Weekend Getaway

Whether you are on a girl’s or guys trip, a solo traveler looking to relax or a couple’s trip looking for a fun place that’s close by, Montgomery has a little something for everyone!


5 Indoor Family Activities to Enjoy this Winter

Christmas break is nearly here! While we know the holidays are usually filled with joy and excitement, you may find yourself going a little stir-crazy in the upcoming weeks. If you’re looking for some fun ways to keep the kids entertained and get out of the house, we’ve got you covered! Check out some of our favorite family activities to help overcome that winter slump in any weather:

1. Skate at Eastdale Mall

The Roller Palace at Eastdale Mall is an indoor skating rink perfect for any weather!

2. Play Indoors at an Adventure Park

Indoor play parks like Newtopia Fun Park and trampoline parks like Launch and Sky Zone, are the perfect opportunity for kids (and adults) to get moving and unleash that pent-up energy!

3. Get Creative at MMFA

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts frequently hosts free art classes for families and is a great way to get creative and try something new!

4. Catch a Show at a Theater

Check out The Alabama Shakespeare Festival or Pike Road Theatre Company for a fun performance the whole family is sure to love! (Note: While most shows are suitable for a general audience, be sure to check the maturity rating before purchasing tickets)

5. Learn Something New at the Mann Museum

Don’t let the cold stop you! The Mann Museum at Montgomery Zoo offers a fascinating indoor learning experience that families are sure to love!

Holiday Family Fun in the River Region

The River Region truly comes alive during the holiday season, offering plenty of family-friendly activities to create lasting memories for you and your loved ones. From dazzling light displays to visits with Santa Claus, the River Region has something for everyone to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas. Whether you’re a newcomer to the area or a longtime resident, you’re sure to find your new favorite holiday tradition this year.

Montgomery

Christmas Lights Festival at the Montgomery Zoo

Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Museum | December 1- 25

See the Montgomery Zoo transformed into a Winter Wonderland of thousands of twinkling lights and festive decorations!

Santa at Eastchase

The Shoppes at Eastchase | December 2 & 5

Santa is making his annual stop at Eastchase for Brunch on December 2nd and Bedtime Stories on December 5th! Don’t miss this fun holiday tradition that is sure to delight the whole family!

Christmas on the Riverfront

Riverfront Park | December 5

Experience the enchantment of live music, ice skating, and special appearances by Santa, Cindy Lou, and the Grinch!

The Living Christmas Tree

First Baptist Church Montgomery | December 8- 10

This annual tradition aims to bring Christmas to life while sharing the gospel with the community.

Prattville

Christmas Tree Lighting

Spillway Park, Downtown Prattville | November 30

Prattville’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting features music, snow, and a visit from Santa while the city celebrates the lighting of its 35-foot Christmas tree and holiday display on Autauga Creek Dam!

Ice Skating on Autauga Creek

Spillway Park, Downtown Prattville | November 30- December 31

Lace up your skates and glide into winter with the City of Prattville as they open their Ice Skating Rink in Spillway Park.

Prattville Christmas Parade

Historic Downtown Prattville | December 8

Lights, marching bands, dancers, candy, beads, and trinkets will be abundant as the parade travels through downtown Prattville, with the appearance of the jolly old elf himself!

Main Street Christmas

Historic Downtown Prattville | December 12

Shop with local small businesses for the perfect Christmas gift and then enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, hot chocolate and cookies, children’s make-and-take art projects, dancers, music, and more, plus a visit from Santa!

Wetumpka

Downtown Dickens Christmas

Downtown Wetumpka | December 2

Step back in time for one night only to experience a charming old-fashioned Christmas on the streets of Wetumpka!

Christmas on the Coosa

Main Street, Downtown Wetumpka | December 9

Christmas on the Coosa is packed with holiday meet and greets, shopping, live entertainment, and more!

Nearby

Safari of Lights

Alabama Safari Park, Hope Hull | December 9- 24

Enjoy the beauty of the Safari Park at night as you drive through thousands of sparkling lights!

