5 Reasons Montgomery, Alabama Should be on Your Summer Travel Bucket List
Montgomery, Alabama, renowned as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and home to generations of world changing leaders, has emerged as a must-visit destination not just for purposeful travelers, but outdoor enthusiasts, foodies and families alike. Offering a range of scenic trails, unique flavors and enriching experiences, there’s something for everyone in this historic city. Here are five reasons why Montgomery deserves a spot on your travel bucket list this spring.
1. Paddle & Pedal Adventures: Outdoor adventure seekers can find a mix of outdoor lifestyle activities at Montgomery Whitewater Park, a free 120-acre world-class outdoor recreation center anchored by a state-of-the-art manmade whitewater course. Offering equal parts exercise and exploration in Montgomery’s beautiful natural setting, miles of hiking and mountain biking trails are also available at Lagoon Park Trail and Swayback Bridge Trail.
2. Unique Cultural Spirit: The Alabama Shakespeare Festival is a renowned professional regional theatre that produces 14 world-class productions each year, offering Broadway musicals, children’s productions, American classics and, of course, works of William Shakespeare. At the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, visitors will find an impressive collection of art spanning centuries and continents. At Riverwalk Stadium, a converted century-old train shed turned baseball stadium, visitors can cheer on theMontgomery Biscuits, who this year will celebrate 20 years as a cherished piece of the city’s history, culture and identity.
3. Enrichment and Education: Montgomery recently welcomed a set of powerful Legacy Sites, curated by the Equal Justice Initiative, which provide an unparalleled journey through 400 years of American history. For wildlife lovers, the Montgomery Zooshowcases more than 40 acres of natural habitats featuring over 500 animals from five continents. At Old Alabama Town, 19th and 20th century homes and structures have been saved from demolition, meticulously restored and opened to the public to offer a glimpse into how early Alabamians lived.
4. Abundant Alfresco Options: Ravello brings tastes of the Amalfi Coast to Montgomery in a fine dining setting and is topped by its own Bar Attico, an upscale rooftop bar serving curated lists of wines and cocktails. At Capitol Oyster Bar, diners will enjoy fresh seafood in a laid-back riverfront setting. Serious beer afficionados will get their money’s worth at the Goat Haus Biergarten, a German-style biergarten serving local craft beers and international favorites, and The Tipping Point, an indoor-outdoor gathering place with great food, music and plenty of craft beer on deck.
5. Elevated Hospitality: The newly opened Trilogy Autograph Collection, located in the heart of Montgomery’s historic district,offers a warm welcome with thoughtful design inspired by the region’s rich multicultural heritage. Guests of the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa are invited to pamper themselves with therapeutic treatments in a serene day spa setting that’s second to none.
