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!
Start your day at either our 18-hole golf course at Lagoon Park or 9-hole executive course at Gateway Park.
Looking for a downtown pub crawl? Start at Hilltop Public House for a fresh local artisan cocktail and work your way down! Get a pint at Goat Haus Biergarten or a flight at Common Bond Brewers. Stop next door at Bibb Street Pizza Company, you know…. to refuel. Then, head down for a glass of wine at Taste Too! Wine Bar before turning the corner and heading to the trifecta of beer/cocktails: Aviator Bar, Alley Bar, and Commerce Beerworks which are all connected through back tunnels. Here, you will find several more restaurants ranging from pizza to fine dining! Around the corner, you can pour your own beer at Alabama’s first fully self-pour Beer Bar & Restaurant: Tower Taproom!
If you manage to do all of this by 8 p.m., see if you can catch the last Sip N’ Cycle pedal cruise on the Alabama River. Captain Stu is waiting for you at this fun BYOB experience where he promises you can do more sipping than cycling!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
‘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!
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 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!
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!
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 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 Drugs– Montgomery, Prattville, Greenville, & Millbrook, Alabama
This family-owned pharmacy also offers a selection of unique gifts and treats!
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!
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!
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!