A store that lives up to its name, Charm is a charming little boutique in downtown Birmingham. This store sells and exhibits vintage, or new, handmade jewelry, scarves, handbags, and even art. You can also sell your costume jewelry here. A favorite among locals for the variety and quality of goods, Charm is definitely worth a visit if vintage is your style.

When you think of an art gallery, you think of fine art of landscapes, buildings, and unknown people. But, New Life Art Gallery combines two unlikely combinations: art and sports. The gallery showcases (and sells) paintings by David A. Moore, a renowned international artist whose work is revered by many. Avid golfer? Football aficionado? There's something for you. But, the gallery by far features and caterers to University of Alabama Roll Tide football, where, as they say, football is a sport, but in Alabama, football is art. Artwork is reasonably priced, with online shopping available. Worth a visit, even if you're not an art lover. - Terah Shelton

Located in downtown Birmingham, at first glance this rare bookstore/antique store/museum resembles a room in your grandmother's house. Bursting at the seams and boasting an inventory of over 45,000 books, magazines, and other periodicals, if Reed Books doesn't have what you're looking for, it probably doesn't exist. But, its vast inventory is not what makes Reed Books special. The randomness (a display of plastic Santa statues) and odd finds (post office mailboxes chocked full of letters) are what makes Reed Books special. That and owner Jim Reed, author, humorist, columnist, and all-around good guy who encourages people to "become your own book." Worth a trip on a lazy Saturday.

Green Cup Books is a veritable haven for book lovers who love to scan through a wide range of books on all topics and in all genres. A non-profit endeavor, you will also find a varied collection of art pieces and second-hand books to comb through. They're also renowned book-publishers and printers. With an aim to further the confines of art and encourage the talents of local artists, this unique bookstore organizes a large number of literary events including: book launches, reading sessions, talks, art exhibits, film screenings and the like. A host of live music performances are organized at the venue from time to time. 

Whether it's the comfy gavin you are looking for, or you just want to snuggle in a soft but crispy pair of chinos, Banana Republic at The Summit Birmingham stores apparels aplenty for your party as well as casual dressing. While the men can try everything from the season's freshest stock, women too can cheer themselves up with trendy shorts, smart cuffed hot pants, halter swing tops and several dresses in a variety of hues. Stylish shoes and handbags here, promise a complete chic look with every outfit.

Gardens of Park Place are urban farms that carry out sustainable agriculture to grow food locally. You can stop by at the market and buy the produce directly from the farmer. This project is being carried out to develop sustainable agriculture, grow one's own food and make the city more livable. It also endeavors to educate the youth and children about the environment and agriculture. It is definitely an interesting experience to grow your own food in this fast paced city life. The hours of the market varies according to days and seasons so call before visiting.

The Summit Birmingham provides a little bit of something for everyone. Tire out those legs by walking past what seems to be endless storefronts, and then wear out your arms by carrying all the bags from each shop you go in. With names like Anthropologie, Saks Firth Avenue, Victoria's Secret, Urban Outfitters, Banana Republic, Barnes & Noble, Eddie Bauer and Abercrombie & Fitch, shopping options surround you from all over. And if all the shopping gets your appetite working overtime, The Summit houses some great eateries like The Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang's China Bistro and Village Tavern.

The Booksmith is one of Birmingham's premier independent bookshops specializing in Southern and Alabama authors and topics. It offers both new and used books in a clean, comfortable shop. Enjoy free coffee and a seating area while browsing titles, and feel free to request recommendations from the helpful, knowledgeable staff. Author visits and signings occur regularly. Special order service and out-of-print searches are available as well. The Booksmith buys used books, although trade credit is your best bet.

Located in the Mountain Brook Village Shopping Center, Smith's Variety Shop is part old fashioned candy store, part old-fashioned toy store mixed in one. Come in, fill up a bag of treats at the candy counter. Looking for a gift? Independently owned, this variety store features toys from around the world. Pick up a token for the Alabama or Auburn fan. Find the perfect card that says exactly how you feel in their large stationary collection. Or shop for unique hair ribbons. This is a great place to kill a few hours browsing or to simply revisit old childhood memories when five-and-dime stores were king.

A major shopping destination in Birmingham is this mall, that houses many popular brands of cosmetics, fashion clothing and accessories. Another location of this family-owned department is in Nashville, which, like this one is known to cater to high profile clientele. Seven for All Mankind, Juicy Couture, Dolce & Gabbana, Roberta Cavalli, Gianfranco Ferre are some of the brands you can find here. Both the stores have been with the Pizitz Management Group for a long time now and have undergone several modifications to suit the changing times and requirements. Be it latest designer wear or fragrant cosmetics, both for men and women, this is the mall to check out.