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SHOPPING

Brookwood Village Conveniently located in the suburb of Homewood right off 280 Highway, shoppers fi nd specialty stores as well as larger retailers such as Macy s and Books-A-Million. Also in the complex are several good restaurants. Garage and courtesy valet parking is available. Shades Creek Parkway (Alabama 149) between U.S. 280 and U.S. 31. shopbrookwoodvillage.com

Downtown Birmingham Investigating downtown shopping is an adventure in itself. Start out on 2nd Avenue North where you ll fi nd Charm (2329 2nd Ave. North), a delightful little boutique with new and vintage handmade jewelry, purses, scarves and more. Just across the street is Faith Skate Supply (2328 2nd Ave. No.) for skateboarding enthusiasts. You ll also fi nd good restaurants and bars in the 2nd Avenue area.

Move on to downtown 20th Street to the historic Bon Ton Hatters, where you can get your hat steam cleaned while you get the best shoeshine in town. Just off 20th on Third Avenue North is a treasure trove of memories at Reed Books (see Arts and Antiques section).

Head further south down 20th into historic Five Points South. A good photo background here is The Storyteller, a fountain designed by Birmingham-native sculptor Frank Fleming. While in this district, stop in at Charlemagne Record Exchange, if only for the atmosphere and the personnel. Also check out McNolia s Cards and Gifts for funky stuff and The Golden Temple, where herbal supplements are sold alongside BirkenstocksĀ®. alabama.travel/road-trips/birmingham-taking-it- to-the-streets-downtown

Downtown Homewood Old-style shopping along main street in the Birmingham suburb of Homewood includes upscale clothing shops, home decorating stores, and nationally acknowledged high-end antique galleries. A stop by Savage s Bakery, a local landmark, is a necessity. Soho Square has restaurants at sidewalk level below residential lofts. Homewood is also home to The Alabama Booksmith, an independent bookstore selling only signed editions. 18th Street (and beyond), Homewood. homewoodchamber.org

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