Eastwood - Birmingham, AL

The south's first enclosed mall opened its doors at 10 a.m. on August 25, 1960, drawing large crowds with over 40 stores and the nearby Eastwood Lanes bowling center. The budding suburban communities of Eastwood and Irondale flourished as the mall brought attention and greater wealth to the area. The residential district of southern Eastwood continued to grow following the mall's closure in 2004, and the Eastwood Village Shopping Center replaced it in 2007.

Drive west along Crestwood Boulevard into Birmingham to immerse yourself in the galleries of the Birmingham Museum of Art. Frequently rotating exhibits showcase more than 24,000 works of art spanning 4,000 years of international cultural development. The museum opens its doors free to the public Tuesday through Sunday each week.

Walk along Crestwood Boulevard to pick from the array of great restaurants and nightlife options available to Eastwood residents. Whether you're in the mood for an authentic international dish, a low-key diner with quick service and flavorful food or a place to let loose for a night of fun alongside your friends, Eastwood has what you're looking for.

The strip mall that houses Hacienda Mexican Grill belies the quality food and incredible atmosphere within. Enjoy complimentary chips and homemade salsa while you pour over the menu and marvel at the beautiful Virgin of Guadelupe display. Order classics such as the beef chimichangas or chorizo burrito for a combination of well-spiced ingredients and enough food to satisfy even the hungriest of customers.

The aptly named Hamburger Heaven draws in many customers from the surrounding area for its specialty burgers and hot dogs. The friendly staff let you know the current meal specials for the day. Try the barbecue cheeseburger for a jumbo helping of Angus beef soaked in a sweet sauce. Don't forget to order a milkshake to complete the experience.

Recreating the atmosphere of a classic Americana roadside cafe, Green Acres Cafe makes some of the best fried food in Birmingham. Bring some friends along to tackle a giant plate of friend wings, or order the whitefish or catfish sandwich to add a bit of seafood to the mix. A side of fried green tomatoes goes great with any meal.

Drawing a raucous and fun-loving crowd every night of the week, Bourbon Street Bar & Lounge on Cooper Hill Road provides locals with a great place to drink, dance and sing into the early hours of the morning. Order the baby, the bar's sizable signature drink of vodka or gin with sugar and lemon, to summon up the courage to join in on the nightly karaoke fun. The helpful staff serve drinks quickly, and the extensive range of craft beers ensures Bourbon Street Bar & Lounge has something for everyone.

Highway 78 and Interstate 20 intersect in northern Eastwood, providing residents with an easily accessible throughway to travel both downtown into Birmingham and further afield. Birmingham does not have access to ride-share services such as Uber or Lyft, but the city's taxi cab companies provide transportation to and from the city to Eastwood residents. Head down Crestwood Boulevard for the best place to hail a cab in the area.

Public parking can be found for free along side streets in the southern neighborhood or in many of the parking lots connected to businesses in the commercial district. A number of the major roads in the area incorporate biking lanes for cyclists. Those living near or north of Montclair Road can walk to reach a majority of the surrounding restaurants and stores, though most Eastwood locals rely on an automobile to get around. The Birmingham Jefferson County Transport Authority provides bus stops along both Montclair and Crestwood Boulevard.

Head east on Crestwood Boulevard to reach the Irondale Dog Park and Municipal Park. Take a few friends along and watch your dog run around off-leash across the beautiful, expansive, green fields in the area, or bring a book along to enjoy a quiet afternoon outdoors surrounded by the trees in the Municipal Park. The nearby Grants Mill Station Adventure Park provides children with a great place to run around and blow off some energy. Paying admission gives access to the park's climbing wall, mini-golf, rope courses and much more.

Head west into Birmingham in late August each year to participate in the city's Sidewalk Film Festival. The underground film festival screens a variety of short and feature films all weekend at the Alabama Theater, with special evening outdoor screenings hosted at Vulcan Park.

The cost of living for the greater Eastwood area averages 8 percent higher than Birmingham. One month's rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Eastwood costs an average of $535. A single-ride fare for the bus into downtown Birmingham costs $1.25. Most local bars and pubs charge around $5 for a pint, and local gas prices trend around 10 percent lower than the national average.

Locals can head along Montclair Road to get a number of shopping errands knocked out in one trip. The Eastwood Village Shopping Center collects a number of high-value department stores in one convenient place, including a Walmart Supercenter, Rainbow, Tuesday Morning, Ross Dress for Less and Shoe Carnival. Other local grocery store options include ALDI, Winn-Dixie and Walgreens.

Northwest Birmingham contains the city's largest producers-only farmers market. Conveniently opened seven days a week year-round, the Alabama Farmers Market houses a variety of local vendors throughout the year selling seasonal crops, fresh ingredients and handmade arts and crafts.

Those who love the thrill of the search for discount goods can head just south of Crestwood Boulevard to Bargain Hunt. The warehouse stocks electronics, hardware, furniture, clothing, outdoor gear and kitchenware from wall to wall, providing patrons with an array of options and plenty of reasons to stop by before heading to the department stores of the area.

Take Clairmont Avenue west into Birmingham to browse the unique home and garden pieces within Full Circle. Choose from a variety of thematic furniture schemes, including rustic outdoor table sets and luxurious chairs perfect for a breakfast nook. The owner loves helping customers find exactly what they're looking for, making the shopping experience a pleasant one.