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Overview

The busy city of Hoover, located at the foothills of the Appalachians, is considered the largest suburb area of Birmingham. Founded by William H. Hoover, a local businessman, the city continues to operate not only as a residential area but significantly as a business center. Also known to be a great shopping place, Hoover is a paradise to shopaholics who are after the latest trends and fashion. Visitors can take their time to look around the city for its historical sites and nature parks after they are done with their shopping.

Shopping

Considered as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hoover, the Riverchase Galleria is currently the 24th largest shopping mall in the U.S. With a vast area of 1.9 million square feet, it houses a shopping mall, hotel and an office center all at the same time. Opened in 1986, “The Galleria,” as the locals fondly call it, had the shops Parisian, Pizitz, J.C. Penney and Macy’s as some of its earliest stores. Today, it has over 200 specialty stores serving enthusiastic shoppers at the place. Also, an 18th century carousel adds to the attraction of the shopping mall. Other recommendable places to shop include Patton Creek, having 15 movie theatres and numerous restaurants to choose from. For the opulent, The Village at Lee Branch is a familiar place for their retail needs. Located strategically at the U.S. Highway 280, this shopping center also had its preserved centuries-old tree as one of its attractions. 

Fast Facts

• Hoover experiences wet winter months; snow is least likely expected.
• Michael Jordan, more famously known as a legendary basketball player, played minor league baseball for the Birmingham Barons in 1994 after NBA. 
• The Moss Rock Festival held every November, celebrates eco-friendly ideas through different community activities such as nature trails and art and design. 
• With over 80,000 residents in the 2010 census, Hoover’s population has more than doubled in the last decade. 

Restaurant and Dining

Having vast shopping centers, Hoover is likewise a great place also to different restaurants catering to different taste buds. Some of the distinct districts where these dining places can be found are in the Riverchase Galleria Mall, Patton Creek Shopping Center, The Village at Lee Branch, and Bluff Park & Shades Area. From pizzerias, sushi bars, steak houses to ice cream parlors, visitors will surely have a hard time choosing which of these to try. Also not to forget the restaurants located along Montgomery Highway, Highway 280 and Valleydale Road which have places offering Chinese food and other Asian fare.

Best Hotel Accommodations

A place to stay will never be a problem while in Hoover. Tourists and shoppers as well can enjoy longer stays in the city while exploring new shops and attractions. The Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa, located at Grand Avenue, offers a great deal of different packages for couples, families, and groups. The Wynfrey Hotel, located at the Riverchase Galleria, is recommended for those wanting to stay near the shopping paradise of the city. Other accommodations offering comfort to tourists include Hyatt Place Birmingham and the Embassy Suites Birmingham.