When planning an adventure, it's easy to overlook the countless opportunities right in your own city. In a vibrant place like Montgomery, you can enjoy a casual adventure with ease. This blog is your local guide to making the most of your free time, offering a wealth of options for exploring and enjoying the city.
Whether you have just a couple of hours to spare or a whole day to dedicate to adventure, Montgomery has a diverse range of outdoor activities to cater to your leisure preferences. So, gather your partner, friends, family, or out-of-town guests and get ready to experience Montgomery.
Cruise the Alabama River
One notable attraction in Montgomery, the capital of Alabama, is the Alabama River, which runs through the heart of the city and is perfect for your next adventure. Book a trip on the Sip-n-Cycle Pedal Cruise, a one-of-a-kind experience that goes beyond a typical river ride; it's an electrifying party on water. Captain Stu is the masterful DJ who sets the scene with the latest chart-toppers and timeless tunes, making it a great time for everyone. You can relax with your drink in hand or dance and sing along during the whole ride. It's truly a unique adventure.
Another fantastic option is the Harriott II Dinner Cruise, a leisurely two-hour voyage filled with delights for the senses. Set sail on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday to enjoy a sumptuous full-plated dinner prepared by a local chef while enjoying live entertainment. You'll also have access to a full bar offering an array of quality beverages. This cruise provides the ideal setting to kick off your weekend, creating lasting memories with family and friends.
As the summer temperatures start to soar, beat the heat by going on a relaxing cruise down the Alabama River. Enjoy the beauty of Montgomery from a new perspective and unwind in style on these unforgettable river excursions.
Biscuits Game
A Montgomery Biscuits game is a perfect outdoor adventure for all ages. Game nights usually include unique entertainment to keep the crowd engaged, specials on food and drinks to make it more affordable, a kids' play area, and more. Visit our blog, "5 Ways to Experience the Montgomery Biscuits," to learn more about the experience and to help plan your next adventure.
Animal Encounter
Experience the thrill of the wild at the Alabama Safari Park. At the park, you can go on a thrilling adventure through a 350-acre drive-thru safari. From the safety of your vehicle, you can interact with some fascinating animals. Also, explore on foot by strolling through the village and have an up-close encounter with the park's wildlife.
If you seek more excitement, the park offers memorable, up-close encounters with an Aldabra Tortoise, Sloth, or giraffe. You can feed the animals, learn about these creatures, and even take photos.
Explore the wilds of South America, Africa, Asia, and North America; from African elephants to roaring lions and zebras, the Montgomery Zoo offers an exciting and educational experience. Leisurely stroll through the park or hop on the miniature train for a unique view of exotic wildlife and endangered species. Mann Wildlife Learning Museum features over 275 exhibits of North American wildlife, fish, reptiles, and insects. Take a break at the Overlook Cafe and enjoy your meal surrounded by animals.
Farmers Markets
Support local vendors by shopping at Montgomery's farmer's markets. They offer a unique shopping experience, and each has its own appeal, whether seasonal or year-round.
The EastChase Farmer's Market occurs rain or shine every Saturday from May 18 to August 31. You can explore a diverse selection of products from over thirty certified local vendors. These vendors offer a wide range of items such as produce, homemade jellies, jams, locally grown honey, and even specialty items like boiled peanuts. Keep an eye out for select Saturdays where special giveaways and celebrations are held to enhance the shopping experience.
The Fairview Farmers Market has you covered if you're looking for fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. It's open 7 days a week and offers a great variety of locally-grown produce. The Montgomery Curb Market is the city's oldest continually run farmers' market. It's an excellent place to find farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, Farm-To-Table gourmet food items, handmade soaps, and artisanal bread. Moreover, the Curb Market is open year-round on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. FreshGreensMarket is an organic urban farm and market with a mission. Located on the west side of Montgomery, the mission is to make fresh food accessible to the community and its residents. You can stay updated on their location by following them on social media or checking their calendar of events.
FreshGreensMarket
Outdoor Patio Dining
One of the most delightful ways to escape the heat is to relax with a refreshing drink and engage in conversation while savoring a meal on a charming outdoor patio. This enjoyable activity is easily accessible, with a multitude of inviting venues to discover in Montgomery. Use our blog "Dine Outdoors This Summer: 12 Fantastic Dining Spots to Explore" to plan your summer outdoor dining experience.
Montgomery Whitewater
Montgomery Whitewater is a top outdoor adventure destination for people of all ages to step outside, challenge themselves, explore new activities, and embrace nature. It's a great place for beginners and intermediate paddlers and rafters, as the channels replicate the experience of a natural river. The recirculating river system is split into two channels. The Creek Channel offers a fantastic introduction to whitewater activities, while the Competition Channel is a playground for those with advanced skills and is also suitable for novice rafters looking to tackle bigger rapids. Both channels meet in the lower pond, where rafts can return to the conveyor belt for another run!
You can also visit Montgomery Whitewater for a dining experience unlike any other in Alabama. You can eat inside or on the patio at Eddy's restaurant to watch all the action or simply appreciate one of Montgomery's best sunsets after work. It's an ideal spot for lunch, dinner, or happy hour drinks, just a few minutes from downtown. This exceptional seating area is the perfect place to enjoy our wide selection of food, craft beer, wine, and cocktails offered daily.
Shoppes at EastChase
The Shoppes at EastChase stands out as the top shopping destination with an impressive selection of over 85 stores and restaurants. Some well-known brands you'll find here include Dillard's, Target, Kohl's, and H&M, offering the latest fashion and home essentials. In addition to shopping, the center provides various entertainment options for the entire family. From relaxing Yoga sessions on the Green to enjoying Moonlight Movies and Summer Nights events, there's something for everyone. Watch for unique pop-up shops like the Farmers Market, where you can discover exclusive and limited-time shopping experiences.
Moonlight Movies
EJI Legacy Sites
The Legacy Sites comprise three interconnected spaces operated by the Equal Justice Initiative. These spaces are the Legacy Museum, which offers a compelling journey through America's tumultuous history of racial injustice. The National Memorial for Peace and Justice is an outdoor monument that serves as a powerful testament, recounting the stories of nearly 5,000 Black individuals who perished between 1877 and 1950. The newest addition is the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park, an outdoor reflection space that stands as a tribute, offering a unified experience. It includes original artifacts belonging to enslaved Black individuals, providing a tangible connection to their stories and offering visitors an immersive and interactive experience to honor their extraordinary courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
