Birmingham AL 2023-24

Renovations

to increase home value

Personalization: We all want to make our home unique to our own character. However, when it comes time to sell, buyers want to envision themselves in the home, which can be difficult if the entire home is personalized to you. Avoid any personalization that is difficult to undo and stick to a nice universal outlook that speaks to everyone.

Landscaping: Just like with personalizing, it’s best to keep it simple. Some home buyers may love how elaborate your landscaping may look, but most of the time they’re considering the cost of upkeep or the difficulty of maintaining that look. A clean lawn with curb appeal is the best first impression to give to potential buyers.

Closet Space: Some of us are minimalist and can do with a larger room by sacrificing closet space, but most potential buyers value the importance of storage. Remember, buyers want to see themselves living in the home, and a lack of closet space might send them looking elsewhere.

Bold Paint: Freshly painted rooms are a great way to brighten up your home. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a little color into your home but keep in mind that buyers may not favor the same colors you do. Stick to keeping the colors subtle with small accents and focus more on neutral tones to appeal to potential buyers.

Trendy Designs: Barn doors and patterned tiles may look great to some buyers, but avoid trendy designs that might be outdated when you decide to sell. No matter how tempting the latest home design trend may be, the classic look is always the safest bet.

DIY Projects: Projects that you build yourself are great, but only when they’re done professionally. This is important to potential buyers so make sure if you’re going to do your own home project, that you do it exceptionally well. This also applies to repairs, quick cover ups will only get you so far. These sort of projects can either increase or decrease the value of your home so make sure you know what you’re doing before proceeding.

Long-Term Necessities: When it comes to renovations, keep in mind that not every buyer needs a built in office desk, or a workshop, or anything that may seem like a great idea to you. Tread carefully when adding permanent fixtures, not all buyers have the same vision as you when it comes to changes made. Make sure your room structures allow the flexibility for potential buyers to make their own changes.

Restaurants

The Southern Kitchen And Bar

Lively, rustic-chic haunt offering elevated Southern dishes, cocktails & TVs tuned to sports.

2301 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N #300, Birmingham, AL 35203

Phone: (205) 278-7270 | Web: thesouthernbirmingham.com

Half Shell Oyster House Birmingham

Upscale-casual Southern seafood restaurant/bar serving oysters & po’ boys, plus steak & cocktails.

616 29th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233

Phone: (205) 882-8080 | Web: halfshelloysterhouse.com

Gianmarco’s Restaurant

Fine Italian cuisine in a sophisticated dining room with white tablecloths & romantic lighting.

721 Broadway St, Birmingham, AL 35209

Phone: (205) 871-9622 | Web: gianmarcosbhm.com

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?

Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

Chez Fonfon

Classic French bistro outfitted with antique furnishings & a court for playing a game of boules.

2007 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205

Bistro Two Eighteen

French-inspired bistro fare such as duck confit in a brick-walled space with a warm & intimate vibe.

218 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203

The Essential Trendy contemporary American cafe offering lunch, dinner & weekend brunch, plus specialty cocktails.

2018 Morris Ave, Birmingham, AL 35203

Yo’ Mama’s Counter-serve spot making chicken & waffles along with other Southern eats for breakfast & lunch.

2328 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

SAW’s Soul Kitchen

Humble BBQ spot with pig decor specializing in Southern soul food like pulled pork & banana pudding.

215 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222

The Rougaroux

Popular spot offering po’ boys, gumbo & other Cajun classics in a quaint house with patio seating.

817 39th St S, Birmingham, AL 35222

Lé Fresca

Familiar Italian trattoria offering pizza, pasta & other traditional fare, plus a robust wine list.

2218 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

Surin West

Sushi & curry specialist known for its coconut soup & curries in a colorful spot with a full bar.

1918 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205

JUL 29

Ensley Renaissance Festival 2023

The much-anticipated Ensley Renaissance Festival is back to ignite the streets of Ensley with a remarkable celebration of unity, diversity, and local talent. On Saturday, July 29, the entire community is invited to gather at Tuxedo Ballroom for a day filled with music, food, kid activities and countless memories that will resonate for years to come. Learn more at ensleyrenaissancefestival.com.

JUL 29

Birmingham Freedom Fest

Birmingham Freedom Fest is a celebration of heritage, an innovative event to celebrate the triumphs of the city’s Civil Rights history and its commitment to forging a united future. Details at freedomfestbhm.com.

