Exploring Homewood, Alabama

This is the second of a series of articles I'm planning on writing about things to do in the Birmingham, Alabama area. I previously published an article describing some local amusements in the Mountain Brook suburb...today, we travel to Homewood. I attended Samford University for all four years of my college experience. Samford is nestled in the rolling hills of Homewood, just a few miles south of downtown Birmingham. As such, much of Homewood tends to cater towards the college-aged crowd.

Downtown Homewood boasts a cute little shopping district, sure to please anyone's shopping tastes. The quaint area just off Highway 31 features Dave's Pizza--a favorite Samford and UAB hangout. Cheap pizza, and plenty of TVs to keep the guys happy. A hair boutique and art gallery can also be found along this road. Traveling a bit deeper down the same street, one is sure to find O'Henry's. To anyone who's driven down this street, O'Henry's is a store that can not be passed up. A local coffee shop rivaling the nearby Starbucks, O'Henry's offers wifi and casual seating to entertain college students while keeping them caffeinated enough to write that last-minute paper. With so many varieties of coffee to chose from (and reasonable prices) any coffee addict needs to check this shop out!

One cannot experience a true college life in Homewood without dining in at the Purple Onion. This is the epitome of the greasy-spoon, hole-in-the-wall, best food you ever had at 2 in the morning restaurant. They specialize in Mediterranean and Greek cuisine, but for those with less adventurous taste buds, they also keep the basic hamburger and chicken fingers on the menu. An outdoor fountain helps create a pleasant atmosphere for talking amongst friends and studying like mad. Just in the few years that I lived in Birmingham, the Purple Onion turned into a chain. A second store is now on UAB's campus, while a third store can be found near Oak Mountain.

Though I never had the pleasure of eating there myself, rumor has it that a little bakery named O'Carrs is by far worth the trip. Friends of mine have raved about this place for years. I no longer live in Birmingham, but when I do go back, I fully intend on trying this restaurant!

With the summer approaching, I feel obligated to inform all Homewood residents of a fun family event called Free Friday Flicks. This event was one I looked forward to every week. As the name implies, every Friday the powers-that-be would show a "free flick". Vendors were set up along the park perimeter selling the must-have popcorn, hot dogs, etc. Families are encouraged to bring camp chairs, picnic baskets, pets, and children. Please be sure to get there early, as parking does go quickly!

Just down Oxmoor road from the Homewood Park, you'll find a wonderfully cozy Italian restaurant. One of my first college dates started there--very interesting memories, I assure you!