A Lesson on Labor Day, and a List of Local Events for Celebrating the Holiday Weekend
As the holiday weekend approaches, our Idea Specialists at The Retreat at Mountain Brook thought you might want recommendations on how to celebrate Labor Day in the Magic City, as well fall back in time with a brief lesson on how Labor Day became one of our national holidays. Here’s a link to Labor Day events around Birmingham, from our friends at Bham Now. Labor Day: What it Means Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. Labor Day Legislation The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed in 1885 and 1886. From these, a movement developed to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During 1887 four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1884, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. Founder of Labor Day More than a century after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers. Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.” But Peter McGuire’s place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic. The First Labor Day The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883. In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a “workingmen’s holiday” on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country. A Nationwide Holiday The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public “the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations” of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement. The character of the Labor Day celebration has undergone a change in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics and government officials are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television. The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker. We all hope that you all have a fun and safe holiday weekend!
The Retreat at Mountain Brook – Where Southern Charm Meets Modern Vibe
With just a 10-minute drive to hip neighborhoods like Avondale, Crestwood and Crestline Village in Mountain Brook — and only a 5-minute drive to creature comforts Publix and Starbucks — The Retreat at Mountain Brook celebrates modern, easy, apartment living in Birmingham, Ala. “Nestled against the city of Mountain Brook, The Retreat was designed to bring back the notions of community, neighborhood, and convenience,” says Natausha Oakes, community manager at The Retreat at Mountain Brook. “It’s a community where every detail makes luxury seem simple.” The Retreat offers one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as townhomes, in 3 distinctive villages; Greenbriar, Highland, and Canterbury. Each village has a resort-style salt water pool with grilling stations for outdoor entertaining. “The spacious indoor and outdoor spaces deliver warm, welcoming, and enduring sentiments — making for a home-like atmosphere.” From fully renovated chef inspired kitchens with stainless appliances, to separate dining rooms, outdoor living spaces like balconies, sunrooms, or a patio with a fenced-in yard, The Retreat has gained a reputation for providing open, expansive residences that feel charming, yet modern. “Our spacious floor plans are equipped to accommodate a variety of lifestyles,” explains Oakes. “For example, our 2-bedroom townhomes have floor plans ideal for a large family, or roommates. Each apartment is furnished with a washer and dryer, and each living room has an electric fireplace that adds to the ambience.” “We host events tailored to our residents, like Breakfast on the Go, Wine Down by the Pool, and we recently hosted our first Yappy Hour at our dog-park. It was a huge success and loads of fun for everyone,” says Oakes. “The Retreat at Mountain Brook is a great place to live and work and gives Birmingham dwellers the opportunity to take part in our city’s resurgence and engage in the cool, modern southern lifestyle.
Update your Digs this fall at Patina, in Mountain Brook Village
With the slightest hint of the fall season, SEC Football, a glimpse of fall fashion, or as leaves begin to turn, it’s a que that change is just around the corner. When we think of seasonal change our thoughts turn to refreshing not just our personal wardrobes, but our surroundings, with new home décor and accessories. The Idea Specialists at The Retreat at Mountain Brook are at it again, this time providing you with a look at Patina, a newly opened artful living, home decor boutique located in Mountain Brook Village, a short drive from The Retreat at Mountain Brook. Opened by one of Birmingham’s favorite decorators, Melanie Pounds, Patina is an exclusive Verellen Boutique. Verellen conceives, designs and creates beautiful modern home furnishings with an old world attention to detail. Style Blueprint states, Melanie’s decorator style is a perfect match for this line with its emphasis on balancing modern and traditional in seamless harmony. Mashups like Belgian linen and leather are unexpected, yet appealingly compatible. Melanie says, “The line (Verellen) is rich in Belgian design, along with custom finishes, fabrics and custom details. We have the first collaboration of iPad and iPhone cases, bracelets, lamps, tables, beds, bedding and upholstery.” So, if you’ve just moved into your beautiful luxury apartment at The Retreat at Mountain Brook, you’ll want to visit Patina. The store is chocked-full of pillows, lamps and throws, and according to our Idea Specialist, the artwork available at Patina is from Belgian artists and locals, and is reasonably priced. Patina also carries a line of tote bags, dog leashes, place mats, candles and more. For more about Patina visit: www.shoppatina.com| 205.802.9805 | shop@shoppatina.com 2822 Petticoat Lane, Birmingham, Ala. 35223
Top 5 Things to Do in Birmingham This Month
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/
Three’s a Charm at the Retreat at Mountain Brook
They say 3’s a charm, and in the case of our “charming” 3 bedroom luxury apartments and townhomes at the Retreat at Mountain Brook, we couldn’t agree more! With our prime location bordering the City of Mountain Brook, near Avondale and close to downtown, The Retreat at Mountain Brook offers plenty of apartment-seekers most requested amenities; chef-inspired kitchens, stainless appliances, a fireplace or outdoor sanctuary, and spacious living areas. But at the top of everyone’s list is storage or closet space — and the Retreat excels in that arena. The square footage at a Retreat at Mountain Brook luxury apartment homes is legendary, and closet space, gasp-worthy. As a matter of fact, the largest available closet-combos are in the master suite of the 3-bedroom located in our Greenbriar Village; measuring in at 10 ft. x 3 in. and 6 ft. x 2 in. and is large enough to be used as a small office or a child’s playroom. Our 3 bedroom apartments and townhomes, ideal for a family or roommates, have closets with space to spare — for all you closet enthusiasts, how about one big enough to hold a dresser, shoe racks, shelves for folded items and just about anything else you can imagine to fill this generous area. We asked our Idea Specialists at The Retreat at Mountain Brook to give us a few creative solutions to start you thinking about your next closet, so here are 5 clever ways to make the most of your new space.
