Montgomery Alabama: Where the Past Meets the Future

          Montgomery Alabama offers a variety of activities that are not only fun, but also educational. The city provides a plethora of examples of our countries past while also giving us an opportunity to glimpse into the future. As most people know, Montgomery was the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. When visiting Montgomery, the White House of the Confederacy is one of the first stops to be made because it provides insight to what Montgomery once represented. It is open to the public, and a free source of both history and entertainment.

QUARTER FINALIST 2013 FTF TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP

            From the meeting place of Confederates to becoming the congregation of many Civil Rights Acts, Montgomery provides significant examples of a very dark time in American history, and how even the place that once stood for the rights of slavery progressed into becoming a beacon of hope for those fighting for their freedom. The Montgomery Bus Boycott, which is most famously noted by the iconic woman, Rosa Parks, can best be explored at the Rosa Parks Museum, located in downtown Montgomery. It provides a collection of items relevant to the boycott, available to be toured Monday-Saturday at minimal expense.

            In addition to its historical value, Montgomery offers many cultural attractions, such as the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, one of the largest Shakespeare festivals in the world.  With a constant flow of theatrical productions and a park full of local wildlife, there is always something to do at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. While visiting the park, most people find themselves wandering into the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts which houses several collections of paintings, sculptures, and photographs. This museum is very family-friendly, and includes a children’s museum, free of admission and open to the public.

            The Montgomery Biscuits baseball team is yet another reason to visit Montgomery. With a home stadium located in downtown Montgomery, this baseball team was the first step towards the redevelopment of downtown Montgomery. The Riverwalk Stadium offers several picnic areas, a child’s playground, and, of course, the enjoyment of a good baseball game. The stadium was built in addition to the restoration of the historical train station that it once was.

Other commonly toured sights include the Hyundai Motors and Manufacturing Plant, which allows visitors to watch the production of over one thousand Hyundai cars each day, and the Montgomery Zoo, which showcases animals from five different continents. Each of these activities is fun for people of all ages. With so many choices of family-friendly attractions, it should be no surprise that Montgomery attracts tourist from all over the United States. Even if it is just a pit stop on the way to Gulf Shores, travelers should always keep Montgomery Alabama on their list of places to visit.