TH E PR E M I E R PA R E NTI N G M AGA Z I N E FO R C E NTR A L A L A BA M A TH E PR E M I E R PA R E NTI N G M AGA Z I N E FO R C E NTR A L A L A BA M A
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ANDTHE THE AND WINNER WINNER IS... IS... ANNOUNCING ANNOUNCING THE 2020 FAMILY THE 2020 FAMILY FAVORITES AWARD FAVORITES AWARD WINNERS WINNERS
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ed note
OUR 14TH YEAR OF FAMILY FAVORITES AWARDS IS HERE! It looks a little different this year. The pandemic forced a smaller print issue, so we are bringing you an expanded ONLINE version this year. This is our 14th year of the first Family Favorites Awards in Birmingham. We have some new categories, some surprise winners and a bunch of repeat winners this year. Some businesses really desire this honor and ask for their clients, friends and family to vote, put up signs and request the votes via social media and the web. Nothing about that changed this year, despite the pandemic. As always, our contest is all about you and what your favorites are. Unlike other contests, we don’t nominate anyone – YOU, the reader, does. Whoever wins, wins. And we even have a few ties this year! We hope you will access this guide and use it all year when you need to make a decision about a purchase, doctor, trip or whatever your family needs. (And don’t miss voting in our Favorite Kids Docs, online now at https://birminghamparent.com/directory/favorite-kids-docs/ . Nominees will be highlighted in the November/December 2020 issue). Be sure to pick up a PRINT edition of our July/August 2020 Birmingham Parent, with a ton of great back-to-school stories as well as our popular Education & Enrichment Guide. You can of course see it online, too, at www.birminghamparent.com. And a small note, due to the pandemic, we are postponing our popular Happy Healthy Kids Fair, normally in August at the Riverchase Galleria, until 2021. Watch for our 2021 Family Favorites promotion starting in January 2021 and be sure your favorites are nominated!
P.O. Box 326 (add 800 Hwy. 52 E. for pkg) Helena, AL 35080 205-624-2405 205-624-2515 FAX www.birminghamparent.com
editorial PUBLISHERS David & Carol Evans EDITOR Carol Muse Evans ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lori Chandler Pruitt
sales
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Tom Gonzales SR. MARKETING CONSULTANT Kayla Fricks MARKETING CONSULTANT Stacey Spence
art & production ART DIRECTOR Keith Dunn DISTRIBUTION T&P Deliveries LEGAL COUNSEL Balch & Bingham LLP
Carol Muse Evans Publisher/Editor carol@birminghamparent.com
ABOUT THE EDITORS: Carol Muse Evans is the publisher/editor/owner of Birmingham Parent magazine, a publication she and her husband David began in 2004. The Birmingham, Alabama-based parenting publication attracts more than 60,000 readers monthly in a four-county area and receives 10,000 hits per month on its website. The magazine has a 20,000+ print circulation, plus several thousand in readership of the digital edition online. It is the only independently audited free publication in our area. Evans is an award-winning writer and editor who has also has written for several other publications as a freelance writer since the late 80s. She is a graduate of Auburn University in journalism and is a graduate of Scottsboro High School. She is married with two grown children and lives in Alabaster. She is a member of Alabama Press Association and Southeastern Advertisers and Publishers Association (SAPA). Lori Chandler Pruitt is associate editor of Birmingham Parent. She also is a freelancer for Business Alabama magazine and has written/edited for several other publications. This award-winning writer and editor is a graduate of the University of Alabama in news/editorial and Hueytown High School. She is married with two children.
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BIRMINGHAM PARENT IS A PUBLICATION OF EVANS PUBLISHING, LLC. Publishers: Carol Muse Evans, David K. Evans Sr. Birmingham Parent (EIN200694149) is published monthly by Evans Publishing LLC. www.birminghamparent.com or editor@birminghamparent.com. Birmingham Parent is © 2019 by Evans Publishing LLC. Family Connections Media ©2019/2020 by Evans Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Editorial submissions are welcome. For back issues, please send a self-addressed 10” x 13” envelope with $4 for postage and handling.
THANK YOU FOR VOTING
YOUR FAVORITE KIDS MEAL
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contents
ANNOUNCING THE BIRMINGHAM PARENT 2020 FAMILY FAVORITES AWARD WINNERS We have our favorites, and so do you – favorite place to go for a haircut, favorite grocery store, place to shop and even favorite vacation destination.
our regulars EDITOR’S NOTE: OUR 14TH YEAR OF FAMILY FAVORITES AWARDS IS HERE!!............................4
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our features
FAMILY FAVORITES AWARDS 2020 Announcing The Birmingham Parent 2020 Family Favorites Award Winners ................................. 8 Family Fun..........................................10 Parties, Activites & Learning........10 Businesses & Services................... 13 Health & Wellness...........................15
ON THE COVER: Brother and sister Emersyn, age 7, and Elijah, age 9, are excited about the Family Favorites Awards for 2020l! Photo by Christy Pierce Photography, www.christypiercephotographyllc.com, 205-902-0385.
