Spring has sprung! If this beautiful sunshine has you, too, longing to go outside and play, here’s an ideal way to spend a spring day in Mountain Brook—no car required. Walk from place to place, exploring all the fun spots in between! This itinerary is fun for the whole family, and flexible, so you can do it again and again, tweaking it each time.

1. Snag Breakfast at Ladybird Taco*

Start your day in Lane Parke. Ladybird is perfect for a savory breakfast taco—they make them fresh and even offer a corn tortilla option so gluten-free people can enjoy them too. My favorite might be #5 (gotta love some avocado) or #4, which has chorizo. If you tend to veer toward sweet instead of savory for breakfast, pop into Sons Donuts + Pops.

*If you’re a coffee lover, your day might be better if you start off at Santos Coffee, then head over to Ladybird.

Photo by The Birmingham Zoo

2. Explore the Wildlife at the Zoo

Once you’re finished with breakfast, walk across the street and around the round-about to the zoo. Birmingham Zoo is brimming with adventures to be had, perfect for all ages. It’s wild how much fun you can have with your little cubs—especially with the new dino exhibit. Whether they prefer giant cats (the cat’s meow!), bright pink flamingos, or ssslithering reptiles, they’re bound to be enthralled with the wonder of wildlife! (Be sure to snag some snacks at Publix right down the road from Ladybird Taco before you go! Better safe than hangry…)

3. Lunch at Gilchrist

Once you’re finished at the zoo, stroll on over to Gilchrist, located at the heart of Mountain Brook Village. Walking into this quaint little sandwich shop feels like stepping back in time. It’s charming and delicious, with classics like a BLT, club sandwich, and even a pb&j. They also have other options, like chicken salad. Everything is made when you place your order. Limeade is their speciality, but I say you cannot leave without ordering one of their milkshakes—the chocolate malt is big enough to split and comes in a cute glass cup!

4. Shop in Lane Parke & Mountain Brook Village

You can shop till you drop—and don’t worry, there’s something for everyone. The kids will undoubtedly be most excited for the toys at Swoop, though Little Buckhead Blue might interest them too. Mom will enjoy boutiques like Tulipano Boutique and milla., and Dad might try dressing up his game at johnnie-O or Harrison Limited. A’mano has a little bit for everyone… and if the shopping turns to food, the little Market is a fun, local spot to grab something.

Take a peek at all of these yummy new spring flavors!

5. Afternoon Pick-Me-Up at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

Everybody needs a sweet treat, especially when it’s pretty outside. Cool down with one of Jeni’s new spring flavors—they might just be my favorite flavors yet. Here’s the breakdown:

The Basque Cheesecake is sweet + fruity
  • Basque Cheesecake with Brambleberry Jam 

This one is the perfect combo of cheesecake ice cream and ribbons of Jeni’s signature sweet-tart brambleberry jam, with swirls of burnt sugar caramel in it too. 

The Black Tie Tiramisu is creamy and has notes of coffee.
  • Black Tie Tiramisu

A swirl of mocha and mascarpone ice creams with soft ladyfinger cookies and a chocolate drizzle… if you like hints of coffee, you’ll love this creamy sweet addition to the menu.

The Key Lime Pie flavor is tangy and fresh.
  • Key Lime Pie

I was honestly surprised at how much I loooove this flavor—tropical, tart, and creamy, it truly tastes just like key lime pie, in the best way (not sure if there’s a bad way?!). It’s made with real key lime purée and fragrant lime oil, with a salty-sweet graham cracker swirl.

  • Frosted Sugar Cookie

This buttery sugar cookie custard is filled with cake-like cookie crumbles and pink cream cheese frosting. It sounds kinda silly, but it really does taste like a frosted sugar cookie.

  • House Coffee 

The coffee flavor might just be my favorite seasonal flavor (because who can beat a classic like Gooey Butter Cake?!). 

As Jeni’s likes to say, “These ice creams are made to be devoured, shared, paired, spooned, licked, lopped, and loved. They were made for you.” I’m always happy to oblige. 🙂

Photo by Birmingham Botanical Gardens

6. Walk the (Free!) Botanical Gardens

Whether you’ve never been or you’re a frequent visitor of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, I cannot praise them enough. The rose garden will be in full bloom soon, and the Japanese garden is fantastic. Be sure to take a peek inside the Conservatory while you’re at it. They also have a cute gift shop, Leaf ’N Petal, and a garden-themed library inside!

7. Fill up on Dinner

You have a plethora of options to choose from for dinner. Really, just pick a cuisine and you’re likely set. Get salad from ChopNFresh, steak from Little Betty Steak Bar, pasta at Locanda Brasato, Asian fusion at Maro, seafood at the new Little Betty Sea Bar, a burger at CharBar No. 7, shrimp fried rice at Surf Hound, pizza at Davenport’s Pizza Palace… the list is endless. If you have wiggle room in your tummy, you can always snag a cookie from Crumbl or a scoop from Mountain Brook Creamery. Once you’re full, you can head out, having spent a magical day exploring our beloved city!