As empty nesters, we now ask for a table for two in some of our favorite hangouts. However, while we miss our kiddos, we’re beginning to fill those chairs with new and old friends as we look beyond the “family table” toward more of friendship table. There are lots of fascinating people out there to do real face-time with, as we’ve discovered in SoHo. That’s South Homewood – Alabama style. Mr. Cozi and I stopped by as many of our favorite hangouts as possible on a recent trip to “Home”wood.
You can read here about our Favorite Hang-outs in Fairhope. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the tour and please leave comments with your favs.
(No animals or humans were injured during the photographing of these subjects. Cell phones are harmless.)
Number 1:
Nabeel’s is a Greek restaurant and (as the sign says), market for fresh favorites the locals love. We love everything about this place, from the seating outdoors on beautiful days, to the owner who is also an artist, to the delicious Greek fare.
On the left is the owner, John (Iōhannēs in Greek) Krontiras and right is his friend, Ari. This is one of the things I love about local, family-owned businesses. Meeting the owners, chefs, and patrons makes us “regulars” and sooner or later, our names are called when we enter the door. John and his wife, Ottavia opened this store/café as an answer to their son’s question while traveling in Europe with his father, “Papa, why don’t we open a store like the one in Turin, or Athens, or Brussels or Carrara?” They did and now Homewood is blessed by their presence.
We met Ari when I took his picture above and felt we’d known him our whole life by the time we left. Such a friendly place, just as I imagine a café in Greece would be.
This is one of John’s paintings that has a prominent place to live – behind the bar.
As we left, I had to get a shot of this cozy little nest to add to mine.
Number 2:
Yes, we can be carefree kids again at the brand new Homewood Central Pool and Community Center. It just opened this summer and we joined right away. It can’t technically be labeled a “hangout” yet, because we were only able to visit once while in town. But, I know it’s already a favorite.
It’s huge!
Number 3:
It is small, but none the less, it is our balcony rhapsody.
Number 4:
O’Henry’s Coffee House, a family-owned business that makes it a “wonderful day in the neighborhood.”
Number 5:
Can a whole street be a favorite hangout, without it being called loitering? Yes, it can, especially when it is filled with shops, salons and restaurants. My favorite place to shop in Birmingham is 18th Street in SoHo.
I love the ambience set by the street lamps at night.
And last, but certainly not least…
Number 6:
The Little Professor Bookstore and Café. Just the name makes you feel smart for opening their door.
I hope you enjoyed the tour. Have a great day and visit SoHo while your at it!