We have our favorites, and so do you – favorite place to go for a haircut, favorite grocery store, place to shop and even favorite vacation destination.
Published: June 30, 2020
By: Lori Chandler Pruitt and Carol Muse Evans
Two ways to view this year’s winners… view the 2020 Family Favorites Winners special digital edition below, or use the handy Quick Jump Menu links in the article below to browse the winners below.
: Family Fun | Parties, Activities & Learning | Businesses & Services | Health & Wellness | Other
But if you need a suggestion or a fresh idea, a friend or family member can give us great ideas by sharing THEIR favorites. That’s what our Family Favorites Awards are all about.
This is the longest-running contest of its sort in the Birmingham area. We have many folks who copy us, but we have stayed true to the original idea – YOU nominate the winners, YOU choose the winners. Voters must cast votes in at least 20 categories to count, and we give away a great random prize to those who take the trouble to vote. This year’s prize is a great getaway to OWA (http://www.visitowa.com).
For your convenience, we grouped winners in categories, and we’ve got repeat winners and new ones. And we’ve eliminated a few categories and added some this year.
We hope that you will keep this list all year and refer to it when you need it, and if your favorite didn’t make it, be sure you nominate and vote for them in 2021! And when you see our Family Favorites logo in a place of business, know it was loved enough to be voted a “family favorite.”
And special congrats to our OWA giveaway winner, Virginia Hwang, who won a terrific trip for 4 to OWA. Thanks to OWA for being our sponsor.
Because of space restrictions due to the coronavirus, we have only listed a list of winners in the July/August 2020 print edition, but following is much more about our 2020 Birmingham Parent Family Favorites Award Winners.
And the winners are….
FAMILY FUN
Favorite Georgia Destination
Georgia Aquarium
Readers love this aquarium. Maybe that’s why it’s a repeat winner in 2020. It’s a great day trip for families or a fun weekend adventure in Atlanta. Great aquariums, animal interactions, and an IMAX theater mean a family-friendly attraction, just a short drive from Birmingham. http://www.georgiaaquarium.org
Favorite Tennessee Destination
Gatlinburg
Better than ever after the fires a few years ago, Gatlinburg is definitely a Birmingham family favorite with a little something for everyone in a picturesque setting. And it can be enjoyed in any season! http://www.gatlinburg.com
Favorite Alabama Destination
Gulf Shores/Orange Beach
Who doesn’t love Gulf Shores? Why travel out of state when you have a place for a memorable beach vacation right at home? Lots of fun activities, great food and beautiful beaches make sun lovers go back to Gulf Shores again and again. http://www.gulfshores.com
Favorite Florida Destination
Destin
This was once a sleepy, small fishing village, but this repeat winner is one of the most desired beaches to visit in Florida for families. Its beaches can compete with the Caribbean beaches with beautiful white sand. http://www.cityofdestin.com
Favorite Family Attraction in Birmingham
The Birmingham Zoo
This repeat winner has grown and evolved to be a zoo that is better than ever! Spend a few hours or a whole day here! It’s got fun and educational activities, splash pa, a train, and so much more for families. http://www.birminghamzoo.com
Favorite Fair, Festival or Special Event in Birmingham
Do Dah Day
What started in 1979 as a simple parade has grown into much, much more. It raises money to support Jefferson County animal shelters. It’s an event to let your furry friends shine! http://www.dodahday.org
Favorite Pumpkin Patch
The Great Pumpkin Patch, Hayden
This new winner in this new category has been around a long time. Admission to the Great Pumpkin Patch is free, and you pay for each activity. Great for the young and the young at heart. Make it a part of your fall fun! http://greatpumpkinpatch.com/
Favorite Christmas Outing
Zoolight Safari, Birmingham Zoo, http://www.birminghamzoo.com
Favorite Museum for Kids
McWane Science Center
This repeat favorite features four floors of hands-on science exhibits as well as the only IMAX theater in Birmingham! Special exhibits and events are very popular. http://www.mcwane.org
PARTIES, ACTIVITIES & LEARNING
Favorite Local Gym/Exercise Facility
Birmingham YMCAs
Families love The YMCA of Greater Birmingham, which has several locations and a myriad of classes, exercise equipment and friendly staff to help. http://www.ymcabham.org
Favorite Birthday Party Place
Chuck E. Cheese
When it comes to one-stop party planning, families love Chuck E. Cheese for great pizza and lots of fun! http://www.chuckecheese.com
Favorite Tutor
GradePower Learning
Families love GradePower Learning because their methods go way beyond traditional tutoring methods, taking the time to learn about a child and develop a plan for his or her success.
