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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Love Local

February 2024 PUBLISHER

Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alexandra Battito, Katie Rogers, Enam Haque

When I was considering moving back to Birmingham circa 2014, I remember saying that were it not for the restaurants (I’m looking at you Chez Fonfon), my homecoming likely would never happen. I know. It probably sounds silly to outsiders, but our varied, world-class dining scene is integral to the love many of us feel for Birmingham. When I think about things to love about Birmingham, our food (and bar) scene is tops. Of course, we’ve also got beautiful architecture, a lush, hilly landscape, and renowned medical facilities. I always tell newcomers and those considering moving to (or back to) Birmingham that the city is small enough to walk into a shop or restaurant and see a familiar face but large enough to find a tribe of kindred souls—even if you come from far-flung lands like Qatar (see page 24). The sense of community is strong. And it is this interconnectedness that I continue to ponder as we create this issue. Take, for example, our story on Big Spoon Creamery—a beloved institution founded by a high school classmate of mine. The article was written by another high school classmate, and the photos were taken by the diligent daughter of a friend I met through a local networking group! This issue features many folks from our photography community. We hope you enjoy seeing how they capture the city and its denizens. How do you define local love? What do you love most about Birmingham? What about the city could you not live without? We’d love to know!

C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Elle Marie Roberts, Mary Fehr, Kelsey Justice, Jen Causey, Blake Calhoun, Emilee Perkins, Rachel Echols, Noah Echols, Mack McCollum, Nathan Watson, Leigh Ann Edmonds, Noe Holloway, Brandon Hayes, Newman Evans, Rachel Calhoun

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Josh Govero LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

K A L I M C N U T T, P U B L I S H E R @BIRMINGHAM.LIFESTYLE Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Birmingham Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Birmingham area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BIRMINGHAM

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Birmingham Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue FE B RUA RY 2 0 2 4 | LOV E LO CA L

12 18

Featured

12 18

27 32 6

In All its Forms

Local photographers share snaps depicting local love

Just Peachy

32 On the Cover

Departments

Just some of the delicious elements that go into making a scoop of Big Spoon ice cream.

Lifestyle Letter

Business Monthly

Trend Setter ARTS + CULTURE

Home Update HOME + DESIGN

Mental Wellbeing LIFE + CULTURE

Artist’s Palette ARTS + CULTURE

Must See FOOD + BEVERAGE

Travel Journal TRAVEL

With the right palette, Pantone’s Peach Fuzz may just be a hue for you

Local Exposure

BHAM FILM WALK celebrates one year of developing film and friendships

How Sweet it Is

Big Spoon Creamery’s Local Chef Series highlights the collaborative spirit of Birmingham’s culinary scene

Photography: Elle Marie Roberts

LIFE IS happier

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FEBRUARY 2024

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Disney at the Birmingham Museum of Art Premiering February 17, 2024, “Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume” features a stunning collection of original works of art, including Captain Jack Sparrow’s pirate garb, Cruella De Vil’s fashionable dress, and Cinderella’s glass slipper. Visitors will discover the craftsmanship behind exquisite ball gowns, majestic capes, intricate uniforms, dazzling tiaras, and more. The exhibit, which runs through August 18, 2024, is presented in partnership with the Walt Disney Archives and PNC.

Photography by Walt Disney Archives, ©Disney

Home Instead Birmingham Impacts 500 Seniors Home Instead Birmingham hosted its 17th annual Be a Santa to a Senior program this holiday season. Home Instead collected and distributed over 500 Christmas bags filled with donations of winter essentials to give to isolated and lonely seniors. Meals on Wheels participants received 455 gift bags, while UAB’s Heart Failure Transitional Care Services for Adults (HRTSA) received 45 gift bags.

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CASA of Jefferson County Giveaway CASA of Jefferson County is giving away two tickets to see Taylor Swift’s Eras Concert in New Orleans on October 27. The contest runs through March 13 and asks entrants to create an original artwork depicting “What a Safe Home Means to Me.” To learn more, follow CASA of Jefferson County on Instagram @casaofjeffersoncounty.

