Community Corner
Birmingham's November Wellness Guide: Fitness Classes, Farmers Markets & Fun
From farmers markets and pre-made Thanksgiving meals to lash lifts and pilates, there are plenty of feel-good opportunities around town.
Are y’all ready for the holidays? Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and every year I cook a tasty, traditional spread for my family. It's my favorite holiday not only because I love to eat, but it gives us time to reflect on things we have really appreciated. One of our traditions is that we take turns telling each other what we are thankful for during the past year.
With the beginning of the holidays comes fun parties, and if you're like me, you may be splurging on food and maybe having a few cocktails, too. This is why it is important to stay active and move that body! In Birmingham, we have so many great options for doing just that. Here are some events and specials in November for anyone wanting to look their best, stay fit and eat right. Let me know if you try one, and tell them you found out about the event in Patch!
Please note: Event dates are subject to change or cancellation. We recommend checking with the event host before traveling.
Goats in Pajamas and S'mores – Gentle Flow
Date: Friday, Nov. 4
Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: Goat Yoga BHAM
Address: 1441 County Road 277, Helena, AL 35080
Phone Number: (205) 329-3701
Website: goatyogabham.com
Get your BFF, come to the farm and try out a new way to practice yoga in Birmingham — with a cute baby goat! Be ready to giggle and laugh as you work on these gentle yoga poses while these “kids” in pajamas climb on your back during your downward dog and planks, or walk between your legs during your warrior pose. You will get a little extra resistance while calming and stretching your muscles. After your hour-long yoga session, enjoy s'mores by the campfire.
The Market at Pepper Place
Date: Saturdays in November (Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26)
Time: 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: The Market at Pepper Place
Address: 2829 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Website: pepperplacemarket.com
Did you know that even though summer is over, the Pepper Place Farmers Market is still going strong every Saturday through November? If you love fresh, healthy produce straight from the farm, then you need to come to see the latest fall harvest. The farmers market only accepts local Alabama farmers, ranchers, food producers and artists. Each week will be something different since the vendors can vary.
Walking to Remember
Date: Saturday, Nov. 5
Time: 9 a.m. Registration, 10 a.m. Walk Start
Location: Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama Parking Lot
Address: 300 Office Park Drive, Suite 225, Birmingham, Alabama 35223
Website: alzca.org/walking
Walk to Remember is a 1-mile walk in honor or in memory of a loved one that has had Alzheimer’s. Register for your walk to benefit the Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama. ACA is a local organization helping local families with Alzheimer's. They provide scholarships for adult day care, continence supplies for families and cases of Ensure. There will be music, refreshments and fun for the whole family.
Toss That Mascara in the Trash
Date and Time: By appointment only
Location: BHM LASH
Address: 2926-D Central Ave, Birmingham, AL 35209
Website: bhmlash.com
Every beauty blogger talks about the importance of upkeeping your lashes and brows, since these two areas help define your face. Madison at BHM LASH offers a lash lift and tint, which is a great alternative if you don't want lash extensions. Here's how it works: She'll give your lashes a perm to add curl. Afterwards, she tints the lashes to darken them. I do recommend getting a brow tint and wax as an add-on. BHM Lash has moved to a new location on Central Avenue inside Ash Studio. Come meet Madison for your lift and tint, and check out her new space! You will look great for your Thanksgiving holiday — I already booked my appointment!
Weekend Wine Down Goat Yoga
Date: Sunday, Nov. 13
Time: 4 - 6 p.m.
Location: Goat Yoga BHAM
Address: 1441 County Road 277, Helena, AL 35080
Phone Number: (205) 329-3701
Website: goatyogabham.com
Grab your friends, BYOB of wine and jump on a mat to do some yoga on the farm with these adorable baby goats. This is a 2-hour event where you will have an hour of yoga and an hour to wine down by the fire with your friends and the “kids.” Now seriously ... y’all can't miss this!
Catered & Delivered Thanksgiving Meal
Date: Order online through Nov. 17
Time: By Noon
Website: katiesplates.com/collections/thanksgiving-menu
I have a secret for you! Did you know that you can order online an entire Thanksgiving meal that is already cooked straight to your front door? Katie and her team have been doing this for years! If you don’t want the whole meal, you can order just the turkey and your holiday sides — plus include desserts. On the menu this year: whole juicy turkey, herbed stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, mac and cheese, roasted fall veggies, cauliflower goat cheese gratin, white cheddar and sage mashed potatoes, sausage balls, sausage egg and cheese breakfast casserole, rosemary and goat cheese biscuits, pumpkin banana bread, pecan pie, and praline pecan sweet potato pie. I love this because she cooks many of her meals gluten and dairy free, but doesn’t skimp on taste.
