For some travelers, there’s nothing better than spending some hard-earned vacation time, and cash, exploring the shops and malls of a new city. In Birmingham, there are plenty of opportunities for retail therapy and here are just four of the best places to shop.
Pinnacle Tutwiler Farm
This quaint outdoor mall makes window shopping fun. However, if you’re in the buying mood, all your favorite brands are here, including Aeropostale, Belk and Belk Women’s, Chico’s, JC Penney, and Kay Jewelers.
Not just your average shopping mall, this outdoor shopping and entertainment complex features a 16-theatre movie cinema, a park, a public pool, and a splash park. Additionally, Pinnacle Tutwiler Farm is home to the 128-acre Trussville Sports Complex that features softball, soccer, baseball, and football fields.
There are several hotels near Pinnacle Tutwiler Farm, including the Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham. Unwind at the indoor pool and hot tub, exercise your shopping muscles at the fitness center, or simply relax in your modern guest room.
5th Avenue Antique Mall
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This downtown mall is one of a kind. In a historical district of downtown Birmingham, the 5th Avenue Antique Mall features 30,000 square feet of unique pieces and over 100 antique dealers. This is the perfect place to find something special for your home or a memorable souvenir.
If you’re hoping to bring a piece of Birmingham history home with you, stay close to this Antique Mall at the SpringHill Suites Birmingham Downtown (at UAB). This affordable hotel, near the University of Alabama in downtown Birmingham, features an indoor pool, a restaurant and lounge, and free on-site parking.
Riverchase Galleria
South of downtown Birmingham, just west of Interstate 65, you’ll find the massive Riverchase Galleria shopping mall. It will easily take you all day to see all the shops and restaurants here. The anchor stores include Von Maur, Sears, Macy’s, and JC Penney. Apparel, jewelry, shoes, toys, sports, and beauty stores are all here, and if you run out of stores inside, there are additional shops across the street at the Riverchase Promenade.
Re-fuel at Bonefish Grill, where fresh fish is flown to the restaurant daily, or grab a quick snack at the food court. Visiting with your kids? Let them take a few spins on the 19th century carousel.
Outlet Shops of Grand River
Looking to update your wardrobe or buy tons of gifts for family and friends back home? Take advantage of the discount prices at the Outlet Shops of Grand River. Among the many outlet stores, you’ll find additional savings at the eight factory stores, such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Nike, Brooks Brothers, and Le Crueset.
This outdoor outlet complex makes shopping easy, with full concierge service, strollers, wheelchairs, and a food court with free Wi-Fi. Special events and sidewalk sales happen throughout the year and during the Christmas shopping season the stores stay open late.
Add your Birmingham shopping tips below, and go to Hipmunk.com to learn more about Birmingham hotels.
About our contributor: A former journalist, Tammy Banfield is a freelance travel writer who loves scouring the web for the best travel experiences. Tammy has written about more than 2,000 hotels, throughout Canada and the United States, for sites like Hipmunk.
