Packing List
You will be getting here by car, as there is no airport, train station, or Greyhound bus stop in Homewood proper. Since you are not likely to be able to stroll around with your luggage (there are few sidewalks here), you don't need to have the cool, groovy techno-luggage with wheels that turn into backpacks. Whatever you can throw into a cab! Dixie chicks -- and Dixie men, too -- tend to spend quite a bit more time on their appearance than do Americans in the East or West Coast. It is rare to see an adult woman with unprocessed hair or no makeup here.
However, norms are little more relaxed in summer.
Summer starts in late April and can last through September. It is so hot and revoltingly humid that my dad, on his summer visit, asked how people could stand to live here. (The response of a native: you stay inside in the summer). Summer clothes should be of natural fibers and loose. Mosquitos will devour you in the evening if you do not cover your arms and legs.
I brought my wool sweaters and heavy winter trousers here when I moved, but they seldom get worn. Mid-weight winter clothes (denim, tropical wool) are all that you should need for the colder months, plus a coat. I often wear a light fleece jacket, vest, or crocheted poncho as outwear in the winter; it is really all you need. It snows very seldom here because Birmingham usually does not freeze. When it does, the city is paralyzed and nobody goes out anyway! Anything you need you can buy here. Don't think there would be any real problems here. Just less than a half hour's drive away is Oak Mountain State Park. Fun! You can bring your own camping stuff and use the campsite, or you can reserve one of their cabins. There are BBQs there, and also showers near the lake. Bring: your paddleboats, your bikes, things to sit on, binoculars, swimsuit and towels, sunblock and mosquito-B-gone spray. There is a concession area, but it is seldom open. Thus, it would be wise to bring your own water, beverages, and snacks.
