I've been a whitewater guide for seven years in Washington state, but I never thought I'd need those skills in Montgomery, Alabama. So, no kidding, there we were at Montgomery Whitewater, an urban whitewater trail propelled by massive recirculating pumps. But that's not all this weekend trip to Alabama's capital offers.
Founded in 1819, Montgomery has a complex and interesting history. By the 1860s, it had become a thriving slave trade center and home to the first White House of the Confederacy. By the 1960s, it had become the center of the civil rights movement. You'll be amazed at the variety of things to do in Montgomery, from the historic downtown to Hank Williams' harmonies and, yes, whitewater rafting.
Montgomery whitewater raft
Montgomery Whitewater It is located just 15 minutes from downtown but is one of Alabama's premier outdoor destinations. It has a 1,600-foot Olympic-standard competition channel for serious thrills, and the 2,200-foot Creek Channel provides a more accessible experience. They also have low and high flow times for bigger, stronger rapids.
Your run begins like a log ride with a conveyor belt taking you up the slopes. We had already rigged the entire park with inflatable rafts at low water on Friday, but on Saturday, we were taking a six-man raft. The process was so efficient that I felt bad for our guide Kohan. Each cadre of new paddlers was just training before their paddling trip ended.
He was a trooper, guiding us on and off some of the rapids and surfing the potholes. He was even smiling when I saw him being tossed on a highway called Mo. We circled around for what seemed like forever, but a video replay confirmed it was less than 30 seconds. My old instincts came back and I started issuing orders. It took a few tries, but we got out of Mo's grasp, and Kohan was able to jump back up. Boy, I miss these things!
Stay in boutique hotels and explore The Alley
We stayed in Trilogy Hotel Montgomeryan artsy boutique hotel located in the heart of Montgomery's vibrant historic district. We loved being able to walk everywhere we wanted to go. If we didn't feel like leaving the hotel, there was even room Waterworks rooftop bar Fine dining at Kinsmith In the building.
Across the street was an urban center that was everywhere called “The Alley.” It is full of delicious restaurants like Mexican jalapeno and Central Restauranttouted as one of Montgomery's best — and we agree! It was in the same compound as him Hank Williams Museum With “Death Car,” the 1952 Cadillac convertible from Hank's last trip that has found its way onto many strange and unusual travel lists.
Visit ancient sites
We were a short distance away Heritage Museuma basic installation of the Equal Justice Initiative's old sites, which includes National Memorial for Peace and Justice and Liberty Memorial Sculpture Park.
The Heritage Museum is a 400-year journey from slavery to modern racial indifference, using interactive displays and cutting-edge art installations. The National Memorial for Peace and Justice is the nation's first comprehensive memorial to victims of lynching and racial violence. It sits on a six-acre site that uses sculptures and art to contextualize racist terrorism and its modern legacy. Freedom Monument Sculpture Park is located on 17 acres and patrons can access it via a 15-minute river cruise.
Sailing on Montgomery River Cruises
Montgomery has two river cruises that depart from the pier at Riverfront Park. The largest and most popular option is Harriot II of the River. It is an elegant 19th century river boat that offers dinner, dancing, and live entertainment.
We chose Montgomery Sip & Cycle Cruisewhich was more drinking than cycling, to tell you the truth. After a routine trip from the dock, the captain started the engine, and it was smooth sailing from there. I don't know if it was the fresh air or light exercise, but we docked hungry and enjoyed dinner nearby Thai Railways.
Explore downtown Montgomery
Every visitor should venture up Goat Hill to the Civic Center in Montgomery; We did that with the Montgomery Morbid Wonders Ghost Walk. Montgomery has a dark past, which makes these noir tours an interesting way to spend a midnight in Montgomery. Technically, the hour-long tour was starting at eight, but there's no song about that.
We started at the top of Goat Hill near The White House of the Confederacy And we worked our way down Dexter Street. We passed Dexter Avenue Baptist Churchwhere Martin Luther King began his first full-time pastorate, continuing to Court Square Fountain.
Monitor the courtyard
The courthouse was remarkable because it was, in many ways, the heart of the slave trade and the civil rights movement. Slaves were led from the river to the field to work in underground passages. Right near the fountain is the place where Rosa Parks boarded the bus for her historic trip.
If we could do it again, we would have walked to the beginning of our tour because Fountain Square was near the Trilogy Hotel. We will also eat in Chris' hot dogs Earlier in our trip because it not only looked delicious and interesting on our tour but it is a popular Montgomery restaurant. Too bad it wasn't open on the Sunday before we had to leave.
Parting thoughts in Montgomery Alabama
Montgomery makes for a great weekend getaway thanks to its deep history, walkable downtown, and active urban rivalry. It's less than three hours from Atlanta and two hours from Jackson, Mobile, or Birmingham.
We have definitely decided to make Montgomery Whitewater a regular stop every time we pass by. It's good They sell annual passes!
Hello! We are Jane and Ed Coleman also known as Coleman Concierge. In short, we are a 10th generation couple from Huntsville sharing our stories of amazing adventures through transformative and experiential activity-based travel.
