Your Guide to BHAM’s Forest Park Neighborhood
Forest Park's gorgeous homes, shops, and eateries make the neighborhood a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Here's your updated guide to this Birmingham gem! Image: Facebook / Juniper Birmingham
Once nicknamed “The Country Club District,” Forest Park is one of Birmingham’s most historic and picturesque neighborhoods. Unfolding from the crest of Red Mountain into the valley below, its winding streets are lined with stately homes — many that once belonged to some of the city’s most prominent residents. Today, alongside that rich history, you’ll find charming shops, local restaurants, and plenty of reasons to spend the day exploring!
Where to Eat + Drink
- Juniper: If you’re looking for a delicious cocktail, Juniper is a must. The gin-focused menu features a selection of unique concoctions for any palate. Visit during happy hour to enjoy a range of discounted items, including elevated bar food.
- Red or White: Wine enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at this intimate shop, which offers tastings and a wine bar with small bites such as bruschetta, charcuterie plates, pizza, and more. You can also find a variety of affordable and high-end bottles of vino here!
- The Rougaroux: Gumbo, boudin, specialty po’boys, and muffuletta are a few of the standout options you’ll discover on The Rougaroux’s menu. The laid-back atmosphere makes the spot an ideal choice for a good meal with good company. And we suggest snagging a patio table!
Where to Shop
- Shoppe: Perched on a hill inside a beautifully restored bungalow, Shoppe feels like a retreat as much as a neighborhood garden shop. Owners Mark Thompson and Jay Draper have filled the space with verdant plants, charming home accents, and gift-worthy finds. Step outside, and a welcoming greenhouse invites you to linger just a little longer. From lush greenery to beautifully scented candles and coffee table books, it’s the kind of place where you rarely leave empty-handed.
- General: The duo behind Shoppe has expanded next door with General, a neighborhood café and general store that feels right at home in Forest Park. The space serves fresh bites alongside shelves stocked with giftables and pantry staples.
- Dreamers Supply Co.: Delightfully designed goods and a spirit of adventure go hand in hand at Dreamers Supply Co. The shop is filled with locally made bags, travel essentials, art prints, apparel, and accessories — all handpicked with an eye on modern, creative sensibility, making it easy to find something that is both beautiful and functional.
- Revival Antiques: This unique shop is filled with vintage finds, timeless decor, and one-of-a-kind pieces with plenty of character. Browsing the space feels a bit like stepping into the past, in the best possible way, with every corner offering something a little unexpected.
Where to Relax + Explore
- Dream Boat: For those drawn to all things wellness and beauty, Dream Boat is a can’t-miss stop. The boutique hair salon and apothecary stocks everything from clean skincare and essential oils to specialty teas, playful hair accessories, and beautiful home accents.
- The ŌHA Bodywork & Wellness: Tucked inside an English Tudor home, ŌHA is a peaceful retreat centered on holistic wellness and personalized care. Restorative massage sessions and tailored classes anchor a menu of carefully curated experiences, all designed to create a warm, welcoming space where guests can slow down and recharge.
- Knit Bham: Founded by Isabel Rubio, Knit is so much more than just a yarn shop; it’s a creative gathering place that combines community and craftsmanship. The space specializes in ethically sourced natural fibers and offers knitting and crochet classes for all skill levels.
- In Bloom Yoga: This studio hosts a variety of yoga classes centered on mindful movement and restoration. Known for its calming atmosphere, In Bloom makes it easy for yogis of all levels to unwind, rejuvenate, and carve out a little time for themselves. And your first class is only $14.
Stroll through Forest Park’s charming sidewalks, grab a bite, and shop a bit. We bet you’ll fall in love with this neighborhood, too!
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Paige Townley
Paige Townley is a Birmingham native with a soft spot for good stories, interesting people, and beautifully made things. When she's not writing about places that inspire or people who shine, she's likely spending time with her family, planning her next adventure, or cheering on the Crimson Tide.