Selena Wells
Selena Dockery Wells grew up in the East Tennessee town of Maryville in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. She studied studio art at Maryville College, where she met her husband, Bubba. They married and moved to his hometown of Mountain Brook, Alabama (a suburb of Birmingham) just two weeks after graduating from college. Living in Mountain Brook for the past 29 years and raising two children there has given Selena the opportunity of watching Birmingham change drastically for the better. Working in graphic arts and then as a teacher has taken a backseat to homemaking in recent years. Enjoying time at their lake home just north of Birmingham has become a passion for Selena and her family. She and her husband are lucky to be able to spend lots of time with their children, Emma (22) and Harold (20), as both attend The University of Alabama in nearby Tuscaloosa. Seeing Birmingham through their eyes brings Selena’s love for the Birmingham area full circle.
Eat: Restaurants + Bars in Birmingham
The Fish Market on Southside
A B’ham landmark!! Delicious seafood dishes prepared with fresh seafood brought in daily from the Gulf! Greek influence with a fun atmosphere! Very affordable!
612 22nd Street South
205.322.3330
Hamburger Heaven
B’ham’s local fast food and the best fast food burger you will ever eat! Don’t forget to add a soft-serve ice cream cone for dessert.
1703 Crestwood Blvd. (3 other area locations)
205.951.3570
SAW’s Juke Joint
BBQ and Southern inspired specialties! The pork and greens is a favorite to many! I adore the fried green tomato BLT!
1115 Dunston Avenue
205.745.3920
MELT
Relatively new and local. MELT serves grilled cheese sandwiches with pizzaz and some of the best cocktails anywhere! This awesome restaurant started as a food truck and is now located in the newly redeveloped Avondale area of Birmingham, which is also home to many other fantastic restaurants and night life. Their neighbors include Avondale Brewery, Post Office Pies, and SAW’s BBQ. All are worth a visit!!
4105 4th Avenue South
205.917.5000
Stay: Birmingham Hotels
The Redmont Hotel
Birmingham’s oldest hotel, newly renovated and reopened in 2016. 1920s glamour in the heart of downtown. The rooftop bar is extra special!
2101 5th Avenue North
205.957.6828
Grand Bohemian Hotel
A boutique hotel recently finished in the new Lane Park development. Includes Habitat Feed & Social restaurant, an art gallery and a plush rooftop bar. Staying at the Grand Bohemian puts one within walking distance of The Birmingham Zoo, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and many luxury shops and boutiques.
2655 Lane Park Road, Mountain Brook, AL
205.414.0505
Shop: Local Gifts + Specialty Shops
Gus Mayer
Gus Mayer is a traditional Birmingham “go to” for designer ladies clothing, shoes, jewelry and cosmetics. Their shoe department is unrivaled, carrying a fantastic assortment of the best shoes available anywhere! Located in The Summit, a beautiful shopping center, and surrounded by many upscale national retailers and restaurants. Definitely worth the short drive from downtown or surrounding areas!
225 Summit Boulevard, Suite 700
205.870.3300
White Flowers
Lovely, lovely white things! Unique clothing and gifts designed by area artist Diana Hanson. A walk through this beautiful gallery/shop fills one with pure calm. Worth a stroll even if not making a purchase. White Flowers is one of many interesting local shops in the downtown area of Homewood, one of B’ham’s most charming suburbs.
2800 18th Street South
205.871.4640
Alabama Goods
Also in the downtown Homewood area, this shop carries only Alabama-made items. They have a beautiful selection of artwork and pottery, jewelry, food items and much more. A wonderful place to secure a souvenir of your time in Birmingham!
2933 18th Street South
205.803.3900
B. Prince
Unique high-end clothing, accessories and shoes! Exquisite wardrobe additions for ladies of any age!
608 Brookwood Village
205.871.1965
The Market at Pepper Place
If you happen to be in B’ham on a Saturday morning, Pepper Place is the place to be. Filled with local produce, it is much more than just a farmers’ market. You will find jewelry makers, fresh flowers, food trucks, live music and artisans of all types! A fun place to find unique Birmingham themed gifts, t-shirts and trinkets. Pepper Place is surrounded by exciting galleries, restaurants and extraordinary shops that are open other days as well.
2829 2nd Avenue South
205.802.2100
Play: Things to Do in Birmingham
Vulcan Park and Museum
Don’t miss B’ham’s biggest celebrity, Vulcan! He is the world’s largest cast iron statue, designed by Giuseppe Moretti and cast from local iron for the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. He has overlooked the City of Birmingham from atop Red Mountain since the 1930s. Visitors can either climb stairs or ride an elevator to the icon’s open-air observation deck allowing for an unequaled view of Alabama’s largest city. Don’t forget to visit the museum to learn more about the history of the area.
1701 Valley View Drive
205.933.1409
Railroad Park
Railroad Park is an excellent example of Birmingham’s redevelopment! A beautiful 19-acre green space adjacent to Region’s Park (home of the Birmingham Barons baseball team), Good People Brewery, and within walking distance of the newly renovated Pizitz Food Hall which houses numerous local restaurants and shops. This city park is free and includes walking trails, playground equipment, a skate area, exercise equipment and special events. Free exercise classes and cultural events are offered on a regular basis.
1600 1st Avenue South
205.521.9933
Iron City
Live music and event venue with a packed calendar of offerings. The variety of top name musical acts doing concerts here is amazing—everything from country legends to new music and rap. Awesome place to catch a show!