Summer Must-Haves Just in Time for the 4th of July
Summer has arrived and the pools and grills at the Retreat at Mountain Brook luxury apartment community in Birmingham are ready for you! Our idea specialists have curated a list of the hottest items this summer — all available for purchase just a short drive from The Retreat. This must-have list is compiled with pool, party and outdoor accessories for adults and children that we hope will heighten your next outdoor experience! For The Poolside: For the sunny days by the pool, this spunky float will be an eye-catcher. The FUNBOY exclusive print adds a classy twist to any pool goer. Don’t miss out on this unique pool float from Urban Outfitters at The Summit for $34.00. Catch all the eyes at the party and spark up conversations with your friends and neighbors thanks to this floral swan. For The Ice Cold Group: No one likes a warm beverage. So why suffer? The Yeti Rambler Colster is taking keeping a drink cold to the next level. Any 12 oz. can drink can go in the stainless steel, sweat-proof koozie. The Colster can be found at Orvis at The Summit for $24.99 and will be found essential in any environment where the heat is a variable. For The Busy Child: Just off Hwy 280 in Mountain Brook’s Cahaba Village, you’ll find Mountain High Outfitters with an array of summer products for the entire family. With the heat and sun comes sunburns when one isn’t careful. Our little ones may want to spend their day in the sun but are tough to keep doused in sunscreen. As a precaution parents could consider back up coverage, such as The North Face “Youth Party in the Back Hat.” This adorable hat is only $22 at Mountain High Outfitters, and it allows shade for the children’s neck and face that can be prone to sunburn. Perhaps consider one for yourself as well. Remember to always use sunblock to prevent sunburns and sun poisoning. For The Girly Girl: During the warmer months, the kids tend to take to the water. When it comes to being a girl you always need to glam up your pool accessories. The Missy the Mermaid Kickboard does just that. The kickboard is made with lightweight foam and even has a dive toy for your fish out of water. The board also provides what could be used as a carrying case in case your little ones are prone to misplace things such as their goggles. Right now, the kickboard can be found at Belk for $19.95. For The Outdoorsy: The Wind Pouch GO Inflatable Hammock is designed for all terrains. Whether you choose to spend your summer lounging by the Retreat at Mountain Brook pool, soaking up the sun on the beach or resting in the tree shade on a rustic camping getaway to Oak Mountain State Park to enjoy hiking, biking and nature. This hammock can be found at Alabama Outdoors in Trussville for $42.50. For The Grill Guru: Kinnucan’s Specialty Outfitter in Mountain Brook offers a meat thermometer for the manly men who have everything. The Q-Tech Bluetooth Meat Thermometer is $39.99. It can be paired to your smartphone in order for you to receive alerts for when the meat has reached the desired temperature. The thermometer conveniently attaches to the grill and the probe provides a long cable to reach different parts of the grill without complication. If there is ever a concern about cooking the meat on the grill perfectly this tool could come in handy, especially when guests are over. For The Event Expert: In preparation for any summer party, every hostess or party goer needs a unique dip bowl that will give your guests a giggle. The Pig Out Dip Bowl is available at Swoozie’s ¬at The Summit for $19.95. This unique shop also offers personalized gifts and party necessities for all your summer celebrations. These affordable and long-lasting items will spice up your summer fun! Enjoy the weather and summer festivities. Don’t forget our pool, garden, grills and tennis courts are perfect places to lounge around. Tag us on social media using #RetreatProud at your next outdoor venture.
