But sometimes we reply on friends and family to give us other suggestions about what they know to be good and what THEIR favorites are. You may be introduced to a favorite by word of mouth, or see an ad for a spot, go there and then share with all your friends how great it is.
This is what the Birmingham Parent Family Favorites Awards is all about. The longest running contest of its sort in the Birmingham area, we do it totally with you and for you. You nominate and choose the winners. And we’ve got a few new categories this year!
It’s an open forum – you did the nominating and the voting. Votes must be cast in 20 categories per voter in order to qualify, as well as to qualify for the drawing for the grand prize. We’ve tallied the numbers and following are the results. There are some surprise winners this year, and many categories were super close! We’ve also grouped the winners into easy categories for you.
We hope you will keep this list all year for great things to do and places to go in Birmingham, and if you have a favorite that didn’t make the list this year, be sure to vote for them in 2019! You can easily access this list all year at www.birminghamparent.com. Be sure you tell the winners that you read about them in Birmingham Parent!
And congrats to Danielle Hinson of Calera, who won a trip for 4 to OWA.
AND THE 2019 WINNERS ARE….
FAMILY FUN
Favorite Travel Agent
AAA
This repeat winner has provided drivers with peace of mind since 1902, but AAA is a repeat winner not only offering roadside assistance, but great discounts at over 100,000 locations and travel planning are all benefits offered to AAA members. Visit their website to learn more.
Favorite In-State Vacation
Gulf Shores/Orange Beach
What Alabamian hasn’t been to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach? And why travel out-of-state for a memorable beach vacation, when the perfect beach destination can be found within our own state? White, sandy beaches and fun-filled activities for the entire family can be found in this repeat winner, Gulf Shores/Orange Beach.
Favorite Georgia Destination
The Georgia Aquarium
Another repeat winner, the Georgia Aquarium is the perfect day trip for Birmingham families. Teeming with underwater exhibits and adventures, as well as animal interactions and an IMAX theatre, families can easily spend more than a day experiencing all The Georgia Aquarium has to offer.
Favorite Tennessee Destination
Nashville
This new winner in our Family Favorites search isn’t a surprise, as The Music City is always a fun trek for families and couples, and just a short drive from Birmingham. Whether you want to visit the Grand Ole Opry, Gaylord Opryland, hit the honky-tonks downtown or take in a pro football game, Nashville is the place to go.
Favorite Alabama Beach Destination
Gulf Shores/Orange Beach
This repeat winner has been a favorite among local families for years. New construction has made an incredible beach destination even better, and both adults and children will find plenty to experience and enjoy, year after year.
Favorite Florida Beach Destination
Destin
Once a quiet fishing village, this repeat winner has become one of the most desired beaches for local families planning their summer vacations. Its white, sandy beaches and clear, blue water make for a perfect day on the beach. Destin also provides its visitors with the perfect balance of family-friendly activities and adult nightlife.
Favorite Mountain Retreat
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Rebuilt and better than ever, Gatlinburg holds strong as a favorite vacation destination for families around the country. A town with something for everyone, Gatlinburg offers everything from outdoor adventures teeming with wildlife to romantic cabins for two.
Favorite Family Attraction in Birmingham
Birmingham Zoo
Always a favorite among local families, the Birmingham Zoo provides the perfect opportunity to get your family outdoors and up close with animals from all over the world. The zoo provides fun and educational animal exhibits, a train ride, petting farm, animal encounters, splash pad and much more! Constantly changing, growing and improving, the Zoo continues to be a major family favorite in Birmingham.
Favorite Fair, Festival or Special Event in Birmingham
St. Elias Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival
The first festival began in 1998. Norman and Paul Bolus, brothers, had the enterprising idea of starting a food festival for their church. They had always marveled at the success of neighboring Saint George’s Food Festival and the Greek Food Festival. They had also cherished their memories of attending the Birmingham International Festival as children. So thus inspired, they resolutely decided to showcase their heritage in a similar way. Today, this festival normally held around April, donates 25 percent of proceeds to outside charities and has become a favorite among Birmingham-area families.
Favorite Pumpkin Patch
Helena Hollow
This pumpkin patch, a honorable mention in 2018, is your favorite in 2019. Alabama’s premier entertainment farm includes a full-service pumpkin patch, petting zoo, party barn, wedding/reception locale and more. It’s received lots of local accolades the last few years, and now it is your family favorite.
