Issuu

J U LY 2 02 5

RENEW

REFRESH

RELAX

Customized Massage + Eminence Organic Facials + Couples Services M a n i c u r e s a n d P e d i c u r e s + Wa x i n g + S p a P a r t i e s 3920 Crosshaven Drive Birmingham, Alabama

205-834-8349

theretreatbham.com

Driven to serve.

HOOVER & IRONDALE

205.848.7000

MBBHM.COM

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Explore Issue

July 2025 PUBLISHER

The word explore has always held a certain magnetism for me. I’ve chased it around the globe— dancing on the beaches of Zanzibar, hiking through Himalayan villages, navigating the unfamiliar with curiosity as my compass. For years, I equated adventure with distance. But I’m learning, slowly, that discovery doesn’t always require a passport. In this year’s Explore issue, we stay closer to home— and discover that Birmingham offers plenty of wonder for those willing to look. We sip inventive frozen cocktails courtesy of Adiõs, taste the flavors of Lebanon, France, and Japan at newly opened restaurants, admire the craftsmanship of our historic architecture, and even plunge into the depths of Alabama’s natural ecosystems. We take a road trip to Gee’s Bend, where art, culture, and resilience tell a uniquely American story. As I write this, I’m in Daylesford, a village in the Cotswolds, visiting a friend from college whose family returns here every summer. From here, I’ll travel to Northern Ireland for a wedding—the daughter of a journalist I met nearly two decades ago in Chantilly, France. Ruth has long since become more than a colleague; she’s a reminder that following a hunch—an “inkling”—can lead to a lifetime of connection and story. It was an inkling that took me to India in 2006, a decision that shaped the contours of my adult life. What began as solo travel became a way of living—marked by friendship, adventure, challenge, and perspective. And it all began with a willingness to explore. This issue is an invitation: to take that sense of wonder and apply it wherever you are. To walk your own city with fresh eyes. To dig deeper into its history, its flavors, its people. To remember that exploration is not just about where you go, but how you choose to see. What are you exploring this summer—a place, a passion, a path forward? We’d love to hear. Tag us in your adventures, near or far.

Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Blair Moore | blair.moore@citylifestyle.com STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R

Mary Fehr CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kali McNutt, Blair Moore, Sue G. Collins, Angela Broockerd C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Reginald Allen, Nathan Watson, Joseph Wu, Nik Layman, Alex Kunzman, Janie Jones, Andrew Thomas Lee, Eleven Productions, Bradley Ryan, Mason Erwin

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt COO Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders AD DESIGNER Mary Albers LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

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.

LIBERTY PARK $753,496

1172 Brayfield Crest Drive | Buyer Agent

ABOUT

Lynlee strongly believes in and supports residential growth in Birmingham. Since obtaining her license in 2014, Lynlee has completed over 641 transactions totaling over $293 million dollars of real estate sold in the area. “I have made a huge effort to be intimately engaged in the central city and surrounding “city suburbs” from Forest Park to Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia, so that I can provide the greatest benefit to my clients, which I strongly believe is market knowledge”. Her greatest motivation is her clients: She says, “Success to me is doing what I love every day and knowing my contributions positively impact my clients, my company and my city and that I have produced the highest quality of work.”

GET IN TOUCH lhughes@arcrealtyco.com 205.936.0314

HIGHLAND PARK $825,000

2600 Highland Ave S Unit 606 | Buyer Agent

CRESTLINE $625,000

1122 Sims Ave | Listing Agent

inside the issue JU LY 2 0 2 5 | EX P LO R E

32 20

Featured

20 26 32 6

26 Departments

The Depths He’ll Go

Birmingham scuba diver Jonny Cates hunts relics, shark teeth, and history beneath America’s darkest waters

What the Quilters Sang

Exploring a living history with the women of Gee’s Bend

Through the Lens of a World-Traveling Doctor

From Tasmania to Tokyo, Dr. Joseph Wu captures light across the globe

Birmingham’s Built History Explore an Evolving Landscape

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Outdoor Adventure SPORTS + RECREATION

Must See ARTS + CULTURE

Artist’s Palette TRAVEL

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Our Town LIFE + CULTURE

Education Corner LIFE + CULTURE

Happy Hour FOOD + BEVERAGE

Now Open FOOD + BEVERAGE

That’s so EUROPEAN...

Realize your beauty goals through the art of age management

I N N O VAT I O N HAS ARRIVED

We take cues from across the pond while in pursuit of la dolce vita or a bit of joie de vivre and now, your desire for European-led aesthetic care is within reach. In Europe, aesthetic medicine has long been an integral part of one’s overall treatment plan including medically guided cosmetic modalities. Birmingham’s own Aesthetic Atelier marries the precision of integrative medicine with the established approach of European age management to help patients look and feel their most confident. Founder Dr. Elizabeth Adams is pioneering this clinical specialty with an emphasis on non-invasive treatments and injectables for facial rejuvenation and whole body harmony.

non-invasive treatments for facial rejuvenation & whole body harmony

Elizabeth Adams MD of Aesthetic Atelier

E X P L O R E | J U LY 2 0 2 5

“I have built this practice by blending cutting-edge aesthetic treatments with a deep understanding into the science of aging and the art of enhancement for transformative results,” explains Adams. Aesthetic Atelier offers private, in-home concierge integrative aesthetic evaluations and services for the Birmingham community. For physicians and injectors looking to evolve and elevate their practice, we are the premier source for customized training. Combining a commitment to holistic health with a passion for rejuvenation, Aesthetic Atelier is setting a new standard for beauty and age management treatment in the Southeast. T H E-A E S T H E T I C-AT E L I E R .CO M

