Capital Destinations To Enjoy In Montgomery, Alabama, By Melody Schubert

When visiting the Capital of Alabama be sure to check out the local events to express the heart of the region. Among the annual events are the celebration of Hank Williams Birthday in Mid Sept. The festivities take place throughout the area, and during the events there will be plenty of music, entertainment, and fun for all. Also among the activities related to this country legend is a visit to his grave site at Oakwood Cemetery Annex and the Hank Williams Museum, located at 118 Commerce St.

Located in the heart of downtown Montgomery at 118 Commerce Street is tribute to one of the most revered and loved country music writers and performers; The Hank Williams Museum. Country fans will find one of the most complete collections of Hank Williams' Memorabilia at the Hank Williams Museum. Included within this expressive collection are over 35 Showcases filled with Hank Williams personal artifacts. Fashion fans can view 13 Of Hank Williams' Suits Made By: Nudie's Of Hollywood, Kenilworth, Royal Award, Hart Schaffner & Marx, All From Joseph Frank & Sons In Nashville, Kingsrideg From The HUB In Montgomery, AL., Brown And Tan Jacket Leather From Hank & Audrey's Corral.

Also included at the Hank Williams Museum are Boots, Ties, Overcoats, Hats, Horse Saddle, Piano, 1947 Gibson Guitar, Rickenbacher Lap Steel, Microphone and Stand Hank Used His Last Performance, Blue Suede Shoes, Brief Case, Suit Case, Gun, Shaving Kit, Slippers, Shoe Shine Box, Camera, Fiddle, 1939 Sidney Lanier High School Year Book, Hank Jr's First Cowboy Boots And Scout Hats, Signed Programs And Books, Sheet Music, Song Books, And More.

Classic cars lovers will enjoy Hank's 1952 Baby Blue Cadillac, and then there are the amazing collection of Hank Williams Autographed Records, Platinum Records, Awards And Proclamations, 4 Sterling Records, Albums, 78 RPM Records, 45 RPM Records, 16 Inch Record And Box Sets, and the 1952 Gibson steel guitar from Don Helms, "Exactly like to one I played on all Hank's recordings", stated Don Helms. The Hank Williams Museum is open Monday-Friday 9:00am - 4:30pm, Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm, Sunday 1:00pm - 4:00pm. These hours are subject to change. Admission is $8.00 for ages 12 & UP, and $3.00 for ages 3 - 11.

Another event held in Mid Sept in Montgomery is the celebration of F. Scott Fitzgerald's Birthday at the Fitzgerald Museum, located at 919 Felder Ave. (334-264-4222) This events includes birthday cake, festive activities and more. This is the only remaining Montgomery residence of the famous couple. Here, F. Scott, author of “The Great Gatsby” and “Tender is the Night,” lived with his wife, Montgomery native Zelda Sayre, and their daughter Scottie from 1931 to 1932. Another first for this museum is that it is the only museum in the world dedicated to the Fitzgerald's.

Containing many artifacts from Scott and Zelda's life,  the Fitzgerald Museum has a vast collection of photographs, original letters, and various editions of Scott's novels. Also on display are many original works of art by Zelda, in addition to furniture from Zelda’s childhood home. The Fitzgerald Museum is open to the public Wednesdays through Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Montgomery’s diverse history is one of moving changes that includes stories of rebellion, strength, and the courage to inspire generations. Folks in Montgomery have seen the struggles on the front lines of the Civil War and walk the lines during the fight for Civil Rights. In this capital city you can explore history through a series of guided tours that offer insight into the history and people of Montgomery's historic moments. New audio tours are available to download to your MP3 players or you can rent one and take a Civil Rights Audio Tour. Follow the path of history as you visit the pivotal sites of the civil rights movement.

One of the wonderful ways to explore Montgomery and its history is on a walking tour on which you can walk in the footsteps of Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, who have forever changed our nation. The audio program, which provides a self-guided walking or driving tour of Montgomery’s Civil Rights sites, was created by Alabama Public Television.

The 21 tracks available offer details about the places and people who were instrumental in the Civil Rights movement. Hear their stories as you take a trip to the past to relive the experience on these intriguing audio tours. Use the link provide to Download the Audio Files - size 73mb in a zipped file.

Plan Your Trip

Download the Walking Tour brochure available in PDF to take with you on your tour.

To learn more about Alabama's Civil Rights history and trails, and to plan you memorable trip visit these links Montgomery Area Visitor Center call (334) 262-00l3, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce call (334) 834-5200 or visit www.montgomerychamber.com, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitor Bureau call (334) 26l-ll00 or (800) 240-9452, and go online to www.visitingmontgomery.com.

To explore events and attractions in Alabama visit http://www.alabama.travel/