told me about its unique location in the clubhouse of the new 4700 Colonnade apartments. I walked in and instantly recognized Tyler Nash behind the counter as one of my sons’ Little League coaches from maybe 15 years ago. Tyler and his wife Anna own Innova Coffee, having started it after holding Saturday morning coffee gatherings at their home with friends and Tyler working as a barista in a coffeehouse. I always thought he and

his wife were cool people and connected well with people around them. They have a true desire to serve people, and that’s what they do at Innova.

Our barista community seems to be a close-knit group—many know each other pretty well. Through one barista I also met Sean Price, and he told me about Seeds Coffee Co. where he is a barista when not touring with his band Erra. He is a super nice guy and always willing to talk coffee and share his knowledge about it.

From another barista I heard about Jimmy Truong at Caveat in Homewood.

Jimmy lived in Portland, Oregon for a while, working in some amazing coffee shops and training under a top contender

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Suzanne Vickers PA-C

Dr. Vlada Groysman

The team at Cahaba Dermatology pride themselves on being the complete dermatologic solution for their valued patients, with offices in Hoover and Tuscaloosa. Superior medical care takes highly trained and committed providers, clinical staff and a patient focused administrative team. Founder and medical director Dr. Vlada Groysman imparts her vision of total patient care into every aspect of Cahaba Dermatology. The practice offers a full range of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care.

Cahaba Dermatology is proud to announce the opening of our new building located in Hoover just across the street from where we’ve happily served our Hoover community for the last 5 years. You will find a greatly expanded facility but the same patient focused service you have come to expect. New facility will allow for our continued development as well as enhanced environment and patient flow. New UV light therapy clinic offers greater access to care and convenience for patients seeking

Dr. Zoey Glick

treatment of Psoriasis, Eczema and Vitiligo. Our new facility also boasts the new Spa Cahaba. Here you will find a new standalone spa offering the latest in spa services including massage and body treatments. Enjoy amenities such as private massage lounge as well as private shower and dressing rooms. Our new spa offers the only salt water float pool in Birmingham.

Cahaba Dermatology & Skin Health center is proud to be a “Best of the City” health care provider and look forward to serving our valued patients.

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2279 Valleydale Rd. Suite 100 | Hoover, AL 35244 | 205.214. 7546

Seeds Coffee Co.’s Sean Price

Chase Coats at Red Cat Coffee House

in the United States Barista Championship competitions. He hopes to own his own shop called Epilogue Roasters in the future.

Also in Homewood is one of the Revelator Coffee locations, called Sweet Jon’s Café. My daughter told me about a really cool “jungle room” there that I must see.

I met Darian Morris, a petite barista with a contagious smile for a fun shoot in this popular plant-filled sitting room.

Erika Wilson might be one to prepare 80 CITY GUIDE 2018

your order at Revelator Coffee in Mountain Brook. An animal lover, she is happy to tell you about her pet hedgehog and pet pig (they are best buddies), as well as her pug dogs.

O’Henry’s Coffees has been a landmark name in the area since 1993—they were the first specialty coffeehouse around Birmingham. The Brookwood location is a cozy spot where you can find MacKenzey Scott preparing delicious creations in a cup with the most pleasant smile around.

I have always enjoyed checking out Red Cat Coffee House, a spacious and comfortable place, whenever visiting the The Market at Pepper Place. I met barista Chase Coats there for a photo shoot.

You will find specialty-grade coffees and a range of coffee experiences. The Red Cat offers the Birmingham community a gathering place for connecting over great coffee and wholesome food.

Last for now but not least in my ongoing barista portrait project is Jared Lovett

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Remon Danforah stands in the middle of his men’s clothing store at The Summit, surrounded by racks and shelves of the finest in clothing. The things that make a man stylish, that make him feel confident and comfortable, are found within this beautiful and well-stocked store. Remon had the vision and determination to create this oasis of style, and the hard work and determination to make the vision a reality.

Merchandise from the finest men’s clothing label— Hickey Freeman, Nikky, Coppley, Jack Victor, Barbour, Zanella, David Donahue, Martin Dingman, and Robert Talbott—make Remon’s the destination for fine men’s wear.

More casual clothing from labels like Peter Millar, Southern Tide, Southern Point, St. Croix and Scott Barber are great choices for rounding out the wardrobe of the well-dressed man.

123 Summit Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35243 | The Summit | 205.977.5512

 remonsclothier.com

Jimmy Truong at Caveat

at Domestique Satellite in the same building as the live music venue Saturn, in Avondale. We actually first met him at Woodlawn Cycle Café when he worked there. He’s getting Domestique Coffee products to coffee lovers everywhere.

Along the journey in my barista portrait project I met some really knowledge82 CITY GUIDE 2018

able, friendly, giving people. They truly love what they do. And they love to talk about it. The next time you are in the area stop by these establishments and get to know them. And leave them a big tip!

Even if you, like me, are still working towards a full appreciation of coffee in all its iterations, you will nevertheless find

much to enjoy in the unique social atmosphere each offers—and a lot of good food to boot. It might just change your life.

I know it’s changed mine, because Lesa and I have even bought an espresso machine. There’s hope she might make me a coffee drinker yet!

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Aviate, a lifestyle brand founded in Birmingham, Alabama, that cultivates a sense of travel and encourages everyone to check off bucket list experiences.

Still based in Birmingham, and most known for their hats donning 3-letter airport identifiers (BHM, anyone?), Aviate now covers 160 cities, 45 states and 3 Countries by staying true to their motto, “Play hard. Travel often.”

1812 28th Ave S

| Birmingham, AL 35209

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THE

BHAM EXPERIENCE

THE BIG GUY UP THERE

IF THERE IS ANYTHING ICONICALLY “BIRMINGHAM,” IT HAS TO BE VULCAN. WRITTEN BY PHILLIP RATLIFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEAU GUSTAFSON

T

here’s no better place to begin a tour of Birmingham than at the home of the city’s civic icon, Vulcan. He’s a giant, cast in iron, built to embody and embolden another giant

84 B-METRO.COM CITY GUIDE 2018

in iron, the city herself.

Vulcan began flexing his muscle around the same time Birmingham began flexing hers. Just as Vulcan trained his steely gaze on his handiwork, so Birmingham resolutely set her sights on supplying

America’s growing demand for iron and steel. Vulcan is a practical god, homely by some accounts—a fitting parallel to the niche Birmingham filled furnishing the nation with cast iron pipes, stoves, and frying pans.

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A dream you can hold on to.

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At the AIRM, we understand just how important those dreams are, as well as the challenges you may face realizing that dream.

We offer comprehensive reproductive services in a private, stateof-the-art boutique practice with an experienced, knowledgeable, compassionate healthcare team. We understand your desire to have a child, as well as the other demands in your life. We make every effort to minimize wait times at each visit and to give you the time that you need to feel comfortable in the process. We take the time to actually get to know our patients and their needs. We individualize each patient’s treatment. Experience matters; Dr. Long and his nurse practitioner, Dr. Karen Hammond, have provided fertility care for more than three decades. Not only do we offer traditional infertility treatments such as ovarian stimulation, insemination, and in vitro fertilization, we also offer alternative options that are actually much more affordable than you might expect. We promise to take care of you every step of the way.

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The new Kiwanis Centennial Park enhances the Vulcan experience with more jogging paths, a fountain and plaza, and more.

Yet he’s also forged in ambition. He was built out of local pig iron, cast to stand 56 feet tall. He weighs 120,000 pounds.

Vulcan is the largest cast iron statue in the world.

The idea for Vulcan materialized in 1903 out of the vapors of civic boosterism.

A group of Birmingham businessmen decided that Birmingham needed a presence at the upcoming 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. To complete the colossal statue on time and under budget, they turned to Italian-American artist Giuseppe Moretti.

As a sculptor and businessman, Moretti was resourceful and intrepid—a real hustler. Moretti designed the fierce bronze panthers crouching at the entrance to

86 CITY GUIDE 2018

Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park. While living in New York, Moretti carved marble statuary adorning several of that city’s Beaux-Arts buildings.

Whether making bank in the Gilded Age or designing mass-produced Civil War monuments, Moretti was not the sort to turn down work. His initial design, a model the height of an above average adult male that only vaguely countenances the features we see in the final product, came quickly. Scaling this into separate true-tosize castings is where Moretti’s moxie was on splendid view. Moretti divided Vulcan into 29 separate castings, to be bolted together with a flange system, and shipped to St. Louis one piece at a time. Once as-

sembled, Vulcan stood—unsupported!—in the fair’s Palace of Mines and Metallurgy.

The organizers of Portland’s 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition made a play for Vulcan. So did San Francisco. Leaders from that city envisioned Vulcan standing in the San Francisco Bay as their answer to the Statue of Liberty.

Life after the St. Louis World’s Fair was less heady. Vulcan lay in pieces in a Birmingham railyard for a couple of years before he was assembled, incorrectly, at the Alabama State Fairgrounds. His new life at the Fairgrounds represented a humiliating defeat—for Vulcan, for Moretti, and for Birmingham. Vulcan went from civic icon to advertising gimmick. He held not a

SPECIAL PROMOTION

WorkPlay is a truly innovative entertainment complex and is the event venue where you are the Rock Star. Its roots in live music and studio production give it mystique – a vibe so special the events hosted here become the talk of the town. When you’re used to creating the kind of magic we make here, our team becomes completely in tune with what is required to professionally master any event imaginable. No one makes events glow like WorkPlay. We have the only SoundStage in the southeast, the perfect spot for photo or video shooting. With space and electricity for product launches, seminars, training, team building, old-fashioned networking, or whatever, WorkPlay will take it to the next level. Plus if you’re thinking out of the box for non-business events, we should talk. Receptions, holiday parties, retirement parties, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, showers, or weddings – when it happens at WorkPlay, it’s going to be the next big thing.

You know Workplay is a cool to hang out at night, but even a cooler place to hang out during the day. Office space is available for rent. We also have a recording studio for commercials and local bands. Call us to learn more about event and office space rentals.

We were recently voted Birmingham’s # 1 live music venue!

Meet us for Happy Hour Mon - Fri 4PM - 7PM and music in the bar from 6-8 p.m. before shows. Check out our music schedule at Workplay.com.

TO PURCHASE TICKETS PLEASE CALL 205.380. 4082 500 23RD Street South | Birmngham, AL 32533

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Vulcan Park now features a two-mile trail for jogging, biking or hiking that extends all the way to Green Springs Highway.

spear, proudly, (it was lost in transit from St. Louis) but a jar of pickles or a bottle of Coca-Cola, sort of—well, wantonly. He sometimes wore Liberty overalls. Because he was near the Fairgrounds Speedway, there are photos of Vulcan standing forlornly in the background of a motorcycle or automobile race, a stalk of timber steadying his awkwardly reattached arm.

This was not the Vulcan Moretti envisioned. Moretti died in 1935, regretting having ever made him.

Enter Tom Joy. A successful contractor and member of the Birmingham Kiwanis Club, Joy was dismayed to see what the once proud symbol of Birmingham had become. Joy challenged his fellow Kiwanians to build a permanent home for Vulcan on Red Mountain that would include a pedestal and surrounding park.

88 CITY GUIDE 2018

Vulcan needs the distance and height the pedestal and placement affords. As Graham Boettcher of the Birmingham Museum of Art once told me, Vulcan deserves a proper plinth, not only to elevate him but to relate him properly to his city.

With help from the Works Progress Administration Joy and his fellow Kiwanians were able to complete the project in 1939. Last March, Vulcan Park and Museum and the Kiwanis Club, with assistance from the Freshwater Land Trust, cut the ribbon on the latest addition to the site, Kiwanis Centennial Park. The list of new features is impressive: a two-mile trail for jogging and biking, a fountain and plaza, a southern entrance to Vulcan Park, additional parking, and new interpretive sites, including Lone Pine Mine.

The most significant accomplishment

is probably not readily apparent right now, but it one day will be. Once separated from Jones Valley by a treacherous strip of chert-laden dirt, Vulcan Park is now accessible via two pedestrian corridors. Pedestrians (and experienced cyclists) can now enter Vulcan Park from Southside and UAB. Vulcan Park is now positioned as a hub for a planned 750 miles of trail along Freshwater Land Trust’s Red Rock Ridge and Valley system.

Vulcan has been a magnet ever since Joy and the Kiwanis Club placed him on Red Mountain. (Vacationers driving along old U.S. 31 would stop off for a glimpse, occasioning an American diaspora of Vulcan memorabilia.) As Birmingham develops into a walkable city, locals and out-oftowners in Jones Valley will now have an easier time paying a visit to their civic icon.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Manda Luccasen of RE/MAX Southern Homes is a native of Vestavia Hills and an award-winning Realtor with more than 16 years of experience. She has closed more than $130,000,000 in volume and prides herself on being honest and informative for her clients. Luccasen will not sell a house just to sell a house, she said. Her goal is to make sure that home is the right fit, making sure to discuss everything from pros and cons to future resale value. “My customers are looking to make one of the biggest decisions of their lives,” she said. “Whether it is through the excitement of purchasing a home or the mixed emotions of selling, I give 100 percent of my attention to helping my clients.” One of the things she most enjoys is providing helpful tips toward updating and preparing a home for resale. “Making

Southern Homes

a first impression to new buyers is one of the most important aspects of listing a home,” she said. She takes the time to understand the type of house and neighborhood a buyer is looking for and enjoys giving insights of Vestavia neighborhoods. Luccasen is consistently a top producing agent in the Vestavia Hills real estate market with a proven track record. She has ranked among the Top 12 RE/MAX Agents in Alabama the past three years and has been consistently awarded RE/MAX Platinum Club, Hall of Fame Club, Club of Excellence and 100 Percent Club honors. She strives to uphold a superior level of integrity, honor and excellence for her clients. She attributes her success to her true love of real estate.

WHERE: 903 Montgomery Highway CALL: 283-0380 WEBSITE: MandaSold.com

THE

BHAM EXPERIENCE

TAKE ME OUT TO THE

BALLGAME AN AFTERNOON WITH THE BIRMINGHAM BARONS IS ALWAYS A HOME RUN. WRITTEN BY JOE O’DONNELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHUCK ST. JOHN

b

aseball has a rhythm all its own. And don’t dare try to interrupt it.

