Montgomery in 3 Days: History, Culture, and Fun!

Montgomery: Experience Southern charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Montgomery, the capital city of Alabama, offers a wealth of history and culture for those on a limited budget. The city is famous for its Civil Rights landmarks such as Rosa Parks Museum and the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. Visitors can also explore free attractions like horse-drawn carriage tours, the Alabama State Capitol Building, and hike in nearby nature trails.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Discovering Downtown

  • Check in at the Red Roof Inn Montgomery Midtown hotel, perfect for those on a budget but still wanting comfort and convenience.
  • Take a stroll down Dexter Avenue, admiring the historic buildings and soaking up the atmosphere of the heart of Montgomery.
  • Visit the Dexter Parsonage Museum, once home to Dr Martin Luther King Jr and his family. Learn about his life and legacy.
  • Wander over to the Rosa Parks Library and Museum, honoring the Civil Rights activist who refused to give up her seat on a bus.
  • End the day by grabbing a bite to eat at Chris' Hot Dogs, an institution in Montgomery since 1917.
Day 2

Parks and Culture

  • Start the day with breakfast at Brenda's Bar-B-Que Pit, known for its delicious ribs and friendly service.
  • Head to the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, where you can admire artwork from around the world and even take part in a workshop or two.
  • Next, explore nature at the Montgomery Zoo. See exotic animals from Africa, Asia and Australia. Make sure to pack sunscreen, hat, and comfortable shoes.
  • Take a break and enjoy a picnic at Blount Cultural Park. It offers a peaceful lake, walking trails, and a Japanese garden.
  • End the day with a visit to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, where you can watch a play or take a backstage tour.
Day 3

Learning History

  • Fuel up at Waffle House, a Southern institution specializing in affordable breakfast food.
  • Start the day with a visit to the Civil Rights Memorial, honoring those who lost their lives during the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Move on to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, a moving tribute to victims of racial terror lynchings.
  • Head over to the Hank Williams Museum, showcasing memorabilia from the country music legend.
  • Wrap up your day with a visit to the Old Alabama Town, where you can step back in time and immerse yourself in the history of Montgomery’s past.
  • Dine at Dreamland BBQ, famous for their mouthwatering ribs and barbecue sauce. A perfect ending to a memorable trip.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Montgomery by plane is to fly into Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM), which is located about 7 miles southwest of downtown Montgomery. There are direct flights available from major cities such as Atlanta, Dallas, and Charlotte.

Car

Driving to Montgomery by car is a convenient way to travel, especially if you are coming from nearby cities. The city is well connected by several highways, including I-65 and I-85. Depending on your starting location, it can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours to reach Montgomery by car.

Train

Unfortunately, there are no passenger train services that directly connect to Montgomery. The closest Amtrak station is in Birmingham, Alabama, which is about 90 miles away from Montgomery.

Boat

Since Montgomery is not a coastal city, there are no direct boat services that connect to the city. However, if you are traveling from a nearby port city such as Mobile, you can take a boat tour or a riverboat cruise down the Alabama River to reach Montgomery.

Bus

One of the best ways to get to Montgomery by bus is to take Greyhound, which operates several daily bus services to Montgomery from major cities such as Atlanta, Birmingham, and New Orleans. The buses arrive and depart from the Greyhound Station located at 950 West South Boulevard.

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