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Our goal is to be the best educational daycare and preschool program in the country. Since 1995, Odyssey has offered incredible child-toteacher ratios, certified teachers and a curriculum that prepares our children for elementary school, all in safe, clean, beautiful facilities. Preschool Teachers with Degrees in Early Childhood Education Exceeds All State-Student Ratio Standards
FAVORITE PRESCHOOL/ CHILDCARE
Professionally Developed Age-Appropriate Curriculum Free Internet Video Monitoring Music, Spanish, Computers and Youth Fitness/Sports programs Best Playgrounds in Birmingham
CALL AND SCHEDULE YO U R O N S I T E T O U R T O DAY I N V E R N E SS CAMPUS 2 0 5 - 9 9 1- 0 0 3 9 T R AC E C R O SS I N G S CAMPUS 205-988-8829
L I M I T E D S PAC E AVA I L A B L E N O W FOR CHILDREN 6 WEEKS THROUGH 3rd GRADE
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Announcing the Birmingham Parent 2020 Family Favorites Favorites Award Winners Winners Compiled by Lori Chandler Pruitt and Carol Muse Evans Compiled by Lori Chandler Pruitt and Carol Muse Evans
We have our favorites, and so do you – favorite place to go for a haircut, favorite grocery store, place to shop and even favorite vacation destination. But if you need a suggestion or a fresh idea, a friend or family member can give us great ideas by sharing THEIR THEIR favorites. That’s what our Family Favorites Awards are all about. This is the longest running contest of its sort in the Birmingham area. We have many folks who copy us, but we have stayed true to the original idea – YOU nominate the winners, YOU choose the winners. Voters must cast votes in at least 20 categories to count, and we give away a great random prize to those who take the trouble to vote. This year’s prize is a great getaway to OWA (www.visitowa.com). For your convenience, we grouped winners in categories, and we’ve got repeat winners and new ones. And we’ve eliminated a few categories and added some this year. We hope that you will keep this list all year and refer to it when you need it, and if your favorite didn’t make it, be sure you nominate and vote for them in 2021! And when you see our Family Favorites logo in a place of business, know it was loved enough to be voted a “family favorite.” And special congrats to our OWA giveaway winner, Virginia Hwang, who won a terrific trip for 4 to OWA. Thanks to OWA for being our sponsor. Because of space restrictions due to the coronavirus, we have only listed only the winners a list of in winners this print in the edition, July/August but you 2020 canprint access edition, the 2020 but BIRMINGHAM following is much PARENT more about FAMILY our 2020 FAVORITES BIRMINGHAM AWARDSPARENT online at https://print.birminghamparent.com/2020-winners FAMILY FAVORITES AWARD WINNERS. And the winners are…. AND THE 2020 Winners are….
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Favorite Women’s Health Facility Favorite Place to Have a Baby
A COMMUNITY BUILT ON EXCELLENCE We’re grateful to everyone who voted for Brookwood Women’s Medical Center in this year’s Birmingham Parent 2020 Family Favorites contest. At Brookwood Women’s Medical Center, we provide the kind of care that every woman deserves. We incorporate compassion, attentiveness and empathy with excellent obstetric and gynecological services. From annual check-ups to prenatal care and giving birth, it’s a privilege to take care of you.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 833-245-0194 or visit BrookwoodWomens.com
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FAMILY FUN FAVORITE GEORGIA DESTINATION Georgia Aquarium Readers love this aquarium. Maybe that’s why it’s a repeat winner in 2020. It’s a great day trip for families, or a fun weekend adventure in Atlanta. Great aquariums, animal interactions and an IMAX theater mean a family-friendly attraction, just a short drive from Birmingham. www.georgiaaquarium.org FAVORITE TENNESSEE DESTINATION Gatlinburg Better than ever after the fires a few years ago, Gatlinburg is definitely a Birmingham family favorite with a little something for everyone in a picturesque setting. And it can be enjoyed in any season! www.gatlinburg.com FAVORITE ALABAMA DESTINATION Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Who doesn’t love Gulf Shores? Why travel out of state when you have a place for a memorable beach vacation right at home? Lots of fun activities, great food and beautiful beaches make sun lovers go back to Gulf Shores again and again. www.gulfshores.com FAVORITE FLORIDA DESTINATION Destin This was once a sleepy, small fishing village, but this repeat winner is one of the most desired beaches to visit in Florida for families. Its beaches can compete with the Caribbean beaches with the beautiful white sand. www. cityofdestin.com FAVORITE FAMILY ATTRACTION IN BIRMINGHAM The Birmingham Zoo This repeat winner has grown and evolved to be a zoo
PARTIES, ACTIVITIES & LEARNING FAVORITE LOCAL GYM/EXERCISE FACILITY Birmingham YMCAs Families love The YMCA of Greater Birmingham, which has several locations and a myriad of classes, exercise equipment and friendly staff to help. www.ymcabham.org FAVORITE BIRTHDAY PARTY PLACE Chuck E. Cheese When it comes to one-stop party planning, families love Chuck E. Cheese for great pizza and lots of fun! www.chuckecheese.com 10 | birminghamparent | JULY / AUGUST 2020