Favorite Field Trip
The Birmingham Zoo
The Birmingham Zoo is a repeat winner for a favorite place to learn all about animals and our environment, with special programming and events. http://www.birminghamzoo.com
Favorite Private School
The Altamont School
As a Microsoft School with a 1-to-1 laptop program, the Altamont is fortunate to have a robust infrastructure that made the transition from traditional to online learning smooth and that allows them to continue to pursue their mission of graduating compassionate, well-educated individuals. https://www.altamontschool.org/
Favorite Preschool/Childcare
Odyssey Early Schools
This repeat winner has a lot to offer families! It has been a repeat winner in several categories through the years, but bottom line, it is a great preschool. Odyssey also offers summer camp programs and keeps academics at the forefront of everything they do. http://odysseyearlyschool.com
Favorite Mother’s Day Out
Riverchase Community Church’s Learning Center – RCC Learning Center
RCC offers hands-on learning, academic programming, and socialization to children in a Christian environment. RCC strives to meet children’s individual needs in a loving and nurturing environment with age-appropriate activities. http://www.riverchase.cc/rcc-learning-center/
Favorite Special Needs Service or Program
The Bell Center
This repeat winner has a long history of service in the Birmingham area. Since 1984, The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs has provided quality early intervention services in a center-based program in Birmingham. Here, infants and toddlers at risk for developmental delay receive services from transdisciplinary teams which include a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a speech-language pathologist and an early childhood special education teacher as each child works on specific individual developmental goals. http://www.thebellcenter.org
Favorite College or Trade School
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
UAB serves students, patients, the community and the global need for discovery, knowledge dissemination, education, creativity and the application of groundbreaking solutions. They are a leader among comprehensive public urban research universities with academic medical centers, right in the heart of Birmingham. https://www.uab.edu
Favorite Gymnastics Program
Legacy Gymnastics
This repeat winner offers competitive coaching but offers both recreational and competitive team programs for girls and boys ages 18 months to 18 years old. Great birthday parties, too! http://www.legacygymnastics.com
Favorite Parent/Child Class
Head Over Heels Gymnastics Tumblers
This well-known and loved gymnastics school, a repeat winner, wins big this year for its preschool tumblers program. Instructors guide parents and children through warm-ups, stretching, mat activities, balance beams, bars, trampolines and vault. https://headoverheelsgyms.com/preschool-gymnastics/
Favorite Dance Class – TIE
North Jefferson Academy of Dance and Miss Kelley’s Dance School
North Jefferson Academy of Dance (NJAD) has served the Gardendale area for more than 35 years with ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip-hop and dance team prep, and now baton twirling. Classes for ages 3-18 and even adult workshops. http://njadonline.com/.
