Enjoy Hoover - March/April 2023

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Page 11 Find the best crawfish dishes in Hoover Mudbugs are Back! HITTING Trails City gains reputation for hiking, biking trails Page 8 A DAY OF FUN Celebrate Hoover event returns MARCH/APRIL 2023
Hoover Randle Home & Gardens For any event, for any season, we have the place for you. Aldridge Gardens 3530 Lorna Road | 205.682.8019 aldridgegardens.com 2255 Tyler Road | 205.739.6554 hooverrandlehome.com

Compassionate, Experienced Advocates with Integrity

AshLeigh Meyer Dunham & April Hare DeLuca are more than just family law attorneys. They are wholeheartedly devoted to helping families through tough, emotional times. They believe the clients are more than a case file. At Magic City Law, they take the time to get to know their clients, their families, their goals, and to counsel clients in order to ensure the best possible outcome. Magic City Law, LLC is a boutique all female family law firm.

With a focus on families, AshLeigh and April are truly able to devote all their energy and effort to client-centered legal solutions. Their practice is focused on adoption, ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) representation, divorce, family law, and child custody. AshLeigh and April have a love for families. Learning from their experiences as Guardians Ad Litem, where they came to the realization that the needs of minor children are often overlooked in family law disputes, AshLeigh & April craft legal responses to family law matters with the children in mind. In developing a legal strategy that protects the best interests of children, they strive to ensure a solution reached benefits the entire family.

Research is not simply routine at Magic City, it is continuous. Family Law, especially in the area of ART, is quickly and constantly evolving. These attorneys stay on top of the newest trends and case law in their field. Through continuing education and research, AshLeigh and April cultivate and perfect new and inventive ways to represent their clients and help them to achieve their end goal. As both attorneys live in Ross Bridge and are actively raising their families in Hoover, Hoover families are always at the forefront of their minds. At Magic City Law, their mission is to help Hoover families move forward.

Enjoy Hoover March/April 2023 3
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
(p) 205-582-2832 www.MagicCityFamilyLaw.com

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Can you believe how spring-like it felt much of February? It made us long for the outdoors, so we decided to spend some energy writing about Hoover’s bustling outdoor scene in this issue! Kim Cripps shares some of what she learned about opportunities to get outside and move around in Hoover. From hiking to biking, jogging to exploring, Hoover offers a wealth of outdoor space for visitors and residents alike to find their connection with nature. Find your outdoor space on page 8. Another sign that warmer weather is here? Crawfish! This wildly popular dish is enjoyed the world over, and Hoover’s restaurants are no exception. We take you on a tour of the best places in the city to eat “crawdads,” and even share a recipe for you to try at home. The adventure starts on page 11.

A vibrant nightlife used to be found only in larger urban areas, but many smaller cities are embracing the trend. There are new options for going out on the town all around Hoover; check those out in our feature starting on page 14.

There’s a lot more in this issue, so I’ll leave you alone so you can get to reading. As always, thanks for picking up this copy of Enjoy Hoover, and we’ll see you again in the May/June issue!

Enjoy Hoover is your guide to dining, entertainment, and shopping in Hoover, Alabama’s sixth largest city. From major events like the SEC Baseball Tournament, the World Games, and the Regions Tradition, to local live music, to hidden gems in local shopping, to the world-class lineup of restaurants, Hoover has tons to offer to residents, guests, and visitors alike.

Enjoy Hoover is published six times a year, a joint venture between David Cohen of the Hoover Restaurant Alliance, Matthew Allen of JBMC Media, and Mitzi Eaker of Mitzi Jane Media. These three longtime Hoover residents blend a passion for their community with years of experience in communication, publishing, marketing, and hospitality.

Copies of this magazine are available at more than 100 locations throughout Hoover. Connect with us through our social media channels: Instagram (@EnjoyHoover) and Facebook (@ EnjoyHoover). Visit us online at EnjoyHoover.com. We hope you Enjoy Hoover!

