Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce

PresidentRandall L. George

Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce

Convention & Visitor Bureau Vice PresidentDawn Hathcock

PublisherPam Mashburn

EditorJina Clark

Managing EditorJennifer Kornegay

Assistant EditorMorgan Berney

Art DirectorBryan Carter

DesignHeather Cooper

PhotographyCarter Photography & Design

Alabama Tourism DepartmentMark Dauber Robert FoutsJosh MoatesEllen Dutton

LWT

Sales TeamPam Mashburn

Stacie Berry

The Montgomery & River Region Visitor Guide 2013 is published by

exploreMedia for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce

Convention & Visitor Bureau. All information is subject to change.

For the most current information and events, please check

www.VisitingMontgomery.comfacebook.com/MontgomeryCapitalCool

For advertising information, questions or comments, contact:

exploreMedia7956 Vaughn Rd #331Montgomery, AL 36116

(334) 201.8787info@exploreMedia.org

© Copyright 2013 exploreMedia and the Montgomery Area Chamber of

Commerce and Convention & Visitor Bureau. All rights reserved.

For additional visitor information, contact: Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce

Convention & Visitor Bureau 300 Water St. Suite 200A, Montgomery AL 36104

334-261-1100 • 800-240-9452

Cover Photography byCarter Photography & Design

23 Culinary CoolDetails on dining out

32 PlayAttractions: Art, History, Shopping, more...

47 Navigate DowntownDetailed map for getting around

8 Capital CoolA few of our favorite annual events

9 What’s To LoveSo many reasons to love Montgomery

12 Taste of MontgomeryTake a bite of our diverse culinary scene

30 Energy Alley Alive after 5:00

48 Navigate MontgomeryDetailed map for getting around

54 ShopShopping fun starts here

64 StayDetails on hotel options

38 Get Out There & GoActively explore the area

40 Cool For KidsLoads of fun for kids and families

52 We Love Our Biscuits10th season in full swing

74 The River RegionWetumpka, Pike Road, Prattville, Tallassee & Selma

The Guide

What, Where & Who’s CoolISSUE 06 • 2013

If you haven’t seen Montgomery lately, you need to look again. The capital city’s restaurants, attractions and more are so hot, they’re cool. Watch for the Cool Factors and Cool Spots designated throughout the Guide to find the “must see and do” things that’ll make your visit a cool one you won’t

soon forget. Look for the Capital Cool Spot stickers at places all over town.

For information 800-240-9452 9

What to Love in MGM

n Heritage Hotspots: Walk in the footsteps of world-changing events. Montgomery was the cradle of the Confederacy and, a century later, the impetus of the Civil Rights Movement.

n Flavors: Eat your fill of Southern-fried favorites and upscale culinary creations at Montgomery’s diverse restaurants.

n Treasure Hunts: Shop for treasures of yesterday and today at stylish independent boutiques, eclectic gift shops, art galleries, antique stores and large national retailers.

n Warm Welcomes: The friendly smiles of Montgomery’s genuine people under-score the fact that manners matter here. Get ready to hear plenty of “thank you,” “ma’am” and “please.”

n Nightlife: Pick up the pace with the excitement of The Alley, the city’s entertainment district, right across from the Montgomery Convention Center.

n Miles of Smiles: The entire family will have a ball (and maybe learn a bit too!) exploring our family friendly attractions, places like Old Alabama Town, ArtWorks and more.

n River Rides: Roll on down the Alabama River aboard the city’s very own riverboat, The Harriott II.

n Fabulous Firsts: Montgomery was the site of the Wright Brothers’ first civilian flying school and boasted the first electric streetcar system in the country.

n Cool Cocktails: Don a faux fur coat and throw back an ice-cold shot in the frozen shot room at The AlleyBAR downtown.

n Hot Dog!: Take a bite of history at Chris’ Hot Dogs, a local favorite that’s been serving tasty dogs smothered in a signature sauce since 1917.

n Crooner’s Caddy: See the car in which iconic country music superstar Hank Williams took his final ride at The Hank Williams Museum. It also houses the largest collection of Hank memorabilia found anywhere.

n Cheesy Chow: Do your taste buds a favor and fill up on a good-n-greasy cheeseburger from Hamburger King downtown.

n Park Places: Take a walk, fly a kite or just relax with a book at one of Montgomery’s multiple green spaces like Blount Cultural Park or Vaughn Road Park.

