Of Your Favorite People, Places, Events and Things

Home , Eli Gold, Regions Field

It’s celebrating the vast REGIONS SMALL BUSINESS and rich history. It’s creative and vibrant people living and working in the Name: place they believe in and call home. It’s the city of Company: Birmingham, and it’s the city we love most. Location:

2013 Best of BhamMethodology During the month of June, Birmingham magazine readers cast more than 16,000 votes for their favorite things in 99 INNOVATION AND PERSONAL COMMITMENT – TWO WAYS REGIONS KEEPS THE WHEELS OF PROGRESS TURNING FOR SMALL BUSINESS. categories. These are the Employment Screening Services, Inc., has come a long way since its inception in 1994 as a small division of what was actually a title top three vote getters in company. In fact, this thriving business now employs 55 people and currently completes more than 1 million background checks every each category, with ties year. Recently, Sheila Benson and her company started a relationship with Regions to purchase a new state-of-the-art 10,000-square-foot noted where appropriate. facility. “People love coming to work in such a creative space,” says Sheila. “ Regions convinced me that even though it is a large bank, it could have a community bank feel. The closing 99 of your favorite people, on our building was the easiest I’ve ever experienced.” places, events and things After ﬁ nancing the building, the relationship with Regions expanded to include many services, such as Treasury Management and Regions Commercial Cards. She has even switched some of her personal accounts to Regions Private Wealth Management. “I feel extremely conﬁ dent now that Regions can take care of all our banking needs. It’s about feeling that they’re my partner,” says Sheila. To learn more about Employment Screening Services, Inc., and how Regions can help your business, visit regions.com/success.

By Melody Kitchens

Loans | Checking | Savings | Treasury Management | Wealth Management Photos by Cary Norton, Caleb Chancey, Kelly Cummings of Spindle Photography, Art Meripol and Birmingham News File Photos

© 2013 Regions Bank. All loans and lines subject to credit approval. Best Annual Event For three years in a row, Bir- Barber Vintage Motorsports Honda Indy Grand Prix mingham voters have recognized Museum | 6030 Barber Motors- 6040 Barber Motorsports that Naked Art isn’t your typical ports Parkway | 205-699-7275 | 28 gallery — in the best way pos- barbermuseum.org

) Parkway | April | 877-332-7804 | barbermotorsports.com sible. Full of life and color, Naked As a race full of excitement and Art is a meant to be enjoyed by Best Kids’ Dance Classes adrenaline, including Bo Jackson everyone. Children’s Dance Foundation -21 as last year’s Grand Marshal, the Finalists | Birmingham Museum 1715 27th Court S., Homewood |

% Grand Prix might just keep you of Art | 2000 Rev. Abraham 205-870-0073 | sitting on the edge of your seat. Woods Jr. Blvd. | 205-254-2565 childrensdancefoundation.org

)28 Regions Park, 100 Ben Chapman Drive, Hoover | 205-988-3200 | Best Charity Event here, too. The Garage Giveaway | Steeple Arts Acad- & secsports.com Finalists thegaragegiveaway.com emy of Dance | 36 Church St., Best Art Festival Described by its founders as Mountain Brook, 205-871-5893 | Bluff Park Art Show “trying to make sacriﬁces in our steepleartsdance.com | Dale Ser- 517 Cloudland Drive, Hoover | lives to help meet the needs of rano Dance Studio | 2121 Arbor

%687 Oct. 5 | our neighbors,” it’s no surprise Hill Parkway, Hoover | 205-682- bluffparkartassociation.org Garage Giveaway has made such 0800 | daleserranodance.com It started as an effort to expand an impact in the Birmingham the Bluff Park Elementary community since its launch in Best Kids’ Music Lessons School’s library, and it has since 2009. Every year on the ﬁrst Mason Music grown into the popular art show weekend of December, more 3187 Cahaba Heights Road, that it is today. The winning than 1,000 items are given away Vestavia Hills | 205-908-7059 | work of art is added to Bluff for free. masonmusicstudios.com Park’s permanent collection, Finalists | Race 4 Grace | July Whether it’s from reading their which rotates display through | race4grace.org | Do Dah Day | story on their website or hearing schools, libraries and other May | dodahday.org from word-of-mouth how much institutions. Proceeds from this people love Mason Music, it’s annual event go toward sup- Best Cultural Institution clear that owners Will and Sarah porting the arts in the greater Birmingham Museum of Art Mason are doing something right Birmingham community. 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. in the community. They offer Finalists | BBVA Compass Blvd. | 205-254-2565 | lessons in guitar, voice, drums, Magic City Art Connection | artsbma.org piano and group performance for April | magiccityart.com | With a collection of more than all ages. ArtWalk | Sept. 6-7 | 24,000 works of art — some even Finalists | Music Opportunity birminghamartwalk.org dating back to 3000 B.C. — the Program | 2316 Seventh Ave. N. Birmingham Museum of Art | 205-231-9509 | musicop.org Best Art Gallery never ceases to amaze. | Homewood School of Music Naked Art Finalists | Birmingham Civil | 1736 Oxmoor Road Suite 207, 3831 Clairmont Ave., Forest Park | Rights Institute | 520 16th St. Homewood | 205-701-2144 | N. | 205-328-9696 | bcri.org | homewoodschoolofmusic.com 205-595-3553 | nakedartusa.com Best Cultural Institution: Birmingham Museum of Art

Best Annual Event: Best Charity Event: Honda Indy Grand Prix The Garage Giveaway

SEPT 13 | Birmingham | 95 Best Local Artist With Nashville and Atlanta votes suggest they deserve it. With blackjacketsymphony.com | Out- Carrie Beth Taylor nearby, you think it’d be easy for a mellow and layered sound, the Shine | facebook.com/outshine.al musicians to skip over Birming- band’s latest single “Dark Star”

28 carriebethtaylor.com ham on tours. But thanks in part is an exciting glimpse into their Best Local Music Festival ) Carrie Beth Taylor is an illustrator and watercolor artist to Bottletree, Birmingham has upcoming album, set for release Schaeffer Eye Center specializing in fashion, bridal, been established as a place not to this fall. Crawﬁsh Boil homes and pets. Oh, and she’s be missed. Finalists | St. Paul and the May | schaeffercrawﬁshboil.com -21 a contributing illustrator for Finalists | WorkPlay | 500 Broken Bones | stpaulandthe It started about 30 years ago as

