This tiny storefront in Merchant's Walk shopping center caters to busy professionals picking up to-go items on their way home for dinner. (However, there is also a very small dining area.) The gumbo comes highly recommended, and the Baby Blue Salad (simple, but delightful greens with blue cheese) is legendary. Other offerings include salads, pasta, sandwiches, soups, pastries and more. Inquire about catering, cooking classes and wine tastings.

A Homewood institution since 1939, Savage's is the place to buy cakes. The cookies and brownies are also irresistible. Local polls consistently rate Savages as the best or among the top area bakeries. Grab a sandwich or a boxed lunch (sandwich, chips and brownies) and enjoy Savage's storefront view of this charming little city's main street.

Alabama Small Boats is arguably the best place in Birmingham to purchase a canoe or kayak. Need a canoe or kayak? Their employees have a doctorate in canoes and kayaks and can educate consumers on the proper canoe or kayak needed for a particular trip. Peruse their "great wall of canoes," racks of clothing and gear, canoe and kayak paddles, and other equipment. While they do not offer or book canoeing or kayaking trips, they are armed with resources that they are more than happy to provide you with information. Visit their website for a wealth of online information about choosing the right canoe and kayak. - Terah Shelton

The largest and leading chain of department stores in US, Canada and UK-Whole Foods Market is where one can find quality products. The company is dedicated to providing its customers with organic natural products. Hence one can be assured that anything purchased from here is of higher quality and is produced using safer techniques. This 38,000 square foot space in Birmingham is the first in Alabama and the most visited by locals.

Known for its casual wear for women, Bebe has become a formidable brand to reckon with in the past decade. This is evident from the number of stores that have been opened throughout the U.S. and its neighbors. The store at Summit in Birmingham, showcases the best of the designer label's line of sweaters, skirts, tops and denims. In recent years, Bebe has diversified into formal wear as well. Bebe pantsuits, blazers and jackets give you a chic yet formal look. Besides apparel, Bebe gives you an opportunity to splurge on trendy accessories like handbags, belts, jewelery, watches, shades and shoes. Bebe products make great gifts as well.

Charlemagne Records Exchange is Birmingham's oldest music store, offering a wide range of music including jazz, blues, international music and every other genre there possibly is... For over 30 years the store has provided the citizens with an eclectic range of cultural-music, books, movies, posters, cards, album covers and likes. Be it the old and long lost record that you are looking for or the latest one, you will definitely find it here.

If anyone needed yet another reason to crave chocolate, this shop is it. Crave Chocolatier, located in Patton Creek Shopping Center, proves that everything is better wrapped in chocolate. Need proof? Try the Twizzlers dipped in milk chocolate, chocolate covered sunflower seeds, even popcorn drenched in chocolate. For the even more unexpected offerings, sample their chili-fire chocolate chips or a spicy chocolate truffle with jalapeno. But, for the less adventurous, there's a vast assortment of simple truffles and chocolate-covered strawberries. As if you needed a reason to visit, they also serve multiple flavors of gelato (Italian version of ice cream).

Naked Art Gallery is not just another gallery but an upcoming shopping destination. Whats more interesting is that the piece of art displayed here is one of its kind and made up from recycled material by the local artists. One can find all kinds of articles like jewelery, wall hangings, lamps and likes to choose from. Every month the gallery has a few events, openings and sales where one can pick up something at a very reasonable rate.

This gourmet food store has the feel of an old-time neighborhood grocery, with its intimate size and friendly staff. You can find a wide variety of international and fancy foods as well as crisp produce, quality meats, seafood, and deli items. Limited seating is available for deli dining, where the most popular selection is the salad sampler plate.

Don't know what to wear on that next big date? One trip to Shaia's will give you the solution. Located in the heart of Homewood, this store is known for its meticulous customer service and stunning collection. Pick up a made-to-wear suit of your choice or select a classy fabric and let the expert tailors give you the perfect fit. And if you are still not happy with the fitting, you can get it altered free of cost. For more information, check the website.