Shopping in Irondale

Dedicated to a next-day turnaround for many assignments, Thompson's encases everything from diplomas to completed jigsaw puzzles within the ornate borders of more than 2,000 customizable frames. Guests can also peruse a collection of 300 ready-made frames that will fit snugly around standard-size pictures, or commission custom tabletop frames to showcase unconventionally sized posters. More than 100 framed, beveled mirrors further populate the store, silently reflecting the reversed T-shirt graphics and snarky grins of each shopper's personal doppelgänger. Frames and mirrors are complemented by a collection of original oil paintings, which help homeowners adorn their walls with a colorful still life, a muted landscape, or an unflinchingly honest portrayal of the human condition.

Hannah Paige cloaks babies and toddlers in cupcake-like couture, little pieces lovingly embellished with pastel bugs, oversized bows, and cheery sashes. Count on finding brands such as Flap Happy, Keds, LeTop, and Secret Wishes. Bailey Boys Peter Pan collared blouses ($26.95), pink flower patch shoes ($32.95), and lace ribbon socks ($6.50) prepare girls for a picnic or parade, while brown three-piece suits ($66.95), navy seersucker shorts ($20.95), and plaid button-downs ($15.40) make boys dapper enough to start barbershop quartets. Hannah Paige's bright and loopy bows, made with grosgrain or satin ribbon, are sought after to adorn hats, skirts, and helicopter blades across the nation. Any outfit can be customized with a monogram ($8–$10).

Gently used men's, women's, and children's clothing lines the racks at Lovelady Thrift Store. Whole sections devoted to shoes, books, and even furniture round out the selection inside this massive thrift store. Proceeds benefit The Lovelady Center, which helps rehabilitate women who have been released from prison by providing assistance with housing, childcare, and job training.

At Adventure Park at Grants Mill, zip-lines send riders soaring through the air. Elsewhere in the complex resides Watazumi, the world's largest all-season inflatable slide, which during the summer sprays sliders with a mist of water and during the winter is sometimes covered with fake snow. Visitors can also bounce between an elevated ropes course, indoor trampoline arena and park, bungee dome, water roller, and miniature golf course. All the attractions, whether indoors or out, can be enjoyed during available birthday parties.