% laurenconrad.com, a fashion and 23rd St. S., Southside | 205- brokenbones.bandcamp.com | Ben a crawfish boil in a backyard, beauty site founded by “Laguna 879-4773 | workplay.com | Iron Nelson | myspace.com/ and now it’s one of the most 68 Beach” and “The Hills” star Lau- City Birmingham | 513 22nd St. bennelson successful music festivals in ) ren Conrad. What can’t she do? S., Southside | 205-202-5483 | the city. The Crawfish Boil has Finalists | Nick Thomas ironcitybham.com Best Local Cover Band raised nearly $500,000 for local Designs | nickthomasdesigns. Gentleman Zero non-profits, and that’s something Best Local Band to celebrate. )28 com | Erin Edwards | gentlemanzero.com behance.net/erine1288 (original music) Covering artists from Prince to Finalists| Secret Stages | The Great Book of John August | secretstages.net | Jazz & Tom Petty to Outkast, you can’t Best Live Music Venue thegreatbookofjohn.com go wrong with the funky Gentle- in the Park | Summer | The Bottletree Café The Great Book of John just keeps man Zero. Catch them at Tin magiccitysmoothjazz.com 3719 Third Ave. S., Avondale | getting bigger and better — recent- Roof and Café Firenze or book 205-533-6288 | ly named one of the “12 Alabama them for weddings and parties. Best Dance Club

%687 thebottletree.com bands you should listen to now” Finalists | Black Jacket The Quest Club There’s no place like Bottletree. by Paste Magazine — and reader Symphony | 416 24th St. S., Lakeview |

Best Theater Company: Red Mountain Theatre Company

96 | Birmingham | SEPT 13 205-251-4313 | quest-club.com Barber is the largest motorcycle Valleydale Road, Hoover | 205- provides applaud-worthy perfor- Anything can happen at Quest, museum in the world. 444-7780 mances of productions such as and that’s why people love it. The Finalists | Vulcan Park and “Les Miserables” and “Grease,” club offers drag shows, a packed Museum | 1701 Valley View Drive | Best Radio Station but they also offer workshops dance floor and the music never 205-933-1409 | visitvulcan.com | Birmingham Mountain Radio and scholarships. stops — it’s open 24/7. Regions Field | 1401 First Ave. bhammountainradio.com Finalists | Terrific New Theatre | Finalists | Nana Funk’s | 708 S., Southside | 205-988-3200 | Birmingham Mountain Radio 2821 Second Ave. S. | 205-328- 29th St. S., Lakeview | 205-250- barons.com recently took a big step: Now 0868 | terrificnewtheatre.com | 8003 | facebook.com/nanafunks | they’re on the airwaves at 107.3 Virginia Samford Theatre | 1116 Bacchus Dance Club | 1928 11th Best Place to FM. We couldn’t be more excited 26th St. S. | 205-251-1206 | Ave. S., Five Points South | 205- Watch a Movie for another way to listen to the virginiasamfordtheatre.org 731-2582 | bacchusbham.com Carmike Theaters station voted Birmingham’s best Multiple locations | carmike.com for three consecutive years. Best TV Station Best Place to Take an With theaters all throughout Finalists | 90.3 WBHM | WBRC Fox 6 Out-of-Towner Birmingham, you just can’t wbhm.org | News Radio 105.5 Broad coverage of breaking Barber Vintage beat Carmike when you want WERC | wercfm.com news, popular newscasters and Motorsports Museum to see the latest flick, especially extensive, trustworthy com- 6030 Barber Motorsports with the $1 ticket price at the Best Theater Company munity reporting appeals to the Parkway, Leeds | 205-699-7275 | Carmike 10. Red Mountain majority of readers. barbermuseum.org Finalists | Alabama Theatre | Theatre Company Finalists | WBMA ABC 33/40 | Filled to the brim with more 1817 Third Ave. S., downtown | 301 19th St. N. | 205-324-2424 | WVTM-NBC 13 than 1,200 vintage and mod- 205-252-2262 | alabamatheatre. redmountaintheatre.org ern motorcycles and racecars, com | Free Friday Flicks | This non-profit theatre not only Best Team Trivia Night Otey’s Tavern 224 Country Club Park | 205-871- 8435 | facebook.com/oteystavern Otey’s Team Trivia, hosted by Lance Taylor of WJOX’s The Roundtable on Wednesday nights at 8 p.m., is the No. 1 crowd pleaser. After all, playful competition, beer and bar food make a compelling combination. Finalists | Rojo | Wednesdays at 7 p.m. | 2921 Highland Ave. S. | 205-328-4733 | rojobirmingham. com | On Tap Sports Café | multiple days and times | multiple locations | ontapsportscafe.com Best Team Trivia Night: Otey’s