Iron Bowl Goat Yoga - Gentle Flow
Date: Saturday, Nov. 19
Time: 11 a.m – 12 p.m.
Location: Goat Yoga BHAM
Address: 1441 County Road 277, Helena, AL 35080
Phone Number: (205) 329-3701
Website: goatyogabham.com
Are you an Alabama or Auburn fan? Come to the farm in your team colors and enjoy yoga with the baby goats in the crisp fall air. Enjoy your Zen time before the big game as you do your warrior pose while strengthening and lengthening your muscles with the help of these cute goats. You will have the GOAT (greatest of all time) ever!
Red Mountain Fall Leaves Hike
Date: 7 days a week
Time: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Red Mountain Park - 2 Entrances: 2011 Frankfurt Drive or 2019 Venice Road, Birmingham, AL 35211
Phone Number: (205) 202-6043
Website: redmountainpark.org/
Grab a water bottle, your dog, your family or your friends and head to the Red Mountain Park for a fall hike in the woods. Once you get there, go explore the 1,500 acres of this old iron ore mining site. This month will be gorgeous with all the red, orange and yellow leaves that will serve as your backdrop while you hike the many trails to beautiful overlooks all along the Red Mountain Ridge. Pro tip: Pack your lunch so you can have a fall picnic next to the overlook.
The Sam Lapidus Montclair Run
Date: Thursday, Nov. 24
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Location: Levite Jewish Community Center
Address: 3960 Montclair Road, Birmingham, AL US 35213
Website: skisignup.com/Race/AL/Birmingham/TheSamLapidusMontclairRun
The SLMR Run has become a Thanksgiving tradition for many local families. About 1,500 runners join each year in honor of Sam Lapidus, who lost his battle with Ewings Sarcoma in 2008 at 14 years old. You can choose from a 5K, 10K or 1-mile fun run. Each runner has the option to set up their own personal fundraiser, and the LJCC donates $5 from every registered runner to the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders in Sam’s memory.
Gobble Til You Wobble Thanksgiving Run
Date: by Thursday, Nov. 24
Time: Anytime
Location: Virtual — participate from anywhere!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/826439490783073
Sign up here for the 6th Annual Gobble til You Wobble 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, 13.1, 26.2! This is a virtual race and can be completed from anywhere in the world. Fifteen precent of the fee will go to Feeding America, which is an organization that helps feed people that struggle to get food in the USA. The walk can actually be done anytime in November, but it is extra fun to complete it on Thanksgiving. You can walk, bike or hike with your friends or by yourself. Gobble, gobble, wobble!
Let’s Ride in Mountain Brook
Date: 7 days a week
Time: See website for full schedule.
Location: Ignite Cycle in Lane Park
Address: 1091 Jemison Ln, Mountain Brook, AL 35223
Website: ignitebhm.com/
Ignite Cycle just opened its second location in Lane Park! They offer four different types of rides, so you will have a blast while you burn and sweat to the music. Choose from the Signature Ride, the Express Ride, The Ultra Ride or the Themed Ride to keep you pumped up and energized. Right now, Ignite Cycle is offering a special to new clients of $14 for the first week with unlimited rides, and $59 for two weeks of unlimited rides for new and returning clients.
Try a Free Pilates Class
Date: 7 days a week
Time: See website for full class schedule
Location: Club Pilates Cahaba Heights
Address: 3159 Green Valley Rd, Birmingham, AL 35243
Website: clubpilates.com/location/cahabaheights
Club Pilates is one of my favorite places to go for a whole-body workout on the reformer. You'll gain core strength and muscle length without any joint pain since it's low-impact. If you have never tried a Pilates class at Club Pilates, you should sign up for the free introductory class so you can get a chance to experience how good you will feel afterwards. After all, Pilates is for Every Body!
Want to know more about what's happening in Birmingham? Check out laurasilsbee.com, and make sure to follow me on Instagram!
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