If a store can have a personality, then What’s on Second?
in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, is geeky with a strong dash of uber-cool chic. It’s an antiques shop and a vintage boutique and a collectors’ paradise all in one … and the place where you’re going to come face to face with your childhood. After “Oh, wow, look at this!” the most commonly heard phrase among browsers is “Oh, wow, I remember having one of
those!” What’s on Second? is at 2306 Second Avenue North just a couple doors down from the Urban Standard coffee shop — the two must-go destinations are part of a downtown growth in art,
music, food and style. The wooden floors and tin ceilings of the store’s two floors are as much a part of What’s On Second? as the somehow carefully arranged piles and stacks of … well, anything you can think of. There are postcards, books, posters, china, toys, clothes, lamps, household goods, tools, furniture, art work, jewelry, glassware, local history items — and that’s just your first few steps inside the front door. I asked the person behind the cash register once where all this came from — did the owners go to auctions and estate sales all the time? Turns out that most of the inventory comes from people bringing treasures in to sell. Prices seemed a bit high to me, but then I still can’t get used to spending $3.95 for a non-fat dry cappuccino so what do I know? At least it’s free — and fun — to browse and explore and maybe stumble across your own treasure. There’s no Web site, but you can call What’s On Second? at (205) 322-2688 for details.
I loved that “Fun to Cook Book” when I was younger — and still have my copy. Good times, good times.
You make me want to come to Alabama.
Hi! I have been reading and enjoying your blog for a very long time. I had the Fun to Cook Book as a kid growing up
in the northeast. Amazing.
Michele — c’mon! You’ll love it. We’ve got art, history, architecture, music, food, shopping — everything you love. I’m thinking summer road trip, you know.
B – Thank you so much for reading and commenting. Much appreciated.