Montgomery, known as the "Capital of Dreams," welcomes you to a world filled with a mixture of sophistication, whimsy, history and the future. With a unique historical background and a charming Southern culture, this city is teeming with excitement for all! Social and educational opportunities abound in this culturally diverse community. Street festivals, museums and performances on the riverside are among your list of social endeavors. You can also enjoy the cuisine of the South, ranging from gourmet food to good ole' southern cooking. Whether you are grabbing a bite in a rush or relaxing in one of the finer establishments, Montgomery’s restaurants will tickle your palate. Let Montgomery make your dreams become your reality.
Montgomery, Autauga and Elmore counties are locally known as the River Region. Montgomery, the capital of Alabama, is located in the central part of the state on the banks of the Alabama River, 92 miles south of Birmingham. The tri-county area has a population of approximately 374,536 residents and an estimated draw area of 600,000 people.
Montgomery is home to the Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park. The park harbors the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the fifth largest of its kind, which attracts visitors from all over the world as well as the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.
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.
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.
Lakes Jordan and Martin are within commuter driving distance and the most beautiful beaches in the world are only a few hours away. Alabama has over 20 state parks and is home to one of the Robert Trent Golf trails, plus the Montgomery Biscuits baseball team, and irresistible southern food.
If you’re a history buff, you’ll love what Montgomery has to offer. Montgomery was the first capital of the Confederacy and the location from which the telegram was sent that started the battle in the War between the United States. Montgomery is also 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 visitors to the Capitol City can stop by the First White House of the Confederacy and see the spot of the state capitol building where Jefferson Davis was sworn in as the President of the Confederate States of America. It was on those same Capitol steps that the Freedom March from Selma to Montgomery culminated with a speech by Martin Luther King, Jr. asking for equality for all people, regardless of race.
You can also visit the Scott and 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's central location provides easy access to major cities and resorts while still providing the comfort and peace of a small-town atmosphere. 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. You are truly in the center of it all!
The Montgomery Public School System consists of all public schools in Montgomery County. There are about 33,500 students in 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. Montgomery is also home to the No. 1 magnet school in the United States, as well as other top-ranked schools.
Montgomery attracted the first electric streetcar system and Wright Brothers (Orville & Wilbur) first school for powered flight. Montgomery is now the home of both Maxwell and Gunter Air Force Bases. Montgomery's economy has historically been based on government, military, retail and wholesale trade.
The addition of the $1 billion Hyundai auto plant in Montgomery has welcomed diversity to the area's economy.
For additional information:
- Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
- Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitor Bureau
- City of Montgomery
- City of Prattville
- Discover Alabama - Alabama Travel Council
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 was the first capitol of the Confederacy, and the location from which the telegram was sent that started the battle in the War between the United States. Montgomery is also 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 visitors to the Capitol City can stop by the First White House of the Confederacy and see the spot of the state capitol building where Jefferson Davis was sworn in as the President of the Confederate States of America. It was on those same Capitol steps that the Freedom March from Selma to Montgomery culminated with a speech by Martin Luther King, Jr. asking for equality for all people, regardless of race.
You can also visit the Scott and 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 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 resort 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.
For additional information
- Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
- Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitor Bureau
- City of Montgomery
- City of Prattville
- MD Connection
- See what's COOL in Montgomery!
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