The rhythm has nothing to do with checking your phone or posting to Instagram. It is older than social media. Some say the timing is way off for our modern

90 CITY GUIDE 2018

era, but here at Regions Field the timing feels just about right.

The late afternoon sun cuts diagonally across the stadium seats, the brown dirt of the infield, the green grass of the outfield, and the ads arrayed against the walls. Looking out on the stadium this time of day is like reading a sundial, the slant of the sun

calls out for batting practice, warm-ups, stretching.

There are no fans in the stands this far before game time. A few of the vendors wander around or sit in the stands, waiting for the evening’s work to begin. In that way they are just like the players down on the field below, prepping for what is to come.

B-METRO.COM 91

The best part of Barons baseball is the sense that the experience is more than just a game. It is a ritual: batting practice before the game, the wetting down of the infield to control the dust that is sure to be kicked up in the hours to come.

These are the essential elements of baseball, the precursor to the next few hours spent munching on popcorn or eating hot dogs and drinking beer from tall plastic cups.

Out in left field, there is the grassy area where the kids gather to chase after foul balls or just play tag or wrestle while the game goes on around them.

And the promotions just keep coming. Wet Nose Wednesdays: bring your dogs out to the park for a night of baseball. Thirsty Thursdays: $2 beer, wine, and soft drinks. Friday Night Fireworks 92 CITY GUIDE 2018

THE HAPPIEST BOUTIQUE IN TOWN

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BOUTIQUE 3780 Riverchase Village #650  Hoover, AL 35244  205-901-5015

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Greystone Smile Design, the office of Dr. Trent Buchanan, is a family and cosmetic dental practice with a primary focus on aesthetics and smile design including smile makeovers, teeth whitening, and Invisalign. Using advanced technology, our goal is clinical excellence with unparalleled customer service.

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after the game. There are jersey giveaways and “kids run the bases� nights, and even a peanut-free night for allergy sufferers.

The beauty of baseball is the variety and timelessness of a day or night at the park.

Left: The visiting team huddles together by the side of the field, getting ready to take on the home team. Two kids talk about whatever kids talk about. Below, the national anthem is sung and the players climb out of the dugout to take the field.

94 CITY GUIDE 2018

SPECIAL PROMOTION

R & R Construction is a locally owned business with an office in the heart of downtown Homewood. R & R Construction has customer satisfaction at the forefront of the entire building process. The owner, Rusty Luccasen has over 20 years of custom home building & extensive renovation experience, R & R Construction is equipped to handle any type of project. Whether it’s a room addition, whole house renovation, custom home or outdoor living, we work closely with our clients and keep them involved & informed all the way through the build. Whatever your need, R & R Construction is ready to assist homeowners with all construction needs.

R & R Constriction maintains a loyal subcontractor team that have been with us for many years who understand the key components of our high standards & requirements. Quality, communication, safety, cleanliness & integrity are the foundation of how R & R Construction & our talented team approaches all projects.

R & R Construction has won the “Best of Houzz – Client Satisfaction” award for 2015, 2016, & 2017, the award is based on client reviews & experience where R & R Construction helped turn their home renovation vision into reality. Check us out on Houzz. R & R Construction is a proud member of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders and carry the designation of Master Builder & Master Remodeler.

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Rus

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205.2

rusty

Remodel

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Renova

Scenes from the game: Batters at the ready. The pitch delivered. And in the dugout, congratulations all around.

96 CITY GUIDE 2018

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Nova Essence Medispa purposely unites the concept of feeling healthy, energetic and looking fabulous. Dr. Law and her staff are committed to providing advanced aesthetic enhancements, skin care and Anti-Aging Medical treatments through physician- developed, performed and supervised services within the relaxing, luxurious and convenient atmosphere of a medical spa.

About the Medical Director: Nova Law, MD, is a Board-Certified Family Practice physician. Dr. Law attended UCLA, where she graduated with numerous awards. She earned her medical degree from Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine and completed her residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland, which included electives at Harvard Medical School, University of Zimbabwe, Ghana Medical School, Carraway and Baptist Princeton, both in Birmingham, Alabama. She is actively involved in training and teaching other physicians in the areas of cosmetic medicine and Bio-identical Hormone Therapy.

SERVICES: Body Treatments Facials Hair Regrowth Make-Up Application Massages Vichy Shower Oxygen Bar Ionic Foot Detox Soak

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THIS IS MY

bHAM LOCAL CELEBS LOVE “THEIR” CITY. Taylor Hicks, American Idol Winner, Entertainer

A

merican Idol winner Taylor Hicks is the city’s best known entertainer.

Hicks became famous thanks to the fifth season of American Idol. His music is full of R&B combined with notes of country music, Southern soul and blues. Over 63 million viewers gave their votes to Hicks, making the Birmingham native that year’s American Idol.

Hicks’ star continued to rise after he stepped off the Idol stage. Less than three weeks after his Idol victory, his debut single, “Do I Make You Proud,” entered at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, Pop 100, and Single Sales Charts. His self-titled album (Arista), debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and was quickly certified RIAA Platinum.

What’s your favorite latenight hangout?

Marty’s because of the cheeseburgers. Everybody needs a cheeseburger late at night. Don’t forget to add the bacon.

Favorite place to be when you want to get outdoors?

Buck’s Pocket State Park. There are waterfalls and a great lookout spot that encompassees all of the natural beauty Alabama has to offer. It’s just a beautiful place to hike or walk in the woods. It is up close to Guntersville.

Favorite breakfast spot?

I might get in trouble for saying this, but Demetri’s BBQ in Homewood. The Greek omelet must be experienced 98 CITY GUIDE 2018

Favorite well-kept secret in Birmingham or favorite place to take out-of-town guests?

Milo’s Hamburgers is a well kept secret. You just can’t find them anywhere else. It is a perfect spot to take out of town guests.

I would also take them to Saw’s Juke Joint (Hicks is part owner) for great local music and the fried chicken sandwich with Alabama white sauce.

Favorite place to hear music?

The Lyric Theate for national acts. Oasis and Innisfree run neck and neck for local and regional acts.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

AGH Homes, Inc. built this year’s Ideal Home for the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders, an opportunity to showcase creativity, quality and uniqueness.

AGH is led by Alicia Huey. “We set ourselves apart because we understand what our customers need for families, entertaining, functionality of day to day activities and how home design can enhance these activities,” says Huey.

“Being a female in the home building industry, I understand what home buyers need and want for the function of day to day living with family, but also entertaining friends. We know what it means to do homework at the kitchen counter or have friend’s hangout and enjoy your hospitality. We work with customers and our plan designer to accomplish it all,” she says.

AGH Homes, Inc. - Home

AGH Homes, Inc. | 205.368.3007

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Scott Register host of “Reg’s Coffee House” and “The Morning Blend” on Birmingham Mountain Radio 107.3 cott Register—“Reg” to his friends and fans—is the host of two popular radio shows, “Reg’s Coffee House” and “The Morning Blend” on Birmingham Mountain Radio 107.3. Widely considered the hometown aficionado of alternative music, Register is also the head of A&R (artists and repertoire) for Think Indie Distribution, a music distribution company founded by the Coalition of Independent Music Stores.

Here are a few of Register’s personal thoughts about the best places, things, and characteristics of Birmingham.

What are some of your favorite spots for hanging out with the family?

With two teens, a one-year-old and a veterinarian wife, our family tends to be constantly going in different directions.

When we do finally come together, it’s usually around a dinner table or at a soccer field. A few of our favorite spots to grab a bite together are the Diplomat Deli, Avondale Common House, Moe’s BBQ and Taziki’s.

Do you have a favorite local spot to shop for unusual or special gifts?

Some of my favorite local shops to find unusual and special gifts are Levy’s Fine Jewelry, Alabama Goods and Yellowhammer Creative.

What’s your favorite breakfast in town?

Don’t get to eat breakfast much since I’m on the air six mornings a week but when I do, I always love Bogue’s.

If you had an unexpected day off, with no responsibilities at all, how do you think you might spend it?

100 CITY GUIDE 2018

Photo by Kenwyn Alexander

Sleeping...definitely sleeping. OK, that’s too easy. I’ll try again. At a lake house sleeping in a hammock.

What’s the best thing about living in Birmingham?

My favorite thing about living in Birmingham is its Little Engine That Could attitude. We’re constantly told we can’t do this and we can’t do that and we’re constantly proving them all wrong.

Any other favorites you’d like to mention?

Hmmm, other favorites…

Favorite new hang—Brat Brot (a new biergarten in the Lakeview district) Favorite way to spend an afternoon—Hopping around our fantastic brewery scene Favorite Birminghamsters—“Morning Blend with Reg & Will,” “Reg’s Coffee House” and Birmingham Mountain Radio listeners.

Kirkwood Birmingham Area's Area'sseniors seniorssince since1980.

1980.Founded Foundedasas Kirkwoodby bythe theRiver River has has been been serving serving the the Greater Greater Birmingham aanonprofit Church, Kirkwood Kirkwoodoffers offersIndependent IndependentLiving, Living, nonprofitministry ministry of of Independent Independent Presbyterian Presbyterian Church, Assisted Living, Memory Care Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing and Medicare Rehabilitation.

Seton on Assisted Living, Memory Care Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing and Medicare Rehabilitation. Set 120 acres on the Cahaba River, Kirkwood feels miles away from the sprawl and stress of the suburbs, 120 acres on the Cahaba River, Kirkwood feels miles away from the sprawl and stress of the suburbs, yet medical centers centersand andcultural culturalvenues. venues. yetisisminutes minutes to to the the city's city's best best shopping, shopping, medical The attention to to detail detail that thatever everresident residentreceives receivesfrom fromour our Thebeauty beautyof ofKirkwood's Kirkwood's natural natural setting, setting, the the attention attentive staff, and the emphasis that is placed on creating a happy, engaging and loving home is what attentive staff, and the emphasis that is placed on creating a happy, engaging and loving home is what makes best retirement retirement community communityin inBirmingham.

Birmingham. makesKirkwood Kirkwood by by the the River River the the best

Independent Living Living ||Assisted AssistedLiving Living Independent Memory Care Care Assisted AssistedLiving Living Memory Skilled Nursing Nursing || Medicare MedicareRehab Rehab Skilled Contact Sandi Sandi Hall Hall at at 205-862-0305 or visit www.kirkwoodbytheriver.com Contact www.kirkwoodbytheriver.com 3605 Ratliff Road | Birmingham, 3605 Birmingham, AL AL 35210 35210

Meaghan Thomas

M

eaghan Thomas is the morning meteorologist for “Good Morning Alabama” on ABC 33/40.

Her forecasts can be seen every morning from 4:30 to 7, 11 and whenever severe weather breaks. Outside the studio, Thomas works at the University of Alabama as an adjust professor, serves on the Junior Board of Restoration Academy in Fairfield and the Young Professionals of Birmingham Board, and works with the Boy Scouts of America in Birmingham.

meteorologist for “Good Morning Alabama” on ABC What do you think is the city’s best kept secret?

Honestly, Birmingham as a whole is a well-kept secret. When I moved here four years ago, I was impressed by the restaurant scene, breweries and green spaces. I love that Birmingham is becoming a top spot for foodies and has so much charm!

What’s your idea of a great date night?

Date nights are my favorite! I always love dressing up and going to Hot & Hot for dinner and drinks. However, my schedule requires me to get up really early, so honestly I love “day dates.” Taking my dog to Railroad Park then heading to a local brewery, grabbing a few beers, and a bite to eat sounds like the best time.

Where do you want to visit in Birmingham that you haven’t gotten around to?

I have not been to the top of Vulcan and I am dying to go!

What’s your favorite place to go when you want to get outdoors?

This is a tough one! I love Railroad Park, Oak Mountain and Red Mountain. I am a sucker for a good view, and each of those places offers something different!

Do you have a favorite shopping spot?

I love The Summit. It has everything I need! I can spend hours there hopping from shop to shop.

Any other favorites you’d like to add?

There are so many things I love about Birmingham! I love getting drinks at The Roof at the Redmont Hotel, cheering on the home team at a Barons game and walking around Pepper Place Market on a Saturday morning.

Birmingham is so special to me and I love our well-kept secret of a city!

102 CITY GUIDE 2018

PRESENTS

cutest baby contest

VOTE NOW! July 9th through August 5th

Vote at facebook.com/bmetromagazine

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Winners will receive a keepsake cover printed on canvas!

Chris Davis comedian and visual artist A multi-talented artist, Chris Davis is known for both his visual and performance art. He graduated from the Savannah College of Art & Design and spent 10 years working as an illustrator/designer for Southern Living. He has been the featured artist to design the 2016 Railroad Park poster as well as Public Radio WBHM’s Spring 2017 official mug and pint glass. Davis is also the artist behind Drawdog Pet Portraits.

As a comedian, Davis is a respected improv artist who works with the Extemporaneous Theatre Company and Ugly Baby Improv, hosts the monthly comedy show “Fresh Ground Comics,” and serves as Teaching Artist at Red Mountain Theatre Company.

Here are some of Davis’ favorite things about his hometown.

and a menagerie of curiosities. Sojourns has items from all over the world that you genuinely won’t find anywhere else in Birmingham.

Where is your favorite local place to shop or browse?

What’s On 2nd, ironically located on 1st Avenue, is the knick-knack, antique, Hot Wheels, Star Wars action figure equivalent to people watching. Where else can you pick up an authentic Nixon campaign button and a He-Man action figure?

Where do you like to go to hear music or see live entertainment?

drinks, hot tea, old-school arcade games and if you’re lucky, there might be a pastry or two left at the coffee bar.

Any other Birmingham favorites you’d like to add?

Pizitz Food Hall has quickly become one of my favorites. Naked Art Gallery is just fun to be in! Charlie Thigpen’s Garden Gallery in Pepper Place is an oasis of plants, creativity and serenity.

All these places don’t just have quality items, food and attractions, they have pleasant helpful people. I go there as often as I can because I enjoy the entire experience.

Saturn is such a great venue. Really good stage and performance area with a bar and another bar in the lounge area which has

If you had a surprise day off—no obligations at all—how would you spend it?

I’d start off with Vulcan Park, specifically to see the newly finished renovations. Afterwards, I’d spend time at the Birmingham Museum of Art and finish with a long stroll through the Botanical Gardens.

What’s your favorite lunch spot in Birmingham?

Urban Standard is one of my favorites for lunch. Pleasant atmosphere and great food.

