Nature & Outdoors
To truly appreciate Montgomery to the fullest, you have to get out there and engage it. We’ve gathered up some of the best outdoor experiences the capital city has to offer. So, pack your sunscreen and favorite pair of tennis shoes. You’re going to need it for this outdoor itinerary!
Begin the day by exploring The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, a six-acre site that uses sculpture, art, and design to create a sober and meaningful place where people can gather and reflect on America’s history of racial inequality. The newly established gardens at the entrance are a beautiful place to reflect. Grab lunch to go at one of the many eateries downtown and head out to Jackson Lake Island, home of the set of the movie Big Fish, for a picnic, kayaking, and meeting the local resident goats. Now that your metabolism has had a jump-start, it’s time for a little refueling. Montgomery offers several options for dinner; try Central, an upscale casual restaurant located in the heart of Montgomery’s downtown entertainment district or carb load with some homemade pasta at SaZa Serious Italian for the next day's exploring. Wind down the evening on The Exchange patio and sip on a refreshing cocktail while listening to some live music and enjoying the vibrancy of downtown Montgomery.
The next day, you can enjoy lunch at Partiot’s Grill, where owners Glen and Rose Tarantino put their years of culinary arts skills to use serving up unique dishes like Jamaican ox tails to traditional Italian Sunday lunch. Step back in time in Old Alabama Town and see how early Alabamians lived in 19th and early 20th century homes and buildings that have been carefully restored. Grab some grub at the laid-back Capitol Oyster Bar, a hidden gem overlooking the Alabama river dishing up Southern fare, seafood, and live music. While you're there, rent a pontoon boat and go exploring the river on your own or hop on Montgomery’s newest attraction, Sip-N-Cycle Pedal Cruises and close your rings with some cycling or hang out and socialize with your favorite beverage while Captain Stu brings the high energy vibes that will make you not want to get off the boat! Later, catch a Biscuits Baseball game in the historic Riverwalk Stadium, a train station that has been converted into a minor league stadium. Afterwards, walk across the street to Montgomery’s Entertainment District and have a drink.
Round out your trip and complete those step goals on the trails at Lagoon Park. Continue your park exploration at the Blount Cultural Park that includes walking trails, a dog park, duck ponds and statues in a picturesque setting. While you're there, check out the John and Joyce Caddell sculpture garden at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Finish your afternoon at The Tipping Point, a unique gathering spot located in the heart of the Hampstead community where you can sit on their patio and enjoy a craft beer, coffee, or their famous cookie skillet. Satisfy your southern taste buds at City Grill, a sophisticated restaurant serving dinners with a global touch, just across the street.