David Cohen

(205) 213-3617

enjoyhoover@gmail.com

Matthew Allen

(205) 617-9609

matthew@jbmcmedia.com

Mitzi Eaker

(205) 862-0629

mitzijanemedia@gmail.com

ADVERTISING SALES

Michelle Salem Haynes

(205) 381-1311

michelle@jbmcmedia.com

ABOUT THE COVER

The weather is quickly warming up, and that means it’s time to get back outdoors! This photo (taken by Lance Shores, photographer for the City of Hoover) features a teenager riding on the Black Creek Mountain Bike Park off Stadium Trace Parkway.

4 Enjoy Hoover March/April 2023
Enjoy Hoover March/April 2023 5 ITALIAN INSPIRED FOOD WITH A TWIST. TRELUNABARANDKITCHEN.COM 1021 BROCK’S GAP PARKWAY LUNCH: WED-FRI, 11-2 HAPPY HOUR: MON-FRI, 4-6 DINNER: MON-THURS, 4-9 & FRI/SAT 4-10 SERVED IN OUR WARM, ENCHANTED EATERY.

Your DNA tells a story. It can show where your ancestors came from, why your hair is curly or straight, and even whether you like the taste of cilantro. Did you know it also contains clues to why cer tain health conditions might run in your family? There’s a lot that your DNA can tell you, but there’s so much more to learn. Take part in the All of Us Research Program to help researchers answer impor tant health questions. You can also choose to learn more about your own DNA .

(833) JOIN-UAB
allofus@uabmc.edu Be a par t of health research that includes you. L et’ s learn about yourstogethe r . Everyone has a health story . All of Us and the All of Us logo are registered service marks of the U S. Department of Health and Human Services.
allofus.uabmedicine.org
Helping Hoover families enjoy pest-free outdoors since 1965. (205) 663-4200 vulcantermite.com Serving Jefferson & Shelby Counties

Hitting the Trails

Hoover has a way of changing you. As one of the best places to live in Alabama, it has a lot to offer in the way of faith, education, community, entertainment, health and fitness. Perhaps one of the most surprising things about the city is its ability to pull you into its outdoor scene.

Case in point, I’m a self-proclaimed indoor person, outdoorsy if you count sitting on patios and sunning on the beach. But, there’s something about the beauty of Hoover’s local parks and trails that practically beg you

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8 Enjoy Hoover March/April 2023 PLAY
Aldridge Gardens Ross Bridge Historical Park

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to explore. Our first – ever Hoover park adventure was Aldridge Gardens. With stroller and snacks in tow, we purchased fish food from the guard stand, fed the lake wildlife and watched fluffy baby ducklings waddle to catch up with their mama. We were hooked. Like time with an old friend, time in the outdoors was good for our souls. And, thankfully, these Hoover parks make it easy and inviting to get out there again and again.

ALDRIDGE GARDENS

Take in the beauty of Alabama’s native azaleas, camellias and hydrangeas while walking the ½ mile trail that surrounds a beautiful 5-acre lake. Be awed by the Veterans’ Memorial Arbor, explore the Alabama Urban Forest, then take a rest to feed the turtles, ducks and fish. Located at 3530 Lorna Road. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

BLACK CREEK MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK

Novice and intermediate-level mountain bikers will enjoy 5 miles of woodland trails tucked alongside Stadium Trace Parkway. This 73-acre park features three large loops with plenty of hills to put your bike – and your skills – to the test. Located at 5571 Stadium Trace Parkway. Open daily during daylight hours.

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Enjoy Hoover March/April 2023 9
Black Creek Mountain Bike Park

MOSS ROCK PRESERVE

Boasting 349 acres of waterfalls, streams, trails, boulders and stunning views, Moss Rock is perfect for an outdoor adventure. Visitors can hike 12 miles of trails or climb the rock formations in Boulder Field. At the end of the day, walk across the street for dinner and a cold drink at two of Hoover’s popular local restaurants. Located at 617 Preserve Way. Open daily from sunrise to sunset.

