SEPT/OCT 2022 GET OUT AND HAVE FUN! Plenty happening in Sept.,Oct Page 30 Friday MORE THAN BOOKS Hoover Library Theatre is a gem Page 10 Get your hands Messy Enjoy some of the South’s best BBQ right here in Hoover Page 22 LightsHoover, Spain Park on our minds
2 Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022 MIGHTYDOG205.635.2684ROOFING.COM/BIRMINGHAM-ALROOFINGGUTTERSWINDOWSSIDING
Hoover Randle Home & Gardens For any event, for any season, we have the place for you. Aldridge Gardens 3530 Lorna Road | aldridgegardens.com205.682.8019 2255 Tyler Road | hooverrandlehome.com205.739.6554
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 Researchfamily. 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.
Compassionate, Experienced Advocates with Integrity (p) Nowww.MagicCityFamilyLaw.com205-582-2832representationismadethatthequality
of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022 5
ABOUT THE COVER: Hoover Bucs seniors Kaleb Jackson and Jack Lamey, and Spain Park seniors Evan Smallwood and Brian Alston, lead their teams this fall. Photo taken by Brittney Fields of Fields Photo.
Hoover is HOPPING right now, with so many things to do, places to go, food to enjoy, and events to take in during September and October. It all starts with Friday night lights, and Hoover and Spain Park are leading the way toward postseason berths. If you’re in town, plan to watch them play at Jaguar Stadium or the Hoover Met at least once!
Matthew Allen Publisher
David Cohen (205) enjoyhoover@gmail.com213-3617
Mitzi Eaker (205) mitzijanemedia@gmail.com862-0629
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
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
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.
Instagramchannels: (@EnjoyHoover) and Facebook (@EnjoyHoover). Visit us online at EnjoyHoover.com. We hope you Enjoy Hoover!
Matthew Allen (205) matthew@jbmcmedia.com617-9609
6 Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022 Fall is (almost) finally here! Of course, in Hoover and the rest of the Deep South, the hot weather languishes just a bit longer, but as I write this, it’s 78º with a slight breeze outside. That’s the first taste of fall weather I’ve seen, and I’m here for it.
We have some great articles lined up in this, our second issue of Enjoy Hoover. Have you visited the Hoover Library Theatre? It’s a great facility that too many people aren’t aware of. Live music is plentiful in Hoover, and The Perfect Note is making it happen all the time with great food, creative drinks, and amazing music right here in town. Hoover welcomes outdoor enthusiasts throughout the city, and Aldridge Gardens is the center of attention with “nature and art in balance.” Barbecue is on the menu for so many of us, and Hoover boasts six fantastic barbecue joints for you to Readtry.about all these and more in this issue, and DO NOT MISS the first-ever BBQ Bingo (see pages Thanks15-16). for reading, and get out and Enjoy Hoover!
Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022 7 Village at Brock’s Gap 1031 Brock’s Gap Pkwy, Ste 185 205.352.2911 bettersooner.com Walk-in urgent care for anyone with an orthopedic issue. 500 Mineral Trace Next to the Hoover brocksgapbrewing.comMet Weekly food trucks Live music Hoover’sbreweryhometown
Helping Hoover families enjoy pest-free outdoors since 1965. (205) Jeffersonvulcantermite.com663-4200Serving&ShelbyCounties
(833) JOIN-UAB allallofus.uabmedicine.orgofus@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. 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 .
WORLD-CLASSEntertainmentattheHooverLibrary
The Magical World of Santa’s Circus. The Manhattan Transfer’s 50th anniversary and final tour. World-class magician Vitaly Beckman.Hoover residents and visitors don’t have to drive to Birmingham or another nearby city to see these exemplary performances this upcoming year. Instead, they’re taking place in what some consider one of Hoover’s bestkept secrets: the Hoover Library Theatre. In 1992, former Hoover Library Director Linda Andrews envisioned bringing the library, theater, and the arts together. Thus, the Hoover Library Theatre, with its first theme of “From the Page to the Stage: Bringing Books to Life,” was born. In-house productions of literary classics such as “As I Lay Dying” filled the 250-seat venue three to four times a year.