If not Urban, I’d walk down the street to Rojo and have the tasty “mini nachos” on the patio and a drink from some of the coolest bartenders in town.

What are a few of Birmingham’s best-kept secrets?

Reed Books and Sojourns Fair Trade (conveniently located next to each other). Reed has the most awesome collection of vintage books, magazines, photos 104 CITY GUIDE 2018

Photo byBeau Gustafson

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn Co., based in Birmingham, Al is an artisanal hand crafted kettle corn company founded in 2014. We are not just a POPCORN company, we specialize in unique sweet and salty kettle corn flavors, hence our name Naughty But Nice. Our brand is FUN, FRESH & FESTIVE. A crowd pleaser is our signature Birmingham Mix aka Bham Mix, a blend of our French Toast and Cheddar Makes IT Better Flavors. This is our rendition of a Chicago Mix. We created this flavor to intrigue our audience and challenge them to think of kettle corn differently.

We value our Loyal Popheads (customers) and are delighted in the excitement and happiness they experience when enjoying our kettle corn. We keep a simple and fresh menu so that we can consistently serve the best product possible. To keep it interesting and different, we offer seasonal and featured flavors through our “Make Your Local PoP” campaign. Our seasonal flavors change and are based on foods and spices associated with a particular season or holiday. The “Make Your Local PoP “ flavors maybe inspired by LOCAL restaurants or fun food establishments to feature their spice or product with our kettle. The Eugene’s Hot Chicken Flavor, a local fried chicken restaurant, has been a huge success under this campaign. We are very invested in the communities we serve. So let us POP with you at your next corporate, wedding, fundraising, community event or your next movie night to see what all of the POP is about.

nbnkettlecorn.com

205-915-2528

SPECIAL PROMOTION

THE

GUIDE TO THE BEST OF THE CITY Matt Abbott, The Outlawyer

Attorney Matt Abbott “The Outlawyer®” represents the legal needs of those with personal injury and wrongful death claims. He focuses litigation of tractor-trailer accidents, automobile accidents, defective product liability, and medical and pharmaceutical negligence. He also serves clients in workers’ compensation cases and victims of consumer fraud and insurance bad faith.

2100 Morris Ave, Birmingham, AL 35203 205-338-7800 www.outlawyer.com

AGH Homes

Alicia Huey has been the President of AGH Homes Inc. for the past 16 years, one of 20 female home builders in Alabama. Alicia enjoys the entire creative process, producing a beautiful home, and making clients feel at ease.

1216 Perthshire Ct., Birmimgham, AL 35242 205-368-3007 www.houzz.com/pro/aliciahuey/agh-homes-inc

Alabama Ballet

Alabama Ballet is the state’s premiere professional ballet company. The company, made up of 40 dancers, has achieved national prominence as one of only eight ballet companies in the world licensed to perform George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®.

The Alabama Ballet promotes the development of classical and contemporary ballet through high quality performances, dance education and community outreach. Under the direction of Artistic Director Tracey Alvey, Alabama Ballet will bring their 37th season to the stage this fall.

2726 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233 205-322-4300 www.alabamaballet.org

Alabama News Center

Alabama NewsCenter is a credible, direct source of the news and information that matter most to Alabama Power customers. Alabama NewsCenter also tells the stories of the people and businesses powering our state, striving to make Alabama a wonderful place to live and work.

600 18th Street North, Birmingham AL 35203 800-245-2244 www.alabamanewscenter.com

Alabama Power

Alabama Power offers competitive prices, reliable electricity supply, and stellar service to 1.4 million homes, businesses and industries in the southern two-thirds of Alabama. Alabama Power is one of 11 electric and natural gas U.S. utilities operated

by Southern Company, one of the nation’s largest producers of energy.

106 CITY GUIDE 2018 Photo by Beau Gustafson

intelligent real estate

Based on his personal dental experiences, Dr. James Sampson envisioned a practice philosophy that he would enjoy and trust as a patient. Since beginning his practice in 2008, patients frequently relay appreciation for his conservative approach to dentistry, gentle touch and relaxed atmosphere. Dr. Sampson’s area of passion and continual study is on minimally invasive treatment as the best means to achieve optimal results and help people keep their real teeth for a life time. Dr. Sampson offers solutions for all types of general dentistry, including TMJ/headaches and implant restorations. Knowing your story and connecting with you on a deeper level is very important to Dr. Sampson and his staff. The team at Sampson Dentistry also recently unveiled an exciting new Dental Savings Program that creates a fantastic opportunity for patients without dental insurance to receive continual great dental care at promotion-level prices.

763 Shades Mountain Plaza | Birmingham, AL 35226 205.823.2355

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600 18th Street North, Birmingham AL 35203 800-245-2244 www.alabamapower.com

1812 28th Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35209 www. shopaviate.com

Alabama Vision Center

Backyard Solutions

The mission of the Alabama Vision Center practice is simple: to provide the best in medical and surgical eye treatment in a caring environment. Highly trained doctors provide comprehensive services ranging from examinations for glasses and contacts to advanced procedures for vision correction.

3928 Montclair Road, Birmingham, AL 35222 888-841-EYES www.alabamavisioncenter.com

Alzheimer’s Association of Alabama

Take the first steps to a world without Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The 2018 Heart of Alabama Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be September 30th at Sloss Furnace. Register today and together we can end Alzheimer’s.

2151 Highland Ave #210, Birmingham, AL 35205 205-379-8065 www.alz.org/ALFL/

America Institute of Reproductive Medicine

The American Institute of Reproductive Medicine – Alabama will do all that is possible to help build your family through comprehensive diagnostic testing and assisted reproduction technologies. Under the medical guidance of Dr. Cecil A. Long you will have his 30 years experience in infertility on your side.

Their team of compassionate nurses and medical technicians will be a great resource to guide you through every step of the way.

1 Independence Plaza #810, Birmingham 35209 205-315-6922 www.ivfalabama.com

Audi Birmingham

We have a strong and committed sales staff with an enduring history of satisfying our customers’ needs. Audi Birmingham is proud to be one of the premiere dealerships in the country. And our commitment to customer service is second to none, offering a comprehensive parts and service department.

1314 Grants Mill Way, Irondale, AL 35210 855-627-3378 www.audiofbirmingham.com

Backyard Adventures of AL is focused on providing the best quality swing set equipment for your family.

They offer many services and products with the highest levels of customer satisfaction. Come visit their convenient location off of Highway 119 in Birmingham, where they offer the highest quality residential and commercial grade playground equipment, trampolines, basketball goals, and storage building options.

3165 Cahaba Valley Rd, Indian Springs, 35124 205-408-4386 www.backyardalabama.com

Bama By Distance

Whether you’re looking for your first start or a fresh start, Bama By Distance can help you.

With over 60 degree programs available by distance, The University of Alabama offers you the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate online. Earn your degree from a name you know and rise with the Tide. www.BamaByDistance.ua.edu/bmetro

Birmingham Museum of Art

Founded in 1951, the Birmingham Museum of Art has one of the finest collections in the Southeastern United States, with more than 24,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and decorative arts representing a numerous diverse cultures, including Asian, European, American, African, PreColumbian, and Native American.

2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203 205-254-2565 www.artsbma.org

Birmingham Pedal Tours

Birmingham Pedal Tours is the Magic City’s first pedal powered tour company and Alabama’s largest, committed to transporting riders to the best bars in Birmingham. Pedal tours are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, wedding, bachelorette, anniversary, team outing, catching up with friends, sunday-funday, pub crawl or something else.

2717 5th Ave S., Birmingham, AL 35233 205-304-8687 www.birminghampedaltours.com

Birmingham School of Music Aviate

Aviate, a lifestyle brand founded in Birmingham, Alabama, that cultivates a sense of travel and encourages everyone to check off bucket list experiences. Still based in Birmingham, and most known for their hats donning 3-letter airport identifiers (BHM, anyone?), Aviate now covers 160 cities, 45 states and 3 Countries by staying true to their motto, “Play hard. Travel often.”

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Birmingham School of Music is the largest, most qualified private music school in Birmingham. It is their goal to be the best private music school in Alabama. They offer music lessons for many instruments and teach students from age 4 to adult.

800 Olde Towne Rd, Birmingham, AL 35216 205-969-8763 www.birminghamschoolofmusic.com

Cahaba Dermatology & Skin Health Center

The mission of Cahaba Dermatology is to advance the highest level of individualized patient care and pursue total excellence in dermatology and aesthetic treatments; because healthy skin is beautiful skin. They pride themselves on being your complete dermatology solution for all of your skincare needs. They offer the full scope of medical and cosmetic dermatologic services.

2279 Valleydale Rd #100, Hoover, AL 35244 205-214-7546 www.cahabaderm.com

Children’s of Alabama

Since 1911, Children’s of Alabama has provided specialized medical care for ill and injured children.

Ranked among the best pediatric medical centers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s provided care for youngsters from every county in Alabama, 45 other states and six foreign countries last year.

1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham AL 35205 205-638-9100 www.childrensal.org

Closets By Design

Welcome to Closets by Design Central Alabama, where we specialize in custom closets, garages, and home offices in Central Alabama and its surrounding areas. At Closets by Design, we design, build, and install an attractive storage space for any area of your home that needs organizing, from the closet, to the pantry, the garage and everywhere in between.

3806 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35222 205-777-4000 www.closetsbydesign.com

Club Pilates

Club Pilates provides exceptional Reformer-based Pilates classes, true to Joseph Pilates’s original method. Our dynamic group class are available at a variety of levels and at convenient class times.

Our goal is ambitious, yet simple: we want to fulfill Joseph Pilates’ dream of bringing his workout to every person who can benefit from a stronger body and a more balanced life.

Cahaba Heights, 3169 Green Valley Rd, Birmingham, AL 35243 (205) 777-7976 Downtown Birmingham, 707 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd S, #106, Birmingham, AL 35233 (205) 502-2474 Riverchase, 1839 Montgomery Hwy, Ste. D, Hoover, AL 35244 (205) 937-7265 www.ClubPilates.com

The Cottages

Your loved-one’s independence, dignity, and choice are the reasons The Cottage is here. For over 30 years, The Cottage has been helping families just like yours. At The Cottage, you will discover expert caring, comfort, choice, and most

THE

Folk Art from the Cargo Collection

ORIGINAL

MAKERS

JUNE 16 – DEC 30 · 2018 BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART artsbma.org

The Original Makers: Folk Art from the Cargo Collection has been made possible by grants from the Henry Luce Foundation, Alabama State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Alabama Power Foundation, and The Lydia Eustis Rogers Fund. We also extend our gratitude to the City of Birmingham for their sustained support for the Museum and its mission.

Fred Webster, American, Fayette County, Alabama, 1911–1998, Fayette County, Alabama, Angel Choir with Director (detail), and Devil Band with Director (detail), 1983–1987, painted wood; Collection of the Art Fund, Inc. at the Birmingham Museum of Art; Robert Cargo Folk Art Collection; Gift of Caroline Cargo, AFI.237.2013.1–.4, AFI.239.2013.1–.3a–g

JULY 27 - 29

2800 Cahaba Village Plz. | Birmingham, AL 35243 www.diamondsdirect.com

B-METRO.COM 109

SPECIAL PROMOTION

of all family. We’re here for you.

Columbia Cottage Mountain Brook – Assisted Living & Respite 3776 Crosshaven Drive, Birmingham, AL, 35223, 205-968-0000 Country Cottages Hoover – Assisted Living, Memory Care & Respite 4000 Greenwood Drive, Hoover, AL, 35216, 205987-0847 CottageAssistedLiving.com

Country Financial

Since 1925, COUNTRY Financial has been helping families and businesses achieve financial security through the use of insurance and financial products. So whether you’re looking to protect your home, car and possessions, or you want to protect your family with life insurance, don’t get overwhelmed, get started. Contact your local COUNTRY Financial Representative in your area to find out more today.

5530 US-280, Ste 101, Birmingham, AL 35242 205-408-56837 www.countryfinancial.com

Danberry at Inverness

Distinctively different, Danberry at Inverness offers a socially focused retirement lifestyle marked by the most advanced and in-demand residential design features. Stunning architecture, lovely grounds with Lake Heather nearby, an impressive lineup of first-class fun and engaging activities focused on wellness— this is Hoover senior living that perfectly blends beauty and hospitality.

235 Inverness Center Drive, Hoover, AL 35242 205-443-9500 www.danberryatinverness.com

Diamond Smiles

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. At Diamond Smiles, they understand how important your teeth and dental health are to your confidence and overall well-being. With two locations, Hoover and Homewood, for your convenience Diamond Smiles offers general and cosmetic dentistry in a warm, friendly environment.

Hoover: (205) 988-9700 Homewood: (205) 847-1415 DiamondSmiles.com

Diamonds Direct

Founded in 1995 by former diamond wholesalers, Diamonds Direct is part of a generations old tradition of eliminating the middlemen and sourcing direct from the world’s best mines and best diamond cutters. By maintaining involvement in the entire life cycle of a diamond, Diamonds Direct ensures the best quality diamonds are handpicked for their retail locations across the United States.

2800 Cahaba Village Plz, Birmingham, AL 35243 205-201-7400 www.diamondsdirect.com/Birmingham

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Dr. Michael S. Beckenstein

“Plastic surgery is more than simply making superficial external changes. It goes deeper than that. It’s about changing the way people perceive themselves,” says Dr. Beckenstein, respected worldwide for his skills and creative solutions to challenging cases. Dr. Beckenstein uses his experience and advanced training to help patients fully understand the procedures they are considering.

800 Saint Vincents Drive #610, Birmingham, Alabama 35205 (205) 933-930 www.msbmd.com

Fair Haven

Enjoy Alabama’s most innovative senior lifestyle, from independent and assisted living, to nursing care and rehabilitation. Generations of families have entrusted their loved ones to our excellent care, faith-based loving kindness and life-enriching programs. You’ll feel like family from the first hello.

1424 Montclair Road, Birmingham, AL 35210 205-956-4150 fairhavenbirmingham.org

Fancy’s on Fifth

Fancy’s on 5th is an Oyster Dive and Burger Bar located in the heart of Avondale right across from the park. Named for the Elephant Miss Fancy, the 1920s Avondale Zoo’s main attraction, this eatery is everything you love about your favorite burger bar and local oyster dive, but taken to a new level.