Safari Wonderland

Alabama Safari Park, Hope Hull | December 16- 17

Visit Santa, wander down the Candy Cane Trail, and explore the Safari Park as it is transformed into a Winter Wonderland at the inaugural Safari Wonderland Christmas Festival!

River Region Holiday Shopping Guide 2023

‘Tis the season of giving and it’s time again to plan those perfect gifts for your loved ones! While online shopping and big-box retailers might offer convenience, there’s something extra special and heartfelt about choosing to shop locally. Here are five reasons to support your local small businesses this Christmas season (plus, some of our favorites to help you get started!):

1. Unique & Handcrafted Gifts

Local businesses often showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of your community. When you shop locally, you’re more likely to discover unique, handcrafted treasures that reflect the unique talents of local artisans. These one-of-a-kind gifts can feel more heartfelt, but they also tell a story, making them extra special for the ones you love.

2. Support Your Community

When you purchase from a locally-owned business, you’re directly contributing to your community and helping that small business grow. By choosing a local shop over a big-box store, you can ensure that your dollars have a positive impact on the people who live and work around you this holiday season. If you enjoy a local business’s offerings, consider thanking them with your patronage so they can continue to service your community.

3. Personalized Customer Service and Expertise

Local retailers understand that excellent customer service is the key to a successful business. Unlike large corporations, local shop owners often take the time to get to know their customers and can offer a more personal shopping experience. Local business owners also tend to be passionate and knowledgable about their craft, allowing them to give tailored advice to their customers. Whether it’s a book recommendation from an independent bookstore or helping select the perfect piece of jewelry, a personal touch can make all the difference.

4. Reduce Environmental Impact

Choosing to shop locally is not only a heartfelt and supportive decision, but it is also an eco-friendly decision. When you buy from local businesses, the products typically have a shorter supply chain, which means less transportation and packaging waste. Supporting local shops reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping goods across long distances. By opting for gifts from nearby stores, you’re making a small but meaningful contribution to environmental sustainability.

5. Preserving the Charm of Local Culture

Local businesses often reflect the character and charm of your community. Whether it’s a quaint bookstore, a cozy café, or an art gallery, these establishments contribute to the unique identity of your hometown. By shopping locally, you play a role in preserving the unique charm of your community, ensuring that it remains a place filled with character and individuality.

This Christmas season, consider the gift of giving back to your community by checking out what your local small businesses have to offer. Embrace the charm, uniqueness, and heartfelt warmth to make your holiday season not only special for your loved ones but also meaningful for your community. Happy local shopping!

Don’t know where to start? Check out this list of some of our favorite local small businesses in the River Region:

Beauty/ Skincare

For that special someone who deserves a little pampering, consider purchasing a salon service or a few luxurious skincare products for a relaxing at-home spa session!

Aesthetica MontgomeryMontgomery, Alabama

Aesthetica Montgomery is a full-service medspa that offers a wide variety of spa treatments and aesthetic services!

Aqualime SkincareMontgomery, Alabama

This locally-owned brand specializes in small-batch, handmade skincare goodies that are both eco-friendly and ethically sourced!

Lavish Salon & SpaPrattville, Alabama

Lavish is a full-service salon & spa located in historic downtown Prattville with a team of skilled professionals dedicated to helping you look and feel your best!

Montgomery Laser and Skin SpaMontgomery, Alabama

Montgomery Laser and Skin Spa offers facials, scalp treatments, body rejuvenation, and more!

Handcrafted, Vintage, & Unique Gifts

Looking for something special that you won’t find anywhere else? We’ve got you covered! You can find vintage and handcrafted items at many local flea markets and antique shops. Check out the museum gift shop for unique pieces of art and jewelry!

Eastbrook Flea Market Montgomery, Alabama

Step back in time and shop for everything from furniture to vintage glassware while listening to the golden oldies!

Montgomery Antiques & InteriorsMontgomery, Alabama

This is the perfect place to shop for antique lovers and home decor enthusiasts!