Best Local Band: The Great Book of John

SEPT 13 | Birmingham | 97 (6-2/ & *33(

Best Bar: Michael’s Steak and Seafood

Finalists | Another Broken Egg | | Westin Birmingham location 2418 Montevallo Road, Mountain opening soon | octanecoffee. Brook | 205-871-7849 | com/birmingham anotherbrokenegg.com | Veranda on Highland | 2220 Best Cupcake Highland Ave. S. | 205-939-5551 | Dreamcakes verandaonhighland.com 960 Oxmoor Road, Homewood and mobile; see website for loca- Best Burger tions | 205-871-9377 | Five Guys dreamcakes-bakery.com Multiple locations | fiveguys.com Dreamcakes staff says cupcakes Fast and delicious doesn’t always make people happy. And we mean using quality ingredients, couldn’t agree more with the but Five Guys does it all. Their super sweet family run business. Best Brunch: juicy burger with endless top- The moist cake, the rich frosting, The Egg and I ping options keeps locals coming tons of flavors — it’s all delec- back for more. table and induces way too many Best Bar biscuits, the pig in the potato Finalists | Chez Fon Fon | 2007 cravings. Add a food truck to the Michael’s Steaks and Seafood patch or the pulled pork sand- 11th Ave. S., Five Points South | equation? Even better. 1903 29th Ave. S., Homewood | wich drenched in house-made 205-939-3221 | fonfonbirmingham. Finalists | Gigi’s Cupcakes | 4745 205-871-9525 | barbecue sauce. Whatever it is, com | Mugshots Grill & Bar | 1919 Chace Circle Suite 121, Hoover | eatatmichaels.com the folks of Birmingham love it. Kentucky Ave. Suite 101, Vestavia 205-444-4170 | Located at the aloft Hotel in Finalists | Saw’s BBQ | three Hills | 205-824-9030 | gigiscupcakesusa.com | Urban downtown Homewood, locations | sawsbbq.com | Full mugshotsgrillandbar.com Standard | 2320 Second Ave. Michael’s bar is the choice for Moon | multiple locations | S., downtown | 205-250-8200 | folks who want to watch games fullmoonbbq.com Best Coffee Shop urbanstandard.net on the flat screen TVs or to relax Starbucks and enjoy a well-made cocktail. Best Brunch Multiple locations | starbucks.com Best Dessert Finalists | On Tap Sports Café | The Egg & I Not quite a location on every cor- Edgar’s Bakery multiple locations | ontapsports 4741 Chace Circle, Hoover | ner just yet, but a Starbucks can Multiple locations | cafe.com | The J. Clyde | 1312 205-982-8477 | be found easily in most Birming- edgarsbakery.com Cobb Lane, Southside | theeggandirestaurants.com ham suburbs. Fast and familiar Not only do they make almost ev- 205-939-1312 | jclyde.com Attentive service paired with coffee takes the top spot. ery delicious dessert imaginable, hot coffee and a variety of Finalists | O’Henry’s | multiple but Edgar’s loves this commu- Best Barbecue brunch fare options makes for a locations | ohenryscoffees.com | nity. Every day, Edgar’s provides Jim ‘n Nick’s Bar-B-Q great brunch, and The Egg & I Octane Coffee | 2821 Central Ave. day-old goods to food banks, and Multiple locations | jimnnicks.com is just that. Suite 101, Homewood | 205-969-1177 that’s just as sweet. It could be the infamous cheddar

98 | Birmingham | SEPT 13 Best Food / Drink Festival: Magic City Brewfest

Best Food Truck Cantina on Wheels cantinaonwheels.com It’s like hearing the ice-cream truck jingle coming from down the street, but better. With a Twitter feed full of daily specials and locations, delicious Mexican food is just around the corner. Best Mediterranean Food: Finalists | Shindigs Catering | Taziki’s shindigscateringtrucks.com | MELT | meltbham.com celebrity, and the people can’t eatatlapaz.com Best Italian Food get enough. With a menu full of flavorful Gianmarco’s Finalists | Frank Stitt of High- Mexican dishes, it’s always hard 721 Broadway St., Homewood | lands Bar and Grill | 2011 11th to pick just one. Locals rave 205-871-9622 Ave. S., Five Points South | 205- about La Paz’s fish tacos and cheese dip. Tucked away in beautiful Home- 939-1400 | highlandsbarand- wood, Gianmarco’s is a gem grill.com | Matthew Lagace of Finalists | Little Donkey | 2821 worth discovering. A wine bar Bellini’s Ristorante & Bar | 6801 Central Ave., Homewood | with plenty of options, authentic Cahaba Valley Road Suite 106, 205-703-7000 | thelittledonkey. Italian food and experienced Hoover | 205-981-5380 | ourbel- com | El Barrio | 2211 Second service creates an elegant and linis.supportlocalflavor.com Ave. N., downtown | welcoming atmosphere. 205-868-3737 | Best Mediterranean Food elbarriobirmingham.com Finalists | Bottega Café | 2240 Best Italian Food: Gianmarco’s Highland Ave. S. | 205-939- Taziki’s Best New Restaurant 1000 | bottegarestaurant.com | Multiple locations | tazikiscafe.com Joe’s Italian | 21 Weatherly Club Well-priced and tasty, Taziki’s is The Boot at Preserve Village Drive, Alabaster | 205-663-4111 | great for a quick Mediterranean 616 Preserve Parkway, Hoover | joesitalianonline.com meal. They offer a gluten-free 205-978-8988 | thebootat menu, too. preservevillage.vpweb.com Best Local Chef Finalists | Nabeel’s Café | 1706 The Boot folks have a knack Chris Hastings Oxmoor Road, Homewood | for casual dining and local pub Hot and Hot Fish Club | 2180 205-879-9292 | Costa’s Medi- ambience, but it’s far from tradi- 11th Court S. | 205-933-5474 | terranean Café | 3443 Lorna tional and heavy bar food. They hotandhotfishclub.com Road, Hoover | 205-978-1603 | emphasize using fresh, organic ingredients, and the people of Winner of Iron Chef, 2012 James costasmcafe.com Birmingham have taken notice. Beard Award “Best Chef in the South,” owner and executive Best Mexican Food Finalists | El Barrio | 2211 chef of Hot and Hot Fish Club, La Paz Second Ave. N., downtown | 205- one of Birmingham’s best res- 99 Euclid Ave., Mountain Brook | 868-3737 | elbarriobirmingham. taurants — the list goes on. Chris 205-879-2225 | 3340 Galleria com | Seasons 52 | 245 Summit Circle, Hoover | 205-444-2035 | Blvd. | 205-968-5152 | Best Food Truck: Hastings is something of a local Cantina seasons52.com

100 | Birmingham | SEPT 13 Best Dessert: Best New Restaurant: Edgar’s Bakery The Boot at Preserve Village

SEPT 13 | Birmingham | 101 Best Pizza Owner Jim Watkins opened South | 205-939-1400 | highlands When it comes to sushi, you want Slice Pizza & Brew Steel City Pops hardly a year barandgrill.com | J Alexander’s | it fresh, and you want lots of 725 29th St. S., Lakeview | 205- ago, but it feels like the pops 3320 Galleria Circle, Hoover | options. Surin ﬁts the bill, which 715-9300 | slicebirmingham.com been a Birmingham staple for 205-733-9995 | jalexanders.com makes it a perennial favorite. It’s more than plain old pizza and ages. Whether you’re craving a Finalists | Jinsei Sushi | 1830 (6-2/ beer. Slice focuses on using fresh, refreshing fruit pop or a creamy Best Steak 29th Ave. S., Homewood | local ingredients for their pizza, dessert pop, Steel City’s got you Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse 205-802-1440 | jinseisushi.com |