Favorite Christmas Outing
Zoolight Safari at the Birmingham Zoo
A Christmas tradition for many local families, Zoolight Safari is a must-see event during the holiday season. Zoo by day and winter wonderland by night, the Birmingham Zoo closes off its animal exhibits and covers its grounds with thousands of Christmas lights and fake snow. Complete with a train ride through woods with Christmas light displays and holiday scenes, children and adults will experience the magic and beauty of the holiday season at the Zoolight Safari.
Favorite Museum for Kids in Birmingham
McWane Science Center
Science comes to life within the halls of McWane Science Center, providing children with a one-of-a-kind interactive learning experience. Exhibits ranging from prehistoric dino-digs to up-close aquatic adventures and traveling exhibits that are perfect for children of all ages. Itty Bitty Magic City, an intricately built tot-sized recreation of Birmingham, complete with play area for infants, is a must-see for younger children who might not yet appreciate some of the more advanced exhibits.
FAVORITE PARTIES, ACTIVITIES AND LEARNING
Favorite Local Gym or Exercise Facility
Birmingham YMCAs
Always a favorite among adults of all ages, the YMCA offers a clean facility with up-to-date equipment and personalized workout plans for members. The YMCA has worked to earn its popularity among locals. Also offering childcare for members attending a workout class, swimming or working out in the gym, this is the perfect solution for parents looking to stay in shape. No wonder the “Y” wins year after year.
Favorite Birthday Party Place
Let’s Play
This repeat winner is a massive indoor facility filled with climbing towers, ball pits, giant slides, interactive games and much more. Let’s Play is the perfect place to have your child’s next birthday party or drop in for free play. There is even a section of the facility specifically tailored to toddlers with pint-sized versions of the larger play areas for older children.
Favorite Tutor
GradePower Learning
This repeat winner, GradePower Learning, knows that no two children are alike and creates unique programs for each child within their educational programs. Offering assistance in everything from passing a test to earning a stellar ACT score, GradePower Learning strives to help students reach their full academic potential.
Favorite Private School
Our Lady of Sorrows
This new winner in the “favorite private school category” has been on our readers’ radar for years. The school takes pride in educating children in Wee-K3 through eighth grade. Christianity is partnered with an academic curriculum combined with developing their faith. Accredited by AdvancED, OLOS provides a comprehensive academic curriculum that presents a variety of enrichment and technology opportunities for students, as well as competitive sports for those who are interested.
Favorite Preschool/Daycare
Ardent Preschool and Daycare
Formerly part of Covenant Classical School, Ardent Preschool and Daycare is a new family favorite winner. With locations in Birmingham and Huntsville, Ardent is committed to pursuing excellence in all areas so that the years spent here are an investment in which parents cannot afford to miss. We don’t want to just see children grow, we want to see them thrive!
Favorite Mother’s Day Out
Little Imaginations Preschool – Bluff Park United Methodist Church
This new winner is a half-day preschool offering classes for infants 6 months of age through 4-K. The program offers a comprehensive preschool education to children of all backgrounds and faiths. Through teacher-student relationships, they strive to prepare students for their future with a strong foundation in both academic and social skills. This small preschool setting offers a sense of community, where children and their families know and are known by every member of the staff.
Favorite Special Needs Service/Program
Mitchell’s Place
This new winner in this category has been a family favorite for a long time. Mitchell’s Place provides comprehensive, research-based, educational, social and therapeutic services for children, adolescents, and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities in a deeply caring environment.
Favorite College or Trade School
Birmingham-Southern College
This new winner in this category has a long history of excellence in the Birmingham area and beyond. At BSC, the focus is on your future, so when you leave the campus, you’ll be ready to pursue your passion, fulfill your purpose and reach your full potential. Planning for your child’s future or continuing yours? Give BSC a closer look.
Favorite Gymnastics Program
Legacy Gymnastics
This repeat winner in this category is Birmingham’s newest gymnastics facility, offering competitive coaching with a strong, experienced staff. Legacy offers recreational and competitive team programs for girls and boys 18 months to 18 years old. Great birthday parties, too.
Favorite Parent/Child Class
Kindermusik with Michele and Friends
Serving the Birmingham area with a powerful music education for young children, Kindermusic with Michele and Friends is available to children from newborns to 7 years of age at various locations throughout the Birmingham area. A designated Maestro Top Program from Kindermusik International, children are sure to enjoy singing, dancing, playing instruments and much more!
and
kindermusikwithmichelemulder.yourvirtuoso.com
Favorite Dance Class
The Pointe Dance Arts
This new category winner, located in Hoover, says they believe that learning should be fun. Their staff strives to maintain a safe, creative, exciting classroom environment while offering each child the highest quality dance education.