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BY CARMEN BROWN
10 Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022 FEATURE
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE LIBRARY
ON PAGE 11
HOOVER
The performers that have set foot on the theater’s 34-ft. wide stage have included Ricky Skaggs, Jim Brickman, Lorrie Morgan, and a diverse variety of music superstars. In addition, several special performing guests have become repeat performers because of the relationships they have built with the theater staff.
Johnson said most of their shows are so popular that by the time individual tickets go on sale, they sell out in less than ten minutes once all of the season tickets have been sold. However, Johnson said she encourages people to get on a waitlist. In addition to one mainstage show a month, the theater hosts several smaller events regularly, such as Monday at the Movies and, more recently, Friday afternoon movies geared toward senior citizens who prefer not to drive at night. The theater also manages four art galleries that showcase local, regional and national artwork. The theater box office, located in the Hoover Library at 200 Municipal Drive, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tickets can be purchased by calling 205-444-7888 or online by visiting thelibrarytheatre.com.Betteryet,Johnson said Hoover residents and visitors could purchase tickets in person at the box office and, while they’re there, take a tour of this beautiful, iconic theater. Those who would like to visit can call and schedule a tour, but appointments are unnecessary.“It’sanice little gem many people here don’t know about,” Johnson said. “Something is always happening here. Something is always going on.”
Fine Arts Manager Matina Johnson
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 “This season, we have a lot of new music like blues, country, and jazz. To see these people on stage so up close is a unique experience people don’t want to miss.”
Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022 11
A lot has changed since then. Fine Arts Manager Matina Johnson started working at the venue in 1996 and said it has been exciting to see it evolve.“Our current library director, Amanda Borden, has been very supportive in continuing Linda’s vision,” Johnson said. “In the beginning, no one knew who we were. We’ve become a world-class performing arts venue with national tours, plays, and musicals. Most of our players now are Grammy-award winners.”
Upcoming events in September and October include Canadian country band The Abrams (Sept. 22 and 23) and Vitaly Beckman, called “one of the most unique and innovative illusionists in the world” by the Chicago Tribune (Oct. 20 and 21).
BY BEN WALKER
12 Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022 PLAY
Escape to GARDENSthe
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ALDRIDGE GARDENS
The 5-acre lake is stocked and available for catch-and-release fishing.
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The famous snow hydrangea was first propagated on the estate by Eddie Aldridge.
The renowned beauty of Hoover continues to draw visitors from far and local to the many sites that make it so appealing. Nestled in the towering pines along Lorna Road, visitors can access the entrance to the beautiful site so many Hoover residents have come to know and love — Aldridge Gardens. Ever since Aldridge Gardens opened in 2002, the heart of this site has been to provide visitors the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the gardens while escaping the busy hustle of the week’s schedule.Thebeautiful garden landscape, and staple
The grounds are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., depending on weather conditions. Most of the garden grounds are designed to be enjoyed and appreciated by the community at no cost. The gracious dream of allowing everyone, no matter their age or ability to pay, to enjoy the natural beauty of Aldridge Gardens continues to be evident in the activities and open layout of the garden property.Check out the various scheduled activities available to your group through the Aldridge Gardens website, along with details on larger events throughout the year, such as Hydrangeas Under the Stars, Taste of Hoover, and the annual Plant Sale.
Another place you don’t want to miss is the Garden gift shop, ROOTS. Here at ROOTS, guests
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 Trails circle the property and offer plenty of opportunity for you to connect with nature.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE Whether it is a walk along the half-mile trail weaving through the garden property or peaceful contemplation by the 5-acre lake, visitors will be sure to witness the beauty and serenity of this landmark site.New activities throughout the garden property happen every week. Plant purchases, seminars, art shows, and scheduled weekly activities allow visitors to participate in various events.
Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022 13 hydrangea flowers, decorate the 30-acre estate of horticulturalists Eddie and Kay Aldridge. The beautiful estate draws families daily to see the natural beauty that Hoover is known for having — and Aldridge Gardens, the famous Hoover landmark showing the patented Snow Hydrangea, is a big part of the city’s natural beauty.
TAKE MEMORIES OF ALDRIDGE GARDEN EXPERIENCE WITH YOU
can purchase some seasonal shrubs and plants to display in their homes, along with curated items for your house, shed, and garden.Visiting the quaint garden store before exiting the grounds gives you the opportunity to purchase that thoughtful gift for your loved one (or a little something for yourself).
There are gallery tours of the Aldridge family estate for guests desiring to see the origin of the Aldridge family’s dream. The tour provides perspective and appreciation for the beginnings of the garden experience. Seeing the Aldridge family home and decorative beauty helps give a foundational perspective to the legacy left for guests.
Touring the periodically changing on-site art gallery, guests can see the art variety. Artists like fabric artist Dottie West, who brings to life the scenic garden beauty through her paintings and specialty-designed quilts, are featured year round. Aldridge Gardens seeks to draw from the periodical rotation of various gallery art displays to maintain the garden experience’s newness. In addition to the changing art gallery elements, there is also the permanent Ken Jackson Collection of Frank Fleming Sculptures.Eventhe City of Hoover’s official flower bears the legacy of horticultural expert Eddie Aldridge’s patented, and once very rare, Snow Hydrangea. Nothing says “local natural beauty” like the garden-famous, white-petaled Snow Hydrangea.
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SEEING THE PRESENT THROUGH THE PAST
The City of Hoover has supported the Gardens’ vision, maintenance, and legacy for visitors to continue enjoying the rare natural experience for many generations. If you have not yet had the privilege of seeing this garden gem tucked away off of Lorna Road, you are in for a beautiful treat. Mark Aldridge Gardens down on your fall event planner.
14 Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022 Stadium Trace Village | Open 7 days a week | Order online @ FABfruitbowls.com YUM!
Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022 15 Bingo See back of page for rules and information! 1571 MontgomeryHwy 101CornersInverness 2000 ChapelPattonRoad 1810 Montgomery Hwy 2831 CommercialGreystoneBlvd 1031 Brocks Gap Pkwy, Ste 191 3780 Village,RiverchaseSte100
and support Hoover’s
Bingo love for this uniquely American delicacy six barbecue joints, Tear out this page and take it with you on your barbecue adventure. Try each of the six restaurants on the back, and have them stamp their square when you check out. Turn in your completed card by (1) dropping it off at The Whole Scoop (1021 Brocks Gap Pkwy), (2) bringing it to the Taste of Hoover on October 6 at Aldridge Gardens, or (3) taking a photo of both sides and emailing it to EnjoyHoover@ gmail.com. your card no later than October 16, 2022, for a chance to win gift cards or other great prizes!
3. Complete
2.
Name ____________________________ Phone _______________________ Email _________________________________________________________
It’s BBQ season! (But is this most delicious food group really confined to just one season?) You love barbecue, and so do we! Take your
16 Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022
and enter for your chance to win gift cards and more prizes! Here’s how it works: 1.
Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022 17 Stadium Trace Village (205) 538-5217
Bluff Park volunteer Heather Skaggs said applications open yearly in May for artists to submit their samples and be considered for selection.
“We take submissions from people all over the country,” said Skaggs, who serves as the show’s media and publicity chairperson. “Many are from Alabama, but we have people from all over, as far as RhodeArtists’Island.”creations include glass, jewelry, metalworking, painting, photography, printmaking, 2-D and 3-D mixed media, ceramics, and sculpture. This year’s judge will be Anne Perry Uhlman, Director of Upward Bound Math and Science at Bevill State Community College and Director/Curator of the Fayette Art Museum. Thousands of dollars will be awarded, with the top
CONTINUED ON PAGE 19 PHOTOS COURTESY OF X
BLUFF PARK ART SHOW
18 Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022 FEATURE
The 59th Annual Bluff Park Art Show is Jefferson County’s most prominent and longest-running fine arts show. This special event is free to the public each year on the first Saturday of October. The show is not just focused on Hoover artists but 130 artists from around the state, region, and country, including 40 who will be showcasing their work for the first time.
