By Emily Williams Moving from the Beaver State to the Cotton State, Lorrie and Rick Crook have found a community through their love of nature. When it came time for the Crooks to retire, they saw it as an opportunity to move from the coastal Oregon city of Newport and be closer to their son and grandchildren in Birmingham. Upon moving to their condo in Hoover, the Crooks … [Read more...]
Spring Break Close to Home: Alabama Offers Plenty of Hometown and Day Trip Options for Vacationing Families
By Lynn Grisard Fullman If for a minute you feel a twinge of envy that your friends are packing to go to faraway places during spring break, don’t despair. There are plenty of interesting places closer to home to keep you and your family entertained. “There is a joke among tourism professionals called ‘the inverse law,’ which means the closer you are to an attraction, the … [Read more...]
Labor of Love: Hoover Resident Tackles Ultimate DIY Landscaping
By Sarah KuperHaving lived in many areas of the country, Sid and Gayleen McLean always embrace new habitats, both personally and horticulturally. “Everywhere we have ever lived we have done the landscaping. It’s something I learned from my mother,” Sid McLean said. The couple had retired and moved out west, but when Sid McLean inherited his parent’s home in Hoover, … [Read more...]
Brought to You by Volunteers: Aldridge Gardens Gearing up for Annual Plant Sale
By Sarah KuperHidden in the hustle and bustle of the Hoover commercial district, Aldridge Gardens offers Over the Mountain residents a serene and convenient escape. The grounds include gardens of hydrangeas, whimsical sculptures and a waterscape. Despite the garden's many natural and educational offerings, CEO Tynette Lynch said there are only 10 paid employees. "We … [Read more...]