430 41st Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222 205-777-3662 www.fancyson5th.com

Fleming’s

Founded in 1998 , the Fleming’s vision is to create a unique steakhouse experience with an emphasis on generous hospitality, an inviting atmosphere and the very finest aged USDA Prime beef. In addition to inspired service and expertly prepared Prime Steak, Fleming’s focuses on an exceptional selection of wines for guests to explore.

103 Summit Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35243 205-262-9463 www.flemingssteakhouse.com

Grandview Medical Center

Grandview Medical Center is a 372-bed tertiary care hospital for patients in Birmingham and surrounding communities. Located on Highway 280, Grandview offers diverse specialties from heart care to labor and delivery to robotic-assisted surgery. Specialty units include a Level III trauma center, Chest Pain Center, stroke center, cardiac cath lab and neonatal, surgical and medical intensive care.

3690 Grandview Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35243 205-971-1000 www.grandviewhealth.com

Greystone Smile Design

A dazzling, healthy smile can brighten your life and give you a big boost in self-confidence. Premier

Alabama dentist Dr. Trent Buchanan is ready to provide you and your family with the unmatched care you deserve. Greystone Smile Design offers comprehensive care in all aspects of dentistry on a healthy foundation of strong teeth and gums.

140 Village St #203, Birmingham, AL 35242 205-981-7775 www.greystonesmiledesign.com

Hanna Antiques

Hanna Antiques, Birmingham’s oldest and largest antiques mall, is open Monday - Saturday, 10am 5pm. Come browse two floors and 27,000 square feet of American and European furniture, rugs, vintage linens, fabulous accessories, and 39 showcases of jewelry, silver and collectibles.

2424 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233 205-323-6036 www.hannaantiques.com

Havana on First

Havana on First will be an upscale cigar lounge with a relaxing atmosphere evoking Cuba’s old Havana.

The cigar lounge will offer a top shelf bar, CubanSouthern inspired food, chess tables, billiards and a signature private room for corporate events.

Havana is scheduled to open in Fall 2018.

High Point Climbing

High Point Climbing And Fitness: Birmingham is located on Highway 280. High Point Birmingham brings world class climbing to Alabama with 25,000 square feet of indoor climbing surface featuring walls up to 52+ feet tall. We also offer a Kid Zone, Bouldering Room, Weight and Aerobic Rooms, and yoga classes!

4766 US-280, Birmingham, AL 35242 205- 981-9190 www.highpointclimbing.com/birmingham/

Hyatt Regency

Connected to the Riverchase Galleria Mall, the Hyatt Regency Birmingham is a chic, upscale hotel in the heart of Hoover. This former Wynfrey Hotel blends traditional Southern hospitality with all the modern conveniences of home. Guests will enjoy our state-of-the-art StayFitTM Gym, sauna, and seasonal rooftop outdoor pool.

1000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover, AL 35244 205-705-1234 www.hyatt.com

Image South

ImageSouth is owned and managed by Cypress Partners, LLC. With 5 convenient locations in the Birmingham area now including Open Upright MRI, we are the largest outpatient imaging network in Alabama. ImageSouth has been providing quality medical imaging since 1996 and is recognized in the community for its reputation of combining excellence with compassionate care.

ImageSouth Homewood 205-870-1979 ImageSouth Shelby 205-663-4674

Growing Independence Behavioral Services

SEARS LAW FIRM, PC JAMES D. SEARS, JD, EdD SPECIAL EDUCATION ATTORNEY

Legal Services for Children with Special Needs.

205-588-0755 jdsears@searslaw.net 5809 Feldspar Way, Ste. 111 Birmingham, Alabama 35244 No representation is made that the legal services to be performed are greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

Announcing a new opportunity to access applied behavior analysis services (ABA) in a clinic setting. Growing Independence Behavioral Services is available in Anniston, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile locations.

ABA therapy will be available for preschool and school-age children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ABA is a scientifically based process for teaching and changing behavior, proven effective for children with autism. Licensed Behavior Analysts and Registered Behavior Therapists will conduct assessments and manage all aspects of behavioral programming. Assistance with private insurance billing is also available.

To inquire about Growing Independence Behavioral Services, contact Dr. Matthew Busick, mbusick@learning-tree.org or (205) 718-9519.

, Inc.

Call 334-425-6418 or visit learning-tree.org

What makes Avondale Animal Hospital the “Best of the City?

Avondale Animal Hospital opened in June 2017 in a brand new, spacious and modern facility. Our hospital houses three examination rooms, a surgical suite, hospitalization zone, separate cat holding area and everything pets need to receive top quality veterinary care. Plus, we are adjacent to The Pawms Pet Resort which allows pet owners to easily board or groom their pets and receive medical services at one location.

But mainly it is the relationships we have with our clients. Some pet owners have been coming to see us for over 30 years and we love seeing their families expand with new pets and have worked with multiple generations! The feedback we receive from our clients and the enthusiasm in which they refer us to others gives our team a sense of accomplishment and pride in our work.

How do you improve the lives of pets?

By recommending preventative care services such as annual examinations, parasite screenings and laboratory tests, we manage and treat issues before they become a problem. As much as we improve the lives of pets, helping people is just as important! Educating clients about proper care and ways to help pets live longer, healthier, happier lives is vital. We understand pet owners’ concerns and worries. If we can give clients peace of mind, we helped both the pet’s and the pet owner’s lives.

3624 5th Avenue South

| 205.322.8566

avondaleanimal.com B-METRO.COM 111

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ImageSouth Montclair 205-591-4738 ImageSouth Greystone 205-995-4900 www.imagesouthradiology.com

Issis & Sons

Over the last 30 years Issis & Sons has grown from 1,000 square-foot space to four stores equal to about 200,000 square feet. Issis & Sons offer everything from carpet and flooring to furniture and accessories. And with a global network of design professionals staying abreast of the latest trends in home design and furnishings from around the world, they is able to provide their customers with options beyond the ordinary.

FLOORING LOCATIONS: 2858 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham, AL 35124, 205-663-2310 2815 Greystone Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35242, 205-981-2311 FURNITURE LOCATIONS: 1493 Montgomery Hwy S, Vestavia, AL 35216, 205-874-9586 250 Cahaba Valley Rd.,Pelham, AL 35214.

205-620-6926 IssisAndSons.com

ITAC Solutions

Founded in Birmingham, Alabama in 2000 and initially focused on placing IT and Accounting professionals in temporary/contract, contract to hire and direct hire positions with clients throughout the country. ITAC has five offices led by a management team mostly comprised of owners in the business, built on decades of industry and corporate staffing experience.

700 Montgomery Highway, Suite 148 Birmingham, AL 35216 205-326-0004 www.itacsolutions.com

J. Wright Building Company

J. Wright Building Company designs and builds fine custom homes throughout the greater Birmingham, Alabama area. At J. Wright, they truly love the art of building, and take pride in their work every step of the way. As a Southern Living Custom Builder, you can rest assured that they have been vetted as one of the best custom home builders in Alabama.

850 Corporate Pkwy Suite 104, Birmingham AL 35242 205-820-0100 jwrightbuildingcompany.com

Jeff Jones, Century 21

Jeff Jones Sells Homes Fast at Century 21 Advantage. Looking to sell or buy a home? Call or text Jeff Jones today, one of Alabama’s top REALTORS. 2200 Valleydale Road, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35244 205-790-7653 www.century21.com

and become. They pride themselves in giving your pup the best possible care which is what make Just Happy Hounds the Premier Dog Resort that everyone is talking about.

2222 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233 205-777-3699 www.justhappyhounds.com

Kirkwood by the River

Founded In Love. Rooted In Faith. Dedicated To Service. At Kirkwood by the River, they have served approximately 1,500 residents and their families over the past 35 years. Their goal is and has always been to provide security and comfort to all of residents as they help them to lead an active lifestyle.

3605 Ratliff Rd, Birmingham, AL 35210 205-956-2184 www.kirkwoodbytheriver.com

More than a dog care facility, Just Happy Hounds is a dog fraternity where you and your dog can belong 112 CITY GUIDE 2018

Live Design Group

Live Design Group is a team of architects and interior designers that has been partnering with growing organizations to help build their vision for over thirty years. At the core of every project is a big vision and a great purpose, the opportunity to be a part of bringing people together, impacting lives, and fostering community development.

2801 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233 205-870-3090 www.livedesigngroup.com

LAH Real Estate

At LAH, our focus is more on the quality approach instead of the quantity approach to marketing and selling. Our growth goal is to remain medium sized, because we are not convinced that big is always better. A real estate decision can be one of your most important decisions. Only with all the facts can you make a wise decision. We will not tell you what we think you want to hear, but instead will tell you what you must hear. We want you to trust us.

Mountain Brook, Homewood, Hoover and 30A 800-545-6178 www.lahrealestate.com

La-Z-Boy

In 1928 the first recliner was born and a legendary company was founded on the principles of comfort, innovation, and industry-leading craftsmanship. These principles still hold true today and are at the heart of everything we do. From gorgeous stationary furnishings to the iconic recliner, you can count on quality with the La-Z-Boy name.

Hwy. 280 location, 205-437-0280 Hwy. 150 location, 205-733-1937 Irondale location, 205- 956-1994 www.la-z-boy.com/Alabama-Tennessee

Magic City Dentistry

With a beautiful spa-like office in the middle of Birmingham’s City Center, Magic City Dentistry welcomes you to experience something different.

Their mission is to provide their patients with personalized, high-quality care. Whether you need preventative care, cosmetic dentistry, or oral surgery, you will love your smile.

2117 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 205-238-6800 www.magiccitydentistry.com

Manda Luccasen ReMax/Southern Homes

Manda is an award winning sales professional with real estate sales and property management backgrounds with knowledge of budgeting, business development, relationship building and contract negotiation skills. Manda is a top producing agent with a proven track record of achieving sales goals and exceeding production expectations based on drive, strategic initiatives, marketing campaigns and targeted client approaches.

903 Montgomery Hwy., Birmingham, AL 35216 205-283-0380 www.mandaluccasen.com

Market House Levy’s Fine Jewelry

Levy’s is in its third and fourth generation of family management and continues to see improvements and growth, all the while staying true to its family roots. In the last four years, Levy’s has made a name for itself in the international antique and estate jewelry industry as well as the fine diamond market.

2116 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 205-251-3381 levysfinejewelry.com

Liberty Park Just Happy Hounds

a community so grand in thought and design that it would naturally bring together the traditions of yesterday, the lifestyle of today and the promises of tomorrow.

1000 Urban Center Drive, Suite 235, Vestavia Hills, AL 35242 205-945-6401 www.libertypark.com

Unlike most hometowns, Liberty Park’s story started with nearly 4,000 acres of spectacular land and a heartfelt mission to responsibly create

At Market House, they sell only the best and most fashionable items at their clothing boutique in Hoover. The store is stocked with amazing products that will complement any outfit or be appropriate for any event or night out with the girls.

3780 Riverchase Village, 650, Hoover 205-901-5015 www.markethousestore.com

McWane Center

McWane Science Center’s mission is to “spark wonder and curiosity about our world though hands-on science.” To accomplish this, McWane Science Center combines its unique assets to create unique, hands-on, science-learning experiences parents and teachers value and kids love.

STOP THE RECESSION FREE THE FOLLICLES.COM

3301 Lorna Road • Hoover, AL 205.978.5880 3301 Lorna Road • Hoover, AL 205.978.5880 www.shaysjewelers.com www.shaysjewelers.com

B-METRO.COM 113

SPECIAL PROMOTION

200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203 205-714-8300 www.mcwane.org

Movement Mortgage

We are committed to being a Movement of Change in the mortgage industry, in corporate cultures and in communities. Through our unique process we are creating a referable experience for both homebuyers and real estate agents. Our mission to love and value people drives everything we do. #mvmtbham 2000A Southbridge Pkwy #301, Birmingham, AL 35209 205-538-2312 www.movement.com

Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn

All of Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn flavors are lightly sweet and lightly salted to give each flavor a unique and distinctive taste. The company has a passion for entrepreneurship and community service.

5363 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35212 205-915-2528 www.nbnkettlecorn.com

Nova Essence MediSpa

Dr. Nova Law is a Board Certified Family Practice Physician who specializes in body contouring and cosmetic services. She is the Medical Director of Nova Essence Medispa. This Medispa specializes

in the following areas: weight loss, body contouring, hair removal, age/sun spots removal, rosacea treatments, hair growth, acne treatments and bio-identical hormones.

160 Main St #200, Hoover, AL 35244 205-319-4445 novaessencemedispa.com

Ocean

Voted Best Restaurant, Best Chef, and the recipient of AAA Four Diamond Award for the past ten years, Ocean offers fresh seafood in an exciting and contemporary atmosphere. 5 Point Public House Oyster Bar is next door, offering a combination of two styles—a public house and oyster bar—creating a relaxed gathering spot that’s perfect for locals.

1218 20th St. S. Birmingham, AL 35205 205-933-099 www.oceanbirmingham.com 5 Point Public House, 205-918-0726 www.5pointpublichouse.com

On-Time Service

Looking for an electrician, plumber or heating and cooling service? OnTime Service is the only number you need to know. Their technicians arrive ON TIME or pay you $59. If an OnTime Service employee ever smokes, swears or leaves a mess in your home, our service will be free. Call the company that respects your time and your home.

2668 Old Rocky Ridge Rd, Hoover, AL 35216 205-942-1405 ontime59.com

Parkinson’s Association of Alabama

Founded in 1978, the Parkinson Association of Alabama (PAA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to a singular mission: To improve the quality of life for patients, caregivers, and families affected by Parkinson’s Disease in the State of Alabama.

Post Office Box 590146, Birmingham, AL 35259 833-473-54655 www.parkinsonalabama.com

Positive Maturity

Positive Maturity, Inc. in Birmingham offers a variety of services for seniors 50 and older through volunteerism and education programs. As one of the first senior organizations in Jefferson County, Positive Maturity was created to assess and meet the needs of the aging population.

3918 Montclair Rd #200, Birmingham, AL 35213 205-803-3211 www.positivematurity.org

Preferred Imports

Rami Achdut and his team at Preferred Imports have created Birmingham’s best location for quality, luxury cars. Their accomplishments speak volumes to the integrity, quality, and passion inherent

TOMMY DAVIS

Board Certified Family Law Trial Advocate

Because sometimes a diamond isn’t forever.