& covered. & Wine Bar Sekisui Pacific Rim | 1025 20th which is cooked in natural stone ovens. Creations such as the Finalists | Yogurt Mountain | 103 Summit Boulevard | 205-262- St. S., Five Points South | Rockefeller, topped with oysters multiple locations | 9463 | flemingssteakhouse.com 205-933-1025 | sekisuiusa.com and bacon lardons, and the Soul yogurtmountain.com | Sno Biz | Fleming’s offers quality, plump Pie, covered in turnip greens, 1904 U.S. Highway 31 S., Pelham | and juicy steaks at reasonable Best Asian black eyed peas and sausage — all 205-621-8544 | snobiz.com prices without sacrificing an P.F. Chang’s China Bistro *33( paired with local and national upscale setting. Pair that with 233 Summit Blvd. | craft beer — just can’t be beat. Best Romantic Dinner an extensive wine list, and it’s a 205-967-0040 | pfchangs.com Finalists | Davenport’s Pizza Bottega steakhouse match made in heaven. Aside from popular dishes such Palace | 2837 Cahaba Road, Moun- 2240 Highland Ave. S. | 205-939- Finalists | Ruth’s Chris Steak as the chicken lettuce wraps tain Brook | 205-879-8603 | 1000 | bottegarestaurant.com House| 2300 Woodcrest Place, and crispy honey chicken, locals davenportspizza.com | California Frank Stitt got it right. Whether Homewood | 205-879-9995 | show their support for P.F. Pizza Kitchen | multiple loca- you prefer the more casual and ruthschris.com | Metro Prime Chang’s fast and efficient ser- tions | cpk.com inexpensive option of the café or Steakhouse | 1035 20th St. S., vice, and it keeps them coming want the full experience in the Five Points South | 205-623- back for more. Best Place for a main dining room, the Bottega 5288 | metroprimesteak.com Finalists | Surin restaurants | Frozen Treat atmosphere is ideal for a roman- multiple locations | surinof Steel City Pops tic dinner. Oh, and the food is Best Sushi thailand.com | Yuki Japanese Multiple locations and mobile; amazing, too. Surin Restaurants Restaurant | 2760 John Hawkins check website for locations | Finalists | Highlands Bar and Multiple locations | Parkway, Hoover | 205-402-9888 steelcitypops.com Grill | 2011 11th Ave. S., Five Points surinofthailand.com

Best Asian: P.F. Chang’s China Bistro

Best Margarita La Paz 99 Euclid Ave., Mountain Brook | 205-879-2225 | 3340 Galleria Circle, Hoover | 205-444-2035 | Best Meat and Three: eatatlapaz.com Niki’s West Ice cold and ﬂavorful, La Paz’s margaritas don’t disappoint. Best Vegetarian Food Plus, Wednesday margarita Urban Cookhouse nights are sweetened by happy- Multiple locations | hour pricing: $3 on the rocks and urbancookhouse.com $4 frozen. Urban Cookhouse uses the Finalists | El Barrio | 2211 freshest ingredients possible Second Ave. N., downtown | 205- when creating their dishes, as 868-3737 | elbarriobirmingham. well as supporting the local com | Cocina Superior | 587 farmer as much as possible. Brookwood Village, Homewood | They also manage the Home- 205-259-1980 | wood and Summit farmer’s thecocinasuperior.com Best Sushi: markets. What’s not to love? Surin Restaurants Finalists | The Bottletree Café | Best Local Beer 3719 Third Ave. S., Avondale | Good People Brewing 205-533-6288 | thebottletree. Company com | Golden Temple | Multiple 114 14th St. S. | 205-286-2337 | locations | goodpeoplebrewing.com goldentemplehealthfoods.com We love these good people, and we love their beer even more. Best Meat and Three Located in the heart of the old Niki’s West warehouse district right across 233 Finley Ave. W. | from Regions Field, Good 205-252-5751 | nikiswest.com People’s brewery and taproom Nothing beats a home-cooked, is the ideal place to kick back Southern meal, and Niki’s West and drink some of the best beer Best Seafood: around. Boneﬁsh Grill knows how to make it. Since 1957, owners Pete and Teddy Finalists | Avondale Brew- Hontzas pride themselves in ing Company | 201 41st St. S., offering delicious, high-quality Avondale | 205-777-5456 | food and a mind-boggling array avondalebrewing.com | Cahaba of choices. Brewing Company | 2616 Third Ave. S., Lakeview | 205-578-2616 Finalists | Michael’s Steaks | cahababrewing.com and Seafood | 1903 29th Ave. Best Local Beer: Good People Brewing Company S., Homewood | 205-871-9525 |

SEPT 13 | Birmingham | 103 Best Beach Getaway 2010, the area continues to rise become strongly associated with Best Local Personality Gulf Shores in popularity. the city and is a regular presence who has Appeared on gulfshores.com Finalists | Orange Beach | at events around town. Reality Television Although Gulf Shores is about gulfshores.com | Destin area | Finalists | Larry Langford | Gina McDonald four-and-a-half hours away from emeraldcoastﬂ.com LaShaunda Scales Although she didn’t win Birmingham, it’s worth the drive “The Biggest Loser,” Gina 8,-2+7 once you see the stretch of sandy Most Colorful Politician Best Hotel McDonald’s success on the white beaches and blue-green William Bell Renaissance Birmingham reality show impressed many & Gulf. With the addition of the The mayor of Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa Birmingham viewers. She won 7 Hangout Music Festival in Birmingham has 4000 Grand Ave., Hoover | 205- $100,000 on the finale and lost ) 916-7677 | rossbridgeresort.com 114 pounds during her time in

' This luxury hotel could almost the competition.