J U LY 2 0 2 5

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

7 6

Pepper Place Spring Bazaar 1: Caroline and Pearce Borders, Emily Vogtle, and Laura Vogtle 2: Lesley Chapman and Coty Hall 3: Cathy Jones and Keri Lane announce the rebrand of the FOOD+Culture Festival, now Southbound Food Festival 4: Mallie Dansby, Kat Rogers, and Frances Nichols 5. Brian Wolfe and John Litzinger, Son of a Butcher 6: MK Quinlan hosted a pop-up at the Pepper Place Spring Bazaar 7. Cassia Kesler, Joy Howard, Demetrius Battle Photography by Mary Fehr

C I T Y SC E N E

7 6

Magic City Art Connection 1: Local 3rd & 4th graders display their Matisse- inspired pieces at MCAC’s Imagination Festival. 2: Artist Vicki Denaburg 3: Artist Jonah Grice 4: Artist Robby Melvin 5: MCAC featured artist Dori DeCamillis 6: Corks & Chefs attendees join Kinetic Communications owner Jay Brandrup (2nd from right) at the 28th year of the tasting event. 7: Artist Masako Ichikawa Friedberg

CONTINUED >

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

city scene CONTINUED

1-7: Birmingham Museum of Art patrons enjoy the 68th Annual Museum Ball, which took its inspiration from the upcoming exhibition Silver & Ceremony from Southern Asia 1830–1930: The Harish K. Patel Collection at the Birmingham Museum of Art.

Want to be seen in the magazine? TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ B I R M I N G H A M . L I F E S T Y L E

C I T Y SC E N E

Increase in Energy Weight Loss

Tired of Low T slowing you down?

Improved Sexual Health Decrease Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Increased Stamina and Endurance Improved Mental Clarity and Focus

Don't live your life in half-speed!

(205) 382-8843 Vestavia Hills 505 Pine Tree Circle, Suite 202

Call to Book Your Free Consultation

Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35243

Mary Meadows Livingston,

CFA, CFP® - Founder, Abeona Wealth

abeonawealth.com

Investment Advisory services offered through Navigate Wealth Management, LLC, an Investment Adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Now more than ever,

trusted partner has a nice ring to it. Argent Trust is a division of Argent Financial Group, a leading, independent private wealth management firm offering comprehensive wealth management, asset management, and trust services for individuals, families, foundations, and endowments.

Trust Ingrained. ArgentTrust.com (205) 730-5100

Front Row: Leslie Wyatt, Morgan Gearhart, Penny Calvert-Ward, Lynda Lewis Back Row: Kenny Burns, Paul Mitchell, Collins Compere, Ken Alderman, Ken Griffin 600 University Park Place, Suite 200, Birmingham, AL 35209

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

every child takes center stage.

BEAT THE BIRMINGHAM HEAT!

· LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED · AFFORDABLE. BEAUTIFUL. BUILT TO LAST. · FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATES

FREE CONSULTATIONS Call 205-946-3198 today to request a free quote.

THEWINDOWSOURCEOFBIRMINGHAM.COM

At Children’s of Alabama, kids are the center of our world and our mission is to provide the very best care available to every child. It’s why we are here.

Our Portfolio Products Are Designed with

YOU IN MIND: Professional & Premier Professional

Up to 100% financing Income and/or investible liquid asset requirements to qualify

Medical Professional Up to 103% financing

1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233

Right@Home

Up to 100% financing Options for low to moderate income borrowers

Construction Perm/ Renovation Perm

One qualification, one closing

Jeff Prior

Mortgage Loan Officer | NMLS#546525 jeff.prior@cadencebank.com | 205.492.3410 All loans are subject to credit approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend or rate guarantee. © 2023 Cadence Bank. All Rights Reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS 410279

OUR SERVICES Landscape Lighting Hardscapes Softscape Plantings Landscape Design

CULTIVATING THE PERFECT OUTDOOR SPACE

(20 5 ) 983- 40 6 3 | upwa rd b e hav i ora l he a lt h .c o m | S e r vi ng al l of A lab ama

We specialize in crafting outdoor spaces to perfectly match our client’s unique vision and budget. From concept to completion, we work closely with you to create a beautiful & functional outdoor living space tailored to your needs.

(205) 453-9367

Find your way back to Happily Ever After. Upward Behavioral Health offers superior therapy for couples that is based in proven science and delivers meaningful results. Strengthen attachment bonding, address conflict, improve communication, rebuild trust and intimacy.