INVERNESS NATURE PARK AND TRAILS

The highlight of this nature park is its touted 18-hole disc golf course, fit for players of all skill levels. But, if it’s leisure you’re after, you’ll enjoy 77 acres of scenery ornamented with quiet hiking trails, rolling hills, picnic areas, local wildlife and peaceful streams. Located off Inverness Center Parkway. Open daily from 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

HISTORICAL PARK AT ROSS BRIDGE

With just under 2 miles of gently sloping terrain, this trail is a comfortable option for walking, running, biking and strollers. The first .5 mile is paved, making access via wheels even easier. Little ones will enjoy playing on the miniature wooden train set, exploring the historical railroad tracks and taking in the Civil War-era bridge. Open daily from 7:00 a.m. –8:00 p.m.

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Moss Rock Preserve

CRAWFISH

Season is Here!

The mudbugs are back!

I never understood the significance of a crawfish boil until I attended college in Mississippi – a boiling pot, if you will, of southern cultures meeting and mingling over Mardi Gras, trips to the Gulf Coast, and of course, crawfish.

The crawfish boils were never just about crawfish. Yes, it’s important your crawfish taste good – the right mixture of crawdads, potatoes and corn with a flavor that keeps you coming back for more but doesn’t set your mouth on fire. I learned the hard way it’s good to have a healthy respect for any type of Cajun seasoning. But the thing is, no one eats crawfish alone. Crawfish

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Enjoy Hoover March/April 2023 11 EAT
Cajun Roux

boils are equal parts food and camaraderie; a chance to catch up with neighbors, have a drink with friends and laugh with your family.

These local Hoover eateries offer plenty of opportunities to come together over crawfish with seasonal menu items you’ll want to try. Or go big and host your own crawfish boil. Just be sure you use Pappy’s Original Crawfish Boil Recipe. He’s a lifelong Louisiana man, so you know it’ll be good.

JUBILEE JOE’S CAJUN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT, HIGHWAY 150

On a mission to emphasize authentic Cajun cooking based on fresh, goodquality seafood, they serve up hot, fresh crawfish for $8 a pound or $23 for a 3-pound tray. Located at 5190 Medford Drive, Ste. 114. Open Fri. and Sat. from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Sun., Tue.Thurs. from 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

CAJUN ROUX BAR AND GRILL, STADIUM TRACE

Owned and operated by a Louisiana native, this restaurant offers genuine Cajun flavor with crawfish, corn, potatoes and mushrooms for $9.99/ lb. Located at 5220 Peridot Place, Ste. 132. Open Fri. and Sat. from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Sun., Tues. - Thurs. from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

CAJUN STEAMER BAR & GRILL, PATTON CREEK

A self-proclaimed funky joint celebrating a true love for all things New Orleans and dishing out 2 lb. and 4 lb. platters of hot crawfish, corn and potatoes prepared with their special seasoning. Prices start at $26.99. Located at 180 Main Street, Ste. 200. Open Mon. – Sat. from 11:00 a.m. –10:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

CRAZY CAJUNS’ BOILING POT, INVERNESS PLAZA

Serving authentic Cajun food from Grandmother’s best recipes cooked to perfection! Boiled crawfish platters feature corn and potatoes starting at $16.99 for 1.5 lbs and $26.99 for 3 lbs. Don’t feel like peeling your crawdads? Try them fried or blackened! Located at 125 Inverness Plaza. Open Fri. – Sat. from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Mon. – Thurs. 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

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PAPPY’S CRAWFISH BOIL RECIPE

Serves 7

You’ll want to use a large, stainless stockpot with a perforated basket (around 62 quarts), a propane burner and a stainless mixing paddle. Set it up outside and in an open area to be safe.

