Bummed about all that might not be happening this summer with COVID-19? Here’s our list of what fun you CAN partake in even with social distance in Hoover and beyond.
IN HOOVER
Get Fresh Veggies from Local Markets
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Scout Square
You can still shop local businesses and farmers’ selections local farmers’ markets. The Ross Bridge Farmer’s Market takes place Fridays 4-8 p.m. at 2101 Grand Avenue from May 22 to July 31 and has fresh produce, live music and more. Find more details on their Facebook page. Over off Highway 280, the MarketPlace at Lee Branch is currently open as a drive-through and order-ahead market on Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon. To learn more or place an order, visit their website.
Take in a Concert from the Car
June 4, 11, 18, & 25
Hoover Met Complex
Who says you can’t rock on and social distance at the same time? The Black Jacket Symphony is returning to the stage to perform classic rock albums with the audio blasting directly into your car stereo. It’s like a drive-in movie but with music! Visit blackjacketsymphony.com for more information.
Sign Up for Online Summer Reading
May 1-July 31
No pandemic can stop you from summer reading! In fact, you might have more time for it than usual. Register for summer reading and log your books with the Hoover Public Library, and you can join in on their online programs for kids. You can start using their curbside pickup service beginning June 1 too.
Get a Sweet Treat
Start with a frozen one from The Whole Scoop in Brock’s Gap, Bluff Park Ice Cream Shoppe in Bluff Park or La Sobrosita Ice Cream Shop on Lorna Road. There’s always bakeries too: Edgar’s in Patton Creek, Dreamcakes Café in Ross Bridge, Pastry Art Bake Shoppe on Highway 280, Ashley Mac’s on Highway 31, Nothing Bundt Cakes in Riverchase—many options to choose from.
Take a Hike
Take a break from your neighborhood walk, and go explore waterfalls, bouldering rock and more at Moss Rock Preserve; find a map and directions for it here. Over off Alford Road, you can also check out the trails at Blue Ridge Park at 1121 Blue Ridge Blvd.
Shop Local + Eat Local
Hoover shops are mostly reopened and ready for shoppers! Browse them with a mask on with social distance in person, or many are still offering online and/or curbside options as well. Likewise, most restaurants have reopened patios and dining rooms with limited capacity, and are still offering to-go and curbside offerings too—perfect for al fresco dining in your backyard or a park picnic.
AND BEYOND
Drive in for Pop-Up Movies at The Summit
May 30+June 7
The Summit
Sidewalk Film Center is setting up (temporary) shop The Summit. Gates fo these drive-in movies open at 7 p.m., and the lot closes at 7:45 p.m. The movie begins at sunset, around 7:40 p.m. Pretty in Pink is on tap for May 30, and The Peanut Butter Falcon for June 7. Admission is $20 per car.
Watch Cardboard Puppet Theatre
Birmingham Children’s Theatre can’t host live shows for the foreseeable future, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t putting on shows. Each Wednesday at 9 a.m. they are releasing at Cardboard Puppet Theatre production on their website. Titles like Anita’s Vacation, Harris the Helper and Turtle Takes Her Time helps young audiences process these new and uncertain times, and they are all written, performed, filmed and edited by the BCT team. Watch them here.
Go Berry Picking
We all went strawberry picking to save our sanity in the spring. Now it’s blueberry season, or it will be by sometime between mid-June and early July. Find a list of farms that offer u-pick options here and be sure to pack a hat and bug spray. Trust us, it will be worth all the sweat for cobblers, muffins and smoothies in your future.
Visit the Virtual Zoo
The Birmingham Zoo is planning to open gradually this summer, but to tide you on animal visits over until then you can take a peek behind the scenes in its Virtual Zoo video offerings. Check them out here.
Are there any local events and activities we should add to this list? Email them to our editor at mm@hooversmagazine.com.