Miss Kelley’s Dance School was established in 1983 and has studios in Trussville and Oneonta, Alabama. Facilities feature large studios with sprung wooden or Marley floors, full-length mirrors, ballet barres, surround sound systems, and video screens. Students learn new skills, improve rhythm, flexibility and coordination while gaining confidence, poise, and self-esteem. https://www.misskelleys.com/
Favorite Art Class
Forstall Art
Forstall Art has art supplies and custom framing but it wins big this year for its art classes. With multiple art classes, workshops and demos, be sure to check the website for the next thing you want to do! https://www.forstallart.com/
Favorite Music Class
Mason Music
This repeat winner teaches you how to play music, sells gear, helps you learn to create your own music record and produce your music when you’re ready. They provide performance opportunities unlike anything else you can get in the Magic City. Its lesson programs are staffed with teachers who have varied backgrounds and specialties, and they can match students to the best teacher fit. https://masonmusicstudios.com/
Favorite Martial Arts Class
Tiger Rock
Since 1983, Tiger Rock has been teaching life skills through martial arts for students to learn to focus, build confidence and instill discipline. With many locations, this family favorite is convenient for all! Tigerrockmartialarts.com
Favorite After School Program
The YMCA of Greater Birmingham
Birmingham YMCAs have long been known for camps and after school programs, as well as a great place to exercise and play sports – for all ages. This year’s family favorite is also the pick for important after-school programs that are safe, structured, and a super FUN place to study and play hard after school. In addition to having daily help with homework, kids at the Y enjoy healthy meals and exercise while also developing new skills, creative interests and lasting friendships. https://www.ymcabham.org/afterschoolacademy
Favorite Day Camp
Birmingham YMCAs
Birmingham YMCAs is another top family favorite for day camp. With more than 10 locations in our area, there’s sure to be something your child would enjoy doing this summer, and the “Y’ is your favorite place to go! http://www.ymcabham.org/
Favorite Sleep Away Camp
Camp Cosby
Camp Cosby, a YMCA sleep away camp, is a repeat favorite. YMCA Camp Cosby is a week-long sleepaway camp experience for boys and girls ages 6 to 16 providing safe adventures on 135 acres nestled in foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in east Alabama. With first-rate staff, activity variety, beautiful landscape and amazing views on the shores of Lake Logan Martin, Camp Cosby is the perfect camp atmosphere to over 2,000 campers each summer. https://www.ymcabham.org/regular-camp-info
Favorite Birthday Party Supplies/Rentals
Party City
Many stores offer a limited assortment of party ware, but Party City specializes in party supplies. They have everything you need year-round! Shop with them and you’ll discover many ways to celebrate – and just in case you don’t, store associates are always ready to help you plan the perfect party. Find 3 great area locations! https://stores.partycity.com/us/al/birmingham/party-store
Favorite Birthday Cake
Publix
Who doesn’t love Publix’s bakery? There’s a lot more than cookies and dinner rolls going on inside your Publix Bakery. There’s always an expert cake decorator, ready to customize beautiful cakes to your every whim, for any occasion. https://ww4.publix.com/products-services/bakery
BUSINESSES AND SERVICES
Favorite Auto Repair
The Garage in Pelham
Since opening its doors in 2005, The Garage has been able to help tens of thousands of customers in the Birmingham metro area. They started with the very basic principle that they wanted to offer the “dealership experience” without the “dealership experience,” so to speak. The Garage strives to offer expertise and excellence, while still maintaining that old-fashioned garage customer service. https://thegarageinpelham.com/
Favorite Car Dealer
Hoover Toyota
Hoover Toyota is a repeat family favorite that is well-known for serving the Birmingham area and has done so for more than 20 years. Families like the huge selection of new and pre-owned vehicles that meets every need, with a great sales staff. http://www.hoovertoyota.com
Favorite Home/Auto Insurance
State Farm
One of the mega insurers for home, auto and life, State Farm is a major presence in Alabama, and once again, a Birmingham Parent family favorite for 2020. http://www.statefarm.com
Favorite Bank
Regions Bank
A repeat winner in this category, Regions is a major presence in the Birmingham area and in Alabama. Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas. https://www.regions.com/
Favorite Credit Union
America’s First Federal Credit Union
America’s First was founded during the Great Depression on July 23, 1936 when 19 men employed by the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railway Company pooled their money in a cigar box. Their mission: provide excellent financial services to the under-represented members of our community. Great service and quality financial options quickly connected with the people of Alabama and it continues today to make America’s First your family favorite credit union. http://www.amfirst.org/
Favorite Maid Service
The Maids
The Maids is the only residential cleaning service to have a partnership with one of the most revered names in the cleaning business. Mr. Clean® and The Maids® have teamed up to give you and your family the healthiest and most thorough cleaning services in Birmingham. http://www.maids.com/83/
Favorite Salon/Spa
Ross Bridge Resort Golf Resort & Spa
The Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort Golf Resort & Spa is a repeat winner in this category for moms that just need a day to get away and pamper themselves. They offer a wide range of spa and beauty treatments. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bhmhv-renaissance-birmingham-ross-bridge-golf-resort-and-spa
Favorite Shopping Center/Mall
Riverchase Galleria
Whether you’re a resident of Hoover, Alabama, or just visiting, a trip to Riverchase Galleria is a must when you’re in town. You can spend the day shopping in more than 150 stores, people watching in the largest enclosed shopping center in Alabama, or fueling a night out with a delicious dish from Bonefish Grill. http://www.riverchasegalleria.com/en.html
Favorite Haircut for Kids
Great Clips
This repeat winner with multiple locations in the Birmingham area means your family can get a great and affordable haircut close to home. Check out the website for pricing, services and a great location near you. http://www.greatclips.com/salons
Favorite Maternity Shop
Motherhood Maternity
Motherhood has been around for a long time in the Birmingham area, both as a standalone store and a part of a department store. You can currently find Motherhood inside Buy Buy Baby at Patton Creek Shopping Center, as well as online at http://www.motherhood.com.