(205) 822.9334 No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

114 CITY GUIDE 2018

thomaslogandavis.com

“We exist to love and value people by leading a Movement of Change in our Industry, Corporate Cultures and Communities.”

#MVMTBHAM

SPECIAL PROMOTION

within the culture at Preferred Imports.

2415 4th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233 205-828-0000 www.preferredimports.com

R&R Construction

R&R Construction is a locally owned Birmingham, AL full service remodeling & custom home building company that will bring your vision to life! With over 20 years of custom home building and extensive renovation experience, R&R Construction is your top choice for any renovation needs!

2809 Crescent Ave Suite 7, Homewood 35209 205-283-8400 www.russell3006.houzz.com

RealtySouth

Alabama’s number one real estate company, offering over 30,000 properties in Birmingham, Huntsville, Orange Beach, and Tuscaloosa. The success of RealtySouth has always been fundamental and is due to the hard work and dedication of our agents and staff. Whether you are buying or selling, RealtySouth offers a full concierge of services to fulfill all of the needs for home transactions.

2501 20th Place South, Ste 400, Birmingham, Alabama 36830 205-322-7500 www.realtysouth.com

Remon’s

People like Remon Danforah and it’s obvious that

Remon likes people. People are everything to him. “There’s no business without relationships.

Knowing your product and enjoying what you do, makes you the best at what you do.” Remon is genuine. “My job is to create a complete image for my customers.” Remon explains.

123 Summit Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35243 205-977-5512 www.remonsclothier.com

Rojo

Located in Birmingham, Alabama’s Highland Park area, Rojo serves Latin and American food in a casual atmosphere. Rojo is the perfect place to unwind with friends for lunch, dinner, or late night drinks. Rojo also serves a delicious weekend brunch 2921 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205 205-328-4733 www.rojobirmingham.com

The Rose Law Firm

The Rose Law Firm has experienced Alabama divorce lawyers who will compassionately and aggressively fight for you and your family. As full time family law attorneys they are well versed in handling any Alabama Contested Divorce, uncontested divorce, child custody battle, alimony case, child support issue, divorce modification, or any other family law matter you may have.

811 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205

205-323-1124 www.TheRoseLawFirmLLC.com

Rousso Facial Plastic Surgery

Dr. Daniel E. Rousso would like to welcome you to his private practice in facial plastic surgery and hair replacement surgery. With over 25 years of experience serving the Birmingham area, Dr. Rousso continues the tradition of enhancing and enriching people’s lives with state-of-the-art techniques in facial plastic surgery and hair replacement and restoration.

2700 Highway 280 Suite 300 w, Birmingham, AL 35223 205-930-95950 www.drrousso.com

Russell Lands on Lake Martin

Our family-owned community is set among more than 40,000 acres of water, nearly 900 miles of shoreline, and 25,000 acres of forests — a playground for adventure, relaxation, and the enduring memories that only the great outdoors and time with friends and family can provide.

2544 Willow Point Rd, Alexander City, AL 35010 256-329-0835 www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

From its humble beginnings with a single restaurant in New Orleans in 1965 to its current position

PEDAL & DRINK YOUR WAY THROUGH THE MAGIC CITY!

BOOK BY THE SEAT OR THE WHOLE BIKE VISIT THE BEST LOCAL BARS AND BREWERIES OFFERING TWO DISTINCT BIRMINGHAM ROUTES TOURS AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK BIRMINGHAMPEDALTOURS.COM

205.304.8687 116 CITY GUIDE 2018

J. Allston Macon, III and Joseph C. Somma

REAL ESTATE

• Residential Closings • Commercial Closings • Property Tax Redemption • Boundary Disputes • Easements

Somma & Macon, P.C.

2084 Valleydale Road Birmingham, Alabama 35244 www.SommaMacon.com (205) 379-1414

PROBATE

• Administration of Estates • Will Drafting • Estate Planning • Trusts • Conservatorships

BUSINESS LITIGATION • Contract Review • Drafting Agreements • Formation of Businesses

FAMILY LAW • Custody • Divorce

No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

as the global steakhouse leader, Ruth’s Chris welcomes steak enthusiasts at more than 150 restaurants worldwide. Ruth’s Chris Steak House is proud to give back to local communities by donating money, time and service. Over the past ten years, they’ve donated nearly $150,000 from their franchise group to organizations in the local community.

Embassy Suites, 1304, 2300 Woodcrest Pl, Birmingham, AL 35209 205-879-9995 ruthschris.net/our-restaurants/birmingham-al/

Sips & Strokes

Sips n Strokes® offers a casual, fun environment in which customers of all ages and experience levels can “unleash the artist within.” Customers create their own works of art with easily understood, step-by-step guidance from one of their trained instructors.“Inspiring the world to create” was Wendy LoVoy’s goal when she created the paint and sip industry in 2003 as an alternative to traditional art instruction.

201 Cahaba Park Circle, Birmingham, AL 35242 205-408-2836 www.sipsnstrokes.com

ingramnewhomes.com/community/the-franklin

The Happy Catering Company

At The Happy Catering Company, we pride ourselves on quality fresh local foods with a presentation that exemplifies simple elegance. A full-service catering enterprise for over 25 years,we can accommodate all the details of your event. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, special events and of course weddings, Birmingham’s go to caterer.

205-251-8925 www.happycatering.net

The Learning Tree Samford University

Samford University’s Academy of the Arts offers classes for all ages in art, cooking, languages, music (private and group instruction), photography, antiques and more. Fall registration and class information at Samford.edu/go/aota.

800 Lakeshore Dr, Homewood, AL 35229 205-726-2739 Samford.edu/go/aota

The attorneys at Somma & Macon PC, place your needs first, partnering with their Alabama clients throughout the legal process. You can expect regular communication from our lawyers, and to develop a relationship with us. Clients are more than just a case, we care about you and that you are comfortable with your case’s progression.

2084 Valleydale Rd. Birmingham, AL 35244 205-538-2802 www.sommamacon.com

The Learning Tree is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational, residential and support services for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities, including autism.

Programs are designed to help children lead more fulfilling and rewarding lives. The Learning Tree is a private nonprofit organization, founded in 1983 by two former public school teachers.

205 Lambert Ave. Suite B, Mobile, AL 36604 251-533-6044 www.learning-tree.org

Southern Veterinary Partners

The Summit

Somma & Macon

Sampson Dentistry

Sampson Dentistry offers complete dental services for our clients including; cosmetic dentistry, crowns and bridges, partials and dentures, oral surgery, periodontics, implant restorations and teeth whitening. The dental practice has a laid back environment where you are free to express questions and concerns about treatment options.

763 Shades Mountain Plaza, Hoover, AL 35226 205) 823-2355 www.sampsondentistry.com

Law Offices of Sears and Sears

The Law Offices of Sears and Sears, P.C. was formed by father and son team, Dr. James (Jim) and Shane T. Sears. With a combined total of over 30 years of experience in special needs and special education law, criminal defense, juvenile law, DUI, and personal injury and insurance claims, we have the experience and training to represent you in civil, criminal, or appeals court.

5809 Feldspar Way; Suite 200, Birmingham, AL 35244 205-989-1709 www.searsandsearslaw.com

Shay’s Jewelers

Shay’s offers expert, personal service for all your jewelry needs. From engagement rings to designer jewelry to pre-owned Rolex watches, Shay and her staff will find the right piece just for you. Their mission has always been a tradition of trust, high ethical standards, knowledge of our jewelry products and services, fair pricing and value to their customers.

3301 Lorna Road Ste. 1, Hoover, AL 35216 (205) 978-5880 www.ShaysJewlers.com

118 CITY GUIDE 2018

Southern Veterinary Partners is a veterinarian owned and managed regional network of animal hospitals with the common goal of providing the highest quality veterinary care to companion animals. Southern Veterinary Partners is uniquely positioned to serve as the ideal partner for animal hospitals based in the South.

800 Shades Creek Pkwy, Suite 625, Birmingham, AL 35209 205-538-2802 www.southernvetpartnersllc.com

Like Birmingham itself, The Summit is a creative hub of style and taste in the South.

For food, fashion, special events, films, and anytime-style inspiration in Alabama. Welcome to the The Summit. For handheld directory maps, special store savings, general information and to learn about The Summit gift cards, please contact or visit The Summit Guest Services Office.

214 Summit Boulevard, Suite 150, Birmingham, AL 35243 205-967-0111 www.thesummitbirmingham.com

Stock and Trade Design Co.

Stock & Trade offers a wide selection of custom upholstery, furniture, lighting, accessories, unique objects, and antiques, as well as, custom pieces from local artisans. We’re committed to providing beautiful and affordable home furnishings...pieces infused with clean lines, modern sensibility, and classic style, making them a desirable part of your décor for years to come. Our design team will be happy to consult with you as you work to make your space special and uniquely your own.

3048 Independence Drive, Homewood 35209 205-783-135 www.StockAndTrade.com

The Franklin

Today there is a fresh new beginning on the corner of First Avenue North and Morris Avenue. There is a fresh new beginning for this building. The Franklin: 14 intimate residences at the corner of fresh thinking, fresh connectivity, fresh galleries, fresh entertainment, fresh urban parks, and fresh life.

The Franklin: a fresh new way to live.

2329 1st Ave North, Birmingham 35203 205-202-4667

Ted’s

Breakfast or lunch, for homestyle Southern cooking seasoned with oldstyle Greek hospitality, come see Tasos & Beba Touloupis — and enjoy a genuine Birmingham’s Best experience. Ted’s is “Where Friendly Gets Downright Fresh.”

328 12th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233 205-324-2911 www.tedsbirmingham.com

Thomas Logan Davis, Family and Matrimonial Law

When it’s your life that will be affected by the outcome of a divorce, you need a lawyer who will listen to you. Tommy Davis represents clients in family law matters such as divorce, distribution of marital assets and debts, child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, adoptions, paternity and enforcement [contempt of court] cases.

The Historic A.B. Loveman House, 2956 Rhodes Circle, South, Birmingham, AL 35205 205-822-9334 www.attorneytommydavis.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

With three locations in Birmingham, Club Pilates brings the area a low-impact, full body workout that seeks to build a balanced body, strong core and lean, toned muscles. Pure to Joseph Pilate’s original reformer-based method, Club Pilates has modernized the practice with a group format and expanded state-of-the-art equipment. The result? High-quality, lifechanging training at a surprisingly affordable price.

Club Pilates believes that Pilates is the path to a fuller, more satisfying physical existence - no matter what age you are or what goal you are working towards. Their instructors have over 500 hours of training, allowing them to truly be experts in their work. Class attendance is capped at 12 people so that the instructor can ensure the members’ safety as well as integrity with their form to maximize their time. In addition, classes are divided into four levels, with 9 different formats so that you never plateau in your practice. Everyone is encouraged to attend their complimentary intro class, which not only introduces you to the pilates equipment but also brings awareness to your core stability. After all, the mission of Club Pilates is to allow everyone to “do pilates, do life.”

DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM

707 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd S #106 | Birmingham, AL 35233 205.502.2474

downtownbirmingham@clubpilates.com CAHABA HEIGHTS

3169 Green Valley Road | Birmingham, AL 35243 205.777.7976

cahabaheights@clubpilates.com RIVERCHASE

1839 Montgomery Hwy, Ste. D | Hoover, AL 35244 205.937. 7265

riverchase@clubpilates.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

JOIN US IN HAVANA: FALL 2018

SPECIAL PROMOTION B-METRO’S

BEST

of the city

PLAY

James Finley, a native of Birmingham, AL, has been in the entertainment business for over 20 years. He was one of the original bar owners of Steel 1st and 23rd, which opened in downtown Birmingham in 2006, well before downtown was cool again. Finley, remodeled and renamed the bar to 1st and 23rd in February 2017.

“When we first opened the bar in 2006, you could throw a rock in any direction and there was nothing to do downtown,” says Finley. Now, downtown is flourishing with bars and restaurants, and it’s time to step outside of the box and do something different.

The new concept, Havana on 1st will be an upscale cigar lounge where people can enjoy a cigar as well as a relaxing atmosphere with elements evoking Cuba’s old Havana. The cigar lounge will also offer a top shelf bar, Cuban-Southern inspired food, chess tables and the ability to host corporate events in a signature private room. Havana will also have High Def televisions for sport games, a non-gambling poker table, dart board, and a billiard room to give patrons a chance to stretch their competitive skills.

Finley’s goal is to make Havana not just another bar, but an experience. Downtown is evolving and we decided we needed to evolve with it and give it something new and fresh.

Havana is scheduled to open in Fall 2018.

James Finley, Owner United Mortgage Group The Finley Corporation

First Avenue North

havanaon1st.com  Havana on First

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Tonya Jones SalonSpa LUXE by Tonya Jones

Founded in 2009 by Tonya Jones, Tonya Jones SalonSpa, an Aveda Lifestyle Salon, has two locations, Cahaba Village and English Village, where each guest is empowered to rediscover their true beauty and confidence through an experience of transformation and renewal.

LUXE by Tonya Jones is inside Saks Fifth Avenue at the Summit and shares the Tonya Jones focus on outstanding amenities that elevate the guest experience.

English Village, 2410 Fairway Drive Birmingham, AL 35213 205- 205-870-4247 Cahaba Village, 2800 Cahaba Village Plaza, Ste 280, Birmingham, AL 35243 205-870-4247 Saks Fifth Avenue, 129 Summit Blvd. Birmingham, AL 35243 205-870-4247 www.tonyajonessalon.com

Tres Luna Catering

A unique, family owned company, Tres Luna Catering will help plan your special occasion from start to finish. The company provides specially designed menus that they customize for you. They bring the restaurant experience to you.Tre Luna Catering is

122 CITY GUIDE 2018

the vision of Brian and Erin Mooney, and named for their three children.

2513 5th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233 205-910-7780 www.trelunacatering.com

UAB

UAB Medicine offers world-class health care for patients, including those in need of life-changing care provided by the only Level IV Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Comprehensive Transplant Institute, Level I Adult Trauma Center, or NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the state of Alabama.

1720 2nd Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35294 205-934-3884 www.uab.edu

205-324-9521 www.vwsupply.com

Wedgworth

For three decades, Mike Wedgworth has created some of the finest custom homes and residential communities in Birmingham, Alabama. Their specialty is creating one of a kind homes that fulfill the dreams of their home buyers.

