How to have an 80s-inspired day in Birmingham

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Ah, the 1980s: Jazzercise, Riverchase Galleria opening and the launch of MTV, Blockbuster and Cherry Coke.

I don’t know about you, but Cherry Coke still seems like such a nostalgic drink, even after more than 40 years since its release. And even now, Coca-Cola is finding more ways to add to the classic soda. Since the new Coca-Cola Cherry Float hit local grocery store shelves, it got us thinking: What else across Birmingham gives the same 1980s vibe?

So, we’re here with a guide to places in Birmingham that give us the same boost as a Cherry Coke at the mall, or watching “Back to the Future” for the first time.

Stroll through Reed Books and the Museum of Fond Memories

You never know what you’ll find in Reed Books on 3rd Avenue North. (Callie Morrison / Bham Now)

When roaming 3rd Avenue North in downtown Birmingham, a display window full of collectible items might catch your eye. That window? Reed Books and the Museum of Fond Memories.

Founded by local Jim Reed, the space has been a home for the unique and unusual since 1980. The store is completely covered in books, and you might even find some Coke memorabilia in there.

As far as what you’ll discover when you walk through the door, your guess is as good as mine. But that’s what makes it so magical: the thrill of the unknown waiting to be found.

• Address: 2021 3rd Ave N 2nd floor, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:30AM-5:30PM | Saturday 11AM-4PM
• Website | Facebook

Recall favorite memories from the Riverchase Galleria

The Riverchase Galleria officially opened on February 19, 1986. Now, 40 years later, the Galleria still offers a mix of food and retail—with big plans to modernize its look soon.

But we’re still holding on to the nostalgia of the 1986 Galleria—complete with a neon-lit ceiling, merry-go-round, Macy’s and Radio Shack.

• Address: 2000 Galleria Cir, Hoover, AL 35244
• Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11AM-8PM | Sunday, 12-6PM
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

Head down to Mom’s Basement

Mom’s Basement in Avondale is the ultimate 80s scene. (Callie Morrison / Bham Now)

In the basement of the Avondale Mills Shopping Center, Mom’s Basement is a bar decked out with a delightfully hazy mix of 70s and 80s nostalgia, complete with plenty of patron-provided portraits of moms with big 80s hair.

• Address: 4411 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 3PM-2AM | Saturday, 2PM-2AM | Sunday, 4PM-2AM
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

Find the perfect snack + sip at Hamburger Heaven

Hamburger Heaven in Irondale still dons the same decor as when it opened. (Callie Morrison / Bham Now)

Opened in 1982, Hamburger Heaven makes fresh burgers and hand-spun milkshakes. Inside their Crestwood Boulevard location, you’ll find black and white checkered floors, Alabama and Auburn football memorabilia and old-school Coca-Cola signage.

• Locations: Birmingham | Irondale | Gardendale | Homewood
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

Take a spin at Vestavia Bowl

Maybe it’s all the neon colors or the shoe styles that haven’t been updated since the 1980s, but everything about a bowling alley screams “vintage” to me.

At Vestavia Bowl, a neon sign greets you, and you’re immediately transported into a world of family fun—a snack bar, game room and friendly competition.

• Location: 1429 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
• Hours: Monday, Wednesday-Thursday, 10AM-10PM | Tuesday + Sunday, 12-10PM | Friday-Saturday, 12-11PM
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

Admire Birmingham’s 1980’s architecture

Aside from places that feel like the 1980s, there are buildings across Birmingham that were built in that decade. While tenants have changed, the architecture still stands.

• Renasant Place: Built in 1980 as Park Place Tower
• Shipt Tower: Built in 1986 as SouthTrust Tower
• Regions-Harbert Plaza: Built in 1989 as AmSouth-Harbert Plaza

Do you have a spot in town that feels like the 1980s? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know! Grab a Coca-Cola Cherry Float and hit up some of the places on our list.

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