24 Hours

We’ve gathered the essential one day. This line up captures the essence of Montgomery’s role in America’s Civil Rights story. We start the day learning about the people and places that laid the foundation of the movement with the Montgomery Bus Boycott, fill in the gaps of history with two of the most acclaimed new Civil Rights experiences in America, and round out the day with an uplifting tour that will motivate you to step back into your daily life with hope and courage.

Morning

Get a great start with a locally roasted cup of Alabama’s best coffee according to Food & Wine Magazine, and pastry at Prevail Union Montgomery. Get acquainted with Montgomery’s community of civil rights organizers circa 1955 a few blocks down the street at the Rosa Parks Museum and Library. Next, check out the Instagram-friendly mural commemorating the Selma to Montgomery Marches on Lee Street on your way to the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice.

Afternoon

After a challenging morning, comfort your soul with a heartwarming lunch at one of these popular downtown dining locations. Uplift your spirits and step-count with a guided walking tour of Dexter Avenue and Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church with the inimitable Wanda Battle. You'll see the office and desk where Dr. King wrote his sermons, tour the basement where the Montgomery bus boycott was organized, and depart with a song in your heart.

Evening

Wind down your day over dinner at Central, an upscale casual restaurant located in the heart of Montgomery’s Downtown entertainment district or reminisce over a big plate of homemade pasta at SaZa Serious Italian right in Alley Station. Walk over to Exchange Bar to enjoy the outside patio and listen to some live music around a fire to cap the night off. 

Freedom Rides Museum

Learn how 21 young people helped change our nation’s history using nonviolent protest. Black and white, male and female, none of them were older than 21. They stepped off of a bus at this station on May 20, 1961. They knew they might be met…

Union Station

The historic Union Station is perfect for a seated dinner or beautiful reception; the original stained glass mixed with original tile and picturesque views of the Alabama River make this venue a premier destination within the capital city.