Nashville denizens are known to regularly burn up the blacktop between here and the sugar-white sands of the Florida Gulf Coast. Heading southward on I-65? Birmingham, Alabama is an easy halfway point. Known as the Magic City for the explosive growth this southern city experienced with its steel production in the last century, Birmingham is way more than just a highway exchange to navigate on your road trip.
We suggest bookending your next beach trip with a 24-hour stay in one of Birmingham’s most charming hamlets, Mountain Brook. Incorporated in 1942 and comprised of three villages (Mountain Brook, Crestline and English Villages) Mountain Brook’s strength lies in its walkability, hospitality and charm. An extensive network of sidewalks connects area greenways with each village, giving visitors a true community feel.
Where to Stay
Book a room at The Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook Village. This Kessler property is perfectly situated to almost everything you will want to see and do in this tiny neighborhood. Located just across the street from the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the décor of the hotel riffs on that proximity with its “botanic-chic” aubergine walls and grand floral displays. Should you need to top off your road trip-weary Tesla, there is a bank of charging stations immediately adjacent to the rear of the property.
What to Do
Open 365 days a year and free to the public, The Birmingham Botanical Gardens are a true gem. With advance notice, the Friends of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens offer guided tours seven days a week. Highlights here include the Conservatory, the Japanese Gardens and the Southern Living Garden. A visit to the Leaf & Petal Garden Shop is also a must.
Where to Shop
Mountain Brook is an incredibly walkable community, with an extensive network of sidewalks connecting all three villages. Getting in some cardio or just enjoying a local stroll is as easy as lacing up your Hokas. Of course, if you prefer to pair your cardio with retail therapy, Mountain Brook has you covered. Each village has their own vibe so be sure to make time for each.
Shop Mountain Brook Village
Table Matters: Discover upscale wares for entertaining including Juliska, Herend and William Yeoward Crystal. Maison: Owner Pam Evans’ well-edited shop is a testament to the clean lines and statement pieces that underscore her design aesthetic. B. Prince: Store owner Bezhan and his sister Simin shop the world to bring design-forward clothing to this corner of Birmingham.
Shop Crestline Village
Smith’s Variety Store: A Mountain Brook institution, Smith’s has anything and everything you never knew you needed: high-end ribbon for hairbows, candles, stationery, balloons, board games and lawn toys. You just have to experience it to fully understand.
Shop English Village
Bossi Leisure: Find super stylish active- and athleisure-wear and accessories for women on the go. Lé Weekend: When your goals include staying young, hip and stylish, Lé Weekend is your destination. Think Kule, Derek Lam and Ann Mashburn.
Where To Dine
Each of the three Mountain Brook villages hosts a bevy of great restaurants and fun spots for grabbing a drink and a nibble. These are our favorites:
Mountain Brook Village
Golden Age Wine Shop & Bar: Pop in for a glass of bubbly and a charcuterie board, make some new friends or just people watch. You can’t go wrong in the right spot, and this is it. daniel george: Famous for their vegetable plate, this white tablecloth joint does so many things well. Bonus points for taking reservations and being quiet enough to hear your tablemates.
Crestline Village
Slim’s Pizzeria: A neighborhood pizza joint that is anything but run-of-the-mill. The chef is a Frank Stitt alum with serious kitchen chops reflected in everything from the décor, to the cocktails, the wine list to the chewy-crisp bite of the crust. Go early to grab a table; you won’t regret it.
English Village
Key Circle Commons: One of our favorite pre-prandial spots, pop in to enjoy a fancy cocktail and light bite with friends before heading elsewhere for dinner… Or just deciding that the grilled ham & cheese and crunchy cumin chickpeas are enough because the vibe here feels too good to leave. Continental Bakery: Paris by way of Alabama – from this charming vine-clad bakery, Carole Griffin makes the best sourdough and petit fours tout le monde.
Tune in next week for even more treasured spots halfway between home and coastline!
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