Favorite Toy Store
Homewood Toy and Hobby
This repeat winner has been in Homewood for more than 60 years, offering great quality toys and the best hobby brands. They also carry the largest selection of remote-controlled items in Birmingham, from cars to drones, and it’s also the premier place to find electric trains! http://www.homewoodtoy-hobby.com
Favorite Book Store
Barnes and Noble
This repeat winner offers books of all kinds, from paper books to e-books and audiobooks, and also textbooks, toys, games and collectibles, gift/home/office, movies/TV and music. Their online store has a huge selection, too. http://www.barnesandnoble.com
Favorite Grocery Store
Publix
Publix has made its mark in the grocery market in the Birmingham area, and great service and products lead its appeal. Now you can get in-store pick up and even delivery in some areas! http://www.publix.com/
Favorite Ice Cream
Bruster’s Ice Cream
Bruster’s is a family favorite this year for its tasty ice cream and frozen yogurt, along with other yummy concoctions, cakes/pies and specialty items. Bruster’s also offers a loyalty program! https://brusters.com
Favorite Frozen Yogurt
Yogurt Mountain
Our readers have solidly chosen Yogurt Mountain as a family favorite every year! It’s known as the “ultimate self-serve frozen dessert experience,” with more than a dozen rotating flavors and more than 50 toppings to choose from. https://yogurtmountain.com
Favorite Consignment Store or Sale – TIE
Kids’ Market and Mom & Trussville United Methodist Church
Kids’ Market and Mom is a twice-yearly consignment sale where everyone loves to both consign and shop. It’s grown to be the largest consignment sale in Alabama for children’s clothing and maternity. It’s a repeat winner every year, and with good reason. http://www.kidsmarketandmom.com/
Trussville United Methodist Church Consignment Sale is a first-time winner in this category. The Trussville Methodist Children’s Consignment Sale is held twice a year, and features seasonally-appropriate children’s clothing, shoes, socks, hats, and belts. Also available are maternity clothing, children’s furniture, baby equipment, many types of toys, games, puzzles, and books. https://trussvillemethodistconsignmentsale.com/
Favorite Store for Kids’ Shoes
Sikes
This repeat winner has been a favorite staple in the Birmingham area for years. There are parents now buying shoes for their children from Sikes who were also Sikes customers themselves. High-quality shoes and a great fit! https://sikeschildrensshoes.com/
Favorite Place for Date Night
Spare Time
This family entertainment center with bowling, laser tag, arcade/redemption, events and an upscale restaurant and bar also is a new Family Favorite for busy parents who just want to unwind and have fun! http://www.sparetimeentertainment.com/trussville/
Favorite Kids Meal
Chick-fil-A
Kids and their parents love Chick-fil-A! It’s been a repeat Family Favorite and that’s no surprise – families love the delicious food (including several healthy options), fast, friendly service, a clean family-friendly dining area and more. Kids meals come with an educational toy, too! http://www.chick-fil-a.com
Favorite Family Dinner
Taziki’s
It’s easy to get a great, tasty meal at Taziki’s, a locally-owned restaurant chain that serves Greek and Mediterranean cuisine such as gyros, sandwiches, soups and salads. This repeat family favorite also boasts a great kids menu! http://www.tazikis.com
Favorite Family Photographer
Christy Pierce Photography
This year’s Family Favorite has won at least three times before! Christy Pierce Photography has created many of the beautiful covers for Birmingham Parent magazine since 2014. She is a 2020 and 2019 recipient of Best of The Knot Wedding Photographer. Families trust her for the best weddings, baby, engagement, senior photos and more. http://www.christypiercephotographyllc.com
Favorite Baby Furniture/Gifts
BuyBuy Baby
Find everything for baby – from strollers to furniture to diapers – under one roof! That’s the concept of Buy Buy Baby, a repeat Family Favorite, and parents love the convenience. The store also has a great website to make it easy to get all you need, too. http://www.buybuybaby.com
Favorite Animal Clinic
Hope Animal Clinic