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Abeona Wealth Hosts Fireside Chat with Manisha Thakor of “MoneyZen” On February 13, Abeona Wealth Management will host a Virtual Fireside Chat with financial wellbeing expert Manisha Thakor, author of “MoneyZen.” Named one of NPR’s Best Books of 2023, “MoneyZen” provides a framework for examining and letting go of self-sabotaging behaviors. An in-person networking happy hour at Burr and Forman will precede the conversation beginning at 5 p.m. Register by scanning the QR code or visiting bit.ly/3TUIoIA.

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Ninda and Saha at Railroad Park. Photo by Kelsey Justice.

I n A l l it s Fo r m s

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS SHARE SNAPS DEPICTING LOCAL LOVE

T R E N D SE T T E R | ARTS + CU LT U RE

Angelica and Chris Prince on Rotary Trail. Photo by Kelsey Justice.

“...from the love of a parent to the love of books and from the love for a spouse to a love of the great outdoors...”

Lauren and Tara Randalls and their baby boy to be at Aldridge Gardens. Photo by Kelsey Justice.

We asked Birmingham-based professional photographers for their take on this month's magazine theme of "love local." Their responses are a beautiful reminder of the myriad types of love— from the love of a parent to the love of books and from the love for a spouse to a love of the great outdoors, quality time, or even a delicious meal. What do you think of when you hear “love local?” Maybe it is a specific street or a dessert concocted by a local chef. We would love to see your photos depicting "love local." Tag Birmingham Lifestyle @Birmingham.Lifestyle on Instagram to show us a photo you've taken in the past year for a chance to be featured on our magazine cover! CONTINUED >

The Trammell family at Ruffner Mountain. Photo by Kelsey Justice. FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

The Goodwin Family at Moss Rock Nature Preserve. Photo by Kelsey Justice.

Maia and Chris Prince on Morris Avenue for Christmas photos. Photo by Kelsey Justice.

New mom Claire Spollen with her baby Sully in the backyard of photographer Jen Causey.

T R E N D SE T T E R | A RTS + CULTURE

New mom Claire Spollen with her baby Sully in the backyard of photographer Jen Causey.

It's hard to beat an al fresco lunch at Bettola. Photo by Mary Fehr.

Shopping local and supporting independent bookstores is easy at Pepper Place. Photo by Mary Fehr.

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Just Peachy

With the right palette, Pantone’s Peach Fuzz may just be a hue for you

ARTICLE BY KATIE ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY FEHR

H OM E U P DAT E | HO M E + D E SIGN

…and the Color of the Year for 2024 is: PANTONE 13-1023! a.k.a. “Peach Fuzz” I say, “Really, Pantone?” For those of you whose world does not revolve around color, Pantone is the company that is best known for its Pantone Matching System, a tool dating back to 1963, which is used to provide consistent and accurate color anywhere in the world by using a numbering system and chip format. Pantone’s

as Southern as they come, surely we can agree that fuzz is the least appetizing part of the peach? Alas, I cannot shun a color completely. Here’s what I wrote to my followers on IG: I honestly didn’t know I didn’t like this color until I pulled up the announcement and yelled “Noooooo” out loud. I wanted something rich, something deep (or sparkly). Alas, challenge accepted, Pantone. An obsession of mine this past year has been how colors change when put with other colors. So, I'll be playing with palettes over here in my intent to “make peace with peach.” color charts affect everything from brand logos to lipstick to yoga pants to architecture. Part fun, part marketing, part trend forecasting, since 1999, Pantone has declared a Color of the Year. If you ask me, 2024’s is a questionable choice. The shade itself is a pale, faded pinky orange reminiscent of bad 80s décor (shout out to my fellow GenXers), and Pantone didn’t do the color any favors by naming it “Peach Fuzz.” To some of my Instagram followers, Peach Fuzz conjured up cheeks of adolescent boys (or menopausal women?!), and, although I’m

In the comments, the more optimistic followers came to my rescue and wrote: “Peach daiquiris and a beach” “Soft feminine color” “Some rosé wines” “Creamsicle” CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

TO NOTICE PEA N A G CH FUZ “I BE NT AT MY Y E M Z IN E O GA NG A TH R STU AR ES DIO NE A ,A KI EST P ST L ACES: RIK ING R UG, ANTIQU