n Great Outdoors: Our mild weather means you can eat, drink and be merry alfresco at many of Montgomery’s restaurants and bars. Try Capitol Oyster Bar at the Marina, Pine Bar and The Tipping Point.

n Plain Nuts: Enjoy Montgomery’s Tucker Pecans. They taste great right out of the shell but even better smothered in chocolate.

n Shakespeare, Y’all: Take in a play at one of the country’s most celebrated theatres, The Alabama Shakespeare Festival. And every season offers more than Will’s works. Popular contemporary plays, including musicals, take the stage too.

n Pass the Biscuits: Catch a Montgomery Biscuits baseball game and a flying biscuit too at historic Riverwalk Stadium.

n Sweet Treats: Get a mouthful of sugary goodness at Louisa’s Bakery tucked away in Old Cloverdale and indulge in a peanut butter cupcake.

n Otter Nonsense: Go wild at The Montgomery Zoo, with hundreds of animal species. Don’t miss the tigers, the elephants or the playful otters.

n Local Talent: We’re over-run with artists. Check out M. Bagwell’s colorful pottery creations, or the fine art photography and paintings at galleries like Stonehenge, Dauber Gallery and SAC’s Gallery.

n World-Class Entertainment: The capital city continually draws big-name performers and shows with major star appeal, including musicians like Elton John.

The reasons to love Montgomery are many and varied, but since we can’t list them all, here are some of the very best.

30 Upcoming events visitingmontgomery.com

Energy AlleyThanks to the hard work of city and community leaders and private/public

partnerships, downtown Montgomery is “alive after 5:00” once again.

It’s basic anatomy. With a heart that’s barely beating, a body can’t function properly. The same is true for places. In every city that’s healthy, vibrant and alive, its downtown area is thriving. A decade ago in Montgomery, the city’s heart was on life-support; after 5 p.m. and on weekends, downtown was dead.

Then, in 2004, the Montgomery Biscuits, the city’s new AA minor league baseball team, played their first game. At the same time, development of an amphitheater and walkway along the Alabama River at downtown’s edge was well underway. The home run hit by the baseball team helped bring the Renaissance Hotel, and convention center complex that opened in 2008.

But it was The Alley, a creative reuse of

an abandoned stretch of space between buildings, that provided the burst of energy that brought the city’s center back to life.

In its former life, The Alley was just what its name says, an alley used to transport goods from the nearby railroad to a row of grocery warehouses. Architect Mike Watson had purchased a building on Commerce Street in 1982 right in the middle of those that frame the wide lane. When the city asked him to transform it into a pedestrian-only space for shops, restaurants and bars, he was more than ready and anchored the design with his own establishment, opening AlleyBAR on the ground floor of his building in 2009. AlleyBAR quickly became a major hot spot,

drawing not only crowds, but other businesses to The Alley.

Today, at The Alley’s main entrance, a neon-lit, antique water tower welcomes people from all over and of all ages to an area that’s buzzing with activity morning, noon and night. Jerry Kyser, another local developer who had long owned property downtown, brought Dreamland BBQ and Central, a fine-dining restaurant to the Alley area. Other Alley eateries serve pizza, sandwiches and Mexican favorites. Nightlife options, an art gallery, special event venues and loft apartments round out the mix. And there’s much more to come.

From a humble back road to the capital city’s entertainment hub, The Alley has come a long way, and it’s bringing Montgomery right along with it.

32 Upcoming events visitingmontgomery.com

What You Want To Do Montgomery has almost limitless ways to entertain. Explore it all!

PLay it cooL

Alabama Artists Gallery|201 Monroe St #110, 36104

334-242-4076www.arts.alabama.govThis gallery provides an ongoing showcase of the work of Alabama artists in all media. Free admission. Open Mon – Fri. D

Alabama Shakespeare Festival |One Festival Dr, 36117

1-800-841-4ASF or 334-271-5353www.asf.netRanked one of the Top Ten largest Shakespeare Theatres in the world, this internationally acclaimed theatre offers so much more, which may be why it draws over 300,000 visitors from all over the globe each year. ASF puts on a wide variety of productions that all share one thing: they are world-class. Admission charge. Call for schedule. Open Mon – Sun and performance nights.

Capri Theatre |1045 E Fairview Ave, 36106

334-262-4858 www.capritheatre.orgThe Capri was built in 1941 and was Montgomery’s first neighborhood theatre. It is located in historic Old Cloverdale and serves as Montgomery’s only independent cinema. Admission charge. Call for schedule.