AUG

19

Magic City Mimosa Festival

Bring your 21+ crew to Magic City Mimosa Festival for an afternoon of bottomless mimosas, food vendors, entertainment, and much more fun! In addition to the great drinks, delicious food, and entertainment, there will be plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Challenge your friends to a game of cornhole, giant Jenga, or other lawn games available throughout the event. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Aug 19

Dragon Boat Race & Festival

We are so excited to be back for the 3rd Annual Mitchell’s Place Dragon Boat Race and Festival this year. Featuring a Bloody Mary Contest! Visit eventbrite.com for details.

AUG 26

20th Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival

Since 2003, the festival has remained one of the most anticipated events of the summer bringing together artists, vendors, and the entire

community for food, fun and tons of entertainment. The Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival is organized and managed by Urban Impact, Incorporated, a non-profit 501c3 organization and is FREE and open to the public. Learn more at 4thavenuejazz.org.

Sep 9

Rhema Word Fall Festival

There will be free fun, free food and free rides for people of all ages. Visit 987kiss.com for details.

Sep 15-24

Alabama State Fair

Exciting Attractions & Shows. All Your Favorite Fair Food. Spectacular Carnival Rides & Kiddie Rides. Safe, Clean Family Fun! For admission rates, tickets, list of rides and vendors, visit alabamastatefair.com.

SEP 22

Furnace Fest

Furnace Fest is an American music festival held over three days at the Sloss Furnaces National Historical Landmark in Birmingham, Alabama. This year brings another highly attractive lineup for fans of punk, hardcore, metalcore and the like. Learn more at furnacefest.us.

OCT 5

Greek Food Festival 50th Anniversary

After 50 years of delicious food, festive music and dancing, and Greek culture, the Greek Food Festival needs no introduction to anyone who has lived in Birmingham for even a few years. For those who have not experienced this three-day weekend celebration, now is the time. Learn more at birminghamgreekfestival.net.

OCT 15

Outlaw Music Festival

Back for another year, country music legend Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival tours North America with an incredible and exciting line up. The continued on page

festival will present a diverse range of artists across country, rock and Americana. Learn more at birmingham-theater.com.

NOV 1

Christmas Village Festival

Held annually at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, Christmas Village Festival is an Alabama tradition with deep roots not only in Alabama hearts, but in the hearts of customers all across the United States. While some shoppers make a day or it, others have decided that one day is just not enough Visit christmasvillagefestival.com.

NOV 4

18th Annual Moss Rock Festival

Grab friends and family and get outside to the Moss Rock Festival at The Preserve in Hoover. Explore Nature, SmartLIVING, Art + Design at Alabama’s premier eco-creative festival. Innovation, imagination, and fun await 10,000 visitors under a blanket of fall colors at this idyllic neighborhood setting adjacent to Hoover’s own 350 acre Moss Rock Preserve. Learn more at mossrockfestival.com.

JAN 18 2024

Birmingham Boat Show

The boat show is now the oldest and largest in the State of Alabama and has been an Alabama tradition since 1972. With over 250,000 square feet, the Show highlights the latest in Boats, Motors, Fishing gear, Guides, Outfitters and related outdoor gear. Visit birminghamboatshow.com.

MAR 17 2024

40th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Five Points South

Join us for a full day of Irish food and beverage deals from Five Points South bars and restaurants along with live music from 11 a.m. to late. Celebrate responsibly! Eat, drink and be green in Five Points! Learn more at stpatsfivepoints.com.

With lodging, food and entertainment all included in one price, choosing to do a vacation on a cruise gives great value. Traveling on the sea can be extremely fun, but it is important to choose the correct cruise line. If you’re going to spend a lot of your vacation time on a cruise ship, it may as well be one of luxury. Thankfully, there’s many luxury cruise lines ready to cater to your every

whim while ferrying you to and from some of the world’s most mesmerizing destinations in plush comfort. Some offer exotic voyages to faraway destinations, while others attract travelers with comfortable cabins and stimulating enrichment programs. Use this guide as a starting point to find out which luxury cruise fits best for your next vacation.

We made a list that factors in itinerary affordability, health ratings, and reputation among experts and travelers.