that is better than ever! Spend a few hours or a whole day here! It’s got fun and educational activities, splash pa, a train, and so much more for families. www.birminghamzoo.com FAVORITE FAIR, FESTIVAL OR SPECIAL EVENT IN BIRMINGHAM Do Dah Day What started in 1979 as a simple parade has grown into much, much more. It raises money to support Jefferson County animal shelters. It’s an event to let your furry friends shine! www.dodahday.org FAVORITE PUMPKIN PATCH The Great Pumpkin Patch, Hayden This new winner in this new category has been around a long time. Admission to the Great Pumpkin Patch is free, and you pay for each activity. Great for the young and the young at heart. Make it a part of your fall fun! http://greatpumpkinpatch.com/ FAVORITE CHRISTMAS OUTING Zoolight Safari, Birmingham Zoo www.birminghamzoo.com FAVORITE MUSEUM FOR KIDS McWane Science Center This repeat favorite features four floors of hands-on science exhibits as well as the only IMAX theater in Birmingham! Special exhibits and events are very popular. www.mcwane.org
PARTIES, ACTIVITIES & LEARNING FAVORITE TUTOR GradePower Learning Families love GradePower Learning because their methods go way beyond traditional tutoring methods, taking the time to learn about a child and develop a plan for his or her success. https://gradepowerlearning.com FAVORITE FIELD TRIP The Birmingham Zoo The Birmingham Zoo is a repeat winner for a favorite place to learn all about animals and our environment, with special programming and events. www.birminghamzoo.com FAVORITE PRIVATE SCHOOL The Altamont School As a Microsoft School with a 1-to-1 laptop program, the Altamont is fortunate to have a robust infrastructure that made the transition from traditional to online learning smooth and that allows them to continue to pursue their mission of graduating compassionate, well-educated individuals. https://www.altamontschool.org/ FAVORITE PRESCHOOL/CHILDCARE Odyssey Early Schools This repeat winner has a lot to offer families! It has been a repeat winner in several categories through the years, but bottom line, it is a great preschool. Odyssey also offers summer camp programs and keeps academics at the forefront of everything they do. http://odysseyearlyschool.com FAVORITE MOTHER’S DAY OUT Riverchase Community Church’s Learning Center – RCC Learning Center RCC offers hands-on learning, academic programming and socialization to children in a Christian environment. RCC strives to meet children’s individual needs in a loving and nurturing environment with age-appropriate activities.www.riverchase.cc/rcc-learning-center/
FAVORITE SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICE OR PROGRAM The Bell Center This repeat winner has a long history of service in the Birmingham area. Since 1984, The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs has provided quality early intervention services in a center-based program in Birmingham. Here, infants and toddlers at risk for developmental delay receive services from transdisciplinary teams which include a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a speech-language pathologist and an early childhood special education teacher as each child works on specific individual developmental goals. www.thebellcenter.org FAVORITE COLLEGE OR TRADE SCHOOL The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) UAB serves students, patients, the community and the global need for discovery, knowledge dissemination, education, creativity and the application of groundbreaking solutions. They are a leader among comprehensive public urban research universities with academic medical centers, right in the heart of Birmingham. https://www.uab.edu FAVORITE GYMNASTICS PROGRAM Legacy Gymnastics This repeat winner offers competitive coaching, but offers both recreational and competitive team programs for girls and boys ages 18 months to 18 years old. Great birthday parties, too! www.legacygymnastics.com FAVORITE PARENT/CHILD CLASS Head Over Heels Gymnastics Tumblers This well-known and loved gymnastics school, a repeat winner, wins big this year for its preschool tumblers program. Instructors guide parents and children through warm ups, stretching, mat activities, balance beams, bars, trampolines and vault. https://headoverheelsgyms.com/ preschool-gymnastics/
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PARTIES, ACTIVITIES & LEARNING FAVORITE DANCE CLASS - TIE North Jefferson Academy of Dance and Miss Kelley’s Dance School North Jefferson Academy of Dance (NJAD) has served the Gardendale area for more than 35 years with ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip-hop and dance team prep, and now baton twirling. Classes for ages 3-18 and even adult workshops. http://njadonline.com/. Miss Kelley’s Dance School was established in 1983 and has studios in Trussville and Oneonta, Alabama. Facilities feature large studios with sprung wooden or Marley floors, fulllength mirrors, ballet barres, surround sound systems, and video screens. Students learn new skills, improve rhythm, flexibility and coordination while gaining confidence, poise, and self-esteem. https://www.misskelleys. com/ FAVORITE ART CLASS Forstall Art Forstall Art has art supplies and custom framing but it wins big this year for its art classes. With multiple art classes, workshops and demos, be sure to check the website for the next thing you want to do! https://www.forstallart.com/
FAVORITE MUSIC CLASS Mason Music This repeat winner teaches you how to play music, sells gear, helps you learn to create your own music record and produce your music when you’re ready. They provide performance opportunities unlike anything else you can get in the Magic City. Its lesson programs are staffed with teachers who have varied back-