35 lbs. of Live Crawfish

3 lbs. of Cajun Land Complete Boil (4 lb. containers are available at cajunland.com and on Amazon)

5 Lemons

5 Onions

5 Garlic Cloves

1 Bag of Small Red Potatoes

24 3-inch Ears of Corn on the Cob (the ones from the freezer section of the grocery store are fine)

3 lbs. of Sausage

Clean your crawfish by soaking them in a container of fresh water. You’ll want to drain the water and add new water a couple of times before your crawfish are ready to add to the boiling pot. Be sure to throw out any dead crawfish during this process too!

Cut your lemons and onions in half and slice the sausage into 3-inch pieces.

Fill your boiling pot with Cajun Land Complete, lemons, onions, garlic, potatoes, and water until it is ¾ of the way full.

Bring the water to a boil, then add your crawfish.

Turn off the heat and add sausage and frozen corn. Let everything soak for 25 minutes if it’s early in the season and 30 minutes if it’s later in the season. While the crawfish soak, you can push the ones at the top of the pot to the bottom to stir them up a bit.

Taste one or two before removing. If they need more flavor, soak for a little longer. But don’t soak too long or they will be hard to peel.

Finally, pinch the tails and suck the heads – unless the tails are straight. That means they were dead before cooking, so you’ll want to toss those. In other words, serve and enjoy!

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EAT
Created by Ronald Coumes of Husser, LA and shared by his grandson, Cody Coumes of Madisonville, LA

Enjoying Hoover’s Nightlife

Hoover is known for its restaurants. Many of the best restaurants in the state sit inside the Hoover city limits. But what if you want to hear a band and have an adult beverage after dinner? Hoover has several places to listen to live music.

Gabriel’s Sports Café is in the River Oaks Village off Lorna Road. There are more than 20 TVs to watch live games, but Friday and Saturday nights, they usually have a live band. There is usually a cover charge. Of note, smoking is allowed inside.

The Casual Pint is in the Grove Shopping

Center. Senior Bartender Randall Chimento said, “We have live music every Friday and Saturday night. But we also have weeknight events such as trivia, bingo, game night, and sometimes painting.” They will be having a St. Patrick’s Day event.

In the Preserve Community, Moss Rock Taco and Tequila have some of the city’s best Mexican food. They also have live bands on Tuesdays and Saturdays, starting at 6 pm. Manager Caitlyn Govin said they have a wide variety of music, from covers to old rock. She said they also have bingo Wednesdays and CONTINUED ON

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PHOTO COURTESY BEEF O’BRADY’S Patrons enjoy an outdoor event at Beef O’Brady’s.
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Ice cream and springtime just go together. Warm weather is here, and your favorite flavor of ice cream is calling! 1021 Brock’s Gap Pkwy Ste 105 (205) 444-8000

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trivia on Thursdays. They will have a Cinco de Mayo event on May 5.

Brock’s Gap Brewing Company is located a few hundred feet from the Hoover Met. Manager Jess Pascu said they have live music every Friday and Saturday from 7-10 pm. Pascu said what makes BGBC different is its variety of music. “We’ve had one band doing Billie Eilish covers, and another night, someone’s doing AC/DC.” BGBC frequently has trivia night. And she said that in addition to the food trucks, they would soon have their own food kitchen.

The Hoover Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is located in the Grove Shopping Center off Highway 150. Known as a great family restaurant and sports bar, they frequently have live acts on weekends. They are also famous for their St. Patrick’s Day all-day event.

The Perfect Note is Hoover’s home for Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, and Gospel. Tremayne and Karne Thompson opened the adult dinner theater in 2016. Tremayne books the best talent and provides the perfect space for top-notch productions from Thursday through

Sunday. See the September/October 2022 Enjoy Hoover article to learn more.

Grey Bar is located on Highway 280 in the Terrace at Greystone shopping center. Owner Greg Ganser said Grey Bar often has live acts most Friday and Saturday nights. They have a wide variety of music – from acoustic to covers. Some Friday nights, they have karaoke.