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SILVERSEA OCEANIA

REGENT SEVEN SEAS

EATING THE PSYCHOLOGY

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

Control

weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

ConsumptionSome of us more than others realize that what we eat can effect how we feel such as eating too little or too much. We should be able to enjoy what we eat but also feel better when we do.

Eating healthy is a challenging task that many of us

strive to achieve but often fall short.

InfluencesCultural, social, family, and economical factors may be a direct influence linked to our food and eating behaviors. However, a more serious influence such as stress, boredom and anxiety can play a larger role as many of us eat as a coping mechanism. Although it can

sometimes help bring relief and ease feelings, it often leads to regret and build more negativity. Avoiding the problem with food will often create another problem with self-image when suffering from weight gain or other negative affects caused by unhealthy eating.

Weight ManagementHere are tips to help you manage your weight.

For starters, never skip a meal. By skipping a meal, you’re allowing yourself to become

hungry later which can result in reckless binge eating. Be sure to plan your meals ahead of time and limit night time snacking. This will allow you to always be one step ahead

of your weight by creating a routine. If you’re getting a craving between meals, try to exercise or find another way to distract yourself from food.

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Eating Diary - This is a great tool to keep track of your eating habits. Record what food you eat and when you eat it. Also take note of how you feel after eating and if you were doing anything while eating such as using your phone or watching TV.

By recording your habits, you will be able to pinpoint which foods and activities to avoid. The diary can also assist you when you’re working with a dietitian to help you make the best decisions.

CITY OF BIRMINGHAM + LGBTQ AFFAIRS

Mayor Woodfin and the City of Birmingham are committed to the fair treatment of all Birmingham residents including lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ) residents, workers and visitors. We work hard to best serve all LGBTQ individuals who reside in Birmingham. BIRMINGHAMAL.GOV|(205)-254-2608

MAGIC CITY WELLNESS CENTER

BAO’s Magic City Wellness Center (MCWC) is the first LGBTQ comprehensive healthcare facility in Alabama. The MCWC provides a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ individuals to have an open dialogue with a healthcare provider without fear of rejection, embarrassment, or discrimination.

MAGICCITYWELLNESSCENTER.ORG|205.877.8677

SOUTHERN PRIDE- A GUIDE TO BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA’S LGBTQ SCENE

This article features some of the LGBTQ-friendly offerings residents of Birmingham enjoy – and why more members of the LGBTQ community may want to consider calling Birmingham home. LIVABILITY.COM

BIRMINGHAM AIDS OUTREACH

BAO has been saving and transforming lives since 1985 as Alabama’s first AIDS Service Organization. Today BAO provides free services to over 800 HIV-positive individuals and touches thousands of lives through community events, HIV testing, and prevention outreach. BIRMINGHAMAIDSOUTREACH.ORG|205.322.4197

TAKE BIRMINGHAM

TAKE Birmingham stands for “Transgender Advocates Knowledgeable and Empowering”; this group is just that. The organization has transformed into a wider organization that advocates for equal housing, support for sex workers, trans-friendly services, fights against trans discrimination in the workplace, and works to alleviate the many other barriers that trans men and women of color face. TAKEBHM.ORG

APR 19 2024

2024 Gardendale Magnolia Festival

The Gardendale Magnolia Festival is the Total Family Experience: While mom and grandma are shopping at over 160 vendor booths, dad and grandpa can enjoy the classic car show. Kids of all ages will enjoy the midway carnival while the younger children can ride ponies or take advantage of the free art classes all day Saturday. The whole family will enjoy two free stages of live entertainment and lots of unique food vendors. Learn more at magnoliafestival.org.

MAY 3 2024

Birmingham Hot Air Balloon Fest 2024

Bring the whole family out for a great family fun time! See incredible Hot Air Balloons, check that bucket list and get a ride on a tethered Hot Air Balloon! There will be a laser show & DJ music by a variety of artists, lots of craft & retail vendors with tons of cool and interesting items for sale, food vendors with plenty of fantastic festival style food to choose from and more! Learn more at allevents.in.

JUN 1 2024

Central Alabama Pride

In June 2024, Central Alabama Pride will present a celebration of Pride in The Magic City that begins on June 1st and culminates with the annual day-long Pridefest celebration. With over 100 entries already registered; CAP is preparing for another record-breaking Pride parade in Lakeview. Throughout the 12 days, expect drag superstars and many more of RuPaul’s queens, as well as signers and dancers. Learn more at centralalabamapride.org.