Is there an LFS near the Crossplex?

markkazdad · Jan 4, 2013

Hello BARFers,

I'm coming down to B'ham for an indoor track meet at the Birmingham Crossplex, and wondering if there is a LFS nearby that I could visit when I need to stretch my legs during the inevitable gap (sometimes hours) between my daughter's events.

Being a transplant to north Alabama, I'm not very familiar with the area outside of Huntsville/Guntersville; recommendations for local casual eateries also sought.

Thanks!

Chameleon · Jan 5, 2013

Well as far as retail places there are two. Aquarium Imports and Aquarium Fantasies. I'm not sure if I would recommend either store but they are what they are. Both are owned by long time reefers so that is a plus. Aquarium Imports carries mostly wild and maricultured things and the selection is usually rather limited. Steve is a nice guy though (very old school reefer). Aquarium Fantasies usually has a better selection, but I always feel like Jim is running that store to make money more so than for the love of reefs. I guess it is a hard business to make it in after all. The staff is less knowledgeable. I really dont get coral very often from either, but I love to visit just to interact with some local reefers and occasionally there is a piece I can't leave without getting. A new one is opening up in Fultondale in a few weeks. We will see how that goes. Also Mark or MarkieMark here on the forums is the only one in Bham that I know of for SPS. He runs a small business from his home. Its worthwhile to PM him and see if he has anything available.
Food-IDK I dont eat out much

dorky · Jan 5, 2013

i kinda agree with what chameleon mentions and as for food umm they everywhere eps near crossplex center

RUGDOG · Jan 5, 2013

Where is crossplex?
Chameleon where and or who in Fultondale?

markkazdad · Jan 6, 2013

The Crossplex appears to be on the west side of downtown near where 3rd Ave W becomes Bessemer Road. There were numerous adult entertainment venues and housing projects between the Crossplex and downtown. We also passed one derelict, apparently abandoned and probably condemned fish store (?) called something like ALAquariums.

We ended up eating at Pop's Neighborhood Grill in Five Points West <http://birminghamhotdogtour.blogspot.com/2010/10/pops-grill.html> after my wife refused to eat at Gus's downtown (hot dog stand in the side of a parking garage -- she judged the book by its cover).

Thank you for the names of the stores. I think we may have time to explore again at the state meet the first weekend in February. Today we were gone at least 1.5 hours and they were still running the same event they started when we left. We probably wouldn't be in a position to buy anything since we couldn't take it right home, but seeing things in person will help give an idea of what interests us.

RUGDOG · Jan 6, 2013

Oh yeah. I saw on the news where they built the nice facility on the scenic side of B' ham over there. Probably missed a treat skipping Gus's though. That is an old B'ham institution.

Chameleon · Jan 6, 2013

RUGDOG said:
Where is crossplex?
Chameleon where and or who in Fultondale?

here is a link to there webpage
http://www.reeflifeaquariums.com/

spscrazy · Jan 6, 2013

It I hope this new place has some goodies. The other 2 haven't been worth going to for some time imo

dorky · Jan 6, 2013

Yea me too

Chameleon · Jan 6, 2013

yep yep

markkazdad · Jan 7, 2013

RUGDOG said:
Oh yeah. I saw on the news where they built the nice facility on the scenic side of B' ham over there. Probably missed a treat skipping Gus's though. That is an old B'ham institution.

+1 on the scenery. Definitely making an impression on all the athletes coming in from all over the state.

Next time I plan to not miss out. If she still refuses to eat there, I'll get an order to go and let her drive around, saving the trouble of finding a parking space.

spscrazy · Jan 25, 2013

Anyone go to the opening of the new store? Give us the scoop if you did. :gossip:

markkazdad · Feb 4, 2013

Attended the high school state indoor track meet last weekend, and convinced my wife *and* her parents to go to Gus's for some dogs. Can't beat 7 hot dogs and 2 drinks for under $15, especially considering the Crossplex was charging $3 for a 20 oz. drink a $2 for a small box of popcorn. And don't Gus's location at a parking garage fool you -- their health department score was 97!

I didn't find (or have time to look for) the new LFS yet. Does it have a hot dog place near it?