Brock’s Gap and Casual Pint feature a variety of craft beers on tap. Casual Pint also has some wines. Brock’s Gap has Corona Seltzers. The other establishments offer a full bar. At Grey Bar and Gabriel’s, admission is for 21 and up. The others allow all ages.

The places also have multiple TVs, making them great places to watch your favorite team. Except for Grey Bar and Gabriel’s (21 and up), all the places are family-friendly. Several have outdoor patios. Brock’s Gap has a full outdoor area with games like cornhole.

Later this year, the Village Green at Stadium Trace will open. It will be an outdoor amphitheater and will also feature live acts.

All establishments have Facebook and Instagram pages where you can get the most current information about who’s playing and when.

16 Enjoy Hoover March/April 2023
Enjoy Hoover March/April 2023 17 Stadium Trace Village | 205.882.8226

Let’s All

Celebrate Hoover

One of my favorite events of the year is Celebrate Hoover. When my kids were younger, they would love to go and spend hours on the inflatables and walking around, taking in all the festivities. Now that they are teens, they are too cool for mom and dad, but they do enjoy walking and hanging out with their friends.

It is the largest outdoor festival that Hoover hosts throughout the year. It is a day with Hoover comes out to play and entertain others. A day to celebrate all the people and things that make Hoover great!

Entertainment this year includes????

The Hoover City Schools have their students showcased. Also, bands and singers from the local area share. They will again be making the vast pie that gets shared. The pie is FREE! Plus, there will be lots of delicious food trucks throughout the day for eating.

The police and fire departments bring their cool cars, trucks, trailers, and special equipment for the kids to see and explore. Many businesses, non-profit organizations, and community groups have exhibit tables that showcase resources for families and individuals. Most of the exhibits have games, activities, or giveaways for kids.

There is a petting zoo. The preschoolers and children can interact with the animals. Plus, over ten inflatables keep your kids busy and wear them out before their parents.

Hundreds of antique and hotrod car owners participate in the Car Show.

Everything is free, except the food!

18 Enjoy Hoover March/April 2023 FEATURE
Enjoy Hoover March/April 2023 19 EARN A SMALL WAFFLE CHEESE FRY! OPEN PHONE SCAN CODE TAP LINK ® WHEN YOU DOWNLOAD THE WALK-ON’S® LOYALTY APP 6401 Tattersall Park Drive | 5249 Peridot Place

Vacay or Staycay?

Five days of family fun in Hoover

Spring Break 2023 is the perfect time to explore Hoover with family and friends. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or a local looking for an activity pack Staycation, Hoover is loaded with indoor and outdoor activities for families every week of the year. Here are five days of fun to keep the kids entertained and the parents happy Monday through Friday with one or more daily outdoor and indoor activity ideas.

On Monday, take the family to explore the boulder fields at Moss Rock Preserve. Make sure to refuel with lunch across the parking

lot Moss Rock Tacos (one kid eats free with every $10 adult purchase on Mondays). Then head to The Hoover Met Complex for safe indoor climbing for all ages at The Hoover Heights Climbing Center located inside The Finley Center (https://hoovermetcomplex. com/finley-center/adventure/). End the day with dinner at one of the many International restaurants on Lorna Road in Hoover.

Tuesday, plan a full day of activities like a bike or hike at Hoover’s 73-acre mountain bike park Black Creek Mountain Bike Park (5571 Stadium Trace Parkway). Located along

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20 Enjoy Hoover March/April 2023 PLAY
Hoover Explore Playground

Stadium Trace Parkway across from the Lake Wilburn community, this park offers 5 miles of trails built into the natural terrain with trails for all-level bicycle riders.

Grab brunch or lunch from an eatery at Brock’s Gap Village and add a scoop of delicious ice cream from The Whole Scoop or a cupcake from CakeEffect. Spend a few hours of play at the Explore Playground and Splash Pad (Splash Pad reopens May 15) located at The Hoover Met Complex (behind the camping lot). The Explore Playground has been designed using the 7 principles of “Inclusive Design Play”. End the day with dinner at Big Whiskey at Stadium Trace Village, where kids eat free Tuesdays from 5-9 PM. If your family still has energy, take in a movie at AMC Patton Creek 15.

