Downtown Birmingham

Description

Investigating downtown shopping is an adventure in itself. Start out at BB’s China & Glassware (2427 1st Ave. North) where you’ll find an enticing assortment of dishes and glassware, some bearing the logos of defunct hotels from around the country, along with Fiesta ware and seconds at good discounts. 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. 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 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 at The Golden Temple, where herbal supplements are sold alongside Birkenstocks®.