“Cousin to Millennial Pink, warmer” Yet others were more empathetic, feeling my pain: “First Clinique base before we called it foundation” “Granny” “Equivalent to Soviet architecture” “Marshmallow peanuts” “LAME” Why do I care so much about the Color of the Year, you ask? A little background: I grew up painting. My high school friends view me as an artist, and in my youth, I had freelance gigs, painting murals and the like. As far back as elementary school, I obsessed over the color wheel, joyfully mixing watercolors and later acrylics to get that precisely right shade. Color felt like alchemy to me. Today, my love of color is mainly channeled into my work as a Feng Shui consultant, interior designer, and part-time filmmaker. Feng Shui

H OM E U P DAT E | HO M E + D E SIGN

practitioners deal with the “psychology of space,” understanding that our environments affect us tremendously. In our world, color is a language constantly whispering (or shouting). I love to say “paint is a magic wand” because of how intensely a new hue can change a room. And I’ve had clients gasp at how a throw pillow can bring a room together simply because of that perfect spot of red or hint of green. When working with a client or in pre-production for a film, I break out my big box of 100 Pantone postcards, a gift from my sister. For home décor, I ask my clients to choose their favorite and least favorite colors, without thinking too hard, I say. Not only do the answers influence design, but they also help me get to know someone more deeply. Colors have meaning. Even a three-year-old could tell you that red “feels hot,” that yellow “feels happy,” and blue “feels calm.” Of course, those are just the most basic psychological assessments. I’ve boiled it down to color having three central “meanings” for a person simultaneously: Universal, Cultural, and Personal. To test myself around my aversion to Peach Fuzz, I played with palettes and looked for it everywhere I went. I began to notice Peach Fuzz in the sneakiest places: a quiet flower arrangement at my yoga studio, a striking rug, antique glassware, and the packaging for my teen daughter’s recent obsession, Olive & June nail polish sets. But my favorite iteration was a soft sunset over Mobile Bay, where I’m originally from. My conclusion: I do like Peach Fuzz, but only in specific contexts. There is a point where we shouldn’t force a color. Sometimes, a color just isn’t for us. And while I’m glad I stayed open-minded, I probably won’t be painting anyone’s kitchen Peach Fuzz anytime soon.

ER W O L F T A QU I E E ...” R A W SS UE G L A

Our locally sourced peach picks: Blue and peach fine china, Bromberg’s; Green rug, Paige Albright Orientals; 18kt yellow gold custom pyramid cut six-carat chalcedony ring, Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers; Antique glassware, Antique Market on Linden; Vase, Shoppe; Artwork, Patina; Candles, Shoppe and Patina; Fabric swatch, King Cotton.

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

ARTICLE BY ENAM HAQUE

R M A W

Welcome One former local reflects on Birmingham's kind embrace

M EN TA L WE LLBE IN G | L IF E + CU LT U RE

“The ambiance of her home, filled with the harmony of different languages and the aroma of various cuisines, was a testament to her inclusive spirit.” In the spring of 2000, I embarked on a journey to Birmingham, a move that promised new academic challenges and cultural experiences. A deep sense of isolation marked my initial days. This sense of solitude shifted when I reached out to the Rotary Club of Birmingham, an act that serendipitously led me to Ms. Betty Morrison. Betty, with her dignified aura and profound warmth, became a guiding star in my life. Our first meeting at the Great Wall of China restaurant evolved into regular Sunday brunches, where we found common ground in our love for art, literature, and culture. Betty introduced me to a world rich in each of these by welcoming me into her home and sharing her diverse friendships with me. Her home was like a melting pot, hosting gatherings that resembled a miniature United Nations. The ambiance of her home, filled with the harmony of different languages and the aroma of various cuisines, was a testament to her inclusive spirit. One of the most significant experiences was when Betty invited me to her church, Independent Presbyterian Church. This visit was a profound gesture of inclusion, showcasing her respect for my beliefs and her desire to share hers with me. Aware of my background and practices, the church community welcomed me with open arms. Their accommodating my prayer needs

during Ramadan was a touching display of interfaith harmony and respect. Betty's advocacy also extended to my academic life, addressing challenges with a resolve that reshaped my experience at UAB. She was instrumental in securing scholarships and a crucial internship, significantly easing my financial struggles. In moments of despair, Betty’s wisdom shone through. She introduced me to "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl, "Psycho-Cybernetics" by Dr. Maxwell Maltz, and "Seeds of Greatness" by Denis Waitley. These books and the enriching experiences at her gatherings and church visits became cornerstones of my personal growth and resilience. Reflecting on these years, I recognize that my pursuit of professional success led to a neglect of personal fulfillment. Betty’s enduring influence has now inspired me to embrace my full potential, to live meaningfully, and to give back, honoring the profound impact she had on my life. Enam Haque is Senior Vice President of Strategy at Episode Solutions. He lived in Birmingham from 2000-2011 and earned his BS and MS in Electrical Engineering from UAB. Enam was born in Bangladesh and grew up in Qatar. He now lives in Brentwood, Tennessee with his wife and two children.

