Those who live in Birmingham love it for very specific reasons. The top three you tend to hear most often are the food, the drink, and the size of the city. For those of us who have looked at living in larger cities but never made the leap, these three factors are those that we typically fall back on. What Birmingham lacks in curb appeal, it makes up for in convenience.
But there is one thing that longtime locals know well, but is not quite as publicized, and that is the shopping scene. More importantly, the secret shopping scene. As always, no shop is a total secret, but here are three underrated shopping experiences worth trying:
1) Stash Birmingham
2417 1st Avenue South
Stash, in an unassuming downtown space on 1st Avenue South, is one of the city's most intriguing shops. The first time I encountered Stash was through an Instagram Reel that I was mesmerized by. It seemed like the most charming, eclectic space with finds worth actually investing in. Oftentimes, stores with an assortment of pieces can feel fun to look through, but rarely result in a same-day purchase.
Stash is different. The items are curated, fun, and feel as though they cannot be found anywhere else.
2) Sojourns Fair Trade
5520 Crestwood Boulevard
I have been shopping at Sojourns for nearly two decades and have loved watching its transformation take place. I have fond memories of being downtown with family for a meal or a weekend outing and stopping in to Sojourns before wandering through Reed Books. A store full of fair trade goods of all kinds, there is truly nothing like it.
Now nestled in Crestwood next to a number of familiar favorites, Sojourns is a must.
3) White Flowers Gallery
2533 Rocky Ridge Road
White Flowers is another near lifelong love of mine. Come every birthday or big life event, I found myself surrounded by the smell of fresh white paint and the sound of soothing music I had never heard anywhere else. White Flowers has been a staple for me and is entirely unlike any other store I have ever shopped.
In their newly opened storefront in Vestavia Hills, White Flowers is worth the visit.
Cover Photo by Ryu Orn