On Wednesday, experience Aldridge Gardens with a walk around the lake, enjoying the flowers and animals. Visit the art exhibit in the main house. Check to see what programs are scheduled for the Spring and Summer. Head over to the Galleria Food Court to grab lunch. Shop til you drop or spend a few hours playing Table Tennis and video games at BumperNets inside the Mall. Before you leave the mall, ride the Venetian carousel in the middle of the Food Court. End the day with a meal from one of the restaurants at Patton Creek or surrounding the Galleria.

On Thursday, head to the east side of Hoover to Inverness, where there is a hiking or biking trail and a frisbee golf course. Grab lunch at one of the restaurants at Inverness Corners, then spend the afternoon indoors at Dyfy trampoline park (6009 Tattersall Drive) for children and teens or Let’s Play (5025 Hwy 280 S.) for preschoolers and younger children. Stop by for dinner at Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe in The Villages at Lee Branch (611 Doug Baker Blvd) where kids eat free between 4-8 p.m. Complete the meal with dessert at Sweet Frog (yogurt) or Cinnaholic at Lee Branch. If the family still is up for more, see a movie at AMC Classic Lee Branch 15.

Friday, start the day at Veterans Park (4800 Valleydale Rd) with a hike on the running trail,

free play with the kids on the playground, or a game of soccer in the open field. Circle back to the Heart of Hoover for lunch at East 59 Cafe inside the extraordinary Hoover Public Library (200 Municipal Dr). Programs on most Fridays include storytelling. On March 30th, activities include Draw the Story from 10:3011:30, and “Open Gaming” on Nintendo Switch from 3-4:30. There are also lots of book and board games for parents to explore with their children. End the night with dinner and interactive games at Dave and Busters (2700 Galleria Cir Ste 110) at the Riverchase Galleria (neighboring The Hyatt Regency and only has an outside entrance).

Spring Break 2023 will be a memorable experience for the whole family. So pack your day bags, grab your family and friends, and head to Hoover this Spring Break for a week of fun and adventure.

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Hoover Shipping Small business with a big impact

Hoover provides colorful blends of local attractions and one-of-a-kind artistry that allows city visitors to carry beautiful memories for years to come!

Why not share these city memories with your loved ones? Hoover Shipping, located in the Trace Crossing Shopping Center. It is your one-stop shop to purchase “Hoover-made” gifts and then mail them to your intended receiver.

The store is more than your standard parcel delivery and shipping location. Hoover Shipping guests can send gifts and treasures to friends and family worldwide.

“Hoover Shipping is a small business with a local flare. It is that one-stop shop for shipping and gift buying that seeks to promote other local businesses.”

-Shelly Binder

Local Craftsmanship

Hoover Shipping sells local gifts. These items reflect local arts, crafts, and accessories. In addition, they have seasonal favorites for holidays throughout the year, including football season! Check out their Spring products for Easter basket gifts and decorating.

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22 Enjoy Hoover March/April 2023 SHOP
PHOTO PROVIDED BYHAMPTON INN & SUITES BIRMINGHAM-HOOVER-GALLERIA
Enjoy Hoover March/April 2023 23 Stadium Trace Village (205) 538-5217 Helping clients get from their real estate experience! More Rick Mosier Realtor® (205) 529-5699 RickMosier@kw.com www.RickMosier.com
Each Keller Williams office is independently owned and operated

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Visitors can find products and gifts from locally poured candles, wild honey, paintings, spiritually uplifting cards, and seasonal clothing items.

Did you forget your mom’s birthday gift? No problem. Grab a pottery piece or clothing item just in the nick of time to ship your gift to her if she lives in another state.