Montgomery Museum of Fine ArtsMontgomery, Alabama

The MMFA gift shop offers a wide variety of unique gifts from art prints to handcrafted jewelry!

Prattville PickersPrattville, Alabama

This massive maker’s marketplace houses over 300 local vendors. If you’re looking for something locally made with one-of-a-kind charm, this is the place to be!

Kids & Families

Giftcards and tickets for fun experiences are the perfect gifts for kids and families! Check out some of our favorite family-friendly activities in the River Region!

Alabama Safari ParkHope Hull, Alabama

This drive-thru safari park is tons of fun for animal lovers and families with children!

Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife MuseumMontgomery, Alabama

The Montgomery Zoo is home to exotic wildlife that will thrill both little ones and adults. It also offers several educational programs for kids throughout the year!

Newtopia FunParkMontgomery, Alabama

Newtopia FunPark is an indoor play gym with ball pits, interactive games, jungle gyms, and so much more!

Local Shops

This holiday season, skip the online shopping and head into town. The River Region is full of locally-owned shops with something for everyone! From fashion lovers to bookworms, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for this Christmas!

Jones DrugsMontgomery, Prattville, Greenville, & Millbrook, Alabama

This family-owned pharmacy also offers a selection of unique gifts and treats!

Oswalt’s Apparel & Footwear Prattville, Alabama

Oswalt’s is THE Southern Lifestyle store for Prattville, Millbrook, and surrounding areas. This is a one-stop shop to get all the latest southern styles for tailgating, boating, camping, and more!

South BoutiqueMontgomery, Alabama

South Boutique is a distinctly Southern clothing boutique for contemporary and trendy clothing pieces, gifts, and accessories!

Sweet Home BooksWetumpka, Alabama

This independently owned bookstore has a wide variety of interesting reads that is sure to please the book lover in your life!

The BeYOUtiful BoutiquesMontgomery, Alabama

The BeYOUtiful Boutiques offer unique and specialty clothing items in a wide range of styles and sizes!

Vivian O’NayMontgomery, Alabama

Vivian O’Nay is Montgomery’s largest women’s fashion boutique carrying trendy styles in clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories!

Guide to Trick-or-Treating in the River Region

Halloween is just around the corner and with it comes costumes, candy, and tons of spooky fun! In preparation, we’ve put together a list of some upcoming community trick-or-treating events for the whole family to enjoy!

Millbrook

Boo Festival

October 28, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. | Village Green Park

Enjoy hay rides, bike-r-treat, costume contests, a pumpkin patch, and more at this free community fall festival!

Montgomery

Newtopia Fun Park Fall Festival

October 27, 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. | Newtopia Fun Park

Bring the little ones out for an evening of games, trunk or treating, costume contests, and more!

Please note: you must pay admission to participate.

Malloween

October 28, 4 p.m.- 8 p.m. | Eastdale Mall

Dress up in your best costume and trick-or-treat from store to store at Eastdale mall.

Taylor Road Treats the Town

October 29, 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. | Taylor Road Baptist Church

Taylor Road Baptist Church invites you to join them for a family-friendly fall festival featuring hay rides, trick-or-treating, BBQ, and more!

Prattville

Launch Prattville Trunk or Treat

October 29, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. | Launch Prattville Trampoline Park

Hop from trunk to trunk for safe and fun-filled trick-or-treating and games.

Wetumpka

Camp Chandler Halloween Carnival

October 21, 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. | Camp Chandler YMCA

Put on your favorite costume and join Camp Chandler for trick-or-treating, carnival games, face painting, and more!

Coosa Candy Crawl

October 26, 5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. | Downtown Wetumpka

Hit the streets of Downtown Wetumpka to trick-or-treat with your favorite local shops and businesses.

Nearby

Spooky Safari

October 28, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. | Alabama Safari Park– Hope Hull

With the purchase of your Safari Park admission ticket, you can enjoy the added bonus of trick-or-treating, inflatables, face painting, costume contests, and more on October 28th!