Sponsored Content
Retail therapy really can be therapeutic, especially if it’s a trip with girlfriends.
In Birmingham, the Greater Birmingham CVB has put a spotlight on shopping adventures with its Girls Wanna Have Fun itinerary. The itinerary is a great starting place, says the CVB’s Sara Hamlin, and she and her staff will gladly help planners tailor it for their group. Here are some of the itinerary’s highlights.
Four shopping destinations
Each of Birmingham’s four compact, walkable shopping destinations is a little different. In Homewood, one of the city’s nicest suburbs, 18th Street is like an old-fashioned main street. Among the essential stops there are The Cottage Basket, where gift wares wow customers; Alabama Goods, for take-homes like sweet tea, tee shirts or a Dreamland barbecue gift box; and Theodora Abbeyluxe, a boutique with warm welcomes and cool clothes. For an energy boost, Savage’s Bakery and Deli, in business since 1939, supplies cinnamon rolls and other treats. In Mountain Brook, shoppers find the high-end boutiques and upscale stores expected of
Alabama’s wealthiest suburb. Women flock to Village Sportswear, Beverly Ruff and Marguerite’s Conceits as well as A’mano, where merchandise is handmade, one of a kind or of outstanding design.
On a larger scale, The Summit and the Outlet Shops of Grand River serve up national chains in pleasant shopping centers. The Summit’s nearly 100 stores and restaurants include chains like Ann Taylor, Anthropologie, Lululemon, Tory Burch, Urban Outfitters and West Elm. The Outlet Shops has bargain branches of brands like Loft, Old Navy, Nike, Chico’s, Michael Kors and Coach as well as Artists Incorporated, with works by Alabama artists, and University Pickers, with more than 100 booths selling anything from steam punk to shabby chic. The Outlet Shops go all out for motorcoaches, with a welcome, discount coupons and a stipend for the driver’s lunch.
Sip and take in the scenery
When the stores close, shoppers can sit, have a sip, socialize and enjoy the scenery from a rooftop bar or patio. Thanks to mild climate and portable heaters, it’s a year round treat.
At Zelda’s Lounge at the Marble Ring, the rooftop patio is posh; cozy nooks inside include chords to pull for service. Getting into the bar is a trip; a secret phone booth is involved.
In Mountain Brook, plush purple Victorian chairs with views of the village snuggle around a fire pit at the Grand Bohemian Hotel’s Habitat Feed and Social rooftop bar. Roots and Revelry’s city-view terrace looks out on downtown Birmingham. It’s on the second floor of the restored Thomas Jefferson Tower. Far above the city streets is Moon Shine, a rooftop bar at the top of the 17-story Elyton Hotel, where Southern-influenced eats pair with contemporary cocktails. On the rooftop patio at Carrigan’s Public House downtown, a tequila-based She’s Hot, She’s Smoking is the perfect drink to toast a successful end to a Birmingham shopping expedition.
For more information, contact:
Sara Hamlin
Greater Birmingham CVB
800-458-8085 or 205-458-8000