grounds and specialties, and they can match students to the best teacher fit. https://masonmusicstudios.com/ FAVORITE MARTIAL ARTS CLASS Tiger Rock Since 1983, Tiger Rock has been teaching life skills through martial arts for students to learn to focus, build confidence and instill discipline. With many locations, this family favorite is convenient for all! Tigerrockmartialarts.com
FAVORITE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM Birmingham YMCAs Birmingham YMCAs have long been known for camps and after school programs, as well as a great place to exercise and play sports – for all ages. This year’s family favorite is also the pick for important after-school programs that are safe, structured, and a super FUN place to study and play hard after school. In addition to having daily help with homework, kids at the Y enjoy healthy meals and exercise while also developing new skills, creative interests and lasting friendships. https://www.ymcabham. org/afterschoolacademy FAVORITE DAY CAMP Birmingham YMCAs Birmingham YMCAs is another top family favorite for day camp. With more than 10 locations in our area, there’s sure to be something your child would enjoy doing this summer, and the “Y’ is your favorite place to go! http://www.ymcabham.org/ FAVORITE SLEEP AWAY CAMP Camp Cosby Camp Cosby, a YMCA sleep away camp, is a repeat favorite. YMCA Camp Cosby is a week-long sleepaway camp experience for boys and
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girls ages 6 to 16 providing safe adventures on 135 acres nestled in foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in east Alabama. With first-rate staff, activity variety, beautiful landscape and amazing views on the shores of Lake Logan Martin, Camp Cosby is the perfect camp atmosphere to over 2,000 campers each summer. https://www.ymcabham.org/ regular-camp-info FAVORITE BIRTHDAY PARTY SUPPLIES/ RENTALS Party City Many stores offer a limited assortment of party ware, but Party City specializes in party supplies. They have everything you need year-round! Shop with them and you'll discover many ways to celebrate – and just in case you don't, store associates are always ready to help you plan the perfect party. Find 3 great area locations! https://stores.partycity.com/ us/al/birmingham/party-store
FAVORITE BIRTHDAY CAKE Publix Who doesn’t love Publix’s bakery? There's a lot more than cookies and dinner rolls going on inside your Publix Bakery. There's always an expert cake decorator, ready to customize beautiful cakes to your every whim, for any occasion. https:// ww4.publix.com/products-services/ bakery
BUSINESSES & SERVICES FAVORITE AUTO REPAIR The Garage in Pelham Since opening its doors in 2005, The Garage has been able to help tens of thousands of customers in the Birmingham metro area. They started with the very basic principle that they wanted to offer the “dealership experience” without the “dealership experience,” so to speak. The Garage strives to offer expertise and excellence, while still maintaining that old-fashioned garage customer service. https://thegarageinpelham. com/ FAVORITE CAR DEALER Hoover Toyota Hoover Toyota is a repeat family favorite that is wellknown for serving the Birmingham area and has done so for more than 20 years. Families like the huge selection of new and pre-owned vehicles that meets every need, with a great sales staff. www.hoovertoyota.com
COMING THIS FALL
September/October 2020: • Our 2nd Special Needs Edition • The Pumpkin Patch and
Fall Festival Guide
• Grandparenting November/December 2020: • Private School Guide & Directory • Favorite Kids Docs Nominees • Holidays • Get in On the Giving For advertising information, call 205-624-2405 or e-mail info@birminghamparent.com
DENTISTRY FOR
FAVORITE HOME/AUTO INSURANCE State Farm One of the mega insurers for home, auto and life, State Farm is a major presence in Alabama, and once again, a Birmingham Parent family favorite for 2020. www.statefarm.com FAVORITE BANK Regions Bank A repeat winner in this category, Regions is a major presence in the Birmingham area and in Alabama. Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. https://www.regions.com/ FAVORITE CREDIT UNION America’s First Federal Credit Union America’s First was founded during the Great Depression on July 23, 1936 when 19 men employed by the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railway Company pooled their money in a cigar box. Their mission: provide excellent financial services to the under-represented members of our community. Great service and quality financial options quickly connected with the people of Alabama and it continues today to make America’s First your family favorite credit union. www.amfirst.org/
CHILDREN & SPECIAL NEEDS PERSONS THE GUIDE 2021 COMING IN JANUARY! DON’T MISS GETTING YOUR SPOT. CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY AT 205-624-2405 OR INFO@BIRM INGHAMPARENT.COM
Dr. Tabitha Jarman Gatrey, DMD
4823 Promenade Pkwy., Suite 101 Bessemer, AL 35022 p 205-230-9000 f 205-230-0188