513 22nd Street South
205.202.5483
Martha Haley & Marci Grant
Martha, who grew up in Columbia, SC, met her husband, Robert, shortly after graduating from The University of South Carolina. They lived in Charlotte for 17 years, where they had their three children, then decided to move to Mountain Brook, Alabama, where her parents grew up and her entire family had planted their roots. Martha is a stay-at-home mom and spends every day experiencing how much she loves the feel of a small town and how much it has to offer. The shopping, restaurants, museums and gardens give Mountain Brook the feel of a big city with a personality filled with old Southern charm.
Marci grew in a small town in Georgia but now calls Birmingham home after living here with her husband and two children for 18 years. She works for Jenny Hadley Interiors and in her free time enjoys all that the “Magic City” has to offer. As Marci explains, “Birmingham is truly the perfect size, just big enough to have great restaurants, shopping and activities but small enough that you run into friends and neighbors when you’re out and about!
Eat: Restaurants + Bars in Birmingham
Gianmarco’s
Best Italian comfort food with great Southern hospitality. Very secluded and off the beaten path.
721 Broadway Street
205.871.9622
Hot and Hot Fish Club
Blends French, Southern and California styles of cooking. Located in downtown Birmingham. Try sitting at the the chef’s counter.
2180 11th Court South
205.933.5474
Chez Fonfon
Classic French bistro. Cozy spot with best burger ever and amazing coconut cake.
2007 11th Avenue South
205.939.3221
Chez LuLu
Amazing continental bakery offering great Sunday brunch. Charming place located in the middle of wonderful shops and art galleries. Best place for a girls’ lunch!
1911 Cahaba Road
205.870.7011
Babalu Southern Cuisine with Latin Flair
Fun atmosphere with Spanish-inspired cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. Don’t miss the signature guacamole made tableside.
2808 7th Avenue South
205.297.0200
Five Bar
Eatery and bar known for its simple five-item brunch, lunch and dinner. Very cool atmosphere and amazing Bloody Marys.
744 29th Street South
205.868.3841
MELT
Classic food with a modern flair. First started as a food truck. Try the mac and cheese melt!
4105 4th Avenue South
205.917.5000
Stay: Birmingham Hotels
The Tutwiler Hampton Inn & Suites
Newly renovated but historic hotel right in the middle of downtown. Great wedding venue.
2021 Park Place
205.322.2100
Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
Amazing resort with beautiful grounds. Offers an Aveda spa and golf course.
4000 Grand Avenue
205.916.7677
Grand Bohemian Hotel
Eclectic boutique hotel right in the heart of Mountain Brook with a wonderful roof patio. Amazing food and service!
2655 Lane Park Road, Mountain Brook
205.414.0505
Shop: Local Gifts + Specialty Shops
For the home…
Circa Interiors
Mountain Brook Village. Love!
2831 Culver Road
205.868.9199
Richard Tubb Interiors
Located downtown. Amazing decorator featuring clean lines and neutral colors. Love this place!
2829 2nd Avenue South
205.324-7613
Paige Albright Orientals
Wonderful shop in Mountain Brook Village. Paige and her staff will find you whatever you need. They will come to your home, measure, get a feel for your style and FIND IT! Huge selection.
2814 Petticoat Lane
205.877.3232
HiltzLauber
Unique modern pieces with lots of vignettes in their Homewood showroom. Makes it easy to see how items would look in your home. Great selection of carpet and area rugs. Don’t forget to go upstairs to see the great home furnishings.
2838 18th Street South
Flooring Department 205.879.3455
Furnishings Department 205.879.0039
For clothing…
Gus Mayer
Family-owned, upscale specialty department store catering to upper-end clientele and known for its high-end fashions. Awesome shoe boutique and furs! Luxury clothing and accessories, cosmetics, handbags and gifts.
225 Summit Boulevard, Suite 700
205.870.3300
elle
Boutique in the heart of Crestline Village. Specializes in apparel, shoes, jewelry and handbags. Friendly and helpful staff.
61 Church Street
205.870.5683
M. Lavender Clothing
In the heart of Mountain Brook Village. Convenient location, always friendly and helpful staff.
2734 Cahaba Road
205.870.7275
Pants Store
Local place that is family-owned and run. They sell everything from shoes to clothes. We always go the Pants Store first—it’s the go-to place!
233 Country Club Park
205.868.1616
Soca and Soca Girl
Heart of Homewood. Right balance of classic and contemporary. Trendy with a great assortment of jeans!! Next door is Soca Girl, a fun and trendy place for young girls. My 12 year old would be lost without this store!
Soca
2820 18th Street South
205.879.6788
Soca Girl
2815 18th Street South
205.870.1285
Play: Things to Do in Birmingham
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
With lots of special events like Antiques at the Gardens.
2612 Lane Park Road
205.414.3950
Oak Mountain State Park
200 Terrace Drive, Pelham
205.620.2520
Vulcan Park & Museum
1701 Valley View Drive
205.933.1409
The Birmingham Zoo
2630 Cahaba Road
205.879.0409
McWane Science Center
200 19th Street North
205.714.8300
Railroad Park
1600 1st Avenue South
205.521.9933
Alabama Splash Adventure
4599 Splash Adventure
Parkway, Bessemer
205.481.4750
