You guys! How is it August already?

Children and adults alike have started another school journey and the responsibilities lists are in full play. Summer seems to grace us with its presence, and then, like the fireflies we long to capture…It’s gone.

But no worries! We know you’re busy and as always, The Retreat at Mountain Brook Idea Specialists are here to assist with a list of the Top 5 goings on nearby, in our local community.

#1. Birmingham Restaurant Week
Are you a connoisseur of all things food and fun? Well, hello, darlings! It’s Birmingham Restaurant Week! The Food Fun begins on August 10th and continues thru the 19th.

Here is a bit of history about Birmingham Restaurant Week and a link to point your palate in the right direction. Food, Fun and Fullness for all!

WHAT IS BIRMINGHAM RESTAURANT WEEK?
Birmingham Restaurant Week celebrates the city’s burgeoning culinary reputation as we connect our community through local food. From fine dining to down-home cookin’, food lovers with a taste for adventure can enjoy special lunch or dinner prix-fixe menus ranging from $10, $15, $20, $30 or $40 per person – making it easy and affordable for everyone to enjoy a taste of Birmingham’s diverse dishes.

Summer Restaurant Week is a 10-day culinary affair during August which features more than 70 restaurants and a number of special events designed to lead food lovers on a journey from farm to table as they gain a deeper understanding of how food connects Birmingham. For more information follow this link: http://bhamrestaurantweek.com/about.php

#2. Magic City Brewfest

With the dog days of summer upon us, we know that signals a return of an anticipated event — Magic City Brewfest. For all of our music loving, social butterflies the magic is happening Friday, August 10, from 7 – 11 pm and Saturday, August 11, from 5 – 9 pm, at Avondale Park, 4101 5th Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35222.

A short drive from The Retreat at Mountain Brook, this event is approximately 5 miles away from our luxury apartment community, nestled against the City of Mountain Brook.

Listed below are a few of the fun details from the organizers.

Pretzel Necklaces: Make your own and wear it or buy one at the event. They are great for cleansing your palate between different styles of beverages. Plain or low salt pretzels are best. Remember to hydrate too!

Speaking of Hydration: We will be out in the August sun, drinking beers, meads, and ciders all of which will dehydrate you. There will be free water on hand, so make sure you grab one. There is always a Blue Shirt volunteer walking around offering them about mid-way through the event. TAKE ONE!

Drinking Vessel: The only glass that MCBF volunteers are authorized to pour a 2 oz. sample into is the 2018 commemorative sample glass. NOTHING ELSE. No beverages may enter or leave from our location in Avondale Park.

Thank a Blue Shirt: Magic City Brewfest is organized by an all-volunteer crew of Blue Shirts from the Birmingham Chapter of Free the Hops. You will see them around the event making sure things are taken care of for your enjoyment. When you see one of these fearless volunteers, be sure to thank them for the hard work that goes in year round for planning and executing this great event annually.

You can learn more about this fun event here: https://magiccitybrewfest.com

#3. Jemison Park

For nature lovers — big things are happening at this nearby, local slice of paradise…something long-awaited in Mountain Brook, Alabama; accessibility to a new pedestrian bridge located at 2615 Mountain Brook Pkwy, a mere 5 miles away from The Retreat at Mountain Brook.

The Shades Creek pedestrian bridge will be a replica of the one built in 2017 across Watkins Brook in the section of Jemison Park Nature Trail that runs along Cahaba Road.”

Find out more here: http://www.friendsofjemisonpark.org

#4. Gabby Furniture

We absolutely LOVE this line of furniture and décor — and we love Gabby’s culture and commitment to community.

Not only is Gabby Furniture a firm believer in giving back, as a successful home furnishings company, Gabby is proud of its ability to give back and provide support to charitable organizations whose work we hold in high regard. Most recently, Gabby extended its charitable efforts with a new charitable partner, Lifeline Adoption Services. To learn more about this incredible organization, visit their website at www.lifelinechild.org.

Gabby partnered with Habitat for Humanity in 2012 to help those in need make their dream of owning their own home a reality. Gabby also regularly donates to the American Cancer Society’s Smith Mountain Lake Discovery Shop, which aids their efforts in fighting cancer and searching for a cure.”

Additionally, they have also made a big leap and installed one of the largest commercial solar panel systems in the State of Alabama. The Pelham-based manufacturer and parent company of furniture lines Summer Classics and Gabby, Gabby White, LLC, reports it is now the largest privately held company in Alabama to run on solar energy.

Gabby transitional, eclectic and antique furniture can be found a fine retailers, or in their digital catalog, by simply clicking: https://gabbyhome.com/about-us/

#5. Local Harvest

Who doesn’t love fresh fruits and vegetables? We wanted to tell you about Hueytown Harvest, located at Hueytown Stadium Park 2066 High School Rd, Bessemer, AL 35023, a Farmer’s Market that takes place 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturdays thru October. Its 21 miles away from The Retreat at Mountain Brook toward Tuscaloosa, but ideal for Saturday day-tripping especially since it offers local art and music, a children’s tent and is four-legged-friend-friendly! Check them out: http://www.hueytownchamber.com/event-details/hueytown-harvest-5/