Completely free to the public, Aldridge Gardens is a lovely oasis nestled in the middle of Hoover, Alabama.
These 30 acres of well-tended park and botanical gardens offer a variety of things to do. If you enjoy feeding turtles and fish, you can. Should you like walking through nature, you can. If you like birding, you can do that too. If you’re fond of nature photography…
There is an easy exit from the freeway, one left turn (but watch for signs, because this is not an obtrusive destination), and you have arrived! Once there, park and enter through an attended main gate.
The attendants know everything inside and out. Allow them to familiarize you for a few minutes and you can enjoy the elements you like, or stroll right in and discover the gems as you go, either way, it is a very scenic and safe place.
Aldridge Gardens has a donation box, but they do not require a fee to enter or exit the grounds.
Aldridge Gardens are a Photographer’s Paradise
Any direction you look, you will see something else picture-worthy. The structures, the sculptures, the lake, small animals, and birds, all add to the peaceful atmosphere.
We haven’t justly addressed the amazing plantings to serve as backdrops for weddings, graduation, or art photography. While Hoover, Alabama can boast many lovely vistas, Aldridge Gardens is one that definitely stands out.
Shade covers much of the gardens, so you might want to scout the park so you can time your shots to have the lighting you want or need.
Visit the Little Free Library at Aldridge Gardens, Hoover, Alabama
Just prior to the entrance, a Little Free Library perches in a garden nook, well within reach of the sidewalk. If you have yet to encounter one of these, they are basically small cabinets for books with a glass door so you can see inside. Pick a book up, or leave one there.
The little library at Aldridge Gardens contains titles of different genres appealing to different interests. And while there may be other libraries around the city, I daresay that few can boast such lovely reading areas as those that dot the landscape there.
Select a book, find a peaceful patch of ground to spread a blanket, or sit at one of the many benches or tables and read the afternoon away. Be sure to leave your book, or at least return it soon.
I like to leave books when I find one of these gems to help them be self-perpetuating.
Aldridge Gardens, Hoover, Alabama-
One of the Nicest, Most Accessible Walking Trails in the Area
There are several options for hiking or walking. A .51 mile concrete path winds around the backside of the lake. The path provides both asphalt and unpaved areas for you to enjoy. All walking trails are 100% ADA accessible.
Guests are also encouraged to explore the wooded areas. When you want a rest, shade and benches abound through the gardens.
The architects of the trail designed the well-maintained concrete and asphalt areas with walkers of all abilities and ages in mind. The paths are not always wide, so there will be times one party or the other will want to step aside for courteous passage.
There are no steep areas and no steps that cannot be navigated by those who use walking assistance.
Bronzes by Frank Fleming
A number of appealing and well-crafted bronzes perch here and there throughout the area. They could have been inspired by Lewis Carroll.
A mother duck leading her chicks, a tortoise pulling a cart, the heron fountain, and my very favorite- a sturdy bronze butterfly bench as well as other figures give focal appeal to well-planted gardens and walkways.
Be sure to ask the attendants to tell the history of these pieces. Story short, they are gifts from an individual and have stories all their own.
Fountains– Big and Small
A vertical fountain oxygenates the lake and is visible from anywhere near the lake. I just sat on a bench and enjoyed its sights and relaxing sounds for quite a while.
Later, I sought a public restroom and at the entrance of the gift shop and gallery, there was another, of a very different style and scale, bubbler fountain in the garden. This one was a whimsical bronze sculpture by Frank Fleming in the shape of an anthropomorphized heron.
The Covered Pier
We took our picnic and ate with granddaughters over the water around one of the three wooden picnic tables in the gazebo-type covered pier. The pier is comfortable and plenty wide, and a floating bridge completely crosses the water.
While eating, we easily watched fish swimming below the lake surface just a few feet away. Someone had left part of a loaf of bread and we crumbled some into the water but left most of it for the next guests.
Another family brought handfuls of floating fish food and that brought the entertainment!
We spotted two varieties of turtles (at least!) and sunfish including bluegills, as well as very large buffalo fish. The fish provided lots of entertainment as they churned the water and competed when some of the fish food was tossed in their direction.
Gift Shop and Gallery
The gallery was closed during our last visit due to a private luncheon, but we were able to visit the gift shop. The shop sells all of the expected, as well as some lovely, unexpected items.
Seasonally, seeds and plants from the garden may be available to purchase. The restrooms were clean and well-stocked. Those working were very courteous, patient, and helpful.
Events/Facility Rentals
As alluded to earlier, the gallery is available for intimate private events. Additionally, a completely covered open-air pavilion would be an incredible venue for weddings, quinceaneras, receptions, or reunions. I did not ask about fees but Aldridge Gardens is one of Hoover, Alabama’s most picturesque venues.
Membership Has Its Perks at Aldridge Gardens, Hoover, Alabama
If you live in the surrounding area of Hoover, Alabama, and like to fish or walk your dog in picturesque venues, a membership to Aldridge Gardens might be a great idea.
Membership is only $50.00 a year, but this small amount provides you with the added privileges of being able to fish in the lake as well as bring your dog to the gardens.
Members may bring their leashed dog and/or go fishing during specific times on certain days of the week. They are permitted Mondays through Thursdays from 4:00-7:00 PM.
For more information, check out their website. We have visited there several times with our granddaughters and it has always been an extremely enjoyable experience.
Aldridge Gardens is a picturesque little gem. Be sure and make time for a visit if you are in the Hoover, Alabama area.
Thanks for Reading!
To see where else we have visited, click HERE, or to learn more about who we are, click HERE.