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FAVORITE MAID SERVICE The Maids The Maids is the only residential cleaning service to have a partnership with one of the most revered names in the cleaning business. Mr. Clean® and The Maids® have teamed up to give you and your family the healthiest and most thorough cleaning services in Birmingham. www.maids.com/83/ FAVORITE SALON/SPA The Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort Golf Resort & Spa is a repeat winner in this category for moms that just need a day to get away and pamper themselves. They offer a wide range of spa and beauty treatments. www.marriott. com/hotels/travel/bhmhv-renaissance-birmingham-rossbridge-golf-resort-and-spa FAVORITE SHOPPING CENTER/MALL Riverchase Galleria Whether you’re a resident of Hoover, Alabama, or just visiting, a trip to Riverchase Galleria is a must when you’re in town. You can spend the day shopping in more than 150 stores, people watching in the largest enclosed shopping center in Alabama, or fueling a night out with a delicious dish from Bonefish Grill. www.riverchasegalleria.com/ en.html FAVORITE HAIRCUT FOR KIDS Great Clips This repeat winner with multiple locations in the Birmingham area means your family can get a great and affordable haircut close to home. Check out the website for pricing, services and a great location near you. www. greatclips.com/salons FAVORITE MATERNITY SHOP Motherhood Maternity Motherhood has been around for a long time in the Birmingham area, both as a standalone store and a part of a department store. You can currently find Motherhood inside Buy Buy Baby at Patton Creek Shopping Center, as well as online at www.motherhood.com. FAVORITE TOY STORE Homewood Toy and Hobby This repeat winner has been in Homewood for more than 60 years, offering great quality toys and the best hobby brands. They also carry the largest selection of remote-controlled items in Birmingham, from cars to drones, and it’s also the premier place to find electric trains! www.homewoodtoy-hobby.com FAVORITE BOOK STORE Barnes and Noble This repeat winner offers books of all kinds, from paper 14 | birminghamparent | JULY / AUGUST 2020
books to e-books and audiobooks, and also textbooks, toys, games and collectibles, gift/home/office, movies/TV and music. Their online store has a huge selection, too. www.barnesandnoble.com FAVORITE GROCERY STORE Publix Publix has made its mark in the grocery market in the Birmingham area, and great service and products lead its appeal. Now you can get in-store pick up and even delivery in some areas! www.publix.com/ FAVORITE ICE CREAM Bruster’s Ice Cream Bruster’s is a family favorite this year for its tasty ice cream and frozen yogurt, along with other yummy concoctions, cakes/pies and specialty items. Bruster’s also offers a loyalty program! https://brusters.com FAVORITE FROZEN YOGURT Yogurt Mountain Our readers have solidly chosen Yogurt Mountain as a family favorite every year! It’s known as the “ultimate self-serve frozen dessert experience,” with more than a dozen rotating flavors and more than 50 toppings to choose from. https://yogurtmountain.com FAVORITE CONSIGNMENT STORE OR SALE – TIE Kids’ Market and Mom is a twice-yearly consignment sale where everyone loves to both consign and shop. It’s grown to be the largest consignment sale in Alabama for children’s clothing and maternity. It’s a repeat winner every year, and with good reason. www.kidsmarketandmom.com/ Trussville United Methodist Church Consignment Sale is a first-time winner in this category. The Trussville Methodist Children’s Consignment Sale is held twice a year, and features seasonally-appropriate children’s clothing, shoes, socks, hats, and belts. Also available are maternity clothing, children’s furniture, baby equipment, many types of toys, games, puzzles, and books. https://trussvillemethodistconsignmentsale.com/ FAVORITE STORE FOR KIDS’ SHOES Sikes This repeat winner has been a favorite staple in the Birmingham area for years. There are parents now buying shoes for their children from Sikes who were also Sikes customers themselves. High quality shoes and a great fit! https://sikeschildrensshoes.com/ FAVORITE PLACE FOR DATE NIGHT Spare Time This family entertainment center with bowling, laser tag, arcade/redemption, events and an upscale restaurant and bar also is a new Family Favorite for busy parents who just want to unwind and have fun! www.sparetimeentertainment.com/trussville/
BUSINESSES & SERVICES FAVORITE KIDS MEAL Chick-fil-A Kids and their parents love Chick-fil-A! It’s been a repeat Family Favorite and that’s no surprise – families love the delicious food (including several healthy options), fast, friendly service, a clean family-friendly dining area and more. Kids meals come with an educational toy, too! www. chick-fil-a.com FAVORITE FAMILY DINNER Taziki’s It’s easy to get a great, tasty meal at Taziki’s, a locally-owned restaurant chain that serves Greek and Mediterranean cuisine such as gyros, sandwiches, soups and salads. This repeat family favorite also boasts a great kids menu! www.tazikis.com FAVORITE FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER Christy Pierce Photography This year’s Family Favorite has won at least three times before! Christy Pierce Photography has created many of the beautiful covers for Birmingham Parent magazine since 2014. She is a 2020 and 2019 recipient of Best of The Knot Wedding Photographer. Families trust her for the best weddings, baby, engagement, senior photos and more. www.christypiercephotographyllc.com FAVORITE BABY FURNITURE/GIFTS BuyBuy Baby Find everything for baby – from strollers to furniture to diapers – under one roof! That’s the concept of Buy Buy Baby, a repeat Family Favorite, and parents love the convenience. The store also has a great website to make it easy to get all you need, too. www.buybuybaby.com FAVORITE ANIMAL CLINIC Hope Animal Clinic Families want the best for their pets, and they chose Hope Animal Clinic as this year’s family favorite! The clinic is “no ordinary veterinary clinic” as they seek to offer hope to every client for every need. Every client is important and every pet is special. https://myhopeanimalclinic.com FAVORITE BOARDING FACILITY FOR PETS Hope Animal Clinic This is also the family favorite for favorite veterinarian, so it’s no surprise families trust Hope Animal Clinic for keeping the furry members of their families happy and safe while they are away. Hope has one of the largest boarding facilities in central Alabama with lots of amenities. https://myhopeanimalclinic.com/ services/boarding/
