The Great Gatsby, 'I have a dream' and the sweet sounds of Hank Williams can all be attributed to Mongomery, Alabama. It is here that F.Scott Fitzgerald lived and worked, as did Marther Luther King Jr and, of course, the father of Country, ol' Hank.
Rosa Parks was also a Montgomery native, and her refusal to move to the back of the bus is considered one of the pivotal tipping points into the Civil Rights movement of which Luther King Jr was such a large character. Montgomery has more than it's fair share of events, but one of the most broadly appealing is the yearly Farmer's Market, which is a melting pot of locals, visitors, age groups and tastes.
Things to See and Do
The best way to get a fast overiew of Montgomery after arriving is to take a ride on one of two trolley-car lines that stretch through the city. Originally mule-drawn, these have – fortunately – been upgraded to electric power and provide a quaint and leisurely ride from which to take a peek at Montgomery. At a dollar for an all-day pass, they are easily the cheapest hop-on and hop-off way to get around.
Museums
The Hank Williams Museum is a cute and kitsch glimpse into the life and work of the singer who helped to define modern American music culture. From his powder-blue Cadillac to the award he won (starting his career) at the tender age of 12, the museum is a well-kept and lovingly attended monument to the crooner. 118 Commerce St.
While touring museums, definitely leave time for the Rosa Parks Museum. This ordinary, yet extraordinary woman defined the race issues of 1950s America. Her simple refusal to give up her seat sparked a flood of protest and change, and this museum documents her life as well as her part in the Civil Rights movement. Parks spent the rest of her life trying to downplay the 'bus incident' and her good-humored modesty is threaded through the memorabilia on display. Well worth a look. 1276 Rosa L Parks Ave, Troy State University.
Gangster Tales
Anyone with a taste for gangster tales from the Flapper era of the 20s should also leave take in the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum. F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda were Montgomery locals, and his famous novel The Great Gatsby was completed here. While Scott's life is the main focus, his wife was a large part of the creative force behind his writing. Luckily this has not been overlooked by the museum curators and the displays are an interesting mix of memorabilia from their shared life.
An antidote to museum overload is an hour spent over a good cup of coffee, and unlike many other US cities, Montgomery has some surprisingly good blends. The Village Coffee Shop (7020 Atlanta Highway) is a favorite with the locals and offers a good espresso as well as a range of sweet treats and savories. Weekends are busy but the serice is fast and friendly, so you won't be waiting too long.
Farmer's Market
The Yearly Farmer's Market is a new venture. This will be the second time it has been held, and while there is plenty of fun to be had with rides, stalls and shows of all descriptions, the emphasis is on local produce, and no imported material is allowed. This event draws pretty much everyone out of doors and is a great chance to mingle with locals and enjoy a little down-home entertainment at the Pumpkin Contest or a few of the local bands belting out Hank Williams tunes.
Hotels
Accommodation in Montgomery is very reasonably priced. Although rates vary seasonally, a good motel or hotel can be secured for upwards of $40 per night per room.
Use the Hotelsio Rate Finder to find top accommodation and cheap hotels in Montgomery, Alabama.
(Photo:iStockPhoto/DenisTangneyJr)
