Helena, AL

THE MONKEY BASKET in Old Town Helena...Gift Baskets, Candles & Gourmet Food Items

Old Town Helena has a lot of interesting shops in it's historic business district, and one of my favorites is The Monkey Basket.

Owned and operated by my friend Judy Ellington, the shop is filled with lots of fun gift items, but gift baskets are her specialty. Whatever the occasion, Judy can create the perfect basket and send it anywhere you like.

Having a party? The Monkey Basket can help you with party needs and gifts.

Judy features a selection of fine quality candles made by Tyler Candle Company. They come in a variety of sizes and scents and smell wonderful!

The Monkey Basket also has a nice selection of gourmet food items. There are kits for making a bunch of different flavored cheese balls that have caught my eye. After Judy described how easy they are to make I am ready to try them all out, but it will take a while because there are so many to choose from.

So the next time you are having a party, need to send a gift for a special occasion, or just want to hang out, come by and visit Judy at The Monkey Basket. She is a lot of fun and you will enjoy meeting her!

Judy's shop hours are Monday - Thursday from 11 am - 7 pm, Friday from 11 am - 8 pm, and Saturday from 9 am - 5 pm.

The Monkey Basket

4075 Helena Road

Helena AL 35080

205-664-2542

Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP

BIRMINGHAM AREA REAL ESTATE

205.902.4868

Keller Williams

One Chase Corporation Drive, Suite 150

Hoover, AL 35244

Ann@AnnAllenTeam.com

© 2009 Ann Allen, All rights reserved

Family Dining on Buck Creek at THE DEPOT DELI & GRILL in Old Town Helena AL

When you drive through Old Town Helena it's easy to tell that The Depot Deli & Grill is a tremendously popular place from all the cars in their parking lot. Serving everything from hot dogs to grilled specialty sandwiches, this is a family friendly place in the middle of the Old Town Helena business district on the banks of Buck Creek. You can dine inside or enjoy the view of the creek and waterfall from the covered dining patio. If you talk to anyone who lives or works in Helena you are sure to get a "thumbs up" review of The Depot! Click here to check out their menu.

The building itself has quite a bit of history surrounding it. Moved to its present location in 1999, it is one of the oldest structures in town. Originally located just north of the present railroad crossing, The Helena Freight House & Depot was built around 1872 by the South and North Alabama Railroad Company. Just about everyone and everything coming into or leaving Helena passed through this depot. It survived a major fire in 1895, a tornado in 1933 and numerous floods.

Located at the intersection of Highway 261 and Lake Davidson Lane in Old Town Helena, The Depot Deli & Grill is easy to find. It's right next to the bridge over Buck Creek and across from the The Red Caboose and the railroad tracks.

The Depot Deli & Grill

29 Lake Davidson Lane

Helena AL 35080

205-620-1426

Monday - Saturday

11 am to 9 pm

Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP

BIRMINGHAM AREA REAL ESTATE

205.902.4868

Keller Williams

One Chase Corporation Drive, Suite 150

Hoover, AL 35244

Ann@AnnAllenTeam.com

© 2009 Ann Allen, All rights reserved

Photos taken by Ann Allen, and may not be reproduced without express written permission of Ann Allen, Keller Williams Realty, Hoover AL. Please check if Creative Commons License as been granted for this or other photography provided by Ann Allen. Permission usually granted if credit is given with a link back. Thank you for your understanding.

Family Dining South of the Border Style - San Antonio Grill in Helena AL

The San Antonio Grill is one of my family's favorite places to go in Helena for an inexpensive but fun and delicious dining experience. Judging from the full tables, a lot of others think so too. Even on Friday evenings when the restaurant is really busy, the staff is always smiling and the service is excellent.

Specializing in Mexican dishes and my favorite, Margaritas, the menu also includes items for adults and children that prefer something other than Mexican cuisine, such as American burgers and salads.

I love to come to the San Antonio Grill when I am really hungry because chips and yummy salsa are on the table moments after being seated. Pictured to the left is how I like to start my meal. That is my favorite Margarita that they serve...top shelf, on the rocks with no salt. This is the medium, but they also have a smaller size and a larger version too.

One of the dishes I like to order here that I don't find at some of the other Mexican restaurants is the Chorizo Quesadilla. Served with lettuce, guacamole and pico de gallo, it's cheesy goodness fills me up and could easily feed two people.

Located in the middle of Helena's main shopping district on Highway 17, the San Antonio Grill offers plenty of free parking and is easy to find. If you have not already discovered the San Antonio Grill, you need to stop by and see why it is such a popular place. Take out is available too.