In-person and Telehealth

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

ARTICLE BY BLAIR MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REGINALD ALLEN

THE DEPTHS HE’LL GO Birmingham scuba diver Jonny Cates hunts relics, shark teeth, and history beneath America’s darkest waters

O UT D OOR A DV E N T U R E | SPORTS + RE CRE AT ION

Spencer Phillips

“I hate just sitting around,” says Jonny Cates. “I want to be out there exploring.” And by “out there,” he means deep underwater, searching for Civil War cannonballs, ancient shark teeth, and bottles from centuries past. Cates’s appetite for adventure started early, stirred by his father’s stories of working at dive shops in Florida to pay his way through school and exploring springs back when scuba was still a fringe hobby. “Growing up, I wanted to be a marine biologist. I wanted to follow in his footsteps.” Though Cates’s dad is no longer diving, his influence still echoes beneath the surface. “I’ve never been able to dive with my dad,” Cates says. “If I could go back in time, I absolutely would. He gave me the sense of adventure that still drives me.” After four years in the Marines—with three deployments and visits to 28 countries—Cates brought that sense of exploration into the next

Jonny Cates

phase of life. “I’d been snorkeling all my life, but for my 30th birthday, I decided it was time to really go for it.” He got scuba certified and started diving in postcard-perfect spots: turquoise water, vibrant reefs, tropical fish. “It’s fun, but I got bored with that after a while.” The real thrill came when he wandered into Southern Skin Divers Supply in Birmingham. “That shop is like a museum—cannonballs, CONTINUED >

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

shark teeth, Indian artifacts, gold—they’ve found it all.” It was there he met Steve Phillips, a nationally respected relic hunter. “Steve said, ‘I’m not gonna be around forever. I want to pass this knowledge down.’” That mentorship, informal but impactful, shaped Cates’s path forward. Over the past decade, Cates has logged more than 1,500 dives, many through Southern Skin Divers Supply. The shop, founded in 1953 by Bill Tant—a member of the 82nd Airborne—is recognized as the oldest scuba diving training and supply shop in the United States. Now run by the Phillips family and one of Bill’s relatives, including seasoned diver and spearfishing champion Forrest Phillips, the shop continues to thrive as a hub of underwater exploration. With more than 13,000 dives to his name, Forrest says the magic of diving never fades. “Even after all these years, something new happens almost every time you go down,” he says. “Once people learn to dive, they realize what they were missing. It’s an adventure. You’re exploring the unknown.” Or as Cates puts it, “When you become a scuba diver, you’re no longer on the outside of the fish tank looking in—you’re in the tank yourself, experiencing everything from the inside.” Cates follows the water wherever it leads: to Alaska for gold, the Carolinas for fossils, and Alabama’s own Cahaba River for relics. He’s found hundreds of megalodon teeth—some over six inches long. “Some people never find one in their lifetime.” Other finds include a trapdoor Springfield carbine from 1873, a South Carolina Dispensary whiskey bottle from the 1890s, a Civil War Confederate hand grenade, and a six-inch spear point estimated to be 8,000 years old. “Every time I find something, I’m shocked. Out of all the things in the world, you stumble across this one artifact—something a person dropped 150 years ago, or a tooth a shark lost during a meal millions of years ago.”

O UT D OOR A DV E N T U R E | SPORTS + RE CRE AT ION

There have been moments of real tension—close calls, equipment issues, underwater tangles—but some stories, he jokes, are better left untold. “Let’s just say I’ll leave out a few details so my wife doesn’t have to hear about them.” He’s been circled by bull sharks and once encountered a ten-foot alligator on a winter river dive in Florida. “We always say we’d rather run into a shark than an alligator. At least sharks aren’t territorial.” The kind of diving Cates does—known as blackwater diving— requires endurance, precision, and nerve. “It’s like scuba diving in a cup of coffee,” he says. “You’re lucky to be able to see your hand in front of your face. At best, you might get six feet of visibility—and honestly, that’s sometimes scarier, because then you can see what’s swimming around you.” On one dive, a rubber glove floated toward him out of the darkness. “It looked just like a hand waving hello. Scared me half to death.” Still, the payoff is worth it. “We’re saving history,” Cates says. “Some people think, ‘Leave everything where it is,’ but if no one finds it, it just rots away in the river. This way, we get to study it, preserve it, and share it.” “Since the beginning of time, people have unfortunately used rivers as trash cans,” he adds. “Studying that trash can tell us a whole lot about the people who were living there at the time.” Cates teaches paleontology classes to kids in the community, sharing his finds and encouraging curiosity about natural history. He also helps new divers get their footing—sometimes literally— tethering them to himself for their first dark-water dives to calm

nerves and teach what to look for. “When you’re diving, there’s a lot swimming around and things bumping into you. You’re just trying to concentrate—and hopefully find something really cool.” Alabama, he says, is full of surprises. “We have more water running through this state than any other. A fifth of all U.S. freshwater flows through here. And most folks have no idea what’s sitting on the bottom of those rivers.” Some of Cates’s adventures begin when someone reaches out with a question or a curiosity. “Sometimes it’s about history. Sometimes it’s a lost cellphone or wedding ring,” he says. “If it’s underwater and matters to you, I’m happy to take a look.” And while the work is physical and unpredictable, the water brings peace. “There’s a therapeutic side to diving. It reminds me of my time in the Marines—the camaraderie, the quiet, the mission. You’re out there focused. You’re not thinking about anything else.” These days, he’s looking forward to what’s next—not just for himself, but for the next generation. Just as he once sat captivated by his father’s stories, Cates hopes to pass that same sense of wonder to his daughters. “They’re old enough now to start training,” he says. “When they’re ready, there’s so much I want to show them.” Discover Cates’s latest finds at facebook.com/RiverRaider. To learn more about the dive shop that’s been behind generations of adventurers, visit ssdsupply.com.

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

Wise Counsel

By Your Side

Life is complicated. There are lots of moving parts, so it's easy to allow your finances to drift off point. Since 1986, Savant Wealth Management, an independent, fee-only firm, has been committed to helping our clients pursue peace of mind through our collective insight, wisdom, and perspective. Let us help you make your financial life less complicated with our Wise Counsel by your side.

