Montgomery is a cosmopolitan city.  From its famous Shakespeare festival to its symphony orchestra to the F. Scott Fitzgerald Museum, there are activities of substance that are culturally significant.   Visitors should check with the Arts Council before coming so they can plan ahead as to which of the many activities they will try to attend.

In the 1860s, Montgomery was  part of the Confederacy and the first Confederate White House still stands. Montgomery is justifiably proud of its history, and the many aspects of that history have united to form a strong cultural identity. Montgomery's Confederate Trail Itinerary covers a fascinating route from the State Capitol, past many buildings connected with that time in history, ending at the Confederate prison and cemetery. 

Montgomery's is one  of a few state capitol buildings designated a National Historic Landmark.  Known as the birthplace of the Confederacy and of the Civil Rights movement, The Alabama State Capitol is where Jefferson Davis took the oath of office as President of the Confederate States of America and where the Selma-to-Montgomery civil rights March ended with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivering a moving speech from the bottom of its steps. The historic Senate and House of Representatives Chambers, the old Supreme Court Chambers and several official offices have all been restored to their Civil War-era and turn-of-the-century appearances.

The Hank Williams Memorial honors the country singer, who is perhaps best known for his ballad, “Your Cheatin' Heart.” The memorial is downtown  in the Oakwood Cemetery Annex .   Weekdays,  the W.A. Gayle Planetarium on Forest Ave., presents sky shows and science programs.

Martin Luther King, Jr. preached in Montgomery from 1954 to 1960, and there is a monument to the Civil Rights movement.  Completed in 1989, the Civil Rights Memorial stands in the front plaza of the Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., as a monument to those who died in the struggle for racial equality. The memorial features the top of a circular marble table covered with a thin sheet of flowing water and is inscribed with dates of key events and names of people involved in the civil rights movement

 In Old Alabama Town, costumed interpreters guide visitors through life in the 19th and early 20th centuries in a fascinating 4-block “town.”  There is the opportunity to  over 40 buildings from schoolhouses to cotton gins and experience life as an Alabamian in the state’s infancy.

Maxwell Air Force Base, where the Wright Brothers' Flight School once stood, is the site of the Air University, the Air Force's center of professional military education.   Trolleys travel through the downtown area, providing transportation to Montgomery government buildings, historical sites, the Riverfront Amphitheatre and Riverwalk Stadium, home to the Class AA Montgomery Biscuits. The trolleys run continually from  9-6, Monday through Saturday for ease of transportation in reaching the city attractions.

Montgomery offers several parks in which to enjoy a family picnic. Chief among these is Blount Cultural Park, with its 300 acres of hills, lakes,  and culture. Then take a walk to the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts or the Alabama Shakespeare Festival Theatre and Shakespeare Gardens.

The highlight of the year in Montgomery is Jubilee CityFest which takes place  during Memorial Day Weekend.   CityFest appeals to a diverse crowd by offering  the best of  just about every genre of music including pop, country, alternative, zydeco, blues, jazz, folk, gospel, oldies and classic rock. Other Jubilee CityFest attractions include KidsFest, ArtFest, Symphony Pops Concert, Jubilee Run, "Thunder Over The River" fireworks and a Sunrise Celebration Service.  It is easy to see why Montgomery is such a popular vacation destination at any time of year!  

Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church 454 Dexter Ave 334-263-3970 Guests can visit the beautiful Baptist church where Martin Luther King, Jr. ministered from 1954 to 1960. The church offers some information on King, and his life and ministry.