% be mistaken for a modern-day Finalists | Martie Duncan | castle. It’s also an escape from Taylor Hicks bustling downtown or main 40 roads, as it’s tucked inside a Best Park ) neighborhood and surrounded Railroad Park by the Robert Trent Jones Golf Between 14th and 18th streets Trail at Ross Bridge. and First Avenue South | 205-

340 Finalists | Embassy Suites | 521-9933 | railroadpark.org

) Multiple locations | embassy Self described as as “Birming-

4 suites.com | Aloft Hotel | 1903 ham’s Living Room,” Railroad 29th Ave. S., Homewood | Park has been one of Birming- 205-874-8055 | ham local’s favorite spots since aloftbirminghamsohosquare.com its opening in 2010. It boasts tons of green space, walking and Best Lake Getaway running tracks and free weekly Smith Lake exercise classes — all in the heart Closer than the beach, Smith of downtown. Lake is the top getaway for Finalists | Moss Rock Preserve | some fresh air and clean lake Preserve Parkway, Hoover | hoover- water. Smith Lake provides al.org | Veterans Park | Valleydale ideal fishing spots, cabins and Road, Hoover | 205-444-7780 boating. Finalists | Lake Martin | Lake Best Place to Logan Martin People Watch Riverchase Galleria Best Library 3000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover Public Library Hoover | 205-985-3020 | 200 Municipal Drive, Hoover | riverchasegalleria.com 205-444-7800 | Lots of light, seating and a large hooverlibrary.org food court makes for grade A Hoover Public Library offers people watching. much more than books — Finalists | Five Points South | although those are available in Railroad Park | Between 14th abundance. Library card holders and 18th Streets and First Avenue can also download eBooks, South | 205-521-9933 | audiobooks, apps and more. railroadpark.org Hoover Library also offers a packed-full calendar of events for Best Place to Take a Date kids, teens and adults, including Comedy Club Stardome its successful Southern Voices 1818 Data Drive, Hoover | series, which brings renowned 205-444-0008 | stardome.com authors to town each February. It’s always a good thing to share Finalists | Vestavia Hills some laughs on a date, especially Library in the Forest | 1221 if it’s the ﬁrst. The Stardome is Montgomery Highway, Vestavia | a fun alternative to the typical 205-978-0158 | vestavialibrary. dinner and a movie. org | Emmet O’Neal Library | 50 Finalists | Highlands Bar Oak St., Mountain Brook | and Grill | 2011 11th Ave. S., Five 205-879-0459 | eolib.org Points South | 205-939-1400 | Best Local Personality who has Appeared on Reality highlandsbarandgrill.com | Television: Gina McDonald Bottega Café | 2240 Highland

Best Radio Personality Best View of the City Scott Register Vulcan Park and Museum 107.3 FM | birminghammountain 1701 Valley View Drive | 205-933- radio.com 1409 | visitvulcan.com Well-loved and praised by his Breathtaking views atop Red many listeners, Reg’s laid-back Mountain make this an iconic attitude and wealth of music Birmingham spot. Whether you knowledge keeps the public prefer to climb up the stairs tuning in weekdays from 6 to or ride the elevator, be sure to 10 a.m. on The Morning Blend make it to the top for a beautiful and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to overlook of the city, as well as a 2 p.m. for Reg’s Coffeehouse, different kind of view — Vulcan’s the 16-year-old show that has bare derriere. introduced listeners to hundreds Finalists | The Club | 1 Robert of new artists. S. Smith Drive | 205-323-5821 | Finalists | Rick and Bubba | theclubinc.org | Red Mountain rickandbubba.com | Paul Outlook | Southside Finebaum | secdigitalnetwork.com Best Church Choir Best Sports Commentator Riverchase United Sheldon Haygood Methodist Church WBRC Fox 6 1953 Old Montgomery Highway, Sheldon Haygood continues to Hoover | 205-987-4030 | be Birmingham’s favorite week- riverchaseumc.org end sports reporter, and with his Riverchase United Methodist knowledge and extensive cover- Church’s choir is quite impres- age of the city’s sporting events, Best Hotel: sive. From a 75-voice sanctuary Renaissance Ross Bridge it’s easy to see why. choir in the 9:45 and 11 a.m. Birmingham Golf Resort & Spa Finalists | Paul Finebaum | worship services to an orchestra, secdigitalnetwork.com | (tie) chancel ringers and celebration Eli Gold | eligold.com and Jim ringers, Riverchase sings praises Dunaway | CBS-Birmingham wholeheartedly. Finalists | Shades Mountain Best TV Personality Baptist Church | 2017 Columbi- Brenda Ladun ana Road, Vestavia | 205-822- ABC 33/40 1670 | shades.org | Independent The highly entertaining Brenda Presbyterian Church | 3100 Ladun is adored by her viewers Highland Ave. S. | 205-933-1830 | as she reports Birmingham’s ipc-usa.org news during ABC 33/40 6 and 10 p.m. broadcasts, Sunday’s Best Junior Board “Matters of Faith” reports at 10 Junior Patrons of the p.m. and on Focus at 4 p.m. on Birmingham Museum of Art Best Beach Getaway: Gulf Shores Wednesdays. 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Finalists | James Spann | ABC Blvd. | 205-254-2565 | 33/40 | Mickey Ferguson | Fox 6 artsbma.org Nearly 1,000 young profession- Best Tweeter als make up Junior Patrons. Not only do they support the arts and James Spann cultural involvement throughout @spann Birmingham, but they also host a With more than 100,000 fol- variety of art-related events each lowers on Twitter, it seems like year such as behind-the-scenes James Spann picked the right tours, gallery crawls and art place to deliver details about demonstrations. the weather. Always up to date and engaged with his follow- Finalists | Junior League of ers, Spann should be your next Birmingham | 2212 20th Ave. S. follow — if you haven’t followed | 205-879-9861 | jlbonline.com | him already. PreSchool Partners | Multiple Best Public Library: locations | preschool-partners.org Hoover Public Library Finalists | Rick Muscles |

6:-' From selling vehicles to manag- com | Books-a-Million | multiple

) ing routine service, Crest Cadil- locations | booksamillion.com 7

lac has become known in the community for its long-standing Best Boutique &

commitment to the city. Lotus Finalists | Crown Automobile | Two locations | lotusboutique.com Best Farmer’s Market: 1800 Montgomery Highway, Hoover Lotus stays up-to-date with Pepper Place | 205-989-2900 | crownautomobile. the latest trends in women’s com | Tom Williams Automotive | fashions, and with clothes and Multiple locations | tomwill.com jewelry sold at reasonable price points, it’s become Birmingham’s Best Auto Mechanic favorite boutique. Paul Pierce Auto Paint & Finalists | Renaissance