Learn more about our team

INVESTMENTS | FINANCIAL PLANNING | TAX | PRIVATE TRUST | RETIREMENT PLANS ®

205.208.8700 | savantwealth.com Savant Wealth Management is a Registered Investment Advisor. A copy of our written disclosure brochure discussing our services is available upon request or at www.savantwealth.com.

Restoring Commercial Real Estate Value

Rolling Suds, the nation’s leading power washing franchise, dedicates its services to revitalizing and enhancing the value of commercial real estate properties.

BE THE VOICE THEY NEED. VOLUNTEER WITH CASA. “I HAVE BEEN VOLUNTEERING WITH CASA FOR 2 ½ YEARS. I LOVE GETTING TO KNOW THE CHILDREN AND SHOWING THEM THAT I CARE ABOUT THEM. IT IS VERY MEANINGFUL TO ADVOCATE FOR THE CHILDREN AND ATTEND COURT HEARINGS. CASA SERVES A UNIQUE AND MUCHNEEDED SERVICE IN OUR COMMUNITY!” —AMANDA WILSON

Scan for more!

Amanda Wilson

205.478.7313 | CASAOFJEFFERSONCOUNTY.ORG

BIRMINGHAM LIFESTYLE™

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY

Dr. Joseph Wu, M.D. Founder & Lead Physician

SCAN TO FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

Inspiration for your best local life.

Exclusive giveaways.

Hidden gem alert!

Uncomplicated Healthcare

Good news in your neighborhood.

Local content by local creators.

Inside scoop on all things local.

Locally-inspired food & drink recipes.

Experience concierge medicine at its best with Brightmark Health, led b y D r. J o s e p h W u . E n j o y s a m e d a y appointments, preventive care, prompt communication, and even house calls - bringing exceptional primary care directly to you, anywhere, anytime. Call for a FREE Consultation: 205-900-0888.

Conveniently located in the Hoover/Vestavia are a

www. b ri ghtmark h e al th . com

2 0 5. 9 0 0 . 08 8 8

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

ARTICLE BY BLAIR MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY FEHR

Exploring a living history with the women of Gee’s Bend

What the Quilters Sang I can sew on a button, but it’s not pretty. That’s about the extent of my needle-and-thread experience. Even so, I’ve long admired the women of Gee’s Bend—their quilts, their artistry, their legacy. Their work has been shown at the Smithsonian, collected by the Met, and studied by fashion houses and fine art scholars alike. I’ve read about them in Garden & Gun. But I never imagined I’d see them in person— certainly not five minutes from my house.

M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULTU RE

“I was seven when my mama taught me the ninepatch,” she says. “Said if I could sew a straight line, I could make something warm.” She smiles at the memory. Mary Ann does most of the talking, though China Pettway sits beside her, steady and focused. They’re not related, though they share a last name. “We got the name from the plantation owner,” Mary Ann says. “That’s where it came from—old man Pettway. So you’ve got Pettway, Pittway, Petway—some of everything. But we’re not blood kin.” It’s clear that quilting, for them, isn’t just a skill—it’s a language. One passed down for generations, now offered freely to anyone willing to sit still and listen. CONTINUED >

Mary Ann Pettway

When I found out they’d be leading a quilting workshop at Trussville Public Library, I headed straight there and slipped quietly into the back of the room to observe. The soft hum of sewing machines filled the space. Some quilters moved between tables, laying out swatches and comparing colors. In the center of the room, a group gathered around an 1886 quilt someone had found at a thrift store. They took pictures, asked questions, and swapped quiet awe. I spotted an open seat beside Mary Ann Pettway of Gee’s Bend and couldn’t help myself. I sat down and struck up a conversation as she stitched. She didn’t seem to mind.

China Pettway JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

“I DON’T WANT NOBODY TO PRAISE ME WHEN I’M GONE, LORD, GIVE ME MY FLOWERS WHILE I YET LIVE. THE FLOWERS THAT YOU GIVE ME, I CAN’T SEE THE BEAUTY— OH, GIVE ME MY FLOWERS WHILE I YET LIVE.”

M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULTU RE

“Solid fabrics are my favorite,” Mary Ann says, running her fingers across a square of deep blue. “I like how they speak.” I ask how she chooses her colors. “I don’t plan it,” she shrugs. “I just look around. If something’s laying there and I think it’d make a good quilt, I use it. I just love creating.” She tells me about her grandsons—how one started quilting at age four and still carries his first quilt everywhere. “Like Linus from Charlie Brown,” she chuckles. “Everywhere he goes, that little quilt goes with him.” Another has taken to cooking instead. “That boy’s a cook now,” she says. “And that’s okay.” She gestures toward a quilt at the front of the room. “That orange one up there? My son-in-law made it,” she says. “He’s a self-taught artist. He’s a good quilter.” She pauses, hands resting for a moment. “If I had to choose between designing and quilting, I’d choose quilting. Because when I come back to it, it’s already laid out. All I gotta do is sit down and sew.” As we talk, Mary Ann mentions a hymn she loves: Give Me My Flowers While I Yet Live. “Do you know that one?” she asks.