Families want the best for their pets, and they chose Hope Animal Clinic as this year’s family favorite! The clinic is “no ordinary veterinary clinic” as they seek to offer hope to every client for every need. Every client is important and every pet is special. https://myhopeanimalclinic.com
Favorite Boarding Facility for Pets
Hope Animal Clinic
This is also the family favorite for favorite veterinarian, so it’s no surprise families trust Hope Animal Clinic for keeping the furry members of their families happy and safe while they are away. Hope has one of the largest boarding facilities in central Alabama with lots of amenities. https://myhopeanimalclinic.com/services/boarding/
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Favorite Pediatric Dentist
Pediatric Smiles
This year’s family favorite provides specialized dentistry for infants, children, teens and children with special health care needs in a warm, caring and child-friendly environment. https://psmilesal.com
Favorite Family Dentist
Vital Smiles
This family favorite features family-oriented offices that are child-friendly with dentists who are well-trained and highly experienced in providing high-quality general dentistry for children. It was founded by a group of dentists who wanted to make quality dental care available and affordable for as many children as possible. http://www.vitalsmiles.com
Favorite Orthodontist
PT Orthodontics
PT Ortho is an eight-time family favorite winner in this category! The practice offers free consultations in nearly a dozen locations, providing high-quality orthodontic care for all ages at an affordable price. http://www.ptortho.com/
Favorite Pharmacy
Publix
As Publix sweeps several categories this year in our family favorites, its pharmacy is a newcomer to the mix. But you get the same level of great service from the Publix pharmacy that Publix Supermarkets have become known for! They even have a list of prescriptions that are free. https://ww4.publix.com/pharmacy-wellness/pharmacy
Favorite Pediatrician
Greenvale Pediatrics
This year’s family favorite has won before – this Children’s of Alabama affiliated clinic has three locations in the Birmingham metro area – Alabaster, Brook Highland and Hoover. It offers comprehensive patient care including referrals, tests, immunizations and much more. https://childrensal.org/greenvale-pediatrics
Favorite ENT
Dr. Guy Handley, Brookwood ENT Associates PC
Handley, a board-certified otolaryngologist, treats a wide variety of conditions in adults and children, such as hearing loss, allergy, sinus disease and pediatric ENT care. He has practiced at Brookwood ENT for about 31 years. http://www.brookwoodent.com
Favorite Allergist
Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center
This year’s favorite has been committed to providing quality patient care since 1966. The staff diagnoses and treats pediatric and adult allergies, skin disorders, sinus issues, asthma, food/drug allergies and immunological issues. All allergists are certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. With several locations in the Birmingham area, it’s also very convenient. https://www.alabamaallergy.com
Favorite Chiropractor
Dr. Troy Lofton
Lofton, a chiropractic physician with Gremmels Chiropractic Center in east Birmingham, graduated from Sherman College of Chiropractic. He works with all ages, specializing in degenerative spine disorders. He also works with and educates pregnant moms to alleviate common symptoms during pregnancy to help facilitate an easier labor and delivery; and assesses neurological function with babies and toddlers to keep development on track. https://albackcare.com
Favorite Optometrist or Ophthalmologist
Vestavia Eye Care
This year’s winner provides complete eye care for adults and children, with comprehensive eye exams that check for visual skills and any potential eye disorders or diseases. Doctors and staff are prepared to handle all eye care needs with the latest in diagnostic equipment and technology. https://vestaviaeyecare.com
Favorite Family Doctor
Dr. William Kirby
Kirby, who practices at Simon-Williamson Clinic in Birmingham, specializes in internal medicine. He is a graduate of Millsaps College, the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and completed his residency with Baptist Health System in Birmingham. He has practiced for more than 20 years. https://simonwilliamsonclinic.com