HEALTH & WELLNESS FAVORITE PEDIATRIC DENTIST Pediatric Smiles This year’s family favorite provides specialized dentistry for infants, children, teens and children with special health care needs in a warm, caring and child-friendly environment. https://psmilesal.com FAVORITE FAMILY DENTIST Vital Smiles This family favorite features family-oriented offices that are child-friendly with dentists who are well-trained and highly experienced in providing high quality general dentistry for children. It was founded by a group of dentists who wanted to make quality dental care available and affordable for as many children as possible. www.vitalsmiles.com FAVORITE ORTHODONTIST PT Orthodontics PT Ortho is an eight-time family favorite winner in this category! The practice offers free consultations in nearly a dozen locations, providing high-quality orthodontic care for all ages at an affordable price. https://psmilesal.com FAVORITE PHARMACY Publix As Publix sweeps several categories this year in our family favorites, its pharmacy is a newcomer to the mix. But you get the same level of great service from the Publix pharmacy that Publix Supermarkets have become known for! They even have a list of prescriptions that are free. https://ww4.publix.com/pharmacy-wellness/pharmacy FAVORITE PEDIATRICIAN Greenvale Pediatrics This year’s family favorite has won before – this Children’s of Alabama affiliated clinic has three locations in the Birmingham metro area – Alabaster, Brook Highland and Hoover. It offers comprehensive patient care including referrals, tests, immunizations and much more. https://childrensal.org/greenvale-pediatrics FAVORITE ENT Dr. Guy Handley, Brookwood ENT Associates PC Handley, a board-certified otolaryngologist, treats a wide variety of conditions in adults and children, such as hearing loss, allergy, sinus disease and pediatric ENT care. He has practiced at Brookwood ENT for about 31 years. www.brookwoodent.com FAVORITE ALLERGIST Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center This year’s favorite has been committed to providing quality patient care since 1966. The staff diagnoses and treats pediatric and adult allergies, skin disorders, sinus issues, asthma, food/drug allergies and immunological issues. All allergists are certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. With several locations in the Birmingham area, it’s also very convenient. https://www.alabamaallergy.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS FAVORITE CHIROPRACTOR Dr. Troy Lofton Lofton, a chiropractic physician with Gremmels Chiropractic Center in east Birmingham, graduated from Sherman College of Chiropractic. He works with all ages, specializing in degenerative spine disorders. He also works with and educates pregnant moms to alleviate common symptoms during pregnancy to help facilitate an easier labor and delivery; and assesses neurological function with babies and toddlers to keep development on track. https:// albackcare.com FAVORITE OPTOMETRIST OR OPHTHALMOLOGIST Vestavia Eye Care This year’s winner provides complete eye care for adults and children, with comprehensive eye exams that check for visual skills and any potential eye disorders or diseases. Doctors and staff are prepared to handle all eye care needs with the latest in diagnostic equipment and technology. https://vestaviaeyecare.com FAVORITE FAMILY DOCTOR Dr. William Kirby Kirby, who practices at Simon-Williamson Clinic in Birmingham, specializes in internal medicine. He is a graduate of Millsaps College, the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and completed his residency with Baptist Health System in Birmingham. He has practiced for more than 20 years. https://simonwilliamsonclinic.com FAVORITE WOMEN’S HEALTH FACILITY Brookwood Baptist Health Long known as a favorite hospital for moms and babies, this family favorite provides care for every stage of a woman’s life. The staff encourages women to stay on top of their annual health care exams and screenings, and treat a wide variety of conditions. www.brookwoodbaptisthealth.com FAVORITE BIRTHING SUITES St. Vincent’s Health System A repeat favorite for seven years in this category, parents love St. Vincent’s birthing suites for experienced, personalized maternity care provided in a safe, comfortable atmosphere with many amenities. https://healthcare.ascension.org FAVORITE PLACE TO HAVE A BABY Brookwood Baptist Health This year’s repeat Family Favorite is well-known for a great place to have a baby, and the obstetricians, nurses and obstetric team at Brookwood Baptist Health work hard to ensure that the birth experience is special, offering a full range of amenities and services. www.brookwoodbaptisthealth.com
