Get the most out of living in beautiful Hoover, AL with a trip to these must-visit spots.
Looking for ideas on how to spend a day in your own hometown of Hoover, Alabama? We’ve got your back!
Here are 8 of our favorite things to do that every Hoover resident should try out with family, friends, or solo.
1. Leave the urban scene and explore nature at Moss Rock Preserve.
The Moss Rock Preserve is 349 acres of forest, rocky outcroppings, waterfalls, and streams. It’s also home to one of only 35 variants of the Little River Canyon Sandstone Glade. Within the preserve, you’ll find Boulder Field, a favorite spot for climbers, and roughly 12 miles of various hiking trails.
During your visit keep an eye out for wildlife and feel free to bring some binoculars and field guides to see what species you can recognize. Don’t forget to look at the local flora to see if you can spot one of the six rare plant species growing here.
2. Nurture your green thumb with a stroll through Aldridge Gardens.
Aldridge Gardens is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon or to catch outdoor-friendly classes and events for all ages. You can take a stroll through the gardens yourself or take a guided tour to learn more about the homegrown, hometown history of this stunning place.
Hoover residents that love nature and gardening will find plenty to see and do here, especially if you have a green thumb and interest in growing hydrangeas. Kids are also welcome and parents can find a few different day camps during the summer to keep youngsters engaged.
3. Watch a game or get some exercise at the Hoover Met Complex.
The Hoover Met Complex is a great destination for anyone who loves sports or simply being active and having fun. The complex is made up of a few different elements, including the Finley Center sports complex, the Hoover Met Stadium, the Hoover Climbing & Adventure, and various outdoor playgrounds and fields.
You can find what events are coming up by checking its online calendar. Parents may also be interested in signing their kids up for a sports summer camp.
4. Relax in the lap of luxury or play a round at Ross Bridge Golf Resort.
Nothing beats a weekend of relaxation to unwind and decompress. Luckily for Hoover residents, the Ross Bridge Golf Resort is right on our doorstep. Not only is the Ross Bridge a full resort complete with an enticing spa and stunning rooms, but it also has an incredible golf course featuring public and private options.
If you’re only interested in golfing, the RTJ Golf Trail surrounding the Ross Bridge property is a must! It’s one of the longest golf courses in the world and, best of all, golfers of all skill levels can have a memorable experience playing here.
5. Catch a local play or listen to live music at the Library Theatre.
The Library Theatre is a professional venue located right in the heart of Hoover. Being a smaller venue, the Library Theatre offers a cozy, intimate feel that’s growing harder to find in today’s world.
The Library Theatre has had a number of Grammy-winning musicians share their music and it hosts plays, dances, and eclectic events. You can find its current shows for the season here. This hometown Theatre also features seven permanent and rotating art galleries.
6. Make it a weekly treat to try a different hometown restaurant.
A fun new tradition to adopt for yourself or your family is to try out a different local Hoover restaurant every week. Not only does it help support our local businesses, but it also can expand your tastes and maybe introduce you to your new favorite restaurant!
A great way to find new places to try is to hop on Google or use Yelp. This gives you a chance to see what restaurants are close by and which have great reviews. Some of our highly rated local spots include the Front Porch at Ross Bridge for an upscale take on Southern cooking, Jake’s Soulfood Cafe for heart-warming soul food, and Bawarchi Biryanis for delicious Indian cuisine.
7. Plan a picnic or get-together with friends at a local park.
Hoover has a number of local parks for the community to enjoy. The majority of these parks are perfect for taking a walk, hosting a small gathering with loved ones, or enjoying a picnic in the afternoon shade.
Veterans Park is a particularly beautiful place to visit for a day of fun. You’ll find a walk-through butterfly garden, a stunning 4-acre lake as well as a smaller pond, plenty of hiking trails, a 5-km cross-country running trail, and volleyball courts. You can also pay your respects at the Veterans’ Memorial or use your visit as a chance to speak with your kids about the history of our country and the unique history of your own hometown.
8. Visit Brocks Gap Dental Group for an exam or cleaning.
Brocks Gap Dental Group is a collaborative dental team that covers all the bases when it comes to you and your family’s dental care needs. We offer a full menu of services ranging from general care to pediatric dentistry and orthodontics.
Although a trip to the dentist may seem an unusual addition to the list, consider how much more enjoyable your other adventures around Hoover will be if your oral health is top-notch! Your smile will be brighter in those group pictures, you’ll be able to enjoy the local cuisine even more, and a painful toothache won’t ruin a weekend of good hometown fun.
Get your family’s dental appointments booked before your next adventure in Hoover, Alabama.
Before you start planning your next afternoon outing at Moss Rock Preserve or a weekend at the Ross Bridge Golf Resort, take a moment to call Brocks Gap Dental Group to schedule your next dental appointment. If your family members are also due for a check-up or cleaning, let us know and we’ll do our best to get you all booked at once!
Also read:
5 Social-Distancing Day Trips for Family Fun Around Hoover, AL
