local FAVORITES

Locals always know about their hometown’s best-kept secrets and hidden gems. Here are some local insights on the best places to eat, shop, and play in the area.

Favorite restaurant: Joe’s & Barbara Gail’s

Favorite thing to do: We love Gateway Park because it has a great playground for the kids, and with the golf, fishing, and trails, there is something to keep the entire family entertained!

Favorite locally-owned shop: Provitt Prints is a custom T-shirt store that can turn any idea you have into something wearable.

What's special about your neighborhood: The history stands out for us. We love being so close to the St. Jude campus—it is very historic and its story is not told often enough. We also love being near Maxwell AFB and its history—fun fact: I was actually born there.

Your area’s best-kept secret: King’s Canvas is a creative space providing opportunities and access to underexposed artists in West Montgomery.

Favorite restaurant: So many to pick from! Little Donkey, Osaka or La Jolla

Favorite thing to do: Shop at Splurge, Sephora, and lululemon or Martial Arts

Lessons at Docarmo's TKD.

Favorite locally-owned shop: There's this amazing hidden gem called Alabama Surgical Arts for a relaxing facial or some anti-aging services.

What's special about your neighborhood: Everything is within a few minutes of driving distance which is so easy for families that are on the go!

Your area’s best-kept secret: The events at the Shoppes at Eastchase are for sure the area's best-kept secret. They are always so well put together and fun for friends, family, and even pets!

Favorite restaurant: Midtown Pizza Kitchen

Favorite thing to do: We love catching the spring and fall concerts in Cloverdale Bottom Park in Idlewild.

Favorite locallyowned shop: Peridot Home on, East Fairview, is a beautiful home décor and furnishings store that also sells original local art. What's special about your neighborhood: It is a diverse, unique community with a lot of walkabilities. Midtown is also home to a large percentage of the best restaurants, bars, and shops in the area.

Your area’s best-kept secret: Derks Filet & Vine has their hot bar items discounted after 5 pm.

Favorite restaurant: Island Delight for a soulful meal and the best selection of protein shakes

Favorite restaurant: Potz and Panz, BTOPSpot or La Rue

Favorite thing to do: My favorite thing to do in the area has to be going to the Montgomery Zoo.

Favorite locally-owned shop: You can alway s find the cutest items at Patricia's Boutique on Coliseum Boulevard, and BeYOUtiful Boutique is just minutes away. What's special about your neighborhood: I think what's so special about my neighborhood is my neighbors. When we see each other outside, it's all smiles, waves, and greetings!

Your area’s best-kept secret: Dixie Hardware which I literally just discovered last year.

Favorite thing to do: I enjoy taking a walk downtown with frequent stops to grab a bite to eat, chat with my neighbors, and stumble upon a cool event. And, I constantly check the MPAC schedule for upcoming concerts!

Favorite locally-owned shop: I visit the Curb Market almost every Saturday, so I get to shop with a host of local vendors like Alana's Gourmet, Wild Yeast Kitchen and others. What's special about your neighborhood: The magic in downtown Montgomery is that you'll run into everyone! I'll work from Prevail or Hilltop and spend the whole day catching up with old friends and past clients. With frequent interactions like that, all of downtown feels like home.

Your area’s best-kept secret: You really can work, play and live in downtown Montgomery.