“I don’t think so,” I admit. She doesn’t lift her head, just looks at me over her glasses. “Would you like to hear a little bit of it?” “Sure.” I nod. Mary Ann turns and calls over, “China.” And just like that, they begin to sing, their low, rich voices swelling: I don’t want nobody to praise me when I’m gone, Lord, Give me my flowers while I yet live. The flowers that you give me, I can’t see the beauty— Oh, give me my flowers while I yet live. One woman wipes her eyes. Another leans back and closes hers. They sing it again and again, stitching all the while. “This isn’t about me,” Mary Ann tells me as the last note fades. “It’s all about Jesus. He gave us the gift, the strength to get up and go tell people about Him. That’s what this is. Not just quilts. It’s ministry.” Their ministry has taken them all over the country. They’ve sung at the Vice President’s residence for Kamala Harris. “She said she was a fan of our work,” Mary Ann tells me, reaching for a purple swatch. “Said she had some of our quilts at her place.” CONTINUED >

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

When Barack Obama was first elected President, they sent him a quilt, too. And yet, there they were—in a small library in Trussville, Alabama. I later learned there’s a deeper reason they came. Turns out, Trussville and Gee’s Bend are linked in ways most people—even locals—don’t know. Both were part of a sweeping New Deal experiment: nearly 100 planned communities were built across the country during the Great Depression. Eight of them were in Alabama—including the Cahaba Project in Trussville and the homestead at Gee’s Bend. Amy Peterson O’Brien, president of the Cahaba Homestead Heritage Foundation, made the connection while standing in the quilters’ collective in Boykin. “I was taking a group of students on an art trip when I realized the link between the Trussville Cahaba Project and Gee’s Bend,” she says. “I was still deep in research, learning how our local story was woven into the national one. But it didn’t truly click until that day—standing in the bend of the Alabama River, looking at framed photographs of FDR and old quilts.” The Cahaba Project, built from 1936 to 1938, was one of four New Deal towns in Jefferson County alone—proof of just how hard Birmingham had been hit by the Depression. Trussville’s version was originally called “Slagheap Village” for the blast furnace waste that still litters the soil. “You can still find pieces of slag on the ground,” Amy says. “Some of it was used to pave the streets.” Farming never took hold here because of the slag, but the neighborhood’s layout endured. Each home was built with a shed in back—for coal, chickens, a cow, and a car—and many of those sheds are still standing. Unlike the other more rural homestead communities, the Cahaba Project was designed as a modern suburban village: sidewalks, electricity, streetlights, indoor plumbing. “Most people are surprised to learn Trussville has a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places,” Amy says. “And it still looks very much like it did in the 1930s.”

M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULTU RE

In 2023, she invited Mary Ann and China Pettway to Trussville for the first Heritage Days celebration. They’ve returned every April since. Watching them quilt feels like watching someone mend something you didn’t know was torn. They move slow. They pay attention. They make it okay to take your time. “What else do you sing when you quilt?” I ask. Mary Ann names a few: A Hard Working Soldier, Steal Away, Swing Low. “My kids love Swing Low,” I say. I should have seen it coming. She glances at China, who starts to sing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot— slow and steady, with a depth of soul I’ve never experienced. They harmonize all the way through, five times, each one a little different from the last. When the final note fades, a sacred silence fills the room. Then, softly, the sewing machines begin again—picking up where the voices left off. And so the song carries on—woven into fabric, passed down in patches, with history humming through every seam.

GET INSPIRED EAT & DRINK SHOP LOCAL

YO U R D I G I TA L D E S T I N AT I O N FOR LOCAL LIVING

Revive Pro is your one-stop shop for interior & exterior painting, as well as cabinet painting. We are a locally owned & operated company dedicated to providing Birmingham residents with high-quality service at competitive prices.

Call us for a free estimate. sales@revive-pro.com | 205.644.4631 | revive-pro.com JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

Th roug h the L ens of a WorldTravel i ng Doc tor From Tasmania to Tokyo, Dr. Joseph Wu captures light across the globe

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | TRAVE L

where coastal cities, ancient ruins, and snowy mountains lie just an hour apart. “It wasn’t a place I expected to fall in love with,” he says. “But I did. The people are so warm and kind despite all that they’ve been through.” Wu prefers destinations that fly under the radar. Instead of Paris, he passed through the airport en route to Tunis. Instead of Sydney, he explored Tasmania by road—twice. “I like places that aren’t overexposed— where I can take my time, go in the off-season, and really see what’s there.” He travels with both digital and film gear—medium-format cameras like the Pentax 67 and Mamiya 7ii, Nikon bodies for wildlife and night photography, and carefully chosen film stocks. The Canadian Rockies remain his favorite destination to photograph—any season, any year. Though he’s always leaned analytical—he once dreamed of becoming an engineer— photography has offered a creative outlet that complements his work in medicine. “In a way, it’s problem-solving,” he says. “You’re figuring out how to frame something, what settings to use, how to make it visually pleasing. It taps into a completely different part of my brain, and I think that balance helps me be more present in both roles.” “Photography has sharpened how I see the world,” he adds. “It helps me pay attention—to light, to timing, and to what a place is trying to say.”