Fall is always the time for food, family, and fun in Hoover, so keep reading to learn more about some of the biggest events around town the next two months.
Fall Fun in Hoover BY CARMEN BROWN
The Moss Rock Festival is scheduled for November 5-6, 2022, outdoors at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex. Go to mossrockfestival.com for updates.
TASTE OF HOOVER
people to relax and enjoy the evening,” sheThesaid.Taste of Hoover will be held Oct. 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are available starting September 1 at aldridgegardens.com.
Hoover Hayride and Family Night is now known as “Hay Hoover!” Formerly held at night, this beloved annual family fall festival will be held on Oct. 15 at Veterans Park on Valleydale Road from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Details are still being finalized as of press time. Go to hooveralabama.gov for updates, or follow the City of Hoover’s Facebook page.
Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022 19 prize being the Best in Show Purchase Award of $2,500. In addition, the Best in Show Purchase Award will be added to the Bluff Park Art Association’s Permanent Collection of more than 100 pieces selected to be displayed in local schools, libraries, and other venues. “We’ll have on-site parking, food trucks available and music and entertainment. We’re even going to have violin and cello players this year,” Skaggs said. The show is historically held at the Park at Shades Cliff, in Bluff Park, but due to construction at the park, this year the Bluff Park Art Show will be held on Oct.1 at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex. For more information, visit bluffparkartassociation.org.
“It is a huge garden party where our guests come to enjoy fellowship, food, and drinks. We will also have LIVE entertainment and lots of tables for
Tynette Lynch, CEO of Aldridge Gardens, said this event usually sells out quickly and is a favorite of locals and visitors to the Hoover area.
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The Taste of Hoover is an annual food and drink event where visitors can stroll through Aldridge Gardens and sample flavors from dozens of local eateries and caterers, including Chicken Salad Chick, Chattanooga Whiskey, Buffalo Wild Wings, Merck’s Tavern, Saw’s BBQ, and many more.
MOSS ROCK FESTIVAL
The Moss Rock Festival is now in its 17th year, toasting the 11th year of the Beer Garden craft tasting event that is part of the festival. “The Moss Rock Festival is the only eco-creative fall festival of its kind in the region exploring how art, design, and smart living can positively impact and influence our everyday choices, lifestyle, sustainability, and appreciation and enjoyment of nature,” said Publicity and Marketing Director Alex Kunzman. Get ready for live music, food, and artwork by over 100 juried artists.
HAY HOOVER!
There is a place where you can have both, at the Perfect Note, where live music and dining are both exceptional. Husband and wife business partners
CONTINUED ON PAGE 21 PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE PERFECT NOTE
20 Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022 LISTEN
Perfect Note has concerts every Friday and Saturday from 6 to 8 pm. Some artists do a second show at 9:30 pm. Tickets start at $25. MUSIC “We are an interactive special events space to celebrate your special occasion,” said Treymond Thompson. “With birthdays and anniversary parties, guests are recognized
What moves you to go out on the weekend, the food or the music?
Tremayne and Karen Thompson opened the Perfect Note dinner theater in 2016. It was the first African-American-owned venue in Hoover. Their goal was to bring high-quality music to the Hoover and Birmingham area, whether the name was “big” or not.
Tremayne booked the best talent and created the perfect space for top-notch production. Today, they are known as a top national venue for production in smooth jazz.
Dancing is always on the menu at Perfect Note.
Perfect Note for a Perfect Evening BY MITZI EAKER
“We have the world’s best bacon, chicken, and waffles, made to order omelets, just to name a few items on the menu.” They are open Monday through Friday and serve breakfast and lunch.