F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum |919 Felder Ave, 36106

334-264-4222www.fitzgeraldmuseum.netTour the home of literary legends F. Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald, where they lived from October 1931 through April 1932. Admission charge. Open Wed – Sun.

Faulkner University Dinner Theatre |5345 Atlanta Hwy, 36109

334-386-7190www.faulkner.edu/campuslife/dinnertheatre.aspEnjoy Broadway-style family entertainment in a Christian-based atmosphere. Call or go online to view upcoming shows and prices. Call for schedule. Admission charge.

Hank Williams Memorial|1304 Upper Wetumpka Rd, 36104

Legendary country music singer Hank Williams’ final resting place is located in Oakwood Cemetery Annex. Free admission. Open Mon – Sun dawn to dusk. D

Hank Williams Museum |118 Commerce St, 36104

334-262-3600www.thehankwilliamsmuseum.comThis popular attraction pays tribute to one of the most revered and loved country music writers and performers. Most of Williams’ personal belongings are on display, including the baby blue 1952 Cadil-lac in which Hank took his last ride. September 2013 would have been his 90th birthday. Admission charge. Open Mon–Sun. D

Hank Williams Statue |Lister Hill Plaza, N Perry St, 36104

A life-size statue of the famed country music legend Hank Williams stands across from the old city auditorium, the site of many of his performances as well as his funeral. Free admission. Open Mon – Sun dawn to dusk. D

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts |One Museum Dr, 36117

334-240-4333www.mmfa.orgIts collection includes 19th and 20th century American paintings, Southern regional art, Old Master prints and decorative art. It also houses an interactive gallery for children, ARTWORKS. Free admission. Open Tue–Sun.

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre|201 Tallapoosa St, 36104

334-481-5100www.mpaconline.orgLocated in the heart of down-town as a part of the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center complex, this 1,800-seat, state-of-the-art facility is large enough for first-run Broad-way shows, yet intimate enough to view a wide variety of concerts, operas, comedy acts, kids shows as well as performances by local arts groups. Admission charge. Call for schedule. D

Troy University’s Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts |251 Montgomery St, 36104

334-241-9567http://montgomery.troy.edu/davistheatre/The Davis Theatre has been completely restored to its original 1930s look when it was the Para-mount Movie House. Now affiliated with Troy University, the annual Subscriber Series is comprised of touring productions of Broadway shows to concerts. Admission charge. Call for schedule. D

Riverwalk Amphitheater |355 Coosa St, 36104

334-625-2100www.funontheriver.netThe Amphitheater, a sprawling grassy area on the banks of the Alabama River, is perfect for picnics, concerts, movies, plays, productions and more. The Splash Pad offers a foun-tain of water for children to play in and the surround sound system provides crystal clear quality for each event. Call for schedule. Open Mon – Sun dawn to dusk. D

OMTOn My Trip is a cool new feature on visitingmontgomery.com. While exploring the website and all the city offers, OMT lets you easily bookmark attractions, restaurants and more that you want to check out once you get here. It’s a simple way to plan ahead and make sure you get the most out of your time in Montgomery!

For information 800-240-9452 37

Cradle of the Confederacy

In the late 1850s, turmoil was brewing around slavery and states’ rights culminating in the Civil War. And it all officially began in Montgomery. When the city was still only decades old, the orders to fire the first shot and embark on the largest armed conflict on American soil were signed and sent from the Winter Building on Dexter Avenue. There’s no better place to delve into Civil War history than in the city where Jefferson Davis, first and only President of the Confederacy, was sworn in and resided.

Change Born of Courage

One hundred years later, Montgomery’s story came full circle. Proving a simple act can transform the world, Rosa Parks’ display of quiet courage sparked the Bus Boycott giving impetus to the Civil Rights Movement and making Montgomery the epicenter of a groundbreaking societal shift that would change our entire nation for the better. The struggle reached its positive resolution when, in 1965, following a brutal attack that stopped a prior march, marchers led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. set off from Selma and marched along U.S. Hwy. 80 to the capital city. They covered the 54 miles between Selma and Montgomery in four days and gathered without incident in front of the State Capitol. Not long after, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law.

at thecenter of it all

Uncover the capital city’s pivotal role in two major moments in American history.

HOME BASE FOR HERITAGEMontgomery makes a great home base for exploring many important Civil Rights sites.

