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SHOPPING

handmade jewelry, handbags, scarves and more. Pieces by local artists (mostly wearable) are available as well. Charm buys costume jewelry and ac- cessories, so take a look in your jewelry box before you go! It is fresh, fun and it embodies downtown-girl style. Walton C.

DanielDay Gallery / Dream Mecca Studio 3025 6th Ave S 205-731-9420 BIRMINGHAM

The DanielDay Gallery and Dream Mecca Studio is home to local artists of every kind. With gallery openings, painting classes, live bands and more, DanielDay is committed to promoting art and music that connects with everyone not just fine art enthusiasts. This ethos carries over to their original works, which are priced affordably so that people from all walks of life can appreciate them. This is my favorite place for art. Not just local art, but art period. Jamie S.

Downtown Homewood homewoodal.net HOMEWOOD

Cartographers and architects alike have been studying the

Downtown Homewood region for years in an effort to deter- mine how so many chic shop- ping destinations can fit into such a cozy space. Okay, not really, but with so many shops and boutiques nestled together into just a few blocks, there s truly something for everyone in Downtown Homewood (and you don t have to wear your feet out finding it). People who say I could spend a whole day in Downtown Homewood aren t shopping hard enough. I could spend a week there. Meredith W.

Faith Skate Supply 2328 2nd Ave N 205-244-1102 BIRMINGHAM

For over 15 years, this 2,000-square-foot space has been the go-to place for all things skateboarding in down- town Birmingham. The staff members are so nice, and the owner supports local skateboarding by hosting lots of fun events and contests for the kids. Lexi K.

Fireflies and Fairytales 611 Doug Baker Blvd 205-408-5808 HOOVER

Owned by three sisters, this sweet children s shop has ev-

erything you need to outfit your little ones in unique clothing. Shop for a cause! A portion of the proceeds from this children s clothing store goes to a founda- tion that supports children who have lost a parent to cancer. Kathleen B.

Fretted Instruments of Homewood 2906 Linden Ave 205-879-8489 HOMEWOOD The name says it all. If you own or you d like to own a fret- ted instrument of any kind, this is the place to start. For almost forty years now, owner Herb Trotman has been the source for buying, repairing, and learn- ing how to play guitars, banjos, mandolins, and more. I bought my first guitar and learned how to play it all at the same place. And, naturally, that s where I go for any repairs I need. Eddie B.

Garden Shop of Homewood 307 Oxmoor Rd 205-445-1010 HOMEWOOD

This small urban oasis can help you with all of your landscaping needs, from mulch to hanging plants to garden accessories and gifts. For the gardening nov-

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