Father’s Day Gift Guide
Father’s Day is Sunday, June 17. So, The Retreat at Mountain Brook idea specialists have been hard at work scouting for the perfect gift for your dad and ours! Don’t stress about finding a gift—take our lead and shop our list of ideas! Just a short cruise from the Retreat at Mountain Brook is a little store with a lot of great things for dad. Little Hardware in English Village, has been serving folks in Mountain Brook and Birmingham for decades. Anyone can go into the big box DIY store, but Little Hardware has experts to help with any choices you may have. Because outdoor cooking is something most dads enjoy year-round, Little Hardware strives to always have a great selection of grills and accessories. The feature a large selection of Weber grills, both gas and charcoal, and for the true grill enthusiasts, they carry Kamado Joe. Check this out: http://little-hardware.com/the-grill-shop/ If you’re planning on staying home near the pool on Dad’s Day, remember we have awesome grilling stations at the Retreat at Mountain Brook, perfect for a *prime* opportunity to cookout for dad! Nothing beats a prime steak from Western Supermarket in Mountain Brook. Is your dad a beer aficionado? Birmingham has so many choices for boutique beer. If your dad is an aficionado of great brew, Cahaba Brewing Company is one of our favorite places! You’ll find gifts like branded t-shirts, hats, tasting trays, pint glasses, koozies and tap handles. However, if you think dad would like to choose for himself, how about an eGift Card as an excellent alternative. Now let’s talk Man Crates. We discovered Man Crates last year and frankly fell in love with the name and concept! So if your dad-o wants to brew his own — this is the place to go. Here you’ll find all the wonders of a Home Brewed Kit (5 gallons of goodness) for only $169! For the clean-cut dad a special barber gift certificate! The Art of Shaving, located at the Summit, offers special shaving treatments and quality hair care products. Don’t think we forgot about the hunting/fishing enthusiast dads. Here are the top ten gift ideas, from Marks Outdoors for the outdoorsy dads! We wish all the dad’s out there a Happy Father’s Day and hope the suggestions from our idea specialists at The Retreat at Mountain Brook help you make the day a treat for all the dad’s in your life!
Dog Days of Summer
A dog is a man and woman’s best friend, and here at the Retreat at Mountain Brook we strongly agree. This weekend is Do Dah Day, an annual event in Birmingham’s Historic Highland Park. Your idea specialists have complied Birmingham’s finest doggie services in honor of all charities benefiting animals in the Birmingham and Jefferson County area. There’s no denying your fur baby a summer cut in this inevitable heat! We have you covered with plenty of grooming and service options. Generation Dog’s Rub-a-Dub-Dog Bathhouse and Spa, is located in Homewood and offers a variety of full-service and a la carte options to assure your dog’s comfort comes first! Book appointments online today and don’t forget about specialty spa services, such as, pawdicures, doggie massages and facial treatments. Fancy Fur Pet Grooming offers a wide range of products and services that even the pickiest of pups will love. From premium pet foods, including wheat, soy, and corn free dog treats, to designer pet cushions, and even custom-created Austrian crystal pet collars, Fancy Fur has all the items you need to spoil your precious pet. The Pawms Pet Resort in Vestavia Hills and Avondale has an array of services including: boarding, dog day care, grooming, training, and bathing. However, The Pawms is well-known for their immaculate boarding services. They offer something unique to other kennels, which is the spacious runs that are 4 ft. x 12 ft. so your pets have plenty of room to play and exercise. At this size, the runs are large enough to accommodate family dogs to stay together! My Spoiled Pet Resort and Spa says, “we’ll spoil your pet while you spoil yourself!” Spoiled Pet Resort and Spa offers professional pet boarding, daycare and grooming. They have been in business since 2013 and have been working with the #2 groomer in the nation! You can call today for a free consultation. We hope your fur baby is well-pampered at Do Dah Eve, Friday, May 18 and Do Dah Day Saturday, May 19. Do Dah Eve is at Cantina Trotilla Grill and includes the swarthy collection of candidates who will be campaigning to become this year’s King and Queen – enter your squeaky-clean pup! Do Dah Day parade starts at 11:01am along Highland Avenue and festivities begin at 12:01pm in the Caldwell and Rhodes Parks in Southside. Stay tuned for our dog contest on Facebook! Win a dog friendly basket of treat and toys to celebrate National Pet Month!
