Things to Do in Mountain Brook

Alabama-born Cynthia Massey Parsons, who will be featured in the 32nd anniversary edition of Who’s Who in American Art, has built her artistic reputation on works in watercolor, acrylic, and graphite. During Paint-A-Long sessions, she leads budding artists through the brushwork of a single painting, helping students pick up sound technique without worrying about inventing a subject or baiting a muse. Her original designs range from modified classics—such as the sky in Van Gogh’s Starry Night transposed over a local skyline—to classic floral still lifes.

At Vestavia Bowl Family Fun Center, kids are encouraged to knock things over. The staff strives to spread a passion for bowling through various youth incentives, from organized leagues to the Kids Bowl Free promotion—a system that awards children complimentary games to take up summer free time. The staff even lends out kits to area P.E. teachers as part of the In-School Bowling Program, furnishing classes with balls, pins, carpeted lanes, and lengthy lesson plans on how to find the ball's finger holes.

By tutoring youngsters in bowling techniques, the center hopes to instill the same fondness for the sport held by its managerial team. Certified bowling coach Keith Henderson heads the pack of competitive players—many of whom boast sanctioned 300 games on their records—and oversees 34 lanes equipped with computers and overhead scoring monitors. For an ethereal gaming environment, black lights illuminate the lanes during select hours and birthday parties. Guests can also test their dexterity at pool tables and arcade games. Meanwhile, the snack bar preps burgers, hot dogs, and wings to pair with draft beers; patrons can even take advantage of Eat & Bowl specials, which offer a combo meal and two games for one price.

A nationally renowned trainer with more than 25 years of equine experience, Anna Owens leads a staff of instructors in the instillation of proper riding form at Lachlan Farm. During lessons, riders establish a firm fundamental foundation and then hone specific skills to achieve their individual goals, whether they are competitive showmanship or mounted vigilantism. Lachlan Farm’s instructors cater to all ages and skill levels, even instructing youngsters aged 2–6 in private mini lessons that focus on the basics. Lessons occur rain or shine, as they can be moved to the facility’s indoor areas if the weather refuses to cooperate.

After working for decades as a successful oil executive, National Senior Games gold medalist Homer Brown decided to shift gears, opening BumperNets in 1999 to promote his beloved sport of table tennis to the masses. Nestled within the Riverchase Galleria Mall, Brown’s well-stocked, interactive emporium lets visitors hone their ping-pong or pool skills under the tutelage of a trained professional, or master the finer points of team management at the foosball table. Homer and his knowledgeable staff help guests deck game rooms in felt-clad pool tables, glittering pinball machines, and skee-ball alleys for rental or purchase, and can assist with onsite assembly.

A golfer tees off at St. Andrews Links. A little leaguer sends a baseball soaring through the air. A confused family salutes each flag waving on a mini-golf course. These events could all take place at Southern Golf's indoor and outdoor facilities. The company's GolfAchiever simulator recreates the greens, fairways, and weather conditions of the world's most famous courses so players can whack balls toward a projected screen. At the pro shop, staffers fit clubs and sell gear from brands such as Bridgestone and Nike Golf; customers can then test out new equipment on an indoor putting green. Visitors can also practice their swings at the batting cages or on the 18-hole outdoor mini-golf course.

The 18 holes at Frank House Municipal Golf Course embroil golfers in a test of skills and mental toughness as they guide orbs over a lush, emerald carpet. After completing the relatively straight front nine, players must adjust aim for shots on the back nine, where all but three of the holes make severe dogleg turns. One of these doglegs, the 18th, forces players to lay up short of a lake, and then approach over its width or try to freeze it over with an icy glare.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par 72 course
• Total length of 6,346 yards from the back tees
• Course rating of 69 from the back tees
• Course rating of 119 from the back tees
• Three sets of tees per hole