The success of Perfect Note has allowed Karen to use her real estate development to invest in Bessemer and Birmingham in community redevelopment. Trymayne and Karen are also expanding and opening a Perfect Note location in Marietta, GA, for Atlanta musicPerfectlovers.Note Hoover is located at 1845 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 201. Visit their website, perfectnotelive.com, for a complete list of events and time availability. PAGE 20 Husband and wife Tremayne and Karen
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Tremayne was determined to keep his staff. That loyalty paid off as now he has a loyal team, and they have been able to open a location in the basement of Birmingham City Hall, Perfect Note Express.
Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022 21 from the main stage, and we let them have their moment to shine. People love celebrating with us.” With a full calendar of R&B, blues, jazz, and gospel throughout the year, there is a new talent to experience every weekend. Regular performers include Gerald Albright and Mississippi Blues Child. In addition, Sunday’s Best winners Y’Anna Crawley and Alexis Speight, and R&B singers Shanta Moore, Charesstte Michele, and Keith Washington, are just a few of the fan favorites to perform there.
Southern twist,” said Thompson. Thompson’s culinary skills, coupled with his wife’s real estate development business network, opened doors for them during the pandemic. They were able to pivot and provide curbside dining when the event venue was closed and keep their staff onboard. They even donated proceeds back to their employees.
FOOD The entertainment is exceptional, and so is the food. Perfect Note was named as one of two restaurants in Alabama in Huffington Post’s “101 Black-Owned Restaurants You Need To Try in All 50 States.” From hand-cut ribeye steak to shrimp and grits, the chef’s crew will bring you a mouth-watering dinner experience every Friday and Saturday night. Soulful Sunday is the first Sunday of the month, with instrumental live performances and an array of mimosas and entrées. Sundays are free and open to the public with a $10 minimum food order per person. “Our food is American with a soulful
liveenjoyperfectAlwaysdoorsopenedThompsontheirin2016.findthedrinktoalongwithmusic.
22 Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022
BY MITZI EAKER
What better way to enjoy football than a tailgate or “watch party” with delicious Alabama barbecue. Hoover has plenty of options to offer visitors and residents alike, with many restaurants having barbecue on their menu. Here are six barbecue-specific eateries with some of my personal favorites and “must-try dishes!”
Archie’s is Hoover’s oldest barbecue joint. For over 45 years, delicious food has been served up at this location along Highway 31 in the oldest part of Hoover. The restaurant is an iconic building on one of the busiest stretches of highway in town, with its 60’s drive-in look and feel. My favorite dish is a traditional barbecue pork plate with baked beans and slaw. Simple and delicious every single time!
1571 Montgomery Highway, Hoover, AL 35216 (205) 823-7770
FOOD Six must-try barbecue joints in Hoover CONTINUED ON PAGE 21 PHOTO PROVIDED BY ARCHIE’S BAR-B-Q AND BURGERS
ARCHIE’S BAR-B-Q AND BURGERS
Enjoy Hoover 2022 23 archiesbarbq.com MOE’S ORIGINAL BBQ Moe’s is located off Stadium Trace Parkway in the popular Village at Brock’s Gap. They have indoor and outdoor seating for individuals and groups, call-in, delivery, and catering. Moe’s has incredible dry rubbed smoked hot wings. The well-sized wings are covered in a thin spicy sauce that perfectly compliments the seasoned meat. In addition, Moe’s serves up ‘Bama Style BBQ with marinated slaw and pickles. 1031 Brock’s Gap Parkway, Suite 191, Hoover, AL 35244 (205) moesoriginalbbq.com774-8800
JIM’ N NICK’S COMMUNITY BAR-B-Q
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Locally owned by brothers David and Joe Maluff, the restaurant has locations in Alabama and Mississippi. They refer to themselves as the “Best Little Pork House.” Full Moon has one location in Hoover, on Patton Chapel Road near Highway 31, and a second location near Hoover on the Highway 280 corridor. Both locations feature dine-in, delivery, catering, and drive-thru. They also have the option of a food truck or bringing a pit to cook on location for parties and events.My favorite meal at Full Moon is their perfectly smoked chicken BBQ plate with a side of collard greens, fried green tomatoes, and chow chow. Plus, it is tough to leave without grabbing a pie — either chocolate or coconut — or a box of their awardwinning half moon chocolate chip cookies. These are always crowd pleasers!
