The two places could not be farther apart in every regard. One real, the other a television show set. San Francisco is modern, hip, diverse, and unique. Mayberry is old-fashioned and homey, filled with regular folks doing everyday things. Yet there is a city in Alabama that brings those two places close – Homewood. The small Birmingham suburb city features quaint homes and a quainter downtown. There you can find modern shops as well as traditional ones, a couple of hotels, and plenty of restaurants. American Essence chatted with a few store owners about the magic of downtown Homewood. (Karim Shamsi-Basha for American Essence)
Tricia McCain – Homewood Toy & Hobby. “My grandparents started this store in 1950. The city had the Mayberry feel back then, and it kind of still does. They started as a bicycle and lawn mower repair shop and added toys later. We’re lucky to be in downtown Homewood; people support local businesses instead of online stores. This past Christmas, we saw several families from out of town do their shopping here.” 
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