Favorite Women’s Health Facility
Brookwood Baptist Medical Center
Long known as a favorite hospital for moms and babies, this family favorite provides care for every stage of a woman’s life. The staff encourages women to stay on top of their annual health care exams and screenings, and treat a wide variety of conditions. http://www.brookwoodbaptisthealth.com
Favorite Birthing Suites
St. Vincent’s Health System
A repeat favorite for seven years in this category, parents love St. Vincent’s birthing suites for experienced, personalized maternity care provided in a safe, comfortable atmosphere with many amenities. https://healthcare.ascension.org
Favorite Place to Have a Baby
Brookwood Baptist Medical Center
This year’s repeat Family Favorite is well-known for a great place to have a baby, and the obstetricians, nurses and obstetric team at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center work hard to ensure that the birth experience is special, offering a full range of amenities and services. http://www.brookwoodbaptisthealth.com
Favorite Fertility Specialist
ART of Alabama
For more than 30 years, the ART Fertility Program of Alabama has provided couples who experience infertility the best possible medical services, personal care and counseling. It is this year’s family favorite for its compassion and state-of-the-art technology. There are locations in Birmingham, Huntsville and Montgomery. https://fertilityprogramofalabama.com
Favorite Obstetrician
Dr. Malcom Simmons
Simmons, who practices at Shelby Obstetrics & Gynecology, received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama, attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham for his medical degree and completed his residency at Carraway Medical Center. He is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and also is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.shelbyobgyn.com
Favorite OB/GYN Practice
Women’s Health Specialists of Birmingham
Women’s Health Specialists is a family favorite for their “patient-centered practice” with high-quality, evidence-based care. The practice, located in Grandview Medical Center, offers a full range of state-of-the-art services for women of every age. https://whsbham.com
Favorite All-Around Hospital
UAB Hospital
UAB Hospital, with its major research centers and clinics, has 1,157 licensed beds and is among the 20 largest and best equipped in the nation. Families love it for the convenient family medicine clinics and specialty care. http://www.uabmedicine.org
Favorite Children’s Health Facility
Children’s of Alabama
This repeat family favorite includes the Children’s of Alabama medical center with many inpatient and outpatient services, as well as many pediatric and specialty services throughout the area. It is ranked among the best pediatric centers in the nation and the third-largest pediatric facility in the U.S. http://www.childrensal.org
Favorite Hospital NICU
UAB Women & Infants Center
This repeat family favorite is the only Level IV NICU in Alabama. This unit provides care to babies born too soon or who are ill. It treats babies throughout the state. http://www.uabmedicine.org
Favorite Walk-In/Urgent Care Clinic
Urgent Care for Children
This family favorite is a physician-owned pediatric urgent care provider with clinics across the state of Alabama. Licensed, on-site pediatricians and pediatric nurse practitioners provide acute diagnostic and treatment for children with non-life-threatening needs during the day, after-hours and on weekends. http://www.childrensurgent.com
Favorite Counseling Services
Oasis Counseling
This family favorite helps women and children heal, grow and overcome difficult life circumstances, providing affordable mental health counseling and innovative educational programs, done in a respectful and nurturing environment. http://www.oasiscounseling.org
OUR READERS ALSO LIKE….
Favorite Radio Station
WDJC-FM
This family favorite is one of the first commercial FM stations in the United States to exclusively feature Christian programming, including Christian music, several hosted shows and more. https://wdjconline.com
Favorite TV Station
Fox 6 WBRC
WBRC Fox 6 is a repeat family favorite winner for its emphasis on breaking, national and local news, weather, sports, entertainment and more. http://www.wbrc.com