ARTICLE BY BLAIR MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH WU

Dr. Joseph Wu is a Birmingham physician, a father of three, and a landscape photographer who finds beauty in the quiet corners of the world. What began as a casual curiosity in 2014—just playing around with a camera— quickly turned into an unexpected passion. A landscape photography workshop in Iceland lit the spark, and he’s been exploring the world one frame at a time ever since. Since then, he has sought out remote, visually rich places—Tasmania, Tunisia, Iceland, Tokyo, Prague, Budapest, Taiwan, Istanbul, Ireland, Antarctica, and beyond— capturing light, texture, and place with precision and care. He often builds trips around the pursuit of a single image, sometimes adjusting plans entirely to chase the right conditions. For last year’s total solar eclipse, he organized a trip with fellow photographers—friends he’d met through workshops—who flew in from around the country to meet in Austin. When cloud cover threatened their original site in Texas Hill Country, the group packed into a rental SUV and drove overnight to Arkansas in search of clearer skies—arriving just in time. Wu vividly remembers the moment just before totality when the temperature dropped, the wind shifted, and the sky darkened. “Everyone around you gasps,” Wu says. “That kind of awe stays with you.” Out of all his travel destinations, Lebanon may have surprised him most. There he found unexpected beauty in a country

“

“ I l i ke p l a ce s t h a t a r e n’ t ove r e x p o s e d — w h e r e I c a n t a ke my t i m e , g o in the off-season, and r e a l l y s e e w h a t ’s t h e r e .”

CONTINUED > JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | TRAVE L

RAISING THE STANDARD OF ROOFING EXCELLENCE

READING THIS... S O I S YO U R B E S T C L I E N T.

2 OU T O F 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

Scan Here for a hassle free roo f qu ot e in 2 4 ho u rs .

I F YO U A R E

CONTACT HIGHER ROOF SOLUTIONS TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION TO EXPLORE THE OPTIONS OF UPGRADING YOUR ROOF.

ADVERTISE WITH US. LEARN MORE AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BIRMINGHAM

WWW.HIGHERROOFSOLUTIONS.COM 205.386.0565 JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

LA CALMA The team at Adiõs has shared this recipe exclusively with Birmingham Lifestyle, offering a way to enjoy a touch of the bar’s easy elegance home.

La Calma

• 1.5 oz chamomile-infused Jameson or any Irish whiskey • 0.5 oz Amaretto • 0.75 oz apricot syrup • 0.75 oz lemon juice • 2 cups crushed ice Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend until everything reaches the same consistency.

Soothing, sunny, and blended to bliss—this cocktail is perfect for slow moments and warm days 30

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Apricot Syrup

Mix 1 cup apricot purée with 2 cups simple syrup. (The team at Adiõs uses purée from Mi Pueblo.)

Chamomile-Infused Jameson

Steep 4 chamomile tea bags in 1 bottle of Jameson. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour.

Non-Alcoholic Version

• 3 oz of your favorite lemonade • 0.75 oz El Guapo orgeat (available at LeNell’s in Norwood) • 2–3 cups crushed ice Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth and consistent.

More Elevated Living. Less Elevated Stressing. Call HUM. Fractional House Manager l Private Travel Coordination Moving & Relocation l Personal Assistant l Home Watch Event Coordination l Exclusive Professional Services Rolodex

Sarah Robinson Founder & Head Concierge

2 0 5 - 5 7 8 - 2 0 2 4 I H e l l o @ H U M C o n c i e r g e . c o m I w w w. H U M C o n c i e r g e . c o m

beyou ul it fBHM

CHANGING THE FACE OF BEAUTY IN THE MAGIC CITY

ENTERTAINMENT, AUCTION, PRIZES, & MORE!

Friday, August 22nd buy tickets he 6:00-9:00pm re! @ The Club www.beyoutifulbirmingham.org

FINE JEWELERS MOUNTAIN BROOK VILLAGE

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

Historic Morris Avenue is still home to America’s oldest peanut shop, Alabama Peanut Co.

EXPLORE AN EVOLVING LANDSCAPE

Bi r m i ng h a m’s Built History ARTICLE BY BLAIR MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHAN WATSON The Florentine Building

O UR TOWN | L I FE + C ULT U RE

Zinszer Building

To understand Birmingham’s architecture, start beneath the surface. The city was founded to capitalize on a rare wealth of minerals—iron ore, coal, and limestone—all within close proximity. That natural advantage fueled an industrial economy built on iron, steel, and the railroads that carried them. In just a few decades, Birmingham rose to become not only the industrial capital of the South, but also its rail capital, with ten trunk lines carrying everything from thumbtacks to structural steel. It was a city built with purpose. And it shows.

IRON, STEEL, AND THE SKYLINE

Birmingham’s earliest buildings wore their industry on their sleeves. Cast-iron façades, like the one on the Zinszer Building, were forged just down the tracks. Locally made steel supported the city’s first skyscrapers, including the cluster at 1st Avenue and 20th Street North. Just 40 years after the city’s founding, this intersection earned the nickname “the Heaviest Corner on Earth” for the weight, and ambition, of its four towers. Among them, the Empire Building (now the Elyton Hotel) was the tallest in Alabama when it opened in 1909, and its limestone façade remains one of the city’s most enduring silhouettes. The Brown-Marx Building preceded in 1906, rising even taller. For decades, it was the South’s largest office tower. Its ornate cornice and copper detailing stood as a reminder that industrial power and architectural beauty went hand in hand. Brick, too, grounded Birmingham’s rise. Locally made, it shaped storefronts, warehouses, factories, and homes. From 1928 to 1948, the Martin Biscuit Company

operated in what is now Pepper Place, baking crackers and cookies and sending them across the South by rail. The scent of baking once drifted through open windows. Today, the buildings still hum with energy—now filled with designers, florists, and the aroma of Saturday market coffee.

