The Magic of Mountain Brook Village

Probably the best thing about the holidays are the traditions that we practice—that recipe that we bring out only for Christmas Eve, the décor that we tuck away until the day after Thanksgiving, the dragging in of trees, and the lighting of the menorahs—even that questionable dessert that your aunt insists on making year after year. All of these rituals seem to practically shout, “Let the celebrations begin!”

This is why we love Mountain Brook Village so much. With yearly practices such as the Christmas Parade and the lighting of the Bromberg’s Christmas Tree, this little epicenter of shopping delight has become a community tradition that we hold as dear as the sentimental observances we perform in our homes. If Mountain Brook Village hasn’t made it into your roster of holiday rituals, set aside one day to enjoy the magic of this place. With more than 100 shops and restaurants to choose from, you may find that you’ve crossed off everybody on your gift list after one day!

Set your table with The Cook Store

The Cook Store • 2841 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham. 205.879.5277

To kick off your day of shopping and to keep up your energy, we recommend breakfast at ANOTHER BROKEN EGG (2418 Montevallo Rd., 205.871.7849, anotherbrokenegg.com). Unsure what to try? You can’t go wrong with the Lobster and Brie Omelet. This scrumptious omelet, topped in a champagne butter sauce, might just be the most decadent breakfast choice in Birmingham.

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Ready to hit the stores? Head across the street to CHRISTINE’S, a wonderful stationery and home décor shop (2411 Montevallo Rd., 205.871.8297). We’re in love with the delicate, beautifully crafted Karen Adam’s calendar collection—a perfect gift for that special girl in your life as she prepares for the New Year.

Make sure that you don’t miss SUITE DREAMS right next door (2409 Montevallo Rd., 205.414.1922). This shop has everything a person needs to create the perfect bedroom, from decadent Lafco candles (Ski House is a must this time of year) to the most luxuriously soft throws you’ve ever touched. You’re bound to find the perfect accent for any bedroom.

Searching for some unique art to give? Something that will make everybody else envious when he or she opens it? Look no further than MULBERRY HEIGHTS ANTIQUES and their Becky Davis collection (2419 Canterbury Rd., 205.870.1300, mulberryheightsantiques.com). Not found anywhere else in Birmingham, this artist fuses nature and art into gorgeous masterpieces you’ll love so much, you may decide to gift it to yourself!

Looking for more art and antiques? Head over to CHARLOTTE WOODSON ANTIQUES to find beautiful china, furniture, light fixtures, and more. (2410 Canterbury Rd., 205.817.3314, charlottewoodson.com). Be sure that you say hello to the resident puppy,  Foxie Toro!

Set your table with Table Matters

Table Matters • 2402 Montevallo Rd., Brimingham. 205.879.0125

Take a left onto Culver Road to find CIRCA INTERIORS (2831 Culver Rd., 205.868.9199, circainteriors.com). This is a wonderful place to find inspiration for your home. Pick up some fabulous throw pillows for the sofa or book an appointment with a designer about sprucing up the whole house.

A few doors down, you can stop in at VILLAGE FRAMERS a delightful framing and art shop (2847 Culver Rd., 205.871.6221). Now’s the time to find the perfect frames for all the kids’ pictures that Grandma and Grandpa are getting this year.

Next door you’ll find JOJO HOME, formally known as Marjorie Johnston & Co. (2710 Culver Rd., 205.414.7860). This great company is dedicated to providing quality pieces at a variety of price points, so you’re sure to find something fabulous for yourself and a friend.

We all have that person on the list who isn’t so easy to shop for and who always figures out what you’ve gotten them. Not this year. Make a beeline to PAIGE ALBRIGHT ORIENTALS for the most unexpected gift—and we’re not talking about rugs (2817 Petticoat Ln., 205.877.3232, paigealbrightorientals.com). For the most unique weekender bag in Birmingham, Paige is the lady to see. This bag is a must for all holiday travels, and both men and women will love it!

Getting a little hungry at this point? Stop in at the MOUNTAIN BROOK CREAMERY for some seriously delicious goodness (2715 Cahaba Rd., 205.870.0092). Not even the cold can stop us from coming here. We love the salted caramel peanut ice cream, but if you’re trying to go light, you can’t go wrong with their Only 8 frozen yogurt.

Set your table with Bromberg's

Bromberg's • 2800 Cahaba Rd., Mountain Brook. 205.871.3276

Now that you are fed and happy and ready to get back to business, head down the street to LEAF & PETAL (2817 Cahaba Rd., 205.871.3832, leafnpetal.com). You’ll find a magnificent array of plants, flowers, gardening tools and a staff who is ready and willing to help. But don’t be fooled—Leaf & Petal is more than just a shop for those with a green thumb. Find great home accents and stocking stuffers here as well. We love the chevron patterned jewelry boxes.

Across the street, check out VILLAGE DERMATOLOGY’S new location (2901 Cahaba Rd., 205.877.9773, villagedermatology.net). As the only dermatology practice in Birmingham to be awarded Diamond Status, you know this is the place you want to send yourself, friends, and family. Book a facial or purchase some items from the j.edwards mineral makeup line—created by fellow Alabamian James Edward Starnes!

What about that person on your list that always gives you handmade gifts? Return the favor and head on over to SEW SHERI DESIGNS to find a huge variety of fabrics in some of the best patterns on the market (2832 Culver Rd., 205.879.8278, sewsheri.com). But you don’t have to be crafty to frequent this shop—they also monogram and create custom window treatments and pillows.

Right next door you will find VILLAGE FIREFLY (2816 Culver Rd., 205.870.4560, thevillagefirefly.com). Besides the Bromberg’s tree,  this shop is the best light show in Mountain Brook Village. You’ll love the variety of lamps, shades, sconces and chandeliers.

Now your shopping bags are full and your feet may be tired, but your list is done! Has holiday shopping ever been this easy? Probably not. Reward yourself with a final stop at AVO & DRAM (2721 Cahaba Rd., 205.871.8212 dramwiskeybar.com). This unique restaurant features two very different eateries in one spot. Upstairs you’ll find Avo, a modern California-style place with dishes like the Kael Ceaser! or the Pan Roasted Gulf Dayboat Fish. Downstairs is Dram Whiskey Bar, a place that has let tradition inform its menu. Try the Bison Burger or the Sour Mash Sweet Potatoes— because a little Maker’s Mark never hurt anything. 


Produced by Cassandra Ramos Lenard • photography by Jean Allsopp

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