My Mountain Brook

KRISTI TINGLE HIGGINBOTHAM

Singer, Actress & Pilates Instructor

Beauty in Bloom

Martha’s Garden

Martha was a lovely lady when I was growing up at Canterbury United Methodist. Any time a baby was born, she would take a rose to that family, and she did it until she could barely walk. The church dedicated this garden in her memory. I went to visit the other day and thought, “This is truly a beautiful place!”

A Village Mainstay

Crestline Pharmacy

The main two pharmacists there have just retired, and they were so caring and knew so much about my family, not to mention I love the shop up front. I have bought so many things there and at the Christmas Shoppe, and I see everyone I know when I am there.

Where It All Started

MBHS Performing Arts Center

The stage at Mountain Brook High School is where the bug bit me for musical theatre, and we did performances on the gym stage, which is nothing like the beautiful auditorium we have now. I have been asked back and performed on that stage, and then for the 50th anniversary of the school they asked former Miss Olympian pageant winners to come back. Here I am pictured that night with other former Miss Olympians Susanne Berry Thomas, Lisa Paden Gaines and Leigh Ann Friday Strickland.

A Family Favorite

Bongiorno Italian Restaurant

When the Magnolia family first opened Bongiorno, it was my parents’ favorite place, and we have so many memories there. They would send food when my mother was ill too. I like a fish piccata dish and the cheese ravioli there, and my parents loved their martinis and hospitality.

The Ballroom Tradition

Steeple Arts

I have such fond memories of the awkwardness of the boys asking you to dance during ballroom lessons, and Ms. Coates would walk around and try to teach us all etiquette. Afterward we would walk to a pizza place called Pasquale’s. Now some nights the Central Alabama Theatre uses the stage there, and I have been asked to do a show there and have gone to many musical shows there.