A TASTE FOR THE ORNATE

As fortunes grew, so did the city’s architectural ambition. In 1926, the Alabama Theatre opened as a SpanishMoorish movie palace, a place where silent films flickered across the screen and a Wurlitzer organ filled the air. Nearly a century later, that same organ rises from the orchestra pit, and the chandeliers still glitter above velvet seats. Generations have slipped through its gilded doors. Some to see Casablanca, others to take the stage. Just down the street, the Florentine Building brought another layer of elegance to the city. Clad in polychrome terracotta and crowned with arched windows, it began as a private club and ballroom. The exterior has the whimsy of a music box; the inside was built for dancing. By the late 1920s, Birmingham had begun to flirt with Art Deco. The Munger Building, with its vertical fluting and geometric detailing, reflects a city eager to modernize while still embracing craft. Tucked into the rhythm of the city center, it rewards those who take the time to look twice.

HOMES OF THE CITY’S FOUNDERS AND WORKFORCE

Not all of Birmingham’s story was written in steel and stone. As the city rose, more successful businessmen built homes along Highland Avenue, where marble CONTINUED >

McWane Science Center

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

Birmingham by the Book

The John Hand Building anchors “The Heaviest Corner on Earth”

porches opened onto sweeping views and neighbors gathered for evening parties. Eugene Enslen’s house still stands, its symmetry and materials echoing his downtown bank, the Comer Building, just blocks away. Meanwhile, along Birmingham’s streetcar lines, the city’s workforce built neighborhoods of modest bungalows—practical homes with deep porches that caught the breeze and carried the quiet dignity of good design. Many of those houses still stand today, passed down or lovingly restored by those who value their craftsmanship and character.

MODERN MOVES

While Birmingham’s foundations are historic, its story continues to unfold. One of its most striking examples of contemporary design is Children’s of Alabama. Sleek, open, and filled with light, the hospital is as much a civic landmark as a medical one. It reflects citizens who that invest in progress without abandoning beauty. You don’t have to go far to explore Birmingham’s history. It’s all around—layered in brick, framed in iron and steel, and alive in the lives we live and build today.

O UR TOWN | L I FE + C ULT U RE

Birmingham Historical Society’s forthcoming guide, Birmingham by the Book: A Guide to the Magic City, offers a fresh look at the city’s architecture, neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces. The 140-page softcover features historical narrative, maps, and photography, drawing on decades of local research to guide readers through notable sites across Birmingham and its surroundings. “Since moving to Birmingham in 1968, I have wanted to know where I arrived,” Marjorie White says. “Having lived in Paris for a year during college, exploring neighborhoods became a passion. My friends and I went on every tour in the Michelin Green Guide. This became the model for a Birmingham guide. We, and this is a royal we, are finally making the attempt to emulate the gold standard.” The guide is expected to debut in late 2025, marking the first printed field guide of its kind for Birmingham.

F A M I LY L AW • D I V O R C E • M E D I AT I O N 2 0 5 - 8 74 - 8 6 8 0 | W W W. C R I T T E N D E N PA RT N E R S . C O M no representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

BE SURE YOU’RE ACTUALLY GETTING A LOW INTEREST RATE Allen Mortgage finds the lowest possible rate at no added out-of-pocket cost to you.

Pritchard Allen | NMLS #1569469 info@allenmtg.com | 205-395-3067 allenmtg.com | NMLS # 2552907 JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

T O S K TA O O

U O A Y W E I ASKED MY EXPAT AND TRAVEL-SAVVY FRIENDS TO RECOMMEND BOOKS TO TAKE ME FAR AWAY. HERE YOU GO! ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

Blue Latitudes

BY TONY HORWITZ Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before. The Pulitzer Prize– winning journalist travels to various parts of the world, following in the footsteps of explorer James Cook.

The Island of Missing Trees

BY ELIF SHAFAIT

It is 1974 on the island of Cyprus. Two teenagers, from opposite sides of a divided land, meet at a tavern in the city they both call home. The tavern is the only place that Kostas, who is Greek and Christian, and Defne, who is Turkish and Muslim, can meet, in secret, hidden beneath the blackened beams from which hang garlands of garlic, chili peppers and wild herbs. This is where one can find the best food in town, the best music, the best wine. But there is something else to the place: it makes one forget, even if for just a few hours, the world outside and its immoderate sorrows.

The Corfu Trilogy BY GERALD DURRELL

Three classic tales of childhood on an island paradise - My Family and Other Animals, Birds, Beasts and Relatives and The

EDU CAT ION COR N E R | LIF E + CU LT U RE

Garden of the Gods by Gerald Durrell - are available in a single edition for the first time in The Corfu Trilogy. Just before the Second World War the Durrell family decamped to the glorious, sun-soaked island of Corfu, where the youngest of the four children, ten-year-old Gerald, discovered his passion for animals: toads and tortoises, bats and butterflies, scorpions and octopuses. Through glorious silver-green olive groves and across brilliant-white beaches Gerry pursued his obsession . . . causing hilarity and mayhem in his ever-tolerant family.

Cutting for Stone

BY ABRAHAM VERGHESE Cutting for Stone is a novel written by Ethiopian-born, Indian-American medical doctor and author Abraham Verghese. It is a saga of twin brothers, orphaned by their mother’s death at their births and forsaken by their father.

The Museum of Innocence BY ORHAN PAMUK

The author is a Nobel-laureate Turkish novelist. The book, set in Istanbul between 1975 and 1984, is an account of the love story between the wealthy businessman Kemal and a poorer distant relative of his, Füsun.