7,344-2+ Body Consignment & Marketplace | 1924 Jefferson Ave. S., West End | 6801 Cahaba Valley Road | 205-925-3454 205-980-4471 | renaissance Family owned and operated consignment.com | Soca Clothing | since 1952, Paul Pierce is one the 2820 18th St. S., Homewood | locals trust. With free estimates 205-879-6788 | socaclothing.com and no appointments needed, Paul Pierce makes collision Best Caterer repair worry-free. Kathy G. & Co. Finalists | Rex’s Auto Service | 11 W. Park Circle | 205-942-4210 | 1509 Third Ave. S., Southside | kathyg.com 205-252-7088 | rexsautoservice. Kathy G. and her team are com | Duffy’s Garage | 1209 First apparently unstoppable. With Ave. S., Southside | 205- 715- more than 20 years of catering 2100 | duffysgarage.com and event planning experience under her belt, Kathy G. & Co. is Best Antique Store the No.-1 pick for those who wish Easy Street Resale for a little less stress on a big day. 124 Bowling Lane, Pelham | 205- Finalists | Iz Café | 2514 Rocky 637-3313 | easystreetresale.com Ridge Road, Vestavia Hills | 205- Owners Bo and Rachel Good- 979-7570 | everythingiz.com | son say Easy Street Resale Shindigs Catering | 3700 Spring Best Florist: Valley Road | 205-874-6047 | Norton’s Florist was inspired by their love for antiques. With their eclectic shindigscateringtrucks.com display of home accessories and furniture, it isn’t hard to see Best Consignment Shop why locals love them. They also Zoe Consignment and Vintage offer the option for vendors to 3900 Clairmont Ave. S., Forest sell items in their space. Park | 205-595-9049 | Finalists | What’s on Second? | zoeshop.com 2706 Second Ave. N., downtown | Owner Deborah Bashinsky 205-322-2688 | facebook.com/ knows all things consignment whatsonsecondbirmingham | and vintage. Pair that with her Urban Suburban Antiques | 5514 knowledgeable and helpful Crestwood Blvd., Crestwood | 205- staff and a shop full of options, 592-0777 | urbansuburban and you’re guaranteed to ﬁnd antiques.com something unique to add to your wardrobe. Best Bookstore Finalists | Renaissance Barnes and Noble Consignment & Marketplace | 6801 Multiple locations | Cahaba Valley Road | 205-980- barnesandnoble.com 4471 | renaissanceconsignment.com | Barnes and Noble has just about Some Wear in Time Consignment every book imaginable, as well as Boutique | 3169 Green Valley Road, Best Bookstore: Cahaba Heights | 205-967-2024 Barnes and Noble e-book options, so it’s almost

106 | Birmingham | SEPT 13 Best Consignment Shop: Zoe Consignment and Vintage

Best Farmers Market Finalists | Alabama Farmers small to large orders — Norton’s of- garden and more, such as furniture, Pepper Place Market | 344 Finley Ave. W. | 205- fers just what you need in a florist. garden tools and decorations, can Saturday Market 251-8737 | alabamafarmers Finalists | Dorothy McDaniel’s be found at Leaf N Petal. You’ll 2829 Second Ave. S. | 205-802- market.org | East Lake Farmers Flower Market | 2560 18th St. S., also have the assistance of helpful, 2100 | pepperplacemarket.com Market | 7753 First Ave. S., East Homewood | 205-871-0092 | cheerful employees. Pepper Place truly cares about its Lake | 205-836-3201 | peerinc.org dorothymcdaniel.com | In Full Bloom Finalists | Andy’s Creekside farmers and customers, and the | 957 Main St., Gardendale | 205-608- Nursery | 3351 Morgan Drive, people of Birmingham love them Best Florist 2077 | infullbloomevents.com Vestavia Hills | 205-824-0233 | right back. Crowds flock to this Norton’s Florist andysgardencenter.com | Charlie farmers market every Saturday Multiple locations | Best Garden Shop Thigpen’s Garden Gallery | morning, creating the added nortonsflorist.com Leaf n Petal 2805 Second Ave. S., Lakeview | bonus of a week-end social spot. Locally owned, tons of locations Multiple locations | leafnpetal.com 205-328-1000 | charliethigpens and able to do everything from Everything you might need for your gardengallery.com

SEPT 13 | Birmingham | 107 7 ) 6:-' ) 7 & 7,344-2+

Best Shopping District: The Outlet Shops of Grand River

Best Grocery Store Best Builder welcome guests to your abode, With experience from commer- Publix Twin Construction AtHome can meet your needs. cial to residential properties, Multiple locations | publix.com 2907 Central Ave. Suite 105, Finalists | I.O. Metro Furniture, Naturescape has provided high- For most Birmingham locals, Homewood | 205-802-3920 | Art and Accessories | 4431 quality landscape maintenance, shopping at Publix really is a twincompanies.com Creekside Ave., Hoover | 205-444- design, installation and seasonal pleasure. Publix is stocked with Brothers David and William 0641| iometro.com | Renaissance color in Alabama for more than fresh and tasty foods, boasts a Siegel began Twin Construction Consignment and Marketplace | 20 years. clean store, and a helpful worker back in 2002, and since then, 6801 Cahaba Valley Road | Finalists | Curb Appeal | 205- is just around the aisle. they’ve provided quality work 205-980-4471 | 942-5200 | curbappealonline.com | Finalists | Whole Foods | 3100 and friendly customer service renaissanceconsignment.com Deep Roots Landscaping | 4965 Cahaba Village Plaza, Mountain to the city of Birmingham. They Horst Hill Road, Irondale | Brook | 205-912-8400 | whole seem to have had particular suc- Best Jeweler 205-215-1021 | deeprootsbiz.com foodsmarket.com | Piggly Wiggly | cess in remodeling single-family Bromberg & Co., Inc. multiple locations | homes in Over the Mountain Multiple locations | brombergs.com Best Salon/Spa pigglywiggly.com neighborhoods. Birmingham continues to trust Aveda Institute Finalists | Humphrey Construc- Bromberg’s as its No.-1 jeweler, 3200 Galleria Circle | 205-769- Best Hardware Store tion | 415 Yellowstone Drive | and they’ve been carrying the 3500 | avedainstitutesbb.com 205-833-8689 | Byrom Building Lowe’s finest jewelry and engagement If you love Aveda products, but Corporation | 2526 Valleydale Multiple locations | lowes.com rings since 1836. can’t always foot the bill a fine Road, Hoover | 205-980-7424 | Anything you might need for Finalists | Jared | Galleria Circle, salon, Aveda Institute is the byrombuildingcorp.com your home, and Lowe’s most Hoover | 205-733-2171 | jared. perfect balance. Located at the likely has it. Convenient and com | Levy’s Fine Jewelry | 2116 Riverchase Galleria, Aveda of- Best Home Décor reliable steals the win for best Second Ave. N., downtown | 205- fers cuts, color and spa services hardware store. AtHome Furnishings 251-3381 | levysfinejewelry.com from student cosmetologists at a discounted price. Finalists | Little Hardware | 2921 18th St. | 205-879-3510 | 2703 Culver Road, Mountain athome-furnishings.com Best Landscaping Finalists | Richard Joseph Salon Brook | 205-871-4616 | Home Stepping into AtHome is like Company Spa | multiple locations | richard- Depot | multiple locations | walking into a dream home, and Naturescape, Inc. josephsalonspa.com | Salon U | homedepot.com it always smells so dang good. 159 Greenwich Drive, Pelham | 2824 Linden Ave., Homewood | Whether you’re looking for a 205-664-7774 | naturescape.com 205-870-8708 | salonustyle.com new sofa or the perfect candle to