Favorite Art Class
Sips and Strokes
With three locations in the Birmingham metro area and one in Cullman, you need not travel too far to find a casual, fun environment in which customers of all ages and experience levels can “unleash the artist within.” Customers create their own works of art with easily understood, step-by-step guidance from a trained instructor.
Favorite Theatre Class
Red Mountain Theatre Company
A repeat winner, Red Mountain Theatre Company is the go-to place for a high-quality education in the performing arts. Students not only learn the essentials of theatre within this program but also develop a stronger sense of self-confidence, discipline, hard work and the power of collaboration. Classes are available for children ages 5 through 18.
Favorite Music Class
Mason Music
Another repeat winner, Mason Music offers high-quality music lessons and instrument instruction in piano, guitar, voice, violin and drums. All instructors are professionally-trained and background-checked, creating a safe and enjoyable environment for students to learn and excel in their musical interests. Multiple locations are available to families throughout the Birmingham area.
Favorite Martial Arts Class
Tiger Rock (all locations)
Tiger Rock Martial Arts has become the go-to martial arts academy in Birmingham. With a 15-step belt ranking program, children not only learn martial arts but also foster valuable life skills such as hard work, goal-setting and mental discipline. This franchise is constantly growing, with multiple locations available around the Birmingham area.
Favorite After-School Program
Odyssey Early Schools
Odyssey always wins several categories in our Family Favorites, and it’s not surprising since this preschool is so well rounded in its offerings. Not only providing top-notch childcare and preschool programs, Odyssey Early Schools also offer Summer Camp Programs for children in kindergarten through third grade. This summer program is designed to ensure that kids have fun during their summer break, providing at least four field trips each week. Always academically focused, the program also keeps children learning with educational projects that will prepare them for their upcoming school year.
Favorite Day Camp
Odyssey Early Schools
A winner in multiple categories this year, Odyssey Early Schools offer two convenient locations for Birmingham families. Proving superb teacher-student ratios, certified educators and a unique curriculum that gives children the perfect balance of fun, play and education, it comes as no surprise that Odyssey Early Schools has become one of the most sought-after childcare programs in Birmingham.
Favorite Sleepaway Camp
YMCA Camp Cosby
Camp Cosby has been providing fun and exciting experiences for children since 1922. This high-quality, affordable camp is perfect for kids of all ages seeking a first or repeat camping experience. Accredited by the American Camping Association, this camp strives to support diversity and inclusion, as well as instill values in its campers that will help them to build a healthy mind, body and spirit.
Favorite Party Rental
Fun Source Party Rentals
Fun Source Party Rentals sweeps this category because they carry everything you need for your next birthday bash or party. Supplying tents, linens, chairs and the largest variety of licensed Disney moonwalks, bouncers and inflatables in Alabama, it is easy to see why this is a local favorite. Fun Source Party Rentals even offers 25 carnival rides, 300 inflatables, trains, food equipment and staff.
Favorite Birthday Supplies/Invitations
Party City
Party City has been providing for Birmingham local’s party needs for years. With multiple area locations, Party City can supply everything from seasonal decorations, goody bag fillers, elaborate balloons, themed party supplies and much more. It’s easy to see why this one-stop-shop is a family favorite.
Favorite Birthday Cake
Edgar’s Bakery
Anyone who has ever had a morsel from an Edgar’s Bakery knows that everything they do is delicious. Maybe that’s why they continue to be a favorite in the “birthday cake” category year after year.
BUSINESSES & SERVICES
FAVORITE AUTO REPAIR
Firestone
This repeat winner in the “favorite auto repair” category offers not only auto repair but maintenance, tires and more. Visit the website to find a location near you.
FAVORITE CAR DEALERSHIP
Riverchase Kia
A repeat winner, Riverchase Kia in Pelham is a Family Favorite when looking for a brand-new Kia or a well-maintained, dependable pre-owned vehicle. With everything from sedans to minivans, Riverchase Kia has it all.
FAVORITE HOME/AUTO INSURANCE
State Farm
State Farm is a repeat winner in this category and has had a great reputation in Alabama for years. Founded in 1922, it offers a variety of insurance options that include home, renters, motorcycle, life and car. It’s all you need for every insurance need.