4154 Crosshaven Drive, Vestavia, AL 35243 205-967-1831 www.Wedgworth.net

VW Gallerie

V & W Supply and Gallerie in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa is your number one supplier of luxury and custom plumbing fixtures. VW Gallerie showrooms feature the most current trends as well as classic favorites. With a wide variety of styles, you will find the perfect plumbing products and accessories to create the bath or kitchen of your dreams.

3320 2nd Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35222

Workplay

WorkPlay is a truly innovative entertainment complex. Its roots in live music and studio production give it mystique – a vibe so special the events hosted here become the talk of the town. Workplay hosts concerts, private parties, weddings, celebrations, corporate events, luncheons and more.

500 23rd St S, Birmingham, AL 35233 205-879-4773 www.workplay.com

Looking out for their future

Protecting your family starts with simple steps COUNTRY Financial® helps you take simple steps with personalized insurance and It’s important to planthat ahead protect the impact ones youon love, andfamily’s life insurance could financial services cantohave a big your future.

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Be her daughter again.

The transition from daughter to Mom’s caregiver can be difficult and at times overwhelming. For over 30 years, families just like yours have trusted The Cottages to help care for their loved one.

At The Cottage, you will discover expert caring, comfort, choice, and family. Because of our unique size, our residents are always surrounded by love – plus we take care of medications, housekeeping, laundry, and other everyday tasks, so you can focus on the important things - making memories.

We’re here for you.

Cottages The

www.cottageassistedliving.com

Columbia Cottage| 3776 Crosshaven Drive, Brimingham, AL, 35223 | 205-909-6585 | Assisted Living & Respite Country Cottages | 4000 Greenwood Drive, Hoover, AL, 35216 | 205-909-6435 | Assisted Living, Memory Care & Respite www.cottageassistedliving.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

POSITIVE MATURITY’S 5TH ANNUAL

Top 50 Over 50 2018

B-METRO.COM 125

Welcome to the 5th annual Top 50 Over 50® Awards ceremony!

On behalf of Positive Maturity’s Board of Directors and staff, we extend our congratulations to the class of 2018. The Top 50 Over 50® is celebrating its 5th year of recognizing adults ages 50 and older who have made a significant impact in their communities through business, civic engagement or lifetime achievements. Our class this year is truly inspirational from Ms. Lois “Mama” Coleman, founder of Grace House Ministries to Evander Holyfield, the “Real Deal”, who reigned as the undisputed champion in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, being the first and to this date, the only boxer in history to do so.

We hope our 250 individuals that we have presented to you in the past 5 years will serve as inspiration to you and others that every person has a purpose and regardless of your age, income or ability you are able to make a difference in your community.

We also want to take this opportunity to thank Regions Bank, ACIPCO, Alacare, AARP, and Drayer Physical Therapy as this year’s sponsors. A special thanks to Sara Walker, our photographer, who donated her time and talent for the amazing photographs of our recipients.

Since 1972, Positive Maturity has been the fabric of the aging communities in Blount, Jefferson, Shelby and Walker Counties.

We are a proud partner of the United Way of Central Alabama and a sponsor for the Corporation for National and Community Services’ Senior Corps Programs. Our mission is to positively enhance and empower the lives of older adults through social services and civic engagement. Programs include the Retired and Senior Volunteers, AWARE (Aging Workers Are Reliable Employees), Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, Shepherd Center East and Geriatric Social Services.

We appreciate your support for Positive Maturity and the Top 50 Over 50 event and hope to see you again next year!

Penny Kakoliris Executive Director Positive Maturity, Inc.

126 CITY GUIDE 2018

what can

positive maturity do for you?

RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM RSVP offers individuals age 55 and over rewarding service opportunities in their communities.

Whether volunteers wish to draw on current skills or develop new ones, RSVP provides meaningful experiences by allowing individuals to help others in a flexible and engaging environment.

AGING WORKERS ARE RELIABLE EMPLOYEES AWARE is a career counseling program designed for clients age 50 and over who are unemployed or underemployed. Resume writing, interview skills, and computer training are some of the services available to help senior adults compete in today’s job market.

FOSTER GRANDPARENTS PROGRAM The Foster Grandparents Program provides stipend volunteer opportunities for low income adults age 55 and older who are able to meet the eligibility requirements. Foster Grandparents work with children in Jefferson County who are deemed “at-risk,” serving as role models, mentors, tutors and friends.

SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM The Senior Companion Program provides stipend volunteer opportunities for low income adults age 55 and older who are able to meet the eligibility requirements. Senior Companions are assigned to frail seniors and adults with disabilities in Jefferson County to assist their efforts in maintaining their independence. They are also able to provide respite services for families in need.

SHEPHERD CENTER EAST Shepherd Center East is a nutrition site offering free hot lunches Monday-Friday (for adults who meet the eligibility requirements). It is a Meals on Wheels distributor and activity center for adults age 55 and older. Activities include, but are not limited to, exercise classes, health education, arts and crafts, quilting, dance, field trips and computer classes.

GERIATRIC SOCIAL SERVICES Our in-house Geriatric Social Worker enriches the quality of life for older individuals. The program provides support services, case management, education and awareness, and referrals. It links clients and their families to community resources.

EMCEES:

BRENDA LADUN & TINA SAVAS

Brenda Ladun Brenda grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s in mass communications. Brenda worked at WBRC 6 from 1987 to 1996 before joining the staff at ABC 33/40.

She is a five-time winner of the Alabama Associated Press Awards for Best Investigative Reporter and Best Specialized Reporter.

In 2001, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy and underwent chemotherapy. During her recovery she took up running and has competed

Tina Savas

d Tina Savas, Author & Speaker, is among

the first wave of women entrepreneurs in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1983, she founded the Birmingham Business Journal newspaper, followed by Alabama Health News, Alabama Construction News, and Birmingham Weekly.

In 2005, Savas began writing a book about women who set firsts in their fields, and five years later, it was launched at the Women in Military Service Museum in Washington, D.C.

in several marathons. In 2007, after a period of apparent remission, the cancer returned.

Brenda points to her faith as the foundation of her strength to fight the disease.

Today, Brenda is a regional spokeswoman for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and has written two books about her recovery. She joined Positive Maturity’s Board of Directors in 2017, is an active supporter of the Grace House Christian Home for Girls and teaches Sunday school at Hunter Street Baptist Church.

The book garnered top national reviews and attention in several media outlets, as she traveled the country speaking on Gender Diversity.

Today, Savas continues her entrepreneurial spirit through various businesses and non profit volunteer work. She has been married to Paul for 25 years, and they have one son, Alex.

IN MEMORY OF MAXINE “MACKIE” HOROWITZ Maxine “Mackie” Horowitz began her career with Positive Maturity, Inc. In 2006. As the Jefferson County Retired Senior Volunteer (RSVP) Coordinator, Mackie worked tirelessly to serve the aging population in Jefferson County.

She provided them with meaningful volunteer opportunities, activities and always a warm loving hug. In 2010, she became the Director for Shepherd Center East, a Positive Maturity senior center. This was truly her calling. She created a lively and vibrant center where individuals could participate in many activities, learning experiences and create friendships. You would often hear Mackie use her gift of music to bring all the participants together for a sing along. Or hear her infectious laughter throughout the hallways as she listened to and shared stories with her friends.

Mackie truly was passionate about Shepherd Center East and the people she served. She was their advocate, their teacher, inspiration and friend.

When Positive Maturity, Inc. created the Top 50 Over 50 in 2014, Mackie signed up for every committee and worked tirelessly educating the community about the event and finding nominations. Mackie’s hard work and dedication has made the Top 50 Over 50 an Alabama favorite!

Mackie retired from Positive Maturity, Inc. in December 2016 and moved to Minnesota with her husband, Sherm, to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

B-METRO.COM 127

KIM RAFFERTY ABBOTT

KATHERINE N. BARR

Kimberly Abbott, formerly Birmingham City Councilor Kim Rafferty, has been an advocate for veterans, the elderly and the handicapped. Her policy agenda focused on making government more effective, responsive and intentional. From 2001-2009, she and her late husband, Mark Rafferty, owned and operated a small business, Creative Rugs, in Leeds.

Last year, she joyfully married her new love, retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Darrin Richard Abbott. She is now committed to being a fulltime wife and mom who is also caregiver to three dogs, two cats, a frog, a hamster, and a plethora of fish and crawdaddies - while searching for new challenges in her professional life.

Katherine has devoted her legal career at Sirote & Permutt, P.C. to helping families with a family member who has a disability.

She creates estate plans for those families for whom a routine plan cannot provide the solutions needed. Nationally, Katherine has advocated for special needs families as the President of the Special Needs Alliance, chairwoman of Elder Law and Special Needs Trusts planning groups in the American Bar Association (ABA) and membership on the ABA’s Commission on Disability Rights. Locally, she serves on the boards of Down Syndrome Alabama and Triumph Services, and was a driving force behind Enable Alabama, which is Alabama’s ABLE Act program for persons with disabilities.

COL. (RET.) ROBERT L. BAREFIELD, SR. Bob Barefield has lived his life for his country both as a career Army Infantry Airborne Ranger for 30 years and in retirement serving Veterans. He served in Vietnam and the invasion of Cambodia with Company A, 1st Cavalry Division where his company received the Presidential Unit Citation. He later commanded the 1st Battalion, 508th Airborne in Panama leading up to Operation Just Cause. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with “V,” and five Purple Hearts. His passion is patriotic causes, especially the Scenic Overlook Project at the Alabama National Cemetery where he chairs the Support Committee. Bob and Nancy have been married for 45 years and have three children and three grandchildren.

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JOAN BROERMAN

DR. JACK BRADFORD Jack Bradford has served as the Executive Council

President for AARP Alabama for the past six years as the volunteer leader of over 430,000 members. His record of public service began long before his involvement with AARP. He served as the International President of Civitan International, was the founding president of the UAB Retirees Association, served on the National Retired Teachers Association Pension Roundtable and held several offices in the Alabama Education Retirees’ Association, including state legislative chair and parliamentarian.

Jack works hard for Alabama’s 50+ to live their best lives as they age.

Joan is also an amazing example of a vibrant senior. She was the founding Regional Advisor for the Southern Breeze region of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, and has remained active. Her hospitality shines as she continually hosts events in her home, from meetings of the Leaky Pens critique group, to swimming parties for church groups, to annual writers’ retreats. She has sold short stories, articles, poems and photos to magazines and newspapers, including Highlights for Children, Pockets and Southern Lady. Her by-line has appeared in more than a dozen books on the craft and business of writing for children.

“Looking at the world through the eyes of others and serving was emphasized to me as a toddler. I held my mom’s hand as we walked in Pocatello, Idaho collecting for the March of Dimes. She told me, “We didn’t cure polio, but we did our part to help.”

-Dr. Jack Bradford

RICK BURGESS

Rick is the co/host of the nationally syndicated Rick & Bubba Show. He has spent most of his career being a voice for his community and as an evangelistic speaker and pastor with a regular travel schedule for a variety of audiences. God has used Rick in a mighty way to draw from experiences and tragedies within his life and offer support and encouragement to many others. Rick is the proud husband to Sherri, with whom he operates the Burgess Ministries that funds the Bronner Burgess Memorial Fund (named in honor of their youngest son). He is the loving father of 5 children.

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PAUL S. CARRUTHERS

Through 29 years of working in community development and finance, Paul Carruthers has focused on his passion for urban revitalization with his position at Regions Bank. As Regional Community Affairs Manager for Regions, he oversees community development lending, investment and service efforts in Alabama, Mississippi and NW Florida. His focus on community development, affordable housing, and urban revitalization has been instrumental in creating affordable housing and revitalization partnerships that has helped people and communities thrive. He is a recipient of the “Regions Top Performer” Award.

GWENDOLYN WILLIAMS DERU

JOHN CARCIOPPOLO John owns a company called Team Insight Plus,

that helps companies reduce turnover with processes that improve internal communication, raise employee productivity, and ensure the right people are hired for the right job. He also identifies training needs and customizes programs to meet his clients’ needs. He is a Board Member and Ambassador for the Helena Business Association and South Shelby Chamber, an Area Director of five chapters for Business Networking International Alabama, and has served on the Small Business Workgroup and Entrepreneurs Roundtable for Greater Shelby Chamber. In his spare time, he publishes business articles every week as a Helena Reporter Community Columnist for the Shelby County Reporter.

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Gwen is a consultant, international travel writer, journalist, PR, communications, advertising and marketing professional with worldwide clients. As a trailblazer, she established many firsts including: Executive Women Golf League, Talladega Superspeedway Diversity Programs, No Limit One to One Job Training, African American Cultural Alliance, (oldest) African Street Festival, and Summer Lights International Festival. As a community volunteer, Gwen serves on Birmingham Mayor Woodfin’s Transition Team, Smithsonian Media Curiosity Council, NAACP, Bethesda Life Center Board and others. Accomplishments include: Who’s Who in Black Alabama, Who’s Who in Black Birmingham, Central Alabama Global Alliance, New Americans Chamber of Commerce, People, Places and Things Radio Show & Column, Doing Business in Our Global Community and more.

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

CASI FERGUSON

JUDGE LOCKE DONALDSON Locke was born and raised in Birmingham, and has a J.D. fromDonaldson the Birmingham School of Law, as well as a LLM in Inter-

Casi currently serves as the Area Development Director for the United Negro College Fund serving Alabama and Mississippi. Prior to this role, Casi spent 30 years as an executive at AT&T, most recently serving as a project manager and area manager for 21 states. A graduate of Talladega College and the Birmingham City School System, she is a member of the St. Cecilia Court of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Peter Claver, Tri- County Chapter of the Links Inc., and is also an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

national law from the University of Edinburgh. He is currently a Senior Trial Referee in the Jefferson County Family Court dealing with issues of dependency, delinquency and child support matters.

Locke shared these thoughts with the nominating committee: “I feel it is a privilege to serve the community in this capacity. Along with great colleagues, I feel we are making a difference in Birmingham and the surrounding areas.”

SUE ELLEN GERRELLS

Sue Ellen is a multi-award-winning actor, director, instructor, lecturer and administrator in community theatre, whose scope encompasses local, national and international arenas. Her past appointments include Executive Director, Alabama Conference of Theatre; and Association of Community Theatre Endowment Trustee. She currently holds the positions of Festival Director, Alabama Conference of Theatre; Ambassador, Association of Community Theatre; and the prestigious Fellow designation by the American Association of Community Theatre. She has served as Artistic Director, Actor and Director for the award-winning South City Theatre in Pelham since 2012.