108 | Birmingham | SEPT 13 Best Grocery Store: Publix

Best Landscaping Company: Best Jeweler: Best Neighborhood Toy Store: Naturescapes, Inc. Bromberg & Co. Homewood Toy and Hobby

Best Moving Company Snoozy’s Kid’s Inc. | 228 Country Saving money while also having Best Realtor Two Men and a Truck Club Park, Mountain Brook | 205- tons of options of where to shop? Gusty Gulas 3114 Belwood Drive | 205-267- 871-2662 | snoozysbookstore.com The Outlets of Grand River offer gustygulas.realtysouth.com 4761 | twomenbirmingham.com just that, with stores such as Gap Gusty Gulas has an impressive Reliable, efficient and well-priced Best Veterinarian Factory Store, J. Crew Factory background — 101 homes sold in are key elements when picking a Galleria Animal Clinic (which was scheduled for an 2012 and named in 2011’s “Top moving company, and Two Men 2953 John Hawkins Parkway, Aug. 21 opening) and Nike Fac- 40 Under 40” in the Birming- and a Truck holds it all. Hoover | 205-987-7297 | tory Store. ham Business Journal — and has Finalists | New Latitude | 288 galleriaanimalclinic.com Finalists | The Summit | 214 created a trustworthy following Snow Drive | 205-988-9000 | It takes a lot of trust to let others Summit Blvd. | 205-967-0111 | among homeowners. newlatitude-movers.com | care for a pet, and Galleria Ani- thesummitonline.com/birming- Finalists | Candace Smith | Changing Spaces Moving, Inc. | mal Clinic maintains that trust ham | Homewood | homewood candacesmith.realtysouth.com | and 130 Inverness Plaza Suite 243 | with their customers. Galleria chamber.org (tie) Gabriel Henderson | 205-972-0744 | offers services such as clinic and gabrielhenderson.kwrealty.com | changingspacesmoving.com hospital care, pet boarding and Best Men’s Store Brian Boehm | brianboehm. pet pharmacy. Polo Ralph Lauren realtysouth.com Best Neighborhood Finalists | Mike Kilgore at 6200 Grand River Blvd. E., Leeds | Toy Store Homewood Animal Hospital | 205-702-2755 | Homewood Toy and Hobby 501 Scott St., Homewood | 205- shopsofgrandriver.com 2830 18th St. S., Homewood | 943-0008 | Standifer Animal Classic and simple seems to ap- 205-879-3986 | Clinic | 2810 19th Place S., Home- peal to the men of Birmingham, homewoodtoy-hobby.com wood | 205-871-8186 | as Ralph Lauren wins the first Homewood Toy and Hobby is standiferanimalclinic.com best men’s store category. any kid’s dream, and it’s filled Finalists | Men’s Wearhouse | with the latest gadgets and toys. Best Shopping District multiple locations | Most are educational, too, so The Outlet Shops of menswearhouse.com | Shaia’s | Mom will be pleased. Grand River 2818 18th St. S., Homewood | Finalists | Smith’s Variety 6200 Grand River Blvd. E., Leeds | 205-871-1312 | shaias.com Store | 2715 Culver Road, 205-699-3700 | Mountain Brook | 205-871-0841 | shopsofgrandriver.com

SEPT 13 | Birmingham | 109 Best Adult Sports League First Ave. S. | 205-988-3200 | Best Golf Experience wipeout adventure course, sea- ) Birmingham Go Kickball barons.com | Oak Mountain Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail son passes and group discounts. gokickball.com/birmingham State Park | 877 Findlay Drive, at Oxmoor Valley Get in on the fun fast, though — it Described as “Birmingham’s Pelham | 205-620-2524 | 100 Sunbelt Parkway | 205-290- closes for the season on Sept. 15.

-796 premier social experience,” GO alapark.com/oakmountain 1225 | rtjgolf.com/oxmoorvalley Finalists | Oak Mountain State

) Kickball is perfect for anyone Surrounded by Ross Bridge and Park | 877 Findlay Drive, Pelham |

0 Best Free Activity 205-620-2524 | alapark.com/oak-

21 or older looking for some fun Red Mountain Park, Oxmoor and exercise. Seasons last eight Birmingham Botanical Valley remains the top golf ex- mountain | Red Mountain Park |