FAVORITE BANK
Regions Bank
It’s no surprise that Regions Bank is a regular repeat Family Favorites winner. It is a leader in the world of banking. There are many convenient locations in Alabama and other states, along with staff who are well qualified to help with a full range of banking services. Its online banking is popular, too.
FAVORITE CREDIT UNION
America’s First Federal Credit Union
This credit union is a repeat winner. America’s First, as it’s called, is a staple for credit unions in our area. Readers love their many services, such as checking and savings accounts, loans, credit cards, investments, insurance and much more. Several locations make it a great choice, too.
FAVORITE MAID SERVICE
2 Maids and a Mop
Who doesn’t want to come home to a clean house? 2 Maids and a Mop serves 60 markets across the country, but Birmingham is home. Their website says some people choose them because of the “cute name,” but no other cleaning service in the area can claim that customer feedback is more important to their company. Feedback directly determines their employees’ level of compensation! Learn more at
FAVORITE MOM’S HAIR SALON
Scissors Salon
This new category winner, located in McCalla, has 15 stylists and lots of great photos on their Facebook page.
FAVORITE SHOPPING CENTER/MALL
The Summit
The Summit, a repeat winner in this category, is an upscale shopping center in the center of Birmingham. It is a creative hub of style and taste in the South. Great restaurants, shops, boutiques, movie theater and more makes The Summit a gathering place with style.
FAVORITE KIDS’ HAIRCUT
Great Clips
A repeat Family Favorites winner, you can always seem to find a Great Clips nearby. With a friendly staff and kid-friendly services, it is the choice for an affordable and stylish haircut.
FAVORITE CONSIGNMENT STORE OR SALE
Kids Market and Mom
A repeat Family Favorites winner many times over, Kids Market and Mom, held twice a year, is the largest consignment store in Alabama, dedicated to children’s and maternity items. You can buy or sell items, and find some great deals, too!
FAVORITE STORE FOR KIDS CLOTHES
Target
With a large selection of affordable, trendy, stylish clothes and accessories for infants on up, it’s not a surprise that Target earns the Family Favorite this year. Find a store near you to stock up!
FAVORITE STORE FOR KIDS SHOES
Sikes Children’s Shoes
Sikes Children’s Shoes in Homewood is a repeat Family Favorites winner, not only for their wide selection of practical and special occasion shoes, but for the one-on-one attention to ensure your child’s shoe fits perfectly.
FAVORITE TOY STORE
Homewood Toy & Hobby
This winner offers great quality toys and hobby brands such as Playmobil, Blade, Lionel, Melissa & Doug, Traxxas, and too many more to list. And you can also find them online! They also carry the largest selection of remote control items in Birmingham; cars, trucks, boats, planes, heli’s and drones. And, don’t forget electric trains! More than 60 years of business in Homewood.
FAVORITE BOOK STORE
Barnes and Noble
Books are STILL in style, and who doesn’t love a good bookstore? For our readers, Barnes and Noble has risen to the favorite in 2019. Check out their online offerings, too, if you cannot find it in the store.
FAVORITE GROCERY STORE
Publix
This repeat Family Favorites winner is no surprise – everyone loves Publix! Clean stores, friendly and helpful staff and a huge selection of great items, along with the pharmacy, deli and bakery make it a one-stop shop for everything you need!
FAVORITE ICE CREAM
Bluff Park Ice Cream Shoppe
This year Bluff Park Ice Cream Shoppe edged out a longtime winner as your “favorite ice cream.” Bluff Park Ice Cream Shoppe was designed to provide a fun family atmosphere and be a place to create memories with family and friends that will last a lifetime.
FAVORITE FROZEN YOGURT
Yogurt Mountain
When it comes to the best frozen yogurt, our readers have made Yogurt Mountain a repeat Family Favorite every year! It’s known as the “ultimate self-service frozen dessert experience,” where you can choose from more than a dozen rotating flavors and 50-plus toppings.
FAVORITE KIDS MEALS
Chick-fil-A
Parents and children love Chick-fil-A! A repeat Family Favorites winner, families love the delicious food – including several healthy meal options – and the fast, friendly service in a clean, family-friendly dining area. Kids’ meals come with an educational toy!
