Riverchase Galleria: Alabama's Premier Shopping Destination, by Andrew Regan: Birmingham, Alabama, may be better known as the center of the civil rights struggle in the 1950s and 1960s; but today, one of its top attractions is the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover - second only to the popular Alabama Gulf Coast beaches across the state. The Riverchase Galleria currently has over 200 stores, anchored by 5 department stores: JC Penney, Belk, Parisian, Macy's and Sears, as well as parking space for 5000 vehicles.
The Riverchase Galleria
promises to provide a truly unique shopping experience. Its skylight, at two
hundred feet in length, is said to be the longest in the world; furthermore,
it attracts visitors from the neighboring states of Florida, Tennessee,
Georgia and Mississippi in hoards, cementing its position as one of the best
places to shop in the Deep South, if not the country. As well as its anchor
department stores, the Riverchase Galleria is also home to Sunglass Hut
International, Victoria Secret Beauty, Claire's Accessories, Foot Locker,
Banana Republic and American Eagle Outfitters, among a host of others.
Shopping, however, is not the only activity to indulge in at Riverchase
Galleria. Visitors can dine at one of the Galleria's many restaurants and
eateries. These include: Auntie Anne's pretzels, California Pizza Kitchen,
and Godiva Choclatier, as well as a variety of restaurants at the nearby
Wynfrey Hotel. Additionally, the architecture of the Riverchase Galleria is
in itself a wonder, with a fabulous nine-story glass atrium for shoppers and
visitors to marvel.
Famously, 2006 American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks, used to work at the
Galleria, dressing up as an Easter Bunny every year. Just two weeks before
his eventual victory, Taylor returned to Riverchase Galleria, for a rally in
his honor, attended by an estimated 10, 000 fans. In this vein, the
Riverchase Galleria often organizes events, such as Pet Night, an attraction
for pet loving shoppers, and Rockin' Shoppin', a regular event which
combines live music and shopping from 5am to 9am! Other activities organized
by the Riverchase Galleria include community programs like 'Mall Walkers',
which allows anyone into the mall from 8am onwards to walk in a safe
environment on the Galleria's 2nd floor. One trip around the second floor
measures 1.14 miles, and is a great way for people to exercise in a safe,
climate-controlled area.
With a multiplicity of exciting activities and events in which to
participate, a fulfilling trip to the Riverchase Galleria often involves an
overnight stay for out-of-town visitors; for those wishing to make their
trip to the Galleria longer than an afternoon's worth of shopping, there are
a selection of nearby hotels
that offer affordable, comfortable accommodation for the night; this way,
you can make the most of your trip to Birmingham and visit other nearby
Alabama attractions, like the Birmingham Zoo, the Botanical Gardens and the
Museum of Art. Visit the Riverchase Galleria
website for more details.
About The Author
Andrew Regan is an online journalist who enjoys socializing at his local Edinburgh cricket club.