Local Business-Minded

Hoover Shipping strives to promote and support local businesses by sourcing their products in the store and providing shipping services. They also partner with companies to ensure shipping needs are delivered promptly.

Hoover residents and visitors alike will be greeted by warm and welcoming staff who are happy to assist with selecting the perfect gift.

The store is open Monday through Friday from 9 am - 6 pm and Saturday 9 am - 3 pm.

24 Enjoy Hoover March/April 2023
SHOP
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO TREAT YOURSELF OPEN DAILY (205) 402-8126 VIllage at brock’s gap 1031 brock’s gap pkwy hoover

A Suite Place to Stay in Hoover

Beautiful. Unique. Upscale. Director of Sales Brigitte Johnson describes the Hoover location of Homewood Suites in these words.

Having recently celebrated its 13th anniversary, this extended stay that’s just five minutes from the Riverchase Galleria is the perfect lodging place not only for visitors to Hoover but for people who want to make Hoover home, whether temporarily or long-term.

Part of the Homewood Suites by Hilton brand, nationally known as a top-tier extended stay, the Hoover location has all studio suites, with options ranging from one bedroom with one king-size bed, one bedroom with two queen-size beds, and a two-bedroom suite with a king-size bed and a second room with two queen-size bedrooms. Each suite features a separate living area and sofa bed. Amenities include complimentary internet access, HD TV, microwave, dishwasher, twin burner stove, and utensils.

Johnson said the suites are perfect for families, as the king studios can hold up to 4 people, while the queen rooms hold up to 6. And, Johnson points out, Homewood Suites is also pet friendly, allowing guests to bring their cat or dog for a small additional fee.

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STAY
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON: BIRMINGHAM-SW-RIVERCHASE-GALLERIA

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“Sometimes we have guests whose homes were damaged in a fire or a storm, so we want it to feel like a real home,” Johnson said.

Homewood Suites offers the following amenities: free Wi-Fi, laundry, Putt-Putt golf, a basketball court, a newly remodeled state-of-the-art fitness center, a 24-hour grab-n-go Suite Shop, and a complimentary hot breakfast. Johnson describes the breakfast as

“awesome.”

“We have a firepit and outdoor pool, a full kitchen with all of the dishes included, and a full refrigerator,” Johnson said. “I want to point out that everything here is eco-friendly, and we’re still in compliance with Covid.”

Johnson said one of her favorite features is the complementary Evening Social reception held every

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Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

“I always encourage people to come and visit the property. People can socialize and mingle. We also offer beer and wine at that time. The men love it. There’s a TV in the lobby to watch or guests can hang out by the fire pit.”

Johnson said Wednesday night’s social is the biggest, with a fuller course meal and desserts.

“We have an excellent chef here named Chris,” Johnson said. “On Wednesdays, he makes entrees like chili and cornbread with sides. On other nights, we have special snacks, such as cheese, crackers, and brownies with beer and wine.”

Johnson said corporate groups make up a good portion of visitors to the hotel, which features a Business Center and a 676 square ft. meeting room.

“We have groups from Enterprise, Avadian, Regions, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and more. Our portfolio has grown tremendously.”

For catering, Johnson said Homewood Suites has partnered with Ragtime Café, which provides delicious Cajun entrees like shrimp or chicken pasta—a big hit with corporate meetings, family reunions, and

Homewood Suites to Ragtime that guests can take. Johnson said more exciting changes are coming for the Hoover location in the next few months.

“We recently renovated the lobby and put in brand new mattresses, and in November, we’re going to add some more things to keep it fresh,” Johnson said. “I want to showcase Hoover. I want us to be the best we can be.”

Homewood Suites is located at 121 Riverchase Parkway East in Hoover, less than a mile from Riverchase Sports Park. For more information, call 205-637-2900.

The path to mending her heart began

Dajialyn was born with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and at 3 months old was placed on the waiting list for a heart transplant. When her foster parents got the call to care for her, they never hesitated – and in July 2021, they received the call with the news she would get her new heart. Within hours she was at Children’s of Alabama in surgery. Her transplant was a success, and Dajialyn is walking, talking and doing all the things that keep parents of any toddler on their toes.

