Shop Local: Homewood

Plenty of Over-the-Mountain communities are beloved, fiercely defended by their residents. Beyond neighborhood-centric Facebook pages and elementary school stickers emblazoned on bumpers, passions for home run deep. Some might argue that nowhere else is this more true than in Homewood.

This Audrey Hepburn-inspired mural on the side of Roman Brantley Antiques on Central Avenue sums up the general feeling of anyone who lives, works, or plays in Homewood.

Mainstays & Classics

Whether you are a longtime local or a visitor to the Magic City, there are certain must-shop places in Homewood. While many of these stores are located on the main retail drag of 18th Street, going further afield always merits finds worthy of a pop-in.  

Stock & Trade
Located on Highway 31, Stock & Trade has a massive footprint that might at first seem a bit overwhelming—that is, of course, until one of the on-staff designers greets you to determine your specific needs. From hostess gifts to whole-home re-do’s, there is almost nothing Stock & Trade can’t update and make better. 205.783.1350 stockandtrade.com

Three Sheets
Long known as THE place to shop for bedding and all things boudoir, Three Sheets has been outfitting Birmingham bedrooms for decades. From ordering custom crib sheets to perfecting your bed’s ‘hotel-stack’ of pillows, owner Babbie Styslinger and her staff have you covered. 205.871.2337 threesheetslinen.com

At Home Furnishings
With offerings that include napkin rings, home scents, custom sofas, bookshelf art, sassy reading glasses, and vegan leather clutches, At Home has a little something for everyone. The staff balances just the right amount of assistance with letting you browse and touch, so make sure you set aside extra time to shop. You are guaranteed to leave with a new find you’ll want to share with your friends. 205.879.3510 athome-furnishings.com

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Alabama Goods
Every state in our blessed union is teeming with pride, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a store where that love is as tastefully curated in local wares as at Alabama Goods. You’ll find Earthborn Pottery out of Leeds and Merry Cheese Crisps from right here in Birmingham, as well as a variety of Alabama-shaped gifts emblazoned with that ubiquitous “It’s Nice to Have You in Birmingham” image. Go ahead and pick two of whatever you buy; you know you want one for yourself! 205.803.3900 alabamagoods.com

18th Street Orientals
With their new location at 1829 29th Avenue South, owners Paige and Sam Drummond have been softening the floors of Homewood residents—and beyond—for a very long time. The staff at 18th Street Orientals understands that a new rug is a real investment, much like a coveted piece of art. That is why patience is only part of the process in rug-buying at this showroom; knowledge and customer service are the starting points with every customer. 205.870.3838 18thstreetorientals.com

Hiltz-Lauber
Smaller than some of the other design shops in town, Hiltz-Lauber makes up for its size with its caliber of offerings, along with its designation as a Visual Comfort Gallery.  The furnishings here yearn to be placed in an elegant living room.  And while the Schumacher carpets and a Baker writing desk may start off in your home, they are guaranteed to be enjoyed by your children and grandchildren. 205.879.0039 hiltzlauber.com

Argent, known for its vast collection of fine silver, is also a homes store offering a wide selection of new pieces and antiques.

Argent
More than just the go-to place for silver, Argent also offers furniture, jewelry, art, lighting, and more. You may come in looking for an heirloom cake knife but leave with something for your living room. 205.871.4221

Brandino Brass
When your Pinterest boards are teeming with coveted hardware selections, make Brandino Brass your first stop in selecting something timeless and perfect. From the elegant P.E. Guerin cabinet pulls to casually classic Rocky Mountain Hardware door handles—not to mention outdoor lighting and mailboxes—there is no shortage of choices available at this family-owned store. 205.978.8900 brandinobrass.com

Special Interests

Caliber
This upscale sporting destination has become THE place to get your adventure on. With European brands like Dubarry, Barbour, and Seaward & Stearn, as well as technical lines like Orvis, Beretta, Duck Camp, and Russell, Caliber offers everything the outdoorsman needs. Whether you are outfitting for a quail hunt in Argentina or a bonefishing adventure on Lanai this is your place. With a knowledgeable staff and a fancy complimentary coffee bar, the store encourages you to browse at your leisure. 205.917.5800 caliberxl.com

Penzey’s Spices
As any cooks worth their salt can attest, Penzey’s Spices is way more than a spice vendor. It’s a culinary idea factory with inspiration on practically every shelf. There are straightforward offerings (Tellicherry peppercorns and sel gris), baking needs (Dutch-processed cocoa and Tahitian vanilla beans), and house blends that will let your imagination run wild with new menu ideas. We’re partial to the Sunny Paris blend which elevates everything from BLTs to salad dressings and grilled fish. 205.871.7277 penzeys.com

Biscuit Leather Company
Leathergoods maven Becky Stayner is just off the beaten path in Homewood at 2764 BM Montgomery Street, between Caliber and the Creative Montessori School. The space operates as her retail location (her studio is just next door), where she sells custom purses, folios, napkin rings, and other home goods. Becky shares the sun-drenched space with artist Paul Ware and one-of-a-kind treasures created by students at Studio by the Tracks. 205.390.2000 biscuitleathercompany.com

