Whether it’s a new flame, a best friend, your partner or your entire family, it’s time to wrangle your people and welcome back the sunshine. After a cold, rainy winter, it’s reset time. Less screen time, more sunshine. Less scrolling, more exploring. Turn off the TV, close the laptop, and put on your adventure gear. As a lover of nature, I’m always looking for ways to soak in the sunny vibes and make the best out of every day. And as a mom of two boys who literally climb and jump on everything in sight, I’m always hunting for ways to channel that energy into something fun, active, and a little bit magical. This, my friends, is your guide to a magical spring season.
City Day Dates
A city in the spring feels alive. Patios fill up, music drifts onto the sidewalks, and suddenly everyone is outside again. It’s the perfect setting for an easy (maybe even romantic) day.
Pepper Place Market
Fresh flowers, local produce, live music. It’s a whole vibe. Wander the booths, and let the morning unfold. You’re likely to run into a friend or make some new ones.
Mural Gazing
Explore downtown, and you’ll find murals everywhere—tucked along side streets, across brick walls, and in places you don’t expect. No need for a map. Just wander, look around, and let Birmingham surprise you.
Highlands Park Picnic + Stroll
The historic Highlands area comes to life in the spring. Wind along the sidewalks past charming, old homes full of character and then set up in Rhodes, Rushton or Caldwell Park with a blanket and a frisbee.
Adventure Day Dates
King’s Chair Hike at Oak Mountain
If you’re up for a little challenge, the King’s Chair hike is absolutely worth it. It’s steep in the beginning, but levels out as you go and rewards you with a beautiful vista. You can go out-and-back for a shorter 2.5-mile hike or turn it into a full 4.3-mile loop. Mom Tip: I did this with my nature-loving 6-year-old, and he loved it. The grumpy 8-year-old had to be encouraged, but he made it.
Bike, Walk or Run the Double Oak Lake Loop
The Double Oak Lake Loop Trail at Oak Mountain winds along the water, with plenty of shade and just enough elevation to keep your heart rate up without overdoing it. With plenty of parking, plus bathrooms, a playground, basketball courts, and pavilions, it’s easy to turn this into a full-day outing. Mom Tip: My boys bike, I walk, my husband runs. Everyone wins.
Paddle Boarding
This adventure is equal parts workout and therapy. Quiet and grounding, but challenging enough to keep you engaged. Rent boards at Oak Mountain or try the new Blue Water Park in Pelham for a surprisingly Caribbean-blue option.
Rock Climbing (Outdoor + Indoor)
Moss Rock Preserve is a local gem for bouldering and exploring. It’s one of the easiest places to dip your toe into climbing. The rocks are low, approachable, and perfect for kids. My boys have climbed all over every boulder, jumping from one to the next and walking through the narrow gaps in between like it’s their personal obstacle course. Mom Tip: Keep a close eye on your littles. Some of the rocks are tall with high drop-offs.
Relaxed Day Dates
Garden Shop Wandering
Spring makes me want to plant something. Or at the very least, pretend I’m going to. Being surrounded by greenery, fresh air, and rows of plants instantly shifts my mood.
• Trellis in Cahaba Heights is new, beautifully curated, and feels more like a boutique than a garden shop.
• Leaf & Petal is longtime local favorite, full of inspiration for porches, patios, and plant lovers.
• Collier’s Nursery is a hidden gem with a more local, laid-back feel. Perfect for slow wandering.
Ice Cream Stop
Sometimes the entire outing can revolve around ice cream, and honestly, that’s enough.
• Mountain Brook Creamery is classic, nostalgic, and always crowded for a reason.
• Big Spoon Creamery in Homewood offers unique flavors and a fun atmosphere.
• Bluff Park Ice Cream in Hoover is my personal favorite. Simple, sweet, and delicious.
Scenic Walk
Leave your phone and earbuds at home and immerse yourself in the sound of water, the rustle of leaves and the way the light filters through the trees. Less about the destination and more about giving your mind a break and your spirit a boost.
• Jemison Trail is shaded, peaceful, and perfect for strollers, dogs, or an easy reset. Mom Tip: My boys love throwing rocks in the river and walking barefoot on the rocky shores.
• Birmingham Botanical Gardens is, of course, always a favorite, especially in the spring when everything is in bloom.
• Aldridge Gardens in Hoover gives you open spaces and quiet corners that feel like stepping into a painting. Also, you’ll see plenty of ducks and koi in the pond.
Patio Day Dates
Not all patios are created equal. Give me some breezy, outdoor seating that doesn’t connect to a parking lot, please! I want charm, a little ambiance, maybe some greenery or a tucked-away corner that makes me feel like I’m on vacation.
• Juniper has an enclosed courtyard with a small fountain and seriously delicious food. It’s peaceful, a little romantic, and the kind of spot where you can slow down and savor the moment.
• La Fête feels like a little escape to Paris tucked right into downtown Birmingham. You can’t help but slow down and relax under the string lights in the French bistro energy. Share a few small plates and sip a glass of wine while pretending you’re somewhere far away.
• Golden Age Wine is a perfect late-afternoon stop. Tucked in downtown, it’s part wine shop, part indoor-outdoor wine garden with a great atmosphere and thoughtfully curated wines.
• Elysian Gardens is like stepping into a hidden backyard party. The lush green space, lawn art, and laid-back, open-air vibe are hard to beat. With live music, drinks, and room to spread out, it’s the kind of place where you can settle in and just enjoy being outside.
• The Garage is a Birmingham classic that always delivers. The character-filled patio feels like part antique shop, part hidden garden. Private and enclosed, you can get cozy with a partner or settle in with 20 of your best friends.
What Are You Waiting For?
Spring doesn’t last forever. Before you know it, we’ll be into full-on summer heat. This is your moment. Get outside. Try something new. Let your kids get dirty. Stay longer than you planned. Life feels better out there.
Lauren Vogel is a yoga teacher and wellness enthusiast who believes in movement, mindfulness, and making the most of everyday moments. You can find her on Instagram @laurenvogelyoga.