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FRAN GILROY

PASTOR STEVE GREEN

Frances Gilroy is known as an excellent team player and leader who provides indispensable vision and proficiency to the Birmingham Zoo Volunteer Program. Her time is spent in many different areas in the Zoo - educating and improving the guest experience. Fran also serves in a leadership capacity on the Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter Platform working with guests, teen volunteers, adult volunteers, and everyone she comes in contact with. One of the Africa Keepers said that “despite being next to a giraffe on the giraffe platform, Fran is really the one that shines!”

Steve Green is the Pastor of More Than Conquerors Faith Church. He is also the founder of the R.E.S.P.E.C.T. (Respect Every Single Person Ever Created Today) Organization, a youth empowerment corporation, as well as the Annual Back-to-School Rally, the nation’s largest such event. Pastor Green, along with his church, has received several awards: the SCLC Keeper of the Dream; National Action Network Community Excellence Award; Key to the City Award from Birmingham, Dothan, and Jasper; and a street renamed in his honor. He has served the Board of Habitat for Humanity, the regional American Red Cross, Clear Channel Media, and the Jefferson County Commission’s Mural Committee.

DR. LEON C. HAMRICK

As a well-respected physician with Urology Centers of Alabama, Dr. Hamrick has 25 plus years in his field. Sometimes a work situation exemplifies a physician, and his sister, Catherine, shared this one: One night, she called around midnight and asked what he was doing. Dr. Hamrick told her he was sitting with a patient, to which Catherine said, “well he must be special for you to be there so late.”

Then came the response that his nominators believe is what makes him a great and caring human being, and not only a great surgeon.

“No,” Dr. Hamrick said, “He’s a stranger. I am covering for my colleague and this patient is alone and has no one to look after him.”

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EVANDER HOLYFIELD

GREGORY J. HARBER

If home is where the heart is, then certainly Greg has found a home in Birmingham. Inspired by the example of those who share his passion for birds and social justice, Greg has been active in the Birmingham Audubon Society for 32 years (president, newsletter editor, director of the Mountain Workshop, field trips and education); Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries for 22 years (past-president, vice president for conservation and newsletter editor) and director of Children’s Liturgy of the Word at Our Lady of Sorrows Church (30 years). Greg also volunteers with Redemptive Cycles in their community outreach efforts. He is employed at UAB.

Born to Annie Laura Holyfield and Isom Coley in 1962, Evander is an American boxer, the only four-time world Heavyweight Champion in the history of boxing, and one of the world’s most beloved athletes. Often referred to as “The Real Deal,” and known as “The Warrior,” Evander spent his career proving naysayers wrong and consistently beating opponents who were larger than him. His fights with Mike Tyson and Riddick Bowe are some of the most memorable and exciting fights the sport has ever seen.

Evander fought in the August 10, 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games at the Memorial Sports Arena and was awarded a bronze medal that most believe should have been a gold if not for a highly controversial disqualification. Although other fighters were often larger and louder, few have ever matched his grace under pressure and his public poise or his commitment to serve and inspire others. As the founder of The Holyfield Foundation, an organization committed to serving underprivileged children, Evander seeks to help, encourage, and inspire others. Today he is a successful entrepreneur and has many endeavors to continue his legacy. His promotion company, Real Deal Boxing, has had a monumental start—with plans to become the number one boxing promotion company in the world.

KEN HUBBARD

Ken Hubbard is currently the CEO and owner of Western Supermarkets, a local independent grocer. He has spent his entire career with Western, starting as a bag boy while attending Ensley High School. He attended the University of Alabama and received a degree in accounting. He is active in his church and community, having served on various Boards including Alabama Goodwill, Alabama Retail Association, Boy Scouts, Blue Cross & Blue Shield and National Grocers Association.

Through Western, he supports the Jimmie Hale Mission, Emmett O’Neal Library, The Salvation Army and local schools. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Patricia, for 52 years and they have three children and seven grandchildren.

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ROY S. JOHNSON

Roy is a Columnist and Director of Content Development for AL.com, where he highlights ordinary Alabamians doing extraordinary things. He is a youth tutor and leader of the ACT Boot Camp hosted by Sixth Ave. Baptist Church.

As a producer, he helped bring ESPN and The Undefeated to Birmingham, where they taped “Dear Black Athlete,” the network’s Black History Month Special. Prior to al.com, he was the Founder of Savoy magazine and Editor in Chief for Men’s Fitness. He has produced TV specials such as NBC’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search, and co-authored books with NBA stars Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley. Roy is also the Founder and President of Fit! Live! Win!

SUSAN JOHNSTON ROBYN JAMES Robyn James serves as the Marketing Director for the Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging where she develops marketing campaigns, community partnerships, promotes advocacy, and educates the public on aging. Prior to this role, Robyn worked at the Alabama Department of Senior Services as the State Liaison for the Elder Abuse Prevention Council, developing education initiatives and policy to protect seniors from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. She also served as the Director of the State Health Insurance Assistance Program and Senior Medicare Patrol. Robyn is a trailblazer who has dedicated her career to advocating for older adults.

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Susan Johnston has been with Family Connection for 37 years and served as the Executive Director for 30 years. She holds a Master’s Degree in education from University of Montevallo and is certified in Nonprofit Management by the University of Wisconsin. Susan is a graduate of the Charter Leadership Shelby County Class, served on the board and is a past President of Leadership Shelby County. She serves on the National Safe Place Advisory Board and is a Peer Reviewer for the Standard of Excellence.

Susan resides in Cullman with her husband, Chuck, who serves on staff at First Baptist Cullman.

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LT. ANDREA KNIGHT

L. G. “BROTHER BUD” JONES Born L. G. Jones in Blount County in 1937, Bud grew up in a poor family where he gained from personal experience his allfarm

Lt. Andrea Knight has risen through the ranks of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, starting at a time when few women were officers.

She currently serves as Lieutenant over Patrol in the Bessemer Cutoff region of the county. She has served in various divisions of the department over her 26 year tenure, including, but not limited to: patrol, as a detective in the violent crimes division, and as Lieutenant over the Jefferson County Jail. Lt. Knight has high standards of dedicated work, fairness and equal treatment under the law for every citizen, earning her respect within the department.

encompassing empathy for “the least, the last, and the lost.” The determination to minister to those people has characterized his efforts of a lifetime. He spent much of his adult life as a preacher, but at an age when many retire, Bud launched a new venture with an inner conviction that he was called to do more. To that end, he built in a decade the county’s major charitable and social services institution - Hope House - the last resort for all seasons and reasons for those who have no other place to turn.

ALAN V. KAUFMAN

Alan started playing golf at 11 years old, and it’s always been a part of his life. Most are familiar with his successful Wall St. Deli business that he originally called a “Stand and Snack.” His idea was to put locations in the lobbies of office buildings to capture busy people needing a quick lunch. By 1970 he had 12 locations in Birmingham and evolved into a national chain in major cities such as Chicago, Washington and Denver. At age 61, when most people would be looking towards retirement, he took over the UAB Men’s Golf Program to seven NCAA Regional appearances and four NCAA National appearances over the next 15 years. He coached famed Graeme McDowell, and saw the Blazers to their first-ever Conference USA championship.

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JOHN KRONTIRAS

In addition to his success with Nabeels Market and Restaurant, John has served two terms as the Secretary of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce. He is an original alumnus of the Homewood Police Academy and an International Director for the Homewood Rotary. John is a Board Member of the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association, the Homewood Police Foundation and Library. He also serves as Secretary with the Homewood Library Foundation and as an Executive Vice President with the FBI Citizens Academy for 7 years. He is a member of the Holy Trinity Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church.

JOE KNIGHT Serving his second term on the Jefferson County Commission, Joe is passionate about his district and the county.

He works with all 14 municipalities in his district and is the liaison for the Jefferson County EMA, E-911, and the Mayors’ Association. Excited about representing the county in Birmingham’s preparation for The World Games 2021, he recently attended The World Games in Poland to understand the scope of such an event.

Joe enjoys spending time at the area’s senior centers, sharing their music, fellowship and warmth. Knowing their service comes from the heart, he admires all who run these centers. Joe and his wife Caryl have three children and three grandchildren.

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DON LEO

Don is the Corporate Sales Manager for the Birmingham Barons, a position he says has been the best yet, filled with rewards. He says he “helps to build wonderful memories at Regions Field each night for the thousands who visit us every year!” His career has spanned radio, TV and work in Nascar. He is proud to call Birmingham his home from birth and is thrilled to have watched it turn into a world class community, filled with world class friends he claims as his own. His volunteer work includes several non profits, such as Cerebral Palsy, the Alabama Head Injury Foundation and the Make a Wish Foundation.

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T. L. LEWIS

As Pastor of Bethel, Dr. T. L. Lewis has formed the following three corporations as outgrowths of Bethel’s Ministry: Regional and Empowerment Development Center, Inc., (formerly Bethel Community Learning Center); Re-Creational Community Development, Inc.; and Greater Works, Inc. He is involved in numerous affairs vital to the progress of the city.

He served as Captain for the Bessemer Police and Fire Department Chaplaincy Corps, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Jefferson County Commission of Economic Opportunity from 2007 – 2013, and as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Jefferson County Transit Authority.

ANDREA LINDENBERG

Andrea Lindenberg is going on 29 years of broadcasting in Birmingham. Most of those years were spent in television news as an Emmywinning anchor and Edward R. Murrow award-winning reporter. Now she’s a radio talk show host on Talk 99.5. Over the years, Andrea has dedicated time to Lovelady Center, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, SafeHouse, Muscular Dystrophy Association, United Cerebral Palsy, Owens House and Birmingham Humane Society. Searching for the ultimate way to unplug from the news of the day, Andrea and her husband each bought a Jeep. They spend a lot of time off-roading with their four teenagers.

SUZANNE STIGLER MARTIN, PHD

Dr. Martin wants to end hunger and poverty and advocates through Bread for the World, Alabama Arise, and the Alliance for Responsible Lending in Alabama.

Suzanne “works” as a leadership consultant to support her volunteer habit, grateful that work has never felt like a “job.” The motto for her firm, transform., “Begins with listening, ends with change, ” describes how she shows up in every situation. Suzanne taught Samford student leaders for 20 years and college women for 7 years as Executive Director of Leading Edge Institute, seeking to “change the face of leadership in Alabama” Recently Suzanne showed up as “Viv” in Maggie’s Perfect Match at Virginia Samford Theatre.

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LINDA AND EVAN MAJOR

Linda and Evan have had a tremendous impact on the lives of students in Shelby County. They both served in various positions with Shelby County Board of Education for 35 and 41 years respectively. Evan finished his career as Superintendent of Schools and President of the Alabama School Superintendents’ Association. Linda completed her career as Shelby County Supervisor of Career Technical Education. In 1993, they started the Success Program at the Career Technical Center for At-Risk Students. They have served the Children’s Policy Council of Shelby County and Leadership Shelby through the years, and continue to volunteer now.

Linda and Evan have been married for 52 years.

PATRICIA BALDONE NARO Patricia has served as a faculty member and Director of Experiential Education at Samford University’s McWhorter School of Pharmacy since 2010. She has taught hundreds of students. Patricia is instrumental in obtaining clinical affiliations, giving students the opportunity to learn from educators in the U.S., Asia, South America, and Europe. She holds memberships in numerous pharmacy organizations and was recognized as Faculty Member of the Year by the Alabama Pharmacy Association. Patricia is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Birmingham, a member of the Legacy League of Samford University and the American Heart Association’s Circle of Red.

JACK “PAT” PATRICK Pat has worked his entire life and continues today.

Not only is he a retired high school English teacher, he continues to entertain audiences with his Panama Jack and the Hangouts Band throughout Birmingham. One might have to say his greatest contribution in life, in addition to his family, is his ongoing recognition of high school football through his “Best in Friday Night Football” radio broadcast each year. After more than 30 years on the radio, and occasionally on television, he continues to highlight these dedicated young people, and most years, his company celebrates with a banquet in their honor.

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DICK PIGFORD Dick Pigford, an architect with a heart for the comco-founded the community service groups munity, in Ensley (B.E.A.T) and Kingston to help re-establish

resident leadership. Dick established SawWorks in 1998, a space for community collaboration and nonprofit groups such as Friends of Railroad Park and SpeakFirst. Dick has worked with Sixteenth Street Baptist Church to preserve this Civil Rights landmark and Morningstar Baptist Church, which was burned by arsonists in 2006. He has served on the Boards of Region 2020, Cahaba River Society, Birmingham Center for Affordable Housing, and Regional Cultural Alliance.

DR. JOHN A. E. PLUMP

Dr. Plump is quite a virtuoso as he is an educator, author, and empowerment specialist. For 26 years, he has labored as a teacher and school administrator in the local public schools as a social science teacher, football and softball coach, an alternative school principal, and briefly as acting principal of Jackson Olin High. He now serves as Assistant Principal of Jackson-Olin High. He is the CEO of Plump Educational Consulting Services, and is the author of two books. Dr. Plump holds membership in the National Alliance of Black School Educators and Phi Delta Kappa Educational Honors Fraternity. He and his wife Sonya have two girls, Jhana and Jalyn.

DR. DAVID ROWLAND Dr. Rowland served as President and later as Chancellor Walker College from 1956 through 1995.

He hasOfserved the Officers Association, Industrial Development Board, Alabama Surface Mining Commission and the Walker County Senior Resource Council. He has received various honors throughout his career including the Paul Harris Fellow, The Silver Beaver Award and the Alabama Senior Hall of Fame.

In recent years he has spent his time volunteering at local non-profit agencies and developing real estate.

He has been instrumental in revitalizing downtown Jasper. Most recently, he had an Interstate 22 Bridge dedicated in his name.

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BOBBY JOE SEALES Bobby Joe Seales is the keeper of Shelby County’s most historic treasures, but if you ask most anyone in Shelby County, or the state of Alabama, for that matter, Bobby Joe is a treasure himself.

Retired as Executive Director of the Shelby County Museum and Archives, he is active with the Alabama Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Alabama Cemetery Preservation Alliance, the Friends of the Alabama Archives Board, the Good Citizenship Medal and Certificate and the Alabama Association of Historians. state promoting the 200th Alabama Bicentennial.