FAVORITE PLACE FOR DATE NIGHT
Texas de Brazil Steakhouse, Bar & Grill
This newcomer to the area is a newcomer to our Family Favorites as well, of course, and it was a very popular selection in this category among parents. A fun destination in downtown Birmingham on Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N.
texasdebrazil.com/locations/birmingham
FAVORITE PLACE FOR FAMILY DINNER
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
This quirky selection is not often an obvious choice, but to anyone who has eaten here, it’s clearly a great family choice. Great sushi, burgers, salads and more – even for the non-sushi eater – and they go out of their way to accommodate kids. A great and fun choice!
FAVORITE FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
Amanda Moses
Families, weddings, individuals, creative portraiture and special events are just some of the images Amanda Moses creatively captures for her clients. A quick look at her website and you’ll see why she’s a new family favorite among readers.
FAVORITE BABY FURNITURE/GIFTS
Buy Buy Baby
Who doesn’t love a store where you can find everything imaginable for baby, all under one roof? For the new mom or dad, this is a great feature. That’s what Buy Buy Baby offers its clients, along with a great website, too!
FAVORITE MATERNITY SHOP
The Swanky Stork
This repeat Family Favorites winner has what you need to feel elegant, trendy and comfortable while expecting! Treat yourself to some quality, fashionable outfits at reasonable prices.
FAVORITE VETERINARIAN
Dr. Melissa Miller- Altadena Family Animal Clinic
Dr. Miller is a favorite at the Altadena Family Animal Clinic. She is a first-time winner in this category. Miller’s professional interests include client education and communication, dermatology, ultrasound, and ophthalmology. She is so excited to be a part of the outstanding staff at Altadena Valley Animal Clinic. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
FAVORITE BOARDING FACILITY FOR PETS
Altadena Family Animal Clinic
Also a veterinarian favorite, this first-time winner in this category offers “deluxe boarding” with themed, ceramic tiled suites that have a tv, and webcam! And of course, skilled medical care on site doesn’t hurt, either.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
FAVORITE PEDIATRIC DENTIST
Dr. Clark Thomas – Thomas Pediatric Dentistry
Repeat winner Dr. Clark Thomas, of Thomas Pediatric Dentistry, wins this Family Favorite for his expertise and care in treating children of all ages. Board certified in pediatric dentistry, he is a graduate of the UAB Pediatric Residency Program, where he developed expertise in treating patients with special needs.
FAVORITE FAMILY DENTIST
Dr. Guy Rosenstiel – Birmingham Smiles Dentistry
Dr. Guy Rosensteil of Birmingham Smiles Dentistry is the winner in this category! He is a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Dentistry and completed a certificate in specialty training in general dentistry. He and his office staff help families get the right care in a great setting.
FAVORITE ORTHODONTIST
PT Orthodontics
A seven-time Family Favorites winner in this category, PT Orthodontics wants everyone to have a beautiful smile. That’s why they offer free consultations in 11 convenient locations. PT Orthodontics provides high-quality orthodontic care for all ages at an affordable price.
FAVORITE PEDIATRICIAN
Dr. John Cortopassi – Children’s of Alabama
A pediatrician at Children’s of Alabama’s Greenvale Pediatrics in Hoover since 1980, Dr. John Cortopassi is the winner in this year’s category. He is a graduate of Spring Hill College and the University of South Alabama Medical School. He is board certified in pediatrics and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
childrensal.org/greenvale-pediatrics
FAVORITE PHARMACY
Publix
Publix is a repeat Family Favorite in other categories, but its pharmacy is the star in this category! It’s convenient for customers to shop for groceries while their prescriptions are being filled. Also, the pharmacy offers some free health maintenance medications and antibiotics, which saves families money, and still others have a reduced price.
FAVORITE ENT
Dr. William P. Shirley – ENT for Kids Alabama
Dr. William P. Shirley is this year’s Family Favorite, providing quality care for children with ear, nose and throat issues. Shirley brings more than 11 years of experience in exclusive care of pediatric ENT patients, graduating from Duke University and the Baylor College of Medicine, along with a fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and a staff pediatric surgeon at Children’s of Alabama. He and his staff aim to provide a safe and trusting environment for you and your child.
