About Montgomery, AL
Montgomery, also known as the "Capital of Dreams," invites you to experience a blend of sophistication, whimsy, history, and the future. With a rich historical background and a delightful Southern culture, this city offers an abundance of excitement for everyone. Social and educational opportunities are plentiful in this culturally diverse community. Whether it's street festivals, museums, or riverside performances, there's no shortage of social activities to enjoy. You can also savor the diverse cuisine of the South, ranging from gourmet food to classic Southern cooking. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or dining in one of the city's finest establishments, Montgomery’s restaurants are sure to delight your taste buds. Let Montgomery turn your dreams into reality.
Montgomery, Autauga, and Elmore counties collectively make up the River Region. As the capital of Alabama, Montgomery is situated in the central part of the state, along the banks of the Alabama River, 92 miles south of Birmingham. The tri-county area boasts a population of approximately 374,536 residents and an estimated draw area of 600,000 people. The addition of the $1 billion Hyundai auto plant in Montgomery has brought diversity to the area's economy.
Parks and Recreation
Montgomery is home to the Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park which harbors the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the fifth largest of its kind. Alabama Shakespeare Festival attracts visitors from all over as it is named one of the largest Shakespeare festivals in the world. Alabama has over 20 state parks and is home to one of the Robert Trent Golf trails.
If animals and wildlife are what you enjoy, then look no further than Montgomery. The Montgomery Zoo displays more than 600 animals from five different continents as you stroll through lush greenery and crashing waterfalls. The Museum at the Montgomery Zoo has one of the nation’s finest collections of professionally presented North American wildlife.
Entertainment
The Alabama River runs right along downtown Montgomery where you can enjoy concerts, movies, productions and performances at the Riverwalk Amphitheater as you feel the river breeze. You also have the luxury of taking a riverboat cruise on the Harriott II for a scenic view of the Alabama River. Downtown Montgomery holds the home stadium for the Montgomery Biscuits baseball team, great dining, and tons of family fun.
History and Landmarks
If you’re a history buff, you’ll love what Montgomery has to offer. Montgomery is the location of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s pulpit, from which he preached the gospel of non-violent revolution in the fight for Civil Rights. Today, people can visit the state capitol steps where the Selma to Montgomery March ended with a speech by Martin Luther King, Jr., advocating for equality for all people, regardless of race.
You can also visit The Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum as well as the Hank Williams Jr. Museum. Old Alabama Town is also a popular attraction. Costumed interpreters guide you through life in the 19th and 20th centuries in this fascinating four-block “town” to learn more about Alabama in its beginning years.
Montgomery also attracted the first electric street car system and the Wright Brothers (Orville & Wilbur) first school for powered flight. Montgomery is now the home of both Maxwell and Gunter Air Force Bases.
Shopping and Dining
The Shoppes at EastChase is THE shopping center in Montgomery as it hosts more than 85 stores and restaurants. Among those are Dillard’s, Target, H&M, Kohl’s, and Best Buy – to name a few. The Shoppes at EastChase Farmer’s Market is held every Saturday and continues to grow as it is now one of the top five largest in Alabama.
Whether you’re in EastChase, downtown Montgomery, or Old Alabama Town, there is no shortage of fine dining or good southern cooking.
Education
Montgomery is home to the No. 1 magnet school in the United States, as well as other top-ranked schools. The Montgomery Public School System consists of all public schools in Montgomery County. There are 35 elementary schools, 11 junior/middle schools and eight high schools. In addition, Montgomery offers a wide variety of private schools, including parochial schools, all offering college preparatory classes.
Close Proximity to Regional Attractions
Montgomery's central location provides easy access to major cities and resorts while still providing the comfort and peace of a small-town atmosphere. Lakes Jordan and Martin are within commuter driving distance and the most beautiful beaches in the world are only a few hours away. The city is located 164 miles southwest of Atlanta, 155 miles north of Mobile and the Gulf of Mexico and 310 miles northeast of New Orleans.