& 2011 Frankfurt Drive | 205-202-

weeks, and the fall season begins Gardens perience. With 36 championship on Sept. 11. 2612 Lane Park Road, Mountain holes and an 18 hole short course, 6043 | redmountainpark.org Finalists | Birmingham Metro Brook | 205-414-3950 | there’s something for all levels Baseball League | Birmingham bbgardens.org of golfers. Best Playground Ultimate Disc Association | Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ Finalists| Robert Trent Jones Homewood Central Park mudbowl.org 67.5 acres are full of more than Golf Trail at Ross Bridge | 4000 1604 Oxmoor Road, Homewood | 30 gardens, each separated into Grand Ave., Hoover | 205-949- 205-332-6700 | 743687 Best Bike Shop three different types — gar- 3085 | rtjgolf.com/rossbridge | homewoodparks.com Bob’s Bikes dens of collections, nature and Shoal Creek Golf Club | 100 New Homewood Central Park’s large 1944 28th Ave. S., Homewood | culture. It’s beautiful, well-kept Williamsburg Drive, Shoal Creek | playground attracts locals, and it 205-879-2258 | bobs-bikes.com and — perhaps best of all — free. 205-991-9000 | also has six pavilions with picnic Since 1973, bike-riding locals The Gardens also host many shoalcreekclub.com tables, walking paths, open have trusted and supported events throughout the year. green space and a paved pad for Bob’s Bikes. Bob’s also provides Check their website for more Best Outdoor Adventure skaters and bikers. group rides around the city; details. Splash Adventure Waterpark Finalists | Wald Park | 1973 check the calendar on their Finalists | Aldridge Botanical 4599 Alabama Adventure Park- Merryvale Road, Vestavia Hills website for more details. The Gardens | 3530 Lorna Road, way, Bessemer | 205-481-4750 | | 205-978-0166 | vestaviahill- shop offers tour-winning bikes Hoover | 205-682-8019 | splashadventurewaterpark.com sparks.com | Railroad Park | by Specialized and Giant. aldridgegardens.com | Railroad Beat Birmingham’s swelter- Between 14th and 18th streets Park | Between 14th and 18th Finalists: Cahaba Cycles | multiple ing summer heat with a day at and First Avenue South | 205- streets and First Avenue South | locations | cahabacycles.com | Bike Splash Adventure Waterpark. 521-9933 | railroadpark.org 205-521-9933 | railroadpark.org Link | 2766 John Hawkins Parkway, Splash Adventure offers the new Hoover | 205-991-3335 | bikelinkbham.com

Best Bike Trail Oak Mountain State Park 877 Findlay Drive, Pelham | 205-620-2524 | alapark.com/ oakmountain Oak Mountain has more than 50 miles of biking trails on a 9,940-acre park. The Double Oak Trail, known as the Red Trail, is for mountain bikers of any skill level, but advanced cyclists are also drawn to the park’s paths. Finalists | Red Mountain Park | Best Adult Sports League: 2011 Frankfurt Drive | 205-202- Birmingham Go Kickball 6043 | redmountainpark.org | Homewood Shades Creek Greenway | homewoodchamber.org

Best Family Outing McWane Science Center 200 19th St. N., downtown | 205-714-8300 | mcwane.org It’s almost impossible for kids to be bored at McWane Science Center. With four ﬂoors full of interactive exhibits featuring dinosaurs, playgrounds and an aquarium, it’s the ultimate family outing. Best Yoga Instructor: Best Place to Buy Outdoor Gear: Finalists | Regions Field | 1401 Melissa Scott Mountain High Outﬁtters

110 | Birmingham | SEPT 13 Best Rock Climbing Spot Prix of Alabama | 6040 Barber need for outdoor gear. and one-acre pond. Moss Rock Preserve Motorsports Parkway, Leeds | Finalists | Dick’s Sporting Goods | Finalists | Jemison Park Na- 617 Preserve Parkway, Hoover | 877-332-7804 | barbermotors- multiple locations | dickssporting- ture Trail | On Mountain Brook 205-739-7141 | hooveral.org ports.com goods.com | Alabama Outdoors | Parkway near Mountain Brook Moss Rock Preserve is not only multiple locations | Village | welcometomountain- ideal in terms of rock climbing Best Gym alabamaoutdoors.com brook.com | Homewood Shades and bouldering, but also perfect Fitness 4U 24/7 Creek Greenway Trail | for hikers and other outdoor lov- 2539 John Hawkins Parkway Best Swimming Pool homewoodchamber.org ers with its 350 acres of land and Suite 113, Hoover | 205-403-3305 | Renaissance Birmingham Ross 12 miles of hiking paths. fitness4u247.com Bridge Golf Resort & Spa Best Yoga Instructor Finalists | First Avenue Rocks | Fitness 4U takes the win again 4000 Grand Ave., Hoover | 205- Melissa Scott 2417 First Ave. S., Southside | 205- this year, as locals love their 916-7677 | rossbridgeresort.com melissascottyoga.com 320-2277 | firstaverocks.com | 24/7 open hours, no long-term Ross Bridge’s pool is just as Yogis quickly notice something Horse Pens 40 | 3525 County contracts, up-to-date equipment impressive as the golf course and a little different about Melissa Road 42, Steele | 256-538-7439 | and personal training. hotel. Whether you prefer an Scott’s classes; she typically horsepens40.tripod.com Finalists | Iron Tribe Fitness | indoor or outdoor pool, both are leads the practice without the multiple locations | serene, clean and relaxing. help of music. Instead, Scott’s Best Sporting Event irontribefitness.com | YMCA | Finalists | Sportsplex | 4766 U.S. gentle instruction guides her SEC Baseball Tournament multiple locations | ymcabham.org 280 | 205-980-1077 | Lifetime students to focus on both the Regions Park, Hoover | May | Fitness | 3051 Healthy Way, core of their bodies and be- 205-988-3200 | secsports.com Best Place to Buy Vestavia Hills | 205-547-3100 | ings as they flow through her The best college baseball in the Outdoor Gear clubs.lifetimefitness.com Vinyasa-style classes. She cur- country is right in Birmingham, Mountain High Outfitters rently teaches at The Yoga Circle and the sport-loving locals look Multiple locations | mountainhigh Best Walking Trail in Birmingham’s Southside on forward to it every year. The top outfitters.com Veterans Park Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:30 12 collegiate baseball teams from Mountain High has it all, includ- 4800 Valleydale Road, Hoover | p.m. and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. the SEC come to play 17 games. ing popular sporting brands such 205-444-7780 Finalists | Kate Jenkins | Finalists | Birmingham Barons as The North Face, Patagonia, Eighty two-acre Veterans Park has bikrambirmingham.com | baseball | 1401 First Ave. S., Icebreaker, Kavu and more. With both walking and running trails, Michelle Keel | woodlawnyoga Southside | 205-988-3200 | helpful and friendly employees, as well as a 5K cross-country trail coop.com barons.com | Honda Indy Grand it’s easy to find whatever you may surrounded by its four-acre lake

Best Sporting Event: SEC Baseball Tournament

SEPT 13 | Birmingham | 111