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SHOPPING

COLONIAL BROOKWOOD VILLAGE SHADES CREEK PARKWAY (ALABAMA 149) BETWEEN U.S. 280 AND U.S. 31 SHOPBROOKWOODVILLAGE.COM

Conveniently located in Homewood right off Highway 280, shoppers find specialty stores and also larger retailers such as Macy s, Belk and Books-A-Million. Colonial Brookwood Village also houses several particularly good restaurants. Garage and courtesy valet parking is available.

DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM DOWNTOWNBIRMINGHAM.ORG

Investigating downtown shopping is an adventure in itself. Start out at BB s China & Glassware (2427 1st Ave) where you ll find an enticing assortment of dishes and glassware some bearing the logos of defunct hotels from around the country along with Fiestaware and seconds at good discounts. Walk over one block to 2nd Avenue North and you ll find Charm (2329 2nd Ave), a delightful little boutique with new and vintage handmade jewelry, purses and scarves. Just across the street is Faith Skate Supply (2328 2nd Ave. No.) for skateboarding enthusiasts. Head up the street about half a block to What s on Second (2306 2nd Ave. No.) for an eye-feast of vintage, antique and unusual items.

Move on to 20th Street to the historic Bon Ton Hatters and get your hat steam-cleaned while having best shoeshine in town. Just off 20th on Third Avenue North is a treasure trove of memories at Reed Books. Back over to 20th Street and south a few blocks is the Peanut Depot. Stop in for treats or just to see the beautiful old roasters that are still in use. Head farther 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 Birkenstocks®.