FAVORITE ALLERGIST
Dr. Scott Robertson
Dr. Scott Robertson, of Birmingham, is a well-experienced ENT and facial plastic surgeon. He offers comprehensive care for ENT problems as well as onsite allergy testing and immunotherapy for sinus and allergy symptoms. He graduated college and medical school from the University of California at Irvine, with residency and internship in head and neck surgery at Penn State University and a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery in Birmingham. He is board certified in otolaryngology head and neck surgery and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
FAVORITE OPTOMETRIST OR OPTHALMOLOGIST
Dr. Casey Brown – Eye Care Associates, Cahaba Heights
Dr. Casey Brown, O.D., an optometrist, wins this year’s Family Favorite. Brown practices at the Cahaba Heights location of Eye Care Associates. She has been practicing more than 11 years. She graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry.
webeca.com/locations/al/cahaba
FAVORITE FAMILY DOCTOR
Dr. John Farley – Birmingham Internal Medicine
When it comes to who readers rely on as the best family doctor, Dr. John Farley wins. Farley has practiced for more than 25 years and is founder of Birmingham Internal Medicine Associates. He received his medical degree from Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine, and is a board-certified internist. He completed his residency at UAB and also is affiliated with St. Vincent’s.
FAVORITE BIRTHING SUITES
St. Vincent’s Health System
Readers have chosen St. Vincent’s for the sixth consecutive year in this category! Parents love the birthing suites at St. Vincent’s. As they used to say, “it’s where babies come from.”
FAVORITE PLACE TO HAVE A BABY
Brookwood Baptist Medical Center
Brookwood Baptist, this year’s Family Favorite and a repeat winner, has a full range of mother and newborn care facilities, amenities and services.
FAVORITE FERTILITY SPECIALIST
UAB
UAB’s nationally-recognized physicians have years of experience diagnosing and treating both male and female infertility, using a team approach that includes a urologist, a reproductive endocrinologist, specialized nurses and laboratory scientists. Several treatments are offered, and UAB is a major center for research in this field.
uabmedicine.org/patient-care/conditions/infertility
FAVORITE OBSTETRICIAN
Dr. David S. McKee – Birmingham OB/GYN
With more than 40 years of experience, Dr. David McKee is a doctor readers trust. He is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He practices at Birmingham OB/GYN at St. Vincent’s, where he also is vice chairman of the OB/GYN department at the hospital.
FAVORITE GYNECOLOGIST
Dr. David S. McKee – Birmingham OB/GYN
Readers also trust McKee as a Family Favorite in this category. Patient ratings of McKee and his practice are very high for their quality care.
FAVORITE OB/GYN PRACTICE
Women’s Care Specialists
This year’s Family Favorite, readers trust Women’s Care Specialists, who seek to provide the highest level of care through highly-skilled, board certified health professionals and state-of-the-art technologies. The physicians have years of experience and offer many services, including robotic surgery and in-office diagnostic services.
FAVORITE ALL-AROUND HOSPITAL
UAB
UAB Hospital, with 1,157 beds, is this year’s favorite because it is trusted by so many. It is a major center for clinical research and the home of some of the top medical and research programs in America. Faculty physicians, nursing staff and support personnel work to ensure each patient receives world-class care. It is a Level 1 trauma center.
FAVORITE WOMEN’S HEALTH FACILITY
St. Vincent’s Women’s and Children’s Center
St. Vincent’s birthing services, or Monogram Maternity, offers birth experience designers, educational classes, birth suites, triage rooms for monitoring women who may be in labor, operating and recovery rooms for C-sections and a lactation center. The hospital also has a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care for babies who need more care.
FAVORITE CHILDREN’S HEALTH FACILITY
Children’s Health System
A repeat Family Favorite, Children’s Health System includes Children’s of Alabama medical center, as well as several pediatric and specialty services at several locations in the area. It is ranked among the best pediatric medical centers in the nation and is the third largest pediatric facility in the U.S.
FAVORITE HOSPITAL NICU
UAB Women & Infants Center
A repeat Family Favorites winner and the only Level IV NICU in Alabama, this NICU at the UAB Women & Infants Center gives to babies born too soon or who are ill. The hospital also treats NICU babies who need Level IV care throughout the state.
OUR READERS ALSO LIKE…
FAVORITE RADIO STATION
NPR
NPR, broadcast via the local station WBHM, a listener-supported, non-profit public radio station in Birmingham, wins this year’s Family Favorite for favorite radio station, where listeners can learn about current events, be entertained with features and fun, and enjoy regular programming of all kinds.
FAVORITE TV STATION
WBRC Fox 6
Readers trust WBRC Fox 6, a repeat Family Favorites winner, for its emphasis on breaking, national and local news, weather, sports, entertainment and more.