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

L oc a l E x posu re BHAM FILM WALK celebrates one year of developing film and friendships

Blake Calhoun, Canon P on Ilford XP2

and game plan for a January 2023 launch. We knew we wanted to keep it simple and create a tight-knit community. We decided to include a social element to encourage natural conversation among participants. We also wanted to incorporate local haunts into our monthly walks. We launched in January 2023 as planned, and a whopping six people showed up (four of whom were Blake, myself, and our wives). It was about 13 degrees and drizzly all day, but we showed up anyway and made the best of it. From the beginning, it was never about the numbers. One month later, in February, the forecast was substantially better. We showed up to Paramount: to our surprise, about 40 people stood out front with cameras. To this day, every single walk includes familiar faces and new ones. This community has been about relationships; photography is simply the vehicle for the

ARTICLE BY BLAKE CALHOUN AND NOAH ECHOLS

The origin story dates back to when my wife Rachel and I were dating. We would spend many date nights walking around downtown Birmingham, taking photos of random things. Fast forward to November 2022 when we were visiting our friends Rachel and Blake Calhoun in Chicago. As we walked the streets during our stay that weekend, we took photos of all the fantastic architecture and interesting people we came across. One night, the conversation began—why didn't we do more streetstyle shooting in Birmingham? This led to us talking about the film photography community in Birmingham as a whole. We believed people were shooting with film in Birmingham, but no entity was bringing folks together. And just like that, the idea was born for the BHAM FILM WALK. We spent the rest of November and December 2022 hashing out the details

CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

Mack McCollum, Leica M4 on Kodak Vision3 250

Emilee Perkins, Minolta x-700 on Portra 400

“

Noah Echols, Fuji GW645zi on Cinestill 50d

I n a worl d f ille d w it h scre e n s , s low in g dow n an d e njoy in g t he m om e nt c an o f t e n fe e l imp oss ib l e.

Rachel Echols, Contax 645 on Kodak Gold Nathan Watson, Mamiya RB67 on Ilford HP5

Noah Echols, Pentax 67 on Portra 160

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CU LT U RE

Blake Calhoun, Canon P on Portra 400

Leigh Ann Edmonds, Nikon S2 on Ilford HP Brandon Hayes, Pentax K1000 on Kodak Tri-X

Noe Holloway, Minolta SRT101 on Fuji Superia 400

Rachel Calhoun, Konica C35 on Ilford HP5

Newman Evans, Pentax K1000 on Kodak UltraMax 400

CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

“This community has been about relationships; photography is simply the vehicle for the conversations and interactions that have been so special to us.” conversations and interactions that have been so special to us. We celebrate one year in January 2024 and truly believe this is just the beginning of the BHAM FILM WALK community and its impact on the city we love! -Noah Echols The BHAM FILM WALK community will welcome you with open arms, despite your skill level or time spent using film. We are a diverse group with one commonality: a love of film. From current and retired professionals sharing their experiences as working photographers to novices learning how to load film correctly, this group is all about being present with one another. Something about film keeps most of us shooting it, with a few of us shooting it exclusively. In a world filled with screens, slowing down and enjoying the moment can often feel impossible. Shooting with film perfectly encapsulates

Nathan Watson, Nikon F2 on Ilford Hp5

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CU LT U RE

this. This community is something that embodies this through and through. Something I love about this group is that I have made friends with people from different walks of life that I probably would have never met in my normal circumstances. Our immersive walks have taken place downtown and in Avondale, Highland Park, Southside, and Pepper Place, with stops at local breweries and restaurants along the way. What I find even more enjoyable than photographing these beautiful places is building relationships with this community of creatives. Noah and I say it all the time, but our community's wealth of knowledge, expertise, and creativity is priceless. So, if you enjoy film photography, photography in general, or have any interest, we would love to have you. -Blake Calhoun