JEANETTE SMITH Jeanette has been a achiever all her life.

She received The Austin Cup - given to the outstanding business graduate at University of Alabama. She was a vital member of First Methodist Church, contributing in various capacities including teaching Sunday School and serving as board member of North Alabama Methodist Foundation. In 2006 as a consequence of losing her beloved son in an auto accident, she established The Samuel Lee Smith Advised Fund. This fund helps local financial disadvantaged and special needs children. She taught a free art and reading program for five years and received The Jasper Community Service Award.

PATTI MUNGENAST SMITH Patti was born into a military family of seven boys and seven girls.

She blazed a trail for female attorneys in Shelby County as the first female Assistant District Attorney and the first female District Court Judge. She finished out her 34-year legal career with a six-year term on the Alabama Supreme Court. In retirement she volunteers with the Diocese of Birmingham and Saint Mark the Evangelist. Her latest project is acquiring gently used clothing for the Birmingham Catholic Center of Concern near Legion Field, Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Gate City and Forgotten Children Ministries in Honduras.

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JOYCE T. SPIELBERGER

Joyce is the Interim Executive Director of the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center, dedicated to teaching the lessons of the Holocaust. She is the former Executive Director of Magic Moments. For eleven years, Joyce served as Director of Community Relations for the Birmingham Jewish Federation, creating interfaith and cultural dialogue groups widely acclaimed and serving as models in other communities. Her current Board service includes CJFS and HICA. She also serves on Leadership Birmingham’s Executive Council.

In 2017, Joyce received the distinguished NCCJ Brotherhood/ Sisterhood Award. Joyce is married to Maury Shevin and has two sons, Richard and Mitchell Spielberger.

STEPHEN R. STEINMETZ, M.D.

Dr. Steinmetz is a practicing Plastic Surgeon in Birmingham. He graduated from University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1984 and has been in practice for over 25 years. He and his wife Stephanie are raising 2 sons, Charlie and Jack. Dr. Steinmetz’s nominator says “Both of their children are truly a testament to what wonderful people they are. Dr. Steinmetz is one of the most compassionate and caring surgeons I have ever had the pleasure to work with. His dedication to his patients and his willingness to drop everything when a patient is in need is rare.”

LETHA STUCKEY Letha is the Director of Quality Control for Camp Fire. She grew up in Atmore, where her father was the Escambia County Circuit Judge and her mother was the high school English teacher and principal. Letha’s experience spans over 50 years and includes social work, establishing Durham, N.C. Watts Hospital’s first Social Services Department. She served as President and CEO of Stuckey’s Office Equipment, Inc. and held management positions for Alabama’s Department of Public Health, Department of Children’s Affairs, and the Department of Senior Services. She retired in 2016, and continues serving others and communities through the work of Camp Fire and Camp Fletcher.

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DR. WAYNE VICKERS Dr. Vickers has more than 27 years’ experience as a teacher and administrator in Alabama public school districts. He has served as principal at the elementary, middle and high school levels, with additional experience at the district and state level. In 2013, he was the first superintendent for the newly-formed Alabaster City School System with over 6,000 students across six campuses. Now, he is leading a $100 million construction project with plans for a new high school facility. Dr. Vickers is married to Pamela Copeland Vickers, and they have two sons, Jordan, a student at UA and Will, a student at Thompson High School.

CHRIS D. WALKER Chris worked at the Jefferson County Department of Human Resources for 20 years before taking a position at UAB as the BSW Field Director for 18 years. During her career, she has provided services for the Fresh Air Farm Program, a non-profit program in Birmingham for low-income families and children at-risk; provided afterschool programs to address children’s needs in school; has been a consultant with Kindred Care Hospices and Serenity Palliative/Hospice Care; served on the Boards of Directors at the Exchange Club Family Skills Center and Advisory Council for Positive Maturity Senior Companion Program.

DONNA WHITLOCK Donna is a retired registered nurse who worked at Brookwood Baptist and UAB Medicine for over 20 years. She now fills her time helping others. She volunteers at My Sisters Closet, and helps those in the Birmingham area and outside the state by donating and collecting items and getting others to do the same. She also travels abroad and assists people in other countries. She takes pride in her neighborhood and picks up trash daily. Donna is also very active and walks several miles daily, bikes and works out. Her nominator adds, “She has a beautiful spirit and loving heart.”

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AMANDA WILSON Amanda has lived in Birmingham for 39 years and worked as a speech pathologist at Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital until her retirement. After her son came out as gay, Amanda became very involved in PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and has been Executive Director of the organization since 2011. The issue of family acceptance is Amanda’s driving passion. She has also been active in: Magic City Acceptance Project, The LGBTQ Fund, of which she is now chair of the Advisory Board, T.A.K.E. (Transgender, Awareness, Knowledge and Education), The Cash For College program of Alabama Possible, and Leadership Birmingham.

JIM WINDSOR

Jim has worked with the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau for 20 years. In his position as Director of Web Marketing, he addresses an international community about Birmingham and the many reasons travelers should visit the city. He has completed a new website for the CVB that includes extensive information on the Birmingham area’s many neighborhoods, giving tourists details on experiencing the city in full. Jim is also “the voice of Birmingham” through his use of social media. His work with the CVB contributes significantly to the $4.1 billion annual economic impact of tourism on the Birmingham area.

DALE WISELY PH.D. Dr. Wisely has been a child and adolescent psychologist 36 years, and is the current Director of StudentforServices at Mountain Brook Schools. He

participated in the training and mentorship of many psychologists in the Birmingham area. A passionate advocate for the safety and well-being of youth, Dr. Wisely has worked on awareness and prevention of teen suicide, underage drinking and drug abuse and prevention of motor vehicle accidents among teenagers. He is a busy and popular speaker for both professional and lay audiences. He has served on multiple non-profit boards.

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MIKE VEST

In addition to his current two-term Shelby County Commissioner position, Mike serves as the Executive Director of the Addiction Prevention Coalition. He has been an Executive Director of the Birmingham Athletic Partnership, Executive Director of the Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness & Sports, and Community & Corporate Relations Director at Knight Eady Sports Group. He has served on several boards, including Positive Maturity; BBBS of Greater Birmingham & Shelby County (past chairman; Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness & Sports (past chairman); A. G. Gaston Boys & Girls Clubs; and The DAY Program.

WILLIAM M. MILLER AWARD LOIS (MAMA) COLEMAN FOUNDER In the mid-1980s, Lois Coleman began taking abandoned girls into her own home. Soon she was called “Mama Lois.” Mama Lois had a vision: to open a village of homes for girls in foster care. In 1992, at age 69, Mama Lois opened the first home on the Grace House campus. Grace House has grown to include eight properties, four of them homes with room for 28 girls ages six to twenty-one. While retired from day to day operations, Mama Lois still loves to visit Grace House and share her love and wisdom with the girls that call it home.

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​2017.18 BOARD OF DIRECTORS BIANCA ALLEN- PRESIDENT RETIRED, BELLSOUTH GARY HETZEL- VICE PRESIDENT BATES & HETZEL PC WANDA MCKOY- TREASURER, CHAIR TOP 50 OVER 50 EP&P LYNN KLINNER- SECRETARY RETIRED BRETT SCHAFFER- MEMBER AT LARGE REGIONS BANK CHERIE WOODARD RSVP VOLUNTEER KELLIE MOMAN ASPIRE RANDOLPH FOWLER ACIPCO KATHRYN BRUGGE SOUTHERN FINANCIAL GROUP RYAN ROBNETT COMFORCARE HOME HEALTH JANE KOEHLER RETIRED TRACY CAUSEY DRAYER PHYSICAL THERAPY CRYSTAL CRIM MIDDLE ALABAMA AREA AGENCY ON AGING TONI WILSON ANESTHESIOLOGY AND ASSOCIATES JENNIFER HALL COMMUNITY ADVOCATE JESTINA HOWARD BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART KEVIN COLLINS REGIONS BANK BRENDA LADUN ABC 33/40 JOHN EPPENGER RETIRED, BELLSOUTH

148 CITY GUIDE 2018

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Rojo has become a Birmingham favorite since Clark Lopez and Laney DeJonge opened it sixteen years ago in June, 2002.

Rojo is a neighborhood bar and restaurant that is a great place to hang out with your friends on the patio and enjoy the beautiful view of Rushton Park and the surrounding Highland Park.

Rojo is known for its Sidewalk Salons, art shows, music, pub quiz, soccer viewings and other events in its side room (also

2921 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205

available for private parties). Rojo also raises money all year long for local charities with its 10% Tuesday events. Rojo is known for its 2-sided menu that offers both Latin and American dishes with choices including tacos, quesadilla, hot wings, burgers, salads, and many more. Clark and Laney appreciate all the support they have gotten over the past 16 years from the community and hope to stay open many more years to come.

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Tre Luna Catering is a unique, family owned company that will help plan your special occasion from start to finish. With over twenty years of culinary and service experience, Tre Luna Catering will bring your special event to life. From your magical-dream wedding to office parties and wine dinners, or even just a quaint gathering of your closest friends, we provide you with everything you need. What separates us from other caterers is our ability to provide you with specially designed menus that we customize for you. Let us bring the restaurant experience to you.

At Tre Luna Catering, we understand the work that goes into planning an event, and making it a unique, one-of-a-kind experience for your guests. We feel that your menu should reflect those efforts. Using only the freshest ingredients available, Tre Luna Catering’s culinary experts and Catering Directors work with you to design a menu that embodies the personality of your event. From intimate dinners with a personal chef to 2513 5th Avenue South

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Photography by Sara Walker

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METRO

CURIOUS WITH JOEY KENNEDY

There’s no place like Birmingham

By Joey Kennedy

W

hen I moved from Louisiana to Alabama 41 years ago, I didn’t know much about Birmingham.

I was as curious then as I am now, but I was moving to Cullman, to work for the Cullman Times, so I focused my research on Cullman.

What I knew about Birmingham was that it was famous for college football and the Civil Rights Movement. That’s about it.

Oh, and one other item. This 1974 song

by Randy Newman: “Birmingham Birmingham The greatest city in Alabam’ You can travel ’cross this entire land But there’s no place like Birmingham.”

After four years, though, I’d moved from Cullman to Pell City to Anniston, and, finally, to the greatest city in Alabam’ in 1981 to work for The Birmingham News. I was thrilled to be here, the big city for me, and really began to learn the ‘Ham. I was one of those reporters who spent time in the newspaper’s library reading old newspaper clips. I’d drive all over Jefferson County, getting to know the lay of the land.

I decided then, in my early years at The News, that there was no other city for me. Birmingham is big enough to find plenty to do, yet small enough to drive across town in 10 or 15 minutes, if one didn’t hit a rush hour.

Since coming to the city, my wife, Veronica, and I have never lived outside Birmingham proper. We’ve lived on the east side, the southwest side and, now, on the Southside, right behind UAB. Like most young journalists who do their jobs well, I had other job offers, at bigger cities and bigger newspapers, but why?

We were happy in Birmingham, and still are.

For the longest time, Birmingham simply would not positively acknowledge its history involving the Civil Rights Movement, the water cannons, the dogs. The News, in the early and mid-1960s, didn’t do a great job covering the movement. But the national media did, during the marches downtown

led by Martin Luther King, Jr. and Fred Shuttlesworth.

And then in September 1963, the terrible bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church left four little girls dead and others injured. The world was watching.

Joan Baez commemorated that tragedy a year later: “Come round by my side and I’ll sing you a song, Sing it so softly, it’ll do no one wrong.

Birmingham Sunday, the blood ran like wine And the choirs kept singing of freedom …

On Birmingham Sunday a noise shook the ground, And people all over the earth turned around.

For no one recalled a more cowardly sound, And the choirs kept singing of freedom.”

Finally, in the early 1990s, led by Birmingham’s first African-American mayor Richard Arrington Jr., the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute opened. It draws visitors from all over the place, but if you live in Birmingham or nearby and haven’t been there, you are missing out. The Civil Rights Institute had plenty of opposition, but mainly from those who’d rather ignore the city’s vital history than be forced to acknowledge it.

Indeed, now the Birmingham Civil Rights District is a cultural tourism destination and a designated National Monument.

Visitors and residents alike can follow the Civil Rights Trail throughout Birmingham to various important sites in the city.

For many of us, we’re proud of the role Birmingham played in the Civil Rights Movement, though much of that history is brutally painful.

Oh, there was another song I’d heard before coming here, but not one I’d really listened to until I arrived: “Sweet Home Alabama,” with one verse in particular: “In Birmingham they love the Gov’nor, boo-hoo-hoo.

Now we all did what we could do.

Now Watergate does not bother me Does your conscience bother you, tell

Joey Kennedy, a Pulitzer Prize winner, writes B-Curious for B-Metro every month. Email: joeykennedy@me.com.

152 CITY GUIDE 2018

the truth.”

Lynyrd Skynyrd, a Florida band, didn’t know the city’s history very well. Before living here, I thought maybe the people did love the governor, George C. Wallace. But after I got here, I learned that, indeed, not only did the people not like Wallace, but Wallace didn’t like Birmingham. It’s one reason Wallace made sure the city was the last place in Alabama where the Interstate Highway System was completed— and that, after I’d moved to the state.

Today, Birmingham has come a long way. Yes, we have challenges—rundown neighborhoods, crime, roads and bridges.

But residents are moving back into the city, too. They’re living in condos and apartments downtown or on the edges. We’re one of the best foodie cities in the nation, known better now for our restaurants than football. We have some of the most outstanding green spaces of anywhere. Our museums and restored theatres are amazing.

Years ago, Birmingham moved away from the steel and other polluting industries it needed to survive, toward service industries, high tech, and education that are helping it grow. UAB is one of the nation’s better research and medical centers. The city and area are attracting high-tech jobs and will soon have a large Amazon distribution facility. In 2021, we host the World Games.

Birmingham struggled for the longest time, trying to overcome poor leadership, a weak economy, a poor reputation.

While it is not always easy to recruit workers to the city, once people visit, they very often are surprised at what they find.

Birmingham may not have arrived yet, but it’s arriving.

And Randy Newman’s 1974 song is more true than ever: “Birmingham Birmingham The greatest city in Alabam’ You can travel ‘cross this entire land But there’s no place like Birmingham.”

•

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