Montgomery to Selma: Much of the Civil Rights story can be revisited in Montgomery. But even more can be found along the National Civil Rights Trail, which links Montgomery to nearby Selma. Once in Selma, tour compelling sites like the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, the Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church & King Monument and the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

Montgomery to Tuskegee: A daytrip to Tuskegee offers a glimpse of heroism at the Tuskegee Airmen National His-toric Site. Educational accomplishments are also honored in Tuskegee at “The Oaks,” home of Booker T. Washington, and at the George Washington Carver Museum.

LISTEN & LEARNTake advantage of The Civil Rights Audio Tour, a self-guided walking or driving tour of Montgomery’s Civil Rights sites. The program includes information about the places and people, featuring their voices. Visit the Montgomery Area Visitor Center for tour information.

Photo Courtesy Alabama Departm

ent of Archives

Photo by Jim Pepper

For information 800-240-9452 47

Downtown Map: Things to See & Do

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M Montgomery Area Visitor Center1. Alabama Artist Gallery2. Alabama Cattlemen’s Association MOOseum3. Alabama Department of Archives & History4. Alabama Judicial Building5. Alabama State Capitol6. Civil Rights Memorial & Center7. Court Square Fountain8. Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church9. Dexter Parsonage Museum

10. First White House of the Confederacy

11. Freedom Rides Museum

12. Hank Williams Museum

13. Hank Williams Statue

14. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre

15. Old Alabama Town

16. Riverboat – Harriott II

17. Riverwalk Amphitheater

18. Rosa Parks Library and Museum

19. St. John’s Episcopal Church

20. Troy University’s Davis Theatre

300 Water Street, Montgomery, AL 36104334-261-1100 • VisitingMontgomery.com

Public Parking Parks

56 Upcoming events visitingmontgomery.com

take Your Trip homeFill your shopping bags with a few of these Montgomery-made items.

“Angel” paintings by artist

Donnie Sasser, available at

Two Blessings and The Stop

at Union Station

Berdeux’s specialty sauces,

available at The Stop at

Union Station

Custom-scented

Governors’ Mansion

candles, available

at The Governors’

Mansion Gift ShopTucker Pecans,

available at Tucker

Pecans and The

Stop at Union

Station

“Alabama”

paintings by

artist Jamie

Mitchell,

available at

Two Blessings

Wicks ‘N Willow candles,

available at The Stop at

Union Station

Handmade Anchor

and Daisy jewelry,

available at hue

studio, inc.

“Alabama Clay” pieces, available

at The Stop at Union Station

Wickles Pickles,

available at The Stop

at Union Station

Handmade Jenny Johnson jewelry,

available at hue studio, inc.

hue studio, inc., 501 Cloverdale Rd, 334-239-8884

The Stop at Union Station, 300 Water St, 334-261-1121 D

Tucker Pecans, 350 N McDonough St, 334-262-4470 D

The Governor’s Mansion Gift Shop, 30 Finley Ave, 334-241-8824

Two Blessings, 8127 Vaughn Rd, 334-647-1745

D - Downtown

64 Upcoming events visitingmontgomery.com

Southern Hospitality stay cooLFull-Service Hotels Meeting Your Needs

Embassy Suites Hotel and Montgomery Conference Center300 Tallapoosa StMontgomery, AL 36104334-269-5055www.embassysuitesmontgomery.com

Located in downtown Montgomery, Embassy Suites Hotel and Montgomery Conference Center combines an upscale, full-service, all-suite hotel with stellar service and a diverse array of amenities. It is right next to the Montgomery Area Visitor Center and the Montgomery Convention Center. Only nine miles from the Montgomery Regional Airport, Embassy Suites offers complementary airport shuttles. Embassy Suites has 15,000 square feet of meeting space including a ballroom and breakout rooms. Celebrate a special event or meeting for up to 1,000 guests in one of the hotel’s versatile meeting rooms. Embassy Suites offers a fully equipped BusinessLink™ business center. Enjoy all the additional amenities including 2 room suites, and free cook-to-order breakfast.

Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center201 Tallapoosa St, Montgomery, AL 36104 • 334-481-5000www.renaissancemontgomery.com

The Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa and the adjacent Convention Center have brought much more to downtown Montgomery than an impressive new shadow on the skyline. Contemporary styling mar-ried with classic Southern hospitality combine with

the hotel’s long list of amenities. With 342 rooms, ample and flexible meeting spaces, a European spa, a restaurant, fitness center and more all in one place, this AAA Four Diamond property is quickly becom-ing the premier destination for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel offers a 14,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom on the main level and provides meeting space with 18 breakout rooms that total 14,000 square feet. The Convention Center has over 73,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space.