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FAVORITE FERTILITY SPECIALIST ART of Alabama For more than 30 years, the ART Fertility Program of Alabama has provided couples who experience infertility the best possible medical services, personal care and counseling. It is this year’s family favorite for its compassion and state-of-the-art technology. There are locations in Birmingham, Huntsville and Montgomery. https://fertilityprogramofalabama.com FAVORITE OBSTETRICIAN Dr. Malcom Simmons Simmons, who practices at Shelby Obstetrics & Gynecology, received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama, attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham for his medical degree and completed his residency at Carraway Medical Center. He is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and also is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. www.shelbyobgyn.com FAVORITE OB/GYN PRACTICE Women’s Health Specialists of Birmingham Women’s Health Specialists is a family favorite for their “patient centered practice” with high-quality, evidencebased care. The practice, located in Grandview Medical Center, offers a full range of state-of-the-art services for women of every age. https://whsbham.com FAVORITE ALL-AROUND HOSPITAL UAB Hospital UAB Hospital, with its major research centers and clinics, has 1,157 licensed beds and is among the 20 largest and best equipped in the nation. Families love it for the convenient family medicine clinics and specialty care. www.uabmedicine.org FAVORITE CHILDREN’S HEALTH FACILITY Children’s of Alabama This repeat family favorite includes the Children’s of Alabama medical center with many inpatient and outpatient services, as well as many pediatric and specialty services throughout the area. It is ranked among the best pediatric centers in the nation and the third largest pediatric facility in the U.S. www.childrensal.org FAVORITE HOSPITAL NICU UAB Women & Infants Center This repeat family favorite is the only Level IV NICU in Alabama. This unit provides care to babies born too soon or who are ill. It treats babies throughout the state. www. uabmedicine.org FAVORITE WALK-IN/URGENT CARE CLINIC Urgent Care for Children This family favorite is a physician-owned pediatric urgent care provider with clinics across the state of Alabama. Licensed, on-site pediatricians and pediatric nurse
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AND OUR WINNER IS...
HEALTH & WELLNESS
practitioners provide acute diagnostic and treatment for children with non-life-threatening needs during the day, after-hours and on weekends. www.childrensurgent.com FAVORITE COUNSELING SERVICES Oasis Counseling This family favorite helps women and children heal, grow and overcome difficult life circumstances, providing affordable mental health counseling and innovative educational programs, done in a respectful and nurturing environment. www.oasiscounseling.org
OUR READERS ALSO LIKE…. FAVORITE RADIO STATION WDJC-FM This family favorite is one of the first commercial FM stations in the United States to exclusively feature Christian programming, including Christian music, several hosted shows and more. https://wdjconline.com FAVORITE TV STATION Fox 6 WBRC WBRC Fox 6 is a repeat family favorite winner for its emphasis on breaking, national and local news, weather, sports, entertainment and more. www.wbrc.com
GIVEAWAY WINNER! Congrats to the random prize winner, Virginia Hwang, who won a trip for 4 to OWA, www.visitowa.com.
FAVORITE FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
FAVORITE PRESCHOOL/CHILDCARE
CHECK IT OUT! HEALTH & WELLNESS WINNER ODYSSEY EARLY SCHOOLS Odyssey was created by educators who dreamed of opening an early learning center where children could be nurtured and taught by a highly trained and loving staff. That dream was realized when our Inverness school opened in 1995, and then again in 2001, with the opening of our second school in Trace Crossings. Odyssey’s goal is to create a life-long love of learning. We have developed our own age-appropriate curriculum, specifically
WINNER
designed to introduce each age grouping to language, reading, math, science and more, so that your child will possess a strong foundation for Kindergarten and beyond. Additionally, we guarantee teachers with four-year education degrees in all preschool classrooms and offer exceptional child-to-teacher ratios. At our schools, you can watch your child’s entire day in live, streaming, HD video over the Internet, through an individual,
secure connection linked directly to your child’s classroom. We want our parents to know what happens during their child’s day, and Odyssey is the only Over-the-Mountain daycare to offer this service. Our team works tirelessly to earn its reputation as the best childcare option for Birmingham parents,and we invite you to visit today to witness for yourself what so many other families have known since 1995! Visit www.odysseyearlyschool.com for more info.
www.odysseyearlyschool.com INVERNESS CAMPUS 205-991-0039 TRACE CROSSINGS CAMPUS 205-988-8829
CHRISTY PIERCE PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC Hi and thank you so much for voting me, Christy Pierce Photography, LLC your Birmingham Favorite Family Photographer for 2018!!! 2020!!! You deserve something special when it comes to your photos. I am someone who connects easily with people and I want you to feel comfortable getting your photos taken. After all, I believe that the best smile is a natural smile. I capture all different genres of
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photography and I am available to shoot on location or in my studio. I look forward to helping you preserve all of your special moments in your life and capturing your memories to make them last forever! Please feel free to contact me for a custom quote on your photography desires or to view my current pricing magazines! As always, no minimum purchase requirements or sitting/ session fees!