Homewood Toy & Hobby
Long known as THE place to stop before hitting the Saturday morning birthday party circuit, Homewood Toy & Hobby has been making people happy since 1950. From the latest craze (remember Silly Bandz?) to timeless hobbies like Legos and model trains, you can always find something fun, creative, and engaging here.  205.879.3986 homewoodtoy-hobby.com

Eats & Drinks

Momma Goldberg’s Deli
You no longer have to make the road trip down Highway 280 to enjoy those Auburn specialty salads and sandwiches. That Gobbler or Momma’s Love can now be found in downtown Homewood in the first Momma Goldberg’s franchise outside of Auburn. 
205.834.8871 mommagoldbergsdeli.com

Ashley Mac’s
Located just behind City Hall where a vast expanse of windows provides generous natural light to one of the newest Ashley Mac’s restaurants, this location has become an immediate favorite with Homewood residents. You’ll tell yourself you’re stopping in for the broccoli slaw or chopped BLT salad, but we all know it’s the strawberry cake that you really crave. 205.582.0062 ashleymacs.com

Nabeel’s offers a charming European vibe with its sidewalk seating, old-fashioned dining booths, and murals indoors and out. Don’t miss the market adjacent to the restaurant for chicken salad to go.

Nabeel’s Cafe
A Homewood dining institution for more than 20 years, Nabeel’s proudly anchors the corner spot adjacent to Homewood Park at the intersection of Central Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard. Famous for the Camel Rider sandwich, Moussaka, and Pastitsio, the restaurant often sees generations dining together at one long table full of favorite Nabeel’s dishes. Just don’t ask anyone to share a bite of baklava. 205.879.9292 nabeels.com

Johnny’s Homewood
Nobody does “Greek-and-three” like Johnny’s Tim Hontzas. And nobody sweats the details like Tim either. The tzatziki that accompanies his keftedes (Greek meatballs) is made with yogurt he makes in-house. If you don’t order that and the fried green tomatoes, then order the special of the day. Wait, maybe you should try the baked Greek chicken and parmesan grit cake. Or go for the chicken pot pie and turnip greens. 205.802.2711 johnnyshomewood.com

Homewood Gourmet
It’s hard to improve upon a beloved local staple, but Laura and Chris Zapalowski have done just that. Displaced after Hurricane Katrina, the couple found their footing in the Magic City and soon after bought the restaurant from chef Franklin Biggs. They wisely kept Biggs’ beloved Baby Blue Spinach Salad on the menu but added Louisiana staples like gumbo and po’ boys on those famous Leidenheimer rolls. Their Dinner in a Dash options mean you can knock out dinner duty while enjoying your lunch.  205.871.1620 homewoodgourmet.com

Homewood by the Numbers

With a population of 25,476, Homewood is one of those communities where people put down roots and never want to leave their zip code. The small-town atmosphere seems to be the biggest draw. With plenty of green space, a public pool, senior centers, and athletic facilities, the city keeps neighbors active and involved. Plus, the three elementary schools, junior high, and high school consistently rank high in academic excellence. Strong municipal services, a responsive city government, and plenty of anticipated annual activities make this Over the Mountain community truly beloved.

Ray & Poynor realtor Hillary Weiss notes that plenty of buyers are looking beyond traditionally popular neighborhoods like Hollywood and Edgewood. She explains that the addition of Patriot Park in West Homewood is attracting a lot of young families. “This area is becoming a hot spot with new restaurants like Pizzeria GM,” Hillary says. “It also has a great walkable area. Homewood really is booming!” 

If you are looking to buy, there is no time like the present to purchase in Homewood. “The average list price per square foot in the area is $245,” Hillary says. “A 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is selling on average for $400,000. A few years ago it was closer to $329,000.”

Everything in Alabama Goods is, well, from Alabama. Don’t miss out on showing your state pride by taking a photo in front of this wall-size mural and sharing it on FB and Instagram. What better way to celebrate the state’s 200th birthday?

Why I Love Homewood

I moved to Birmingham 25 years ago and can honestly say that the characteristics that first attracted me to Homewood are still in place: historic charm, down-to-earth residents, and a real sense of community.” – Michael Murray, CCIM, Associate Broker, Shannon Waltchack

“I love that I have neighbors that share farm eggs and pimiento cheese, and that I always have taste testers for my weekend cooking and baking projects.” – Brooke Bell, Vice President of Culinary & Custom Content, Hoffman Media

“I have lived in Homewood for more than 25 years, and my husband (who grew up in Homewood) and I have raised our four children here. I am from Europe, and I love Homewood because it provides me with a feeling of the “Old World” with its small houses nestled in little yards along the gentle hills. I like that my children can take their bikes from our house to visit me at the clinic and then stop for some ice cream before heading back. Homewood makes you feel welcome, and the wonderful little restaurants and bakeries invite you to slow down and enjoy.” – Ingrid Straeter Giattina, Owner, Animal Rehabilitation & Cardiology

“My great grandfather settled in Homewood before it was incorporated. It’s where our store is still located today. Even then, it was the type of community that was extremely diverse. That’s what I like most about it.” – Ken Shaia, owner, Shaia’s

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