The Many Memories Of Montgomery

As the capital city of Alabama, Montgomery encompasses everything a great Southern capital should. Located to the south-east of the centre of the state, in the Gulf Coastal Plain, Montgomery enjoys a position on rolling terrain, nestled on the banks of the Alabama River.

The city is rich in history, yet it is clear that it is steadily focused on the future. Showcasing the southern hospitality you would expect from any city in Alabama, Montgomery is the ideal place to visit for that family holiday that is long overdue. The beautiful weather here makes it a perfect destination all year round, and the air and atmosphere is simply brimming with rich diversity and culture.

The best way to experience Montgomery to its fullest potential is to hire a vehicle and explore the city by car. This will give you the freedom to see what you want to see whenever it suits you and your family. The city is just full of cultural attractions that are begging to be visited, with something unique and interesting around every corner. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

1. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

   This exclusive cultural museum exhibits some of the finest arts and collections in the state of Alabama. The permanent collection includes American art and sculptures, masterpieces from European masters, and an extensive collection of porcelain and glass works.

   The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is positioned in the Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park, which means that it is easily accessible with your rental car. This is one of the south’s premier cultural institutions so it is definitely one not to miss.

2. Montgomery Zoo

   The Montgomery Zoo is one of the state’s best cultural destinations when it comes to family fun and entertainment. The zoo is home to over 700 species of animals that frolic freely in the 48-acres of barrier-free habitats. The mission of the zoo is to “improve the future for wildlife by exhibiting animals and plants, while providing education and conservation programs which encourage respect and stewardship for the natural world, as well as a better understanding of our place in it.” The Montgomery Zoo is a true leader and innovator in wildlife conservation and preservation, so this place is definitely worth a visit.

3. Old Alabama Town

   As the South’s premier history village, Old Alabama Town will definitely not be a disappointment. This collection of magnificent, authentically restored 19th and 20th Century structures is nestled right in the heart of Montgomery’s historic downtown. Take a step back in time and experience over 100 years of history as you embark on a journey of the past. Stroll through the meticulously restored and furnished buildings that reflect the lives of the people who settled and developed Central Alabama. This discovery of Montgomery’s days gone by will allow you to see the stark contrasts between the elegant townhouse lifestyle and rural pioneer living. This is a journey that will surprise, excite, and tantalize the history buff inside of you!

4. Alabama Shakespeare Festival

   The Alabama Shakespeare Festival is the sixth largest Shakespeare festival in the world, making Montgomery the ideal location for all those literature and theatre lovers out there. The festival attracts over 300,000 visitors annually and is held

   at the Carolyn Blount Theatre. Throughout the year, the organization produces 14 world-class productions, so no matter what your taste, there is sure to be something here for you.

   The Alabama Shakespeare Festival is dedicated to exhibiting the best of Southern writers and topics and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the southern storyteller. This is the perfect activity to get a true sense of the south as it allows you to fully absorb yourself in the unique culture and heritage.

5. Civil Rights Memorial and Centre

   The Civil Rights Memorial is a structure that is comprised of a table, overflowing with water, inscribed with the names of those who died during the modern civil rights movement. The center furthers the experience of the memorial as is acts as a further memory of the achievements of those lost during those difficult times.

   The Memorial Centre is home to many state-of-the-art exhibits and showcases in-depth information about the Civil Rights Movement Martyrs. The center also houses a 69-seat theatre, a classroom for educational activities, a special section dedicated to contemporary social justice issues, and the Wall of Tolerance. This Memorial truly is a special place to visit and will open your eyes to the hardships the country had to endure to get to where it is today.

Montgomery certainly is a unique place that offers so much to see and do that you may just run out of time to see it all!