205-902-0385 www.ChristyPierce PhotographyLLC.com
FAVORITE PRIVATE SCHOOL
WINNER THE ALTAMONT SCHOOL The mission of The Altamont School is to improve the fabric of society by graduating compassionate, well-educated individuals capable of independent thinking and innovative ideas. To this end, the school attracts, nurtures, and challenges students whose commitment to truth, knowledge, and honor will prepare them not only for the most rigorous college programs, but also for productive lives. Altamont is a small family of approximately 360 students in grades 5-12 with socio-economic, ethnic, and religious diversity. Altamont is a good
choice for students excelling in their present schools who want greater breadth and challenge in all areas of school life. We combine an intensive, college preparatory academic program with a personalized college search program. There are many opportunities for students to develop multiple talents by participating in arts, world languages, community service, clubs, class projects, and athletics. Students also benefit from a 1-to-1 laptop program, an advanced computer science curriculum, and unparalleled service leadership
opportunities through Altamont’s C. Kyser Miree Ethical Leadership Center. Altamont is located five minutes from downtown Birmingham on the crest of Red Mountain. Our campus features Cabaniss-Kaul Center for the Arts, Pharo Art Studio, Lacey-Day Photography Studio, newly renovated athletics spaces, two science wings, a study garden, a 14,000-volume library, and much more. Experience all that Altamont offers by attending an Open House or scheduling a campus tour.
it’s something that they take with them throughout their careers. But to us, service goes beyond our restaurant doors through volunteerism and giving. We are committed to taking care of the people who take care of our communities. For example, by giving sandwiches to first responders in times of crisis, we honor the commitment they make to serve all of us. And our philanthropic giving reinforces that commit-
ment to service by helping children and families in need. The Chick-fil-A One mobile app gives customers the ability to customize their meal, order and pay in advance and skip the line at the register, speeding up the process of waiting at the counter or drive-thru. Our Birmingham area Chick-fil-A locations invite you to use this new mobile app on your next visit!
4801 Altamont Road South Birmingham, AL 35222
Visit www.altamontschool.org 205-879-2006
FAVORITE KIDS' MEAL
WINNER CHICK-FIL-A For over 70 years, Chick-fil-A has built a foundational commitment to service – service to our customers, our franchised Restaurant Operators and Team Members, and to our communities. This begins in the restaurant – one customer at a time. We firmly believe in treating every person who comes through our doors with honor, dignity, and respect. We teach it to everyone who comes to work at Chick-fil-A, and
www.chick-fil-a.com
FAVORITE FAVORITE FAMILY DENTIST DENTIST
WINNER WINNERVITAL VITAL SMILES SMILES
Vital Smiles was founded in 2003 by a group of dentists with the goal of making quality dental care available and affordable for as many children as possible in every community we serve.
Our family-oriented offices are all designed to be child-friendly, with children’s videos playing in the reception area and with dentists who are welltrained and highly experienced in providing high quality general dentistry for children. We work hard to make dental visits a healthy and fun experience for children and their parents. We begin seeing children as young as one year old.
We accept Medicaid, ALL Kids, most insurance, including Blue Cross, Delta Dental, Southland, CIGNA and Aetna, credit cards and cash, and we have several payment plans options available. At Vital Smiles, we want to make sure every child, in every community we serve, has access to the finest in dental healthcare.
6 Alabama locations in Midfield, Center Point, Huntsville and Mobile.
www.vitalsmiles.com
FAVORITE ORTHODONTIST
WINNER PT ORTHODONTICS At PT Orthodontics we know that a smile can change a life! We have been providing affordable, state-of-the-art orthodontic care since 1990. We have eleven convenient locations in Hoover, Homewood/Mountain Brook, Ca haba Heights, Greystone, Leeds, Pell City, Oxford, Hueytown, Gar dendale, Jasper and Tuscaloosa. Because we want to make braces easy and affordable we
offer: Free Initial Consultations, Choose Your Own Payment Plan, Same Day Braces, Before & After School Appointments, Friends Referral Program, Lifetime Smile Guarantee, Smile Savings Program, We File Your Insurance, No Hidden Fees – all records & first set of retainers are INCLUDED!, Free retainer check up appointments for one year. For more details check us out at PTortho.com or give us a call at 205.979.9480.
We offer a full range of braces to meet your individual needs and desires, including metal braces and clear ceramic braces. We also offer Invisalign clear aligners and are an Invisalign Platinum Provider! We would love to help you achieve a beautiful PT Ortho Smile! Call us today at 205-979-9480 to schedule a free consultation or visit www.PTortho.com to learn more.
www.PTortho.com 205-979-9480
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On July 8th, McWane Science Center reopens its doors to visitors. During these uncertain times, we’ve addressed all safety concerns. Now, we have protocols in place for the health and well-being of our visitors and staff. Don’t forget to wear your mask, you’ll need it to get in! Welcome back to Science! Welcome Back to Learning! Welcome back to fun! For more information, please visit mcwane.org/welcomeback.
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