San Antonio Grill

425 Helena Market Place

Helena AL 35080

205-620-1222

Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP

BIRMINGHAM AREA REAL ESTATE

205.902.4868

Keller Williams

One Chase Corporation Drive, Suite 150

Hoover, AL 35244

Ann@AnnAllenTeam.com

© 2009 Ann Allen, All rights reserved

Photos taken by Ann Allen, and may not be reproduced without express written permission of Ann Allen, Keller Williams Realty, Hoover AL. Please check if Creative Commons License as been granted for this or other photography provided by Ann Allen. Permission usually granted if credit is given with a link back. Thank you for your understanding.

Nothing is better than the aromatic smell of rich coffee beans and freshly brewed coffee to give you that feel good feeling! And that is exactly how you feel when you step into La Reunion a Coffee Cafe located in Historic Helena. That nostalgic feeling is abundant as you soak in the high ceilings with exposed rafters, exposed brick, wood plank floors and the eclectic furniture groupings perfectly arranged to accommodate small or large groups to enjoy conversation and hot coffee.

Coffee lovers will drool over the many different Signature Hot Lattes that include Java Slinger, Raspberry Mocha, Heart Murmur and Nuttin' Honey to name just a few. The coffee drinks are served up hot or cold and these friendly owners, Del and Robin Howell are happy to help you decide if you prefer a Latte or Cappuccino or maybe even a freshly brewed cup of hot tea from their gourmet selection of loose teas.

On hot days you may want to try a Frozen Frappes from a long list of fun choices like Jumpy Monkey Mocha, Frozen Dirt Worms or for the less daring Chocolate Malt! There is also a nice array of flavored syrups that can be added to any drink to concoct the drink of your choice. Or you may even try one of the REAL Fruit Smoothies!

Hungry? Not to worry! Robin has put the gourmet touch on a wonderful assortment of Breakfast breads, muffins, bagels and croissants. Or the healthy dieters can feast on organic granola, yogurt and fresh fruit.

The Lunch Menu is Superb! A great selection of deli style sandwiches served up on white, whole grain, croissant or foccacia breads with Miss Vickie's chips and crisp dill spears. You MUST try the unique Asian Chicken Salad! Or you may opt for one of the many different crisp lettuce salads topped off with delicious dressings.

So whether you are out and about and just want to grab a nice healthy lunch or have the urge to satisfy your coffee cravings......La Reunion is the place to go! Come alone or bring a friend or two. Groups large or small can also be accommodated. Come for pleasure or carve out a spot to do business. Oh did I mention the WiFi? That's right bring your laptop and surf the Internet while you sip on a nice hot cup of java! There is even a small gift and card shop where you can browse and pick up a last minute gift idea or two!

And be sure to plan a nice relaxing evening on Friday or Saturday to just sit and talk and listen to some live music!

PLANNING A WEDDING? La Reunion has Bridal Catering Packages offered to Brides planning their wedding at Old Town Helena's Wedding Chapel right next door. Ask for a brochure of the Package Options.

And if you are interested you may rent the coffee shop out as a venue for your next function!

THE STORY OF LA REUNION

La Reunion is named after an island in the Indian Ocean. History says that 100's of years ago, 100 coffee trees were transported from Africa to the island. Only 2 trees survived the journey. The government of La Reunion, then called the Isle of Bourbon, made every inhabitant plant coffee trees which initiated the export of coffee to Europe. From those two initial surviving trees, the islanders started a species known as Bourbon Arabica, which is still grown around the world. Reunion Island no longer grows coffee, but instead is a surfers paradise.

So I guess you can tell that I am a coffee lover and I do have to admit that I am crazy about Robin and Del, so don't just take my word for it, stop by and give it a try yourself. You will be glad you did!

Give me a call I will meet you there and we can chat over a nice hot cup of coffee!

About the Author

Debbie Hutchins a Certified Residential Specialist has been a licensed Realtor since 1987. Serving the Greater Birmingham Area and specializing in Shelby County Debbie is available to assist you with your real estate needs. We hope you have enjoyed reading and hope you will come back! You may also subscribe to "debs doodles" and have it delivered to your email! And as always, you are welcome to search the MLS through Debbie's Re/Max website. All phone calls are welcome! You can reach Debbie via her cell phone at 205-368-2474

All data contained within is deemed correct however, RE/MAX First Choice and/or its Sales Associates are not responsible for errors and/or omissions. Prices are subject to change without notice.

© 2009 Ann Allen, All rights reserved

Photo taken by Ann Allen, and may not be reproduced without express written permission of Ann Allen, Keller Williams Realty, Hoover AL. Permission usually granted if credit is given with a link back. Thank you for your understanding.