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ARTICLE BY ALEXANDRA BATTITO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELLE MARIE ROBERTS

BIG SPOON CREAMERY’S LOCAL CHEF SERIES HIGHLIGHTS THE COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT OF BIRMINGHAM’S CULINARY SCENE Preparation for staff favorite flavor, February's Chocolate Caramel Truffle

HOW SWEET IT IS 32

M UST SE E | FO O D + BEVERAGE

I often overlook how uniquely lucky we are to live in arms-reach of culinary artisans in the Magic City, who demonstrate a collaborative and supportive spirit for one another. Case in point: Big Spoon Creamery, located in the Birmingham neighborhoods of

pay tribute to Birmingham chefs who have inspired and supported them as mentors, industry peers, and friends. Running from November 2023 to March 2024, the Series celebrates five award-winning local chefs by inviting them to create their ice cream concoc-

“CHEF STITT USES QUALITY INGREDIENTS AND LETS THOSE SHINE.” Avondale and Edgewood, with a new location in Huntsville. Partners in business and life, co-owners Geri-Martha and Ryan O’Hara continue to surprise and delight us with their rotating menu of seasonal, artisanal, and simply heavenly gelato-style ice cream. Walk through Big Spoon’s doors and prepare to be inundated by the deep, sweet, heady aroma of housemade waffle cones, sugar cookies, and decadent pastries – you will positively swoon. Geri-Martha and Ryan met while working under the tutelage and mentorship of Chef Frank Stitt. GeriMartha served as pastry chef for Chef Stitt’s restaurant Bottega and its sister restaurants Highlands Bar and Grill and Chez Fonfon. Similarly formidable in the kitchen, Ryan managed several stations at Bottega for three years before moving into the role of sous chef at Chez Fonfon. It was then that they both decided to pursue their ice cream dreams full-time. In late 2023, the couple launched their Local Chef Series to celebrate and

tions, highlighting the personalized flavors of one legendary chef each month during the Series. A key architect of Birmingham’s modern fine dining scene and a mentor to the O’Hara’s - and so many others – Chef Frank Stitt was the obvious choice to inspire the first flavor of Big Spoon’s Local Chef Series. Stitt pitched the team a classic three-layer Neapolitan flavor with an upscale twist. “Chef Stitt uses quality ingredients and lets those shine. His approach and style is to not over-manipulate, which was his approach to his ice cream for the Local Chef Series," says Ryan. The next chef on the Local Chef Series' star-studded roster was Rob McDaniel, who was featured in December. As with the name of his flagship restaurant, Helen, McDaniel’s ice cream flavor was inspired by his grandmother and his memory of the cookies she baked each year at Christmas. The scoop featured black walnut ice cream with Nanny Helen’s apricot thumbprint cookies. CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

A convivial atmosphere pervades Big Spoon HQ

E.J. Smith, Pastry Director, notes that her favorite flavor is Tiramisu, a staple of the January menu

M UST SE E | FO O D + BEVERAGE

January 2024 celebrates Chef John Rolen of Slim’s Pizzeria, followed by Chef Adam Evans of Automatic Seafood and Oysters. The Local Chef Series will conclude for the current year in March 2024, with a final featured ice cream flavor from Chef Brian Somershield of El Barrio. Chef Rolen holds a significant place in Ryan’s culinary upbringing, as he served under Chef Rolen for several years in the Bottega kitchen, while Geri-Martha also served as pastry chef. When workshopping flavors and ingredients with these chefs, are the chefs’ concoctions based on their restaurants’ culinary themes, personal nostalgia, or both? “We don’t go into it with goals other than to highlight something reflective of them as a person and chef. We ask them to develop their ideas and hone in on them so we can execute them,” Ryan explains. He says that the idea for the series is one that they’ve been bouncing around for several years. “It’s fun for us to partner with these great people we’ve either worked with or have immense respect for." Now approaching a decade of serving gourmet ice cream, fans will have the gorgeous seasonal bounty of the South to look forward to when the seasons warm. “Broadly speaking, we look for seasonal produce we can find from local farms, like strawberries, mint, and basil in the spring; blueberries, peaches, and blackberries in the summer; figs, plums, apples, and pears from late summer into fall,” he says.