Magic City Wine Fest with Birmingham Jaguar Land Rover
The Retreat at Mountain Brook partners with Jaguar Land Rover presents Magic City Wine Fest on Saturday, May 12 – benefiting the Birmingham Zoo. Take The World Tour, as the Magic City Wine Fest travels through a variety of regions across the globe. Attendees will be able to drink wine and beer specific to particular regions hosted at the Birmingham Zoo. Check out this cool video to see what’s in store: Magic City Winefest from Clint Brown on Vimeo. A portion of every ticket will benefit the Birmingham Zoo. Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend and treat your mom to a relaxing Zoo tour while supporting endangered animals! At any given time, approximately 950 animals of 230 species call the 122-acre Birmingham Zoo home, including sea lions, rhinos and more endangered species from six continents. Your ticket to the Magic City Wine fest could aid in supporting North America’s Biggest Cat, which is back at the Zoo! Jaguar, Khan, is unique to most cats because he loves water, and his new exhibit features scenic waterfalls and pools. You can help support animals like Khan and his new exhibit by attending the 2nd annual Magic City Wine Fest. Tickets are on sale now! General Admission ($49) includes admission into the event, a free souvenir wine glass, a passport brochure and a donation to the Birmingham Zoo. VIP tickets ($69) includes 30-minute early admission into the event, a special souvenir glass and access to a designated area with seating. Designated Driver ticket ($20) includes admission into the event. Come eat, drink and adventure the world around you on May 12, 5:30 PM-8:30 PM CDT.
Coffee Fest Round-Up
Coffee lovers around the Birmingham area gathered to celebrate their first true love – espresso. Alabama Coffee Festival was hosted by Alabama Multicultural Organization and held at Cahaba Brewing Company in Birmingham’s Avondale neighborhood. Participating coffee shops and roasters: Revelator Coffee Company, Honest Coffee Roasters, Domestique Coffee, Beyond Bama, Athens Roasting Co., Mason Dixon Bakery, Tropicaleo, The Abbey Coffee Shop, Red Bike Coffee, Piper & Leaf Artisan Tea Co., Known Coffee Co. So basically, if you missed this awesome opportunity of unlimited coffee tastings it’s in your best interest to hand the reigns over to our idea specialist at The Retreat at Mountain Brook. We have narrowed down Birmingham’s best brews closest to our community! Revelator Coffee Company, “Revelator celebrates relationships formed over fresh food, good drink, relaxed conversation, and an inviting cup of coffee or tea. We value quality and simplicity, and let our products and experiences speak for themselves.” Pick of the month: Gatare brew – bright notes of stone fruit and hibisicus. Candied tones of orange marmalade, sweet golden raisin, and blackberry preserves. Syrupy body, with layers of brown sugar and spice. The best part – It’s only 4 miles away from the Retreat! If Nitro coffee is your go-to you MUST visit Domestique Coffee. Nitro is an extension of their original cold-brew recipe. Domestique uses Fairtrade, shade grown, Haitian green coffee. To create this cold-brew they air roast utilizing their proprietary brewing method, and then finally off to the lab where a little magic happens. Domestique is BOLD and RICH. It has the body that truly compliments the NITRO infusion process! Stop by on your morning commute or lunch break. It’s a short 16 minute drive for a fast pick-me-up on your way to the office. We’ll take a brief moment to shy away from coffee and talk about coffee’s best friend, baked goods. Mason Dixon Bakery has now opened in Homewood, and the bakery has been awarded Alabama’s first gluten free bakery and bistro – one of the top 15 bakeries in the nation. This bakery and bistro was founded by a health inspired and locally driven couple, Dr. Ashley and Taylor Ramirez. We encourage you to watch this TED Talk in Huntsville, which depicts the captivating story of how Mason Dixon Bakery came to life. Feel free to drool over this bakery and bistro menu! The Abbey… What is The Abbey? It’s a community coffee shop in the Avondale neighborhood of Birmingham. It is a nonprofit project of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. Their mission is to offer a place of hospitality and conversation to the community. The Abbey prides themselves on serving local goods. The coffee is roasted by Red Bike Coffee in Irondale, Alabama. The tea comes from Piper & Leaf Artisan Tea Co. of Huntsville, Alabama. As for their baked goods…made in-house at The Abbey. Swing by for an array of choices from hot/iced coffee, fabulous tea or savory treats from Crestline Bagel Co. Don’t forget about The Retreat’s signature cup of java in both resident lounges. We serve high-quality blends of coffee, tea and cocoa. What else could make your morning better? Oh yeah, it’s free. We hope to see you in the coffee lounge soon!