101 Inverness Corners, Hoover AL 35242 (205) dreamlandbbq.com820-7427
SAW’S BBQ Saw’s BBQ started in 2009 with culinary expert Mike Wilson in Homewood. There are locations
FULL MOON BAR-B-QUE
DREAMLAND BAR-B-QUE
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ON PAGE 21
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MOE’S ORIGINAL BBQ
Dreamland is famous worldwide for its first location near the campus of the University of Alabama, which opened in 1958. It is worth the drive to experience the OG location that is still open and operating today! But you can enjoy all Dreamland has to offer without the drive; there is a location in Hoover at the corner of Valleydale Road and Highway 280. Their pitmasters grill their pork spare ribs over a hickory-wood fire pit and baste them with their signature vinegar-based BBQ sauce. The result: Meaty, full-flavored ribs with a distinct plug from the bone. My favorite dish at Dreamland is their slab of ribs drenched in their sauce. Truly, there isn’t anything like it. Just add some slices of white bread and bring me a roll of paper towels. Put this tasty trip on your ‘Bama bucket list!
September/October
2000 Patton Chapel Rd, Hoover, AL 35216 (205) fullmoonbbq.com822-6666
Jim’ N Nicks’ roots trace back to the mid 1980s in Birmingham. Over the last 35+ years, they have grown to include almost 40 locations across six Southern states, with two locations in Hoover on Highways 31 and 280 with dine-in, delivery, catering, and drive-thru. They celebrate the artistry of slow-cooked barbecue with recipes handed down for generations, serving pork, chicken, brisket, and turkey. My favorite meal is the Pig in the Blanket Salad with Beef Brisket and Ranch Dressing. It is a win every single time. When I worked near a Jim’ N Nick’s, I bet I had the salad at least three times a week. It is that good! 2831 Greystone Commercial Blvd, Hoover AL 35242 (205) 991-1306 1810 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover Al 35244 (205) jimnnicks.com733-1300
BY FULL
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BONUS: RODNEY SCOTT’S WHOLE HOG BBQ
24 Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022 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 www.WelcometoHooverAlabama.coms throughout the Birmingham metro, with a new Hoover location on the corner of Data Drive and Lorna Road. Saw’s is known for its Carolina Style pork and three sauces. My all-time favorite dish at Saw’s is the Pork N’ Greens (under the “Goodness & Greens” part of the menu). It is a gourmet masterpiece made with seasoned greens over cheese grits, topped with pulled pork, red sauce, and onion rings. Men’s Journal named Saw’s “The best barbecue in America.” We believe they round out Hoover’s barbecue scene quite nicely, too! 3780 Riverchase Village, Suite 100, Hoover AL 35244 (205) www.sawsbbq.com315-4637
The famous whole hog barbecue joint born in Charleston, SC, is opening its first Hoover location this fall in Stadium Trace Village, on the corner of Highway 150 and Stadium Trace Parkway. Add it to your list and you’ll be able to eat there soon! Do you agree? What is your favorite barbeque dish in Hoover? Find this blog on our website (enjoyhoover.com) and let us know about your experiences and what you enjoyed most. Then, remember to play Bar-B-Q Bingo and turn in your card for FREE prizes. See more on pages 15-16. PROVIDED MOON BAR-B-QUE
Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022 25 1021 brock’s gap parkway | hoover | (205) 444-8000finduson New fall f lavors coming soon! • Apple pie • Pumpkin • Cinnamon WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS. CHILDREN’S DOWNTOWN RUSSELL CAMPUS 1600 7th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org PEDIATRICSGREENVALE - HOOVER 5295 Preserve Parkway, Ste 100 Birmingham, AL 35244 (205) 987-4444 We work tirelessly to help kids get well because the world needs to see what Natalie dreams up.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY TRAK SHAK
Get motivated and get moving
26 Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022 SHOP
BY MITZI EAKER
Thinking about starting a walking regimen, doing a 5K, or running a marathon this year?