“WE WANT THEM TO FEEL NOURISHED IN THE FOOD WE SERVE THEM, BUT WE ALSO WANT TO NOURISH THEIR SOUL BY TAKING CARE OF THEM AND TREATING THEM WELL.” The O’Haras make special note of several favorite local partners, including Petals from the Past and Blue Ribbon Dairy. The latter is a small fourth-generation woman-owned dairy farm outside Tallassee, Alabama. It's run by Michaela Wilson, who delivers their milk each week. It’s Big Spoon’s sole provider of dairy. With the unctuous creamy ice cream iterations to be found at Big Spoon, they’ve ‘got milk’ – plenty of it. “Blue Ribbon and Michaela are amazing,” Ryan emphasizes. “We identify with her because, like us, she’s just a small business who’s passionate about what she’s doing. She’s just working hard to create a great product.” “I love ice cream, but if that’s all it ever was, there wouldn’t be the same sense of purpose,” says Ryan. “I think that’s what everyone in this community and this industry is passionate about pursuing. That’s what hospitality is about. We want them to feel nourished in the food we serve them, but we also want to nourish their soul by taking care of them and treating them well. That’s what’s special about our industry, specifically about the South and Birmingham. It is a sense of caring about the people, the community, and your relationships with them.”

Mae Martin, Daria Koniukhova, Michaela Tomberlin, E.J. Smith, Shelby Ethridge

CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

Homemade vanilla bean marshmallow preparation

“IT’S FUN FOR US TO PARTNER WITH THESE GREAT PEOPLE WE’VE EITHER WORKED WITH OR HAVE IMMENSE RESPECT FOR.”

“If it says ‘Big Spoon’ on the menu, the ice cream was made right here!” says E.J. Smith

M UST SE E | FO O D + BEVERAGE

WISHI NG YOU A HA PP Y NE W Y E A R! F A M I LY L AW • D I V O R C E • M E D I AT I O N

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One-of-a-kind experience for intrepid travelers who love to drive, eat well, sample delicious local wines, and discover exciting new destinations.

rivieradrivingtours.com VB @rivieradrivingtours FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BI R M I N G HA M

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

Four Seasons Bora Bora

Finding a life partner just might be easier than finding someone you can travel with. When the stars align, both partners have an affinity for generally the same kind of vacation, or are willing to compromise. Here are a few ideas for fabulously romantic getaways. Bon Voyage!

Reservations For Two Dreamy destinations for couples looking to get away.

The Willows

Four Seasons Bora Bora FourSeasons.com/BoraBora

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

At the Four Seasons Bora Bora, overwater bungalows line a glassy lagoon, inviting early-morning swims off your own private dock with a bright breakfast table set on your patio overlooking Mount Otemanu. Meander down the paths of the resort to the Te Mahana Spa. With breathtaking lagoon and Pacific Ocean views from twin infinity pools, the treatment begins with a foot massage and then continues with rebalancing rituals starring indigenous ingredients.

The Willows TheWillowsPalmSprings.com

The Pendry

Palm Springs, California

Originally a millionaire’s private luxury hideaway, the Italianate style mansions were built side-by-side. Rooms include oversized tiled showers, priceless antique pieces and a turndown service to make you feel like the royalty you are. Situated at the base of rugged Mt. San Jacinto with views of the Coachella Valley, The Willows is a perfect base for exploring the Palm Springs or hiking the Andreas or Big Morongo Canyons or nearby Joshua Tree. Open September through May.

The Pendry Pendry.com

Park City, Utah Pendry Park City is a contemporary mountain enclave bringing the mastery of Utah’s awe-inspiring landscape to new heights. The resort is nestled in the center of Canyons Village, with slopeside modernist design, luxury service and thoughtful amenities, ideal for a couple’s escape. Rejuvenate the body with Spa Pendry for a couples massage and enjoy the herbal steam room, relaxation spaces, complimentary refreshments, fitness center and access to the hotel rooftop pool and whirlpool, with stunning views of the mountains.

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L

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For over 60 years, Birmingham has turned to us to deliver unmatched customer service for all your Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Generator needs. Call us today to experience the Guin Service difference.

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