Enjoy Hoover March/April 2023
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Learn more at ChildrensAL.org/heart
CV-0009_Heart_Month-Dajialyn_Hoover-JBMC-Media_4.75x3.7-PROD.indd 1 1/16/23 8:00 AM
Dajialyn Heart Transplant Survivor

March 2-5: Perfect Game High School and Baseball Academy Showdown at The Met Complex

March 6: Renegade Squirrels and other Nut Cases - Storytelling with award-winning writer Verna Gates (10 am to 12 pm) at the Hoover Public Library

March 10-12 Battle of the Magic City Classic at The Met Complex

March 12 Live on the Plaze with Kora player Sean Gaskell (2:303:30 pm) at the Hoover Public Library

March 16 The Kingdom Choir a renowned gospel Choir at the Hoover Public Library Theatre. Tickets are sold through the theatre box office at https://www.hooverlibrary.org/ thelibrarytheatre/ticketing.

March 18 Hoover Service Club Hearts in Harmony “Gathering to Give” Gala and Silent Auction at the Hoover Country Club. Visit HooverServiceClub.com to learn more and purchase tickets.

March 19 Film Club: Becoming Helen Keller, a free documentary film screening (1:30-3:00 PM) at the Hoover Public Library

March 21st: Hoover Historical Society meeting at the Hoover Public Library at 1 pm. Our speaker will be Beth Hunter: The Story of Quilts

Beth Hunter enjoys needle arts, including quilting and sewing. She is an active member of the Birmingham Quilters Guild. Her quilts have been shown locally and in Hitachi, Japan. Beth is a historian, both as a history instructor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and as sole proprietor of her own research and writing company. Her current projects include a book featuring Alabama Quilts.

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CALENDAR
30 Enjoy Hoover March/April 2023 Grove Blvd Across from Target (205) 968-1408 farrellyskitchen.com SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING IN HOOVER! R e s t a u r a n t s | A c t i v i t i e s | S h o p p i n g E v e n t s | P a r k s | H o t e l s www.WelcometoHooverAlabama.com

March 27-31 Hoover City Schools Spring Break

March 30 Quite A Catch Juggling Show with Ron Anglin for preschoolers and children at the Hoover Public Library Theatre (The show is free. Arrive early. Seating will fill quickly.) 10:30-11:30 am and 2-3 pm.

March 21 Hoover Historical Socitey monthly meeting at the Hoover Public Library will feature The Story of Quilts by Beth Hunter. Beth is a quilter, writer and University of Alabama history instructor.

March 27-May 2 Hoover High School Spring Break Baseball Tournament

APRIL

April 1-2 AAU Volleyball

April 7 Live on the Plaza with English fingerstyle guitarist Richard Smith at the Hoover Public Library from 7-8 pm.

April 7-8 Perfect Game Deep South Easter Championship

April 17 Family Night: Campfire Stories with s’mores and stories around the campfire at the Hoover Public Library from 6:30-7:30 pm.

April 20 Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana: Fronteras at the Hoover Public Library Theatre. Tickets are sold through the theatre box office at https:// www.hooverlibrary.org/thelibrarytheatre/ticketing.

April 28 Hoover City Schools Foundation Denim and Dinning at Aldridge Gardens. Visit Hoovercsj.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

April 29 Celebrate Hoover, the annual outdoor city-wide festival at Veterans Park.

April 30 Hoover Historical Society Annual Open House at the Hare Farm in Bluff Park from 2-4 pm. Historical Hoover images will be on display, Hoover City Schools singing groups will perform, and annual scholarship recipients will be recongnized. Learn more at www.hooverhistoricalsociety. org.

May 2 Hoover City Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham The Wynfry.

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5190 Medford Dr, Ste 114 jubileejoes.com | (205) 982-7797

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