Hoover has one great store with two locations to help you find the perfect fit for your athletic goals. As an avid runner herself, Valerie McLean started the Trak Shak in Homewood in 1995. The original location is now a landmark and is still going strong, having helped foster a strong running culture in Homewood and the greater Birmingham area. In addition, Valerie was instrumental in starting the Mercedes Marathon in Birmingham and is a staunch supporter of the Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs. Today, Trak Shak is the go-to place to
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Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022 27 Helping clients get from their real estate experience! More Rick Realtor®Mosier(205)529-5699RickMosier@kw.comwww.RickMosier.comEachKellerWilliamsofficeisindependentlyownedandoperated
Trak Shak carries only the best shoes for your feet in a wide selection of brands, including Nike, Hoka, Brooks, ASICS, New Balance, Saucony, Altra, OnCloud, The North Face, and more. Along with footwear, they carry accessories and apparel. For any level runner, their stores are your onestop shop to prepare for your first run or 100th race. Each Trak Shak is a community hub for running, and the two locations in Hoover are no different. They host training programs with community runs weekly, they have access to information on races locally and across the nation, and they can help you know what runs are best for your level and direct you on how to register for races. If you are considering waking, jobbing, or running and your feet are tingling to get moving, run on over to Trak Shak to get started. Find them on either side of Hoover: 4700 Highway 280, Suite 9 (in the Inverness Village shopping center) or 1031 Brocks Gap Parkway, Suite 179 (in the Village at Brocks Gap).
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be appropriately sized and fitted for sports shoes for walking, running, cross-fitting, or standing. Each store has the technology to make a digital image of your feet to recommend footwear and orthotics, using the iStep machine from Aetrex. In addition, Trak Shak is available to attend corporate, church, or school health fairs to provide this service.
Embassy Suites welcomes visitors to Hoover
28 Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022 STAY
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY EMBASSY SUITES
BY CARMEN BROWN
Waking up to a full breakfast buffet with a cooked-to-order omelet station everyWindingmorning.down with house cocktails, beer, wine, and snacks in the evening. End your night by streaming your favorite shows on a Smart TV. These aren’t glamorous “extras” you have to pay for at the Embassy Suites Birmingham-Hoover. These amenities are included for every guest.Ashley Fox, director of sales and marketing, said that these features and more are what set Embassy Suites apart within the Hilton family of brands, and separate them from many other lodging facilities in the area. “With the economic situation recovering from the Covid pandemic and inflation, people are watching their money,” Fox said. “Embassy Suites’ brand is a great value for theTheirprice.”Hoover property recently underwent a multi-million-dollar
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“We felt it was important to continue to be prepared to serve our customers, as we felt confident that one day soon they would be traveling again,” Fox said. “We wanted to be ready for that day with an updated product.” For corporate guests, the hotel has 12,000 square feet of space for meetings, and at 9,920 square feet, the River Ballroom is the largest ballroom of all hotels in Hoover. Located at 2960 John Hawkins Parkway, close to the Riverchase Galleria and the Hoover Met, the hotel is in the perfect spot for eating, shopping, and sporting events along the busy Highway 150 corridor. Interested in dining in during your visit? Stay and eat at the newly renovated Hoover Grille, a hip-casual dining area that offers freshly made sandwiches, salads, coffee, and desserts
Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022 29 renovation, giving the lobby, the restaurant, and all 208 suites a brand new look. The lobby and restaurant were renovated in 2019. In 2020, guest rooms received new vinyl plank flooring, new sofa sleepers, and two new Smart TVs — one for the living room and one for the guestroom.
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“Our staff is fantastic,” Shoultz said. “They really are people who care about hospitality, and making sure everyone enjoys their time with us.”
Fox said the familiarity and camaraderie among the staff make for positive company culture. “Like restaurants, the hotel industry can be a revolving door, but we’ve been pretty consistent, and this does not go unnoticed by our guests. It does carry over into the service we provide.”
