Downtown Birmingham. Photo by Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now

As a newcomer to the Magic City, I am constantly learning of all the amazing things the city has to offer. So, I’ve started a bucket list for 2020 of all the things I am eager to see and do in Birmingham. Here’s a look at what I hope to check off my list in the new year.

But first, food.

Birmingham, Trussville, Rodney Scott's BBQ — I don’t know why I always decide to search for food pictures right before lunch. Photo via Rodney Scott’s BBQ on Facebook

First on my Birmingham bucket list—food. Can you blame me? The Magic City’s culinary scene is mighty and there is no end to the delicious places to try.

Homewood Bagel Company opened a brick and mortar store at the end of 2019. As a big fan of the culinary perfection bagel bites, I’m opting for the “Stuffed” Pizza Bagel.
150 and Main is another eatery that’s newly opened in the Hoover area. The owners also happen to own my favorite bar in Tuscaloosa—the Gray Lady. It offers tasty southern comfort food with a twist like the Honey BBQ Salmon Sandwich and Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ has a reputation for being amazing, so it’s embarrassing I have yet to check it out. My first order will be the spare ribs, because if you don’t get ribs at a barbecue joint, why even go?

Local shops are filling up my Birmingham bucket list.

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Birmingham is an incredible place to shop. So incredible I managed to buy all of my Christmas gifts from local shops. Amazing, huh? And it felt great to support local businesses. So much so that I decided to make local shopping my new year’s resolution.

Thank You Books in Crestwood opened a few weeks ago and the fact that it’s co-owned by three women makes me love it even more. With plans to host various events at the store in the future, it’s setting itself up to be one of my new favorite spots.
Bungalow Bungalow made it’s way to Woodlawn in early August of 2019. The shop is pushing Birmingham in the direction of zero-waste living by selling refillable cleaning supplies along with intentional goods.
The Paisley Pig can definitely help me out with the lack of essential furniture in my apartment. Somehow I don’t even own a dresser. The vintage and consignment store is just one of the businesses breathing new life into Bessemer.

Community involvement

Birmingham bucket list — Studio 2500 offers so much to our community not only as a place for local artists to showcase work, but by also offering a range of events to the public. Photo via Bham Now.

There’s rarely a dull moment in Birmingham, especially if you know where to look. I haven’t had a chance to delve into community involvement. But it is definitely on my Birmingham bucket list. Here are a few things I’ve like to take part in:

Visit the Elysian Gardens. Set to open this summer in Avondale, the Gardens features live theater performances, yoga classes, art and so much more! I’m waiting on pins and needles to spend my days in the sculpture garden.
Attend an event at Studio 2500. I think it’s great there’s a space for new artists to show off their amazing art. Events take place at the gallery regularly, from exhibit openings with entertainment and food to book discussions.
Volunteer at one of the awesome nonprofits around Birmingham. A few that caught my attention are Meals on Wheels and The Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library. But, the list is endless.