From History to Entertainment: What to Do in Montgomery, Alabama

Spread the love

Discover Montgomery, Alabama

Things to Do in Montgomery

Montgomery, Alabama, is packed with attractions that cater to all tastes, making it a great spot for both locals and visitors.

Theaters and Museums: The city is home to some top-notch theaters and museums. The Alabama Shakespeare Festival is a must-see, offering a variety of performances year-round. The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts features an impressive collection of American art.
Family Fun: For a fun family day out, catch a game with The Montgomery Biscuits, the city's minor league baseball team. The Montgomery Zoo is another fantastic spot, showcasing a wide range of animals and interactive exhibits.
Nightlife: Montgomery's nightlife is buzzing, with new rooftop bars offering stunning views and lively atmospheres.
Historical Sites: The Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, both projects by the Equal Justice Initiative, offer deep insights into America's history of racial inequality.
Outdoor Activities: The city also boasts beautiful parks and outdoor activities. A visit to the Redwood National and State Parks offers a chance to see diverse wildlife.

Best Places to Eat in Montgomery

Montgomery's food scene is rich and varied, with dining options that highlight the best of Southern cuisine. Here are some of the top-rated spots in the city:

Central: Located downtown, Central offers a sophisticated menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and Southern flavors.
Vintage Year: This elegant restaurant is known for its fine dining experience, offering a menu that combines classic Southern dishes with contemporary twists. Visit Vintage Year for more details.
Dreamland BBQ: For an authentic taste of Alabama, head to Dreamland BBQ. It's famous for its ribs and traditional barbecue sides.
Sa Za Serious Italian: If you're craving Italian, Sa Za Serious Italian is a popular choice, known for its creative pizzas and fresh pasta dishes.
El Rey Burrito Lounge: This casual spot offers delicious Mexican cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere. Check out El Rey Burrito Lounge for more information.
Chris' Hot Dogs: A Montgomery institution since 1917, Chris' Hot Dogs serves up classic American fare with a Southern twist.

Restaurant	Cuisine	Location	Rating
Central	Southern	Downtown	4.5/5
Vintage Year	Fine Dining	Cloverdale	4.7/5
Dreamland BBQ	Barbecue	Downtown	4.3/5
Sa Za Serious Italian	Italian	Downtown	4.4/5
El Rey Burrito Lounge	Mexican	Cloverdale	4.6/5
Chris' Hot Dogs	American	Downtown	4.2/5

These restaurants are highly rated by travelers and locals alike, with many earning accolades such as Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards. For more on what Alabama is known for in terms of cuisine, visit our page on Alabama's famous foods.

Cultural and Historical Sites

Equal Justice Initiative Projects

Montgomery, Alabama, is home to some powerful projects by the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) that shine a light on the history of racial inequality and justice in America. These include The Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.

The Legacy Museum dives into the story of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, racial terrorism, and the lasting effects of slavery and segregation on today's issues like mass incarceration. The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, another impactful EJI project, features over 800 six-foot columns representing U.S. counties where racial lynchings happened, with the victims' names etched on these monuments (Southern Living).

Recently, the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park opened to the public on Juneteenth 2024. This 17-acre site along the Alabama River tells the harrowing story of over 10 million Black people enslaved in the United States (Southern Living).

For those wanting to understand the deep-rooted history of racial injustice in America, these sites offer a comprehensive and moving experience.

Project	Description
The Legacy Museum	Explores the history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its modern-day consequences.
National Memorial for Peace and Justice	Features monuments for counties with racial lynchings, with victims' names engraved.
Freedom Monument Sculpture Park	Tells the story of over 10 million enslaved Black people in the U.S.

Civil Rights Memorials

Montgomery's civil rights memorials are key in remembering the significant events and people who played crucial roles in the civil rights movement. The Civil Rights Memorial Center and Memorial, dedicated in 1989, features a black granite table with a timeline of key events from 1954 to 1968. It honors 40 individuals, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Emmett Till, and Medgar Evers, who lost their lives in the fight for civil rights (Southern Living).

The Rosa Parks Museum stands as a tribute to Rosa Parks, whose arrest for not giving up her bus seat sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The museum showcases a 1950s Montgomery bus, original arrest records, court documents, and art pieces that highlight the political and social climate of that time (Southern Living).

The Freedom Rides Museum is located in the historic Greyhound bus station where 21 Freedom Riders arrived in 1961. This museum documents the journey and struggles of the Freedom Riders as they challenged racial segregation in public transportation.

These memorials and museums provide an insightful look into the civil rights movement's history and the ongoing struggle for equality.

Memorial	Description
Civil Rights Memorial Center	Black granite table with a timeline of civil rights events and names of 40 martyrs.
Rosa Parks Museum	Honors Rosa Parks with historic artifacts related to the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Freedom Rides Museum	Chronicles the journey of the Freedom Riders and their fight against segregation.

For more information on what to do in Montgomery, Alabama, including recreational activities and top restaurants, explore our other sections.

Fun Things to Do in Montgomery

Parks and Outdoor Fun

Montgomery, Alabama, has a bunch of parks and outdoor activities for everyone. These spots are great for families, friends, or anyone looking to have a good time outside.

Top Parks in Montgomery

Park Name	What You Can Do There
Blount Cultural Park	Picnics, kite flying, hiking, and bug hunting
Riverfront Park	Beautiful views, walking paths, boat rides, and fishing
Oak Park	Nature trails, playgrounds, and photography contests

Fun Activities in the Parks

Picnicking: Grab some snacks, a blanket, and enjoy a meal with your loved ones.
Flying a Kite: Perfect for kids and adults to enjoy the breeze.
Hiking: Trails for beginners and seasoned hikers.
Bug Hunting: Kids love it, and it's a great way to learn about nature.
Water Fun: Check out the streams and water features (Miracle Recreation).

If you're up for more adventure, head to the nearby Redwood National and State Parks. You might spot California sea lions and bald eagles (National Park Service).

Festivals and Events

Montgomery hosts a variety of festivals and events that bring people together for unforgettable experiences.

Must-See Festivals in Montgomery

Montgomery Smooth Jazz Festival: Happening on September 22-23 at the Riverwalk Amphitheater. Enjoy performances by Stokley, Musiq Soulchild, The Whispers, and Raheem DeVaughn (AL.com).
Alabama Shakespeare Festival: A yearly celebration of Shakespeare and other playwrights.
Riverfront Arts Festival: Features local artists, live music, and tasty food.

Festival Name	Dates	Location
Montgomery Smooth Jazz Festival	September 22-23	Riverwalk Amphitheater
Alabama Shakespeare Festival	Year-round	Various locations
Riverfront Arts Festival	May 12-14	Riverfront Park

These parks and events are just a taste of what to do in Montgomery, Alabama. Whether you're into nature or community events, Montgomery has something for everyone.

Dive into Alabama's rich culture and history with our articles on Equal Justice Initiative Projects and Civil Rights Memorials.