Fox said many of the 90 employees have been there since the hotel was first built in March 2010, something not often seen in the hotel industry. Fox and General Manager Wesley Shoultz (who had served as the Executive Chef until May) were hired in January of that year.
Shoultz said Embassy Suites continues to find new ways to give guests a fantastic experience.
The Embassy Suites Birmingham-Hoover is known for welcoming baseball devotees who come to Hoover for the Perfect Game baseball tournaments at the Hoover Met baseball every summer. The hotel is also a popular spot for fans of the Talladega 500 the last weekend in September, University of Alabama home football games, and many other sporting events in and around the Birmingham-Hoover area.
“We are painting all the guest rooms, as well as new wall vinyl in all the guest hallways. The breakfast area will also be undergoing a full refresh in the coming weeks. Plans are also in the works for a full bathroom renovation in all the guest rooms next year.”
Embassy Suites also offers free Wi-Fi, free parking, a fitness center, a 24-hour snack shop, and more. To book a reservation, call 205-985-9994, or visit embassysuites.com.
30 Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022 HOOVER BUCS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE 09/02 Spain Park 09/09 Vestavia Hills 09/16 Hewitt-Trussville (away) 09/23 Mountain Brook (away) 09/30 Oak Mountain (away) 10/07 Tuscaloosa County 10/14 Chelsea 10/21 Thompson (away) SPAIN PARK JAGUARS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE All games start at 7pm; home games held at Jaguar Stadium 09/02 Hoover (away) 09/09 Thompson (away) 09/16 Vestavia Hills 09/30 Tuscaloosa County 10/07 Chelsea (away) 10/14 Hewitt-Trussville 10/21 Oak Mountain 10/27 Pelham (away)
HOOVER LIBRARY 09/10: Purl on the Plaza. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monthly social event for craft enthusiasts. 09/16: Game Night, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Play board games, make new friends, and win prizes! 10/08: Purl on the Plaza. 1 p.m. to
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PHOTO BY FIELDS PHOTO Hoover and Spain Park football are back for Friday night lights.
November and December HOOVER MET 11/05 - 11/06: Moss Rock Festival. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Get ready for this big annual weekend exploring nature, smart living, art, and design. Visit mossrockfestival.com for 11/12:updates.WSA Cheer & Dance Competition 11/16 - 11/19: Junior League of Birmingham Market Noel 12/03: Deep South Cheer & Dance 12/10:CompetitionWSA Cheer & Dance Competition 12/17 - 12/18: CASC Gun Show For more information on these events, visit HooverMetComplex.com
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31 Enjoy Hoover September/October 2022
10/13 - 10/15: Gulf South Conference Volleyball Crossover – (Time TBA). 10/22 - 10/23: AGCA Gun Show –Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, AldridgeHooverMetComplex.comvisitGardens
10/15: 8 to 10 a.m. (Saturday)Members-Only Guided Birdwatch. Join Dr. Richard and Patricia Ryel for a guided tour of the gardens while viewing many of the 100 species of birds in the area. For more events, visit aldridgegardens. com HAY HOOVER 10/15: “Hay Hoover!” at Veterans Park, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Formerly Hoover Hayride and Family Night, this beloved annual family fall festival features food, fun, and games. Visit hooveralabama.gov for Lookingupdates.ahead:
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5 p.m. Monthly social event for craft enthusiasts.
HOOVER MET 10/01: Bluff Park Art Show, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come see award-winning artwork from artists all over the country, along with LIVE music. For more information, visit bluffparkartassociation.org
10/06: Taste of Hoover, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and sample delicious food from local eateries. Live music. Tickets are available starting September 1 online at aldridgegardens.comaldridgegardens.com<http://
10/01: 8:30 to 10 a.m. - Nordic Walking Class. Nordic walking can burn up to 40 percent more calories than regular walking. The event is free, but registration is required.
For more information, visit events. hooverlibrary.org/events.
10/15: Animal Adoption Event. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. library parking lot. Greater Birmingham Humane Society’s Adoption RV will have dogs available to adopt.