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

DRI NKS UP Crafting Cocktails with Fresh Garden Ingredients

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES Summer is here and what better way to quench your thirst than with drinks crafted from the season’s fresh produce? Embrace the natural sweetness of sun-ripened fruits and the invigorating zest of garden-fresh herbs. From crisp berry infusions to fragrant herbal blends, enjoy the art of crafting delicious and revitalizing beverages that celebrate the fresh flavors of summer.

H AP PY H OU R | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

ROS E

UIT FR

Y GRAP AR E M

AR F

IZZ

DEN HER R B A

This cocktail balances the tartness of grapefruit, the sweetness of pear, and the distinct notes of rosemary, all brought together with a bubbly finish.

RY S A N G

This sangria emphasizes fresh garden herbs and the sweetness of seasonal berries.

E MINT LIM

S E M OJ I T

A Lime Mint Rose Mojito adds a floral twist to the classic mojito, creating a refreshing and elegant cocktail. Here’s a recipe that balances the traditional lime and mint with the delicate aroma of rose.

Ingredients: • 2 oz Gin (or Vodka) • 1.5 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice • 1 oz Pear Liqueur (or Pear Juice) • 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice • 1 sprig of Rosemary • Sparkling water • Garnish: Rosemary sprig, grapefruit slice, pear slice Instructions: Place the rosemary sprig in a cocktail shaker. Lightly muddle the rosemary to release its oils. Add the gin (or vodka), grapefruit juice, pear liqueur and lime juice to the shaker. Add ice. Shake well until thoroughly chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water or Prosecco. Garnish with a rosemary sprig, a grapefruit slice, and a pear slice.

Ingredients: • 1 bottle wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio or Garnacha) • ½ cup brandy or rum • ½ cup elderflower liqueur • 1 cup sparkling water • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced • ½ cup fresh raspberries • ½ cup fresh blueberries • ¼ cup fresh mint leaves • 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced (optional) • 1 lime, thinly sliced Instructions: In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, brandy (or rum), and elderflower liqueur. Stir gently to mix.Add the sliced strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, mint leaves, rosemary sprigs, and cucumber slices to the pitcher. Gently muddle the berries and herbs slightly to release their flavors. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. Just before serving, add the sliced lime and sparkling water or club soda. Stir gently. Serve the sangria over ice, ensuring each glass gets a mix of fruit and herbs.

Ingredients: • 10 fresh mint leaves • 1 lime, cut into wedges • 2 tablespoons white sugar (or simple syrup, to taste) • 2 ounces white rum • 1 ounce rose water (adjust to taste, as it can be potent) • Club soda or sparkling water • Garnish: Mint sprigs, lime wedges, edible rose petals (optional) Instructions: Muddle: Place the mint leaves and lime wedges in a glass. Add sugar. Use a muddler to gently crush the mint and lime. Pour the white rum and rose water into the glass. Stir well. Fill the glass with ice. Top with club soda or sparkling water. Stir gently. Garnish with a mint sprig, a lime wedge, and, if desired, edible rose petals. JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

New and

Black Angus Beef Tenderloin at Armour House Photo by Eleven Productions

BIRMINGHAM RESTAURANTS TO EXPLORE THIS MONTH

ARTICLE BY BIRMINGHAM LIFESTYLE

o N teworthy 40

NOW OP E N | FO O D + BEVE RAGE

Photo by Bradley Ryan

EPICE Epice, a Lebanese bistro from Nashville, has opened in Birmingham’s historic Hardwick Building along the Rotary Trail. Led by the father-son duo of Maher and Andrew Fawaz, Epice offers traditional Lebanese dishes, such as hummus, kibbeh, and lamb shank, all presented with modern flair.

Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee

B AYO N E T Bayonet is acclaimed Chef Rob McDaniel’s ode to seafood. With a menu spotlighting Gulf oysters, inventive dishes like swordfish Reuben, and tableside martinis, Bayonet offers a fresh take on Southern seafood. The atmosphere is buzzy and bright, with vibrantly hued serveware from Civil Stoneware and art by Roscoe Hall.

Photo by Eleven Productions

ARMOUR HOUSE Armour House offers a refined brasserie experience with open-fire steaks, a vibrant raw bar, and seasonal dishes by Chef Jeffrey Compton. The restaurant’s ambiance benefits from its location within the historic Armour & Co. building--original tile and woodwork are incorporated throughout the expansive, clubby dining room. An unexpected, adventurous wine list delights, and Pogo, the speakeasy-style cocktail lounge beneath the restaurant, offers a fun nightcap. CONTINUED >

JULY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

Chef Jacob Stull Photo by Mason Erwin

RÊVE Rêve, Chef Jacob M. Stull’s culinary dream turned reality, brings a French tasting menu experience to downtown Birmingham. Expect French staples like foie gras and steak tartare rooted in local Alabama ingredients. The setting features preserved tile floors and coldrolled steel countertops, reflective of Birmingham’s industrial heritage. Rêve’s artfully crafted courses can also be experienced à la carte.

Photo courtesy Johin’na

JOHIN’NA Johin’na, an eagerly anticipated Japanese-Southern fusion restaurant, is set to debut this month at The Frank. Offering robata-grilled dishes, sushi, sashimi, oysters, and an omakase experience, it promises a modern twist on traditional Japanese cuisine. With a curated sake and cocktail menu, Johin’na aims to deliver an upscale dining experience in the heart of the city.

NOW OP E N | FO O D + BEVE RAGE

For event and ticket info visit