Not to diminish the sobering history that Montgomery encompasses, but sometimes. you need a break from the serious side. Luckily, Montgomery has plenty of recreational activities for visitors, so plan some time for fun, too.
As the sun starts to set and the temperatures start to ease, you can often see the people of Montgomery heading into Riverwalk Stadium for an evening of fast-paced minor league baseball.
First, you’re likely to see “Big Mo” — the Biscuits mascot. He happily makes his way among the crowd. But I’m not sure if he ever stops to eat a biscuit at the biscuit concession. That would be weird.
For those unfamiliar with American baseball, every stadium, its concessions, its mascots, and its traditions are unique to its city and fans. Minor league baseball, or “farm league,” is a step below Major League baseball, so the games are on smaller fields where fans sit closer to the field and are not as protected as at major league stadiums. I find that you have to pay more attention to Minor league games because the foul balls come into the stands a lot faster and closer. It’s not uncommon to take a baseball glove with you if you’re sitting close. Catching a ball in the stands makes you feel like you could be a baseball player, too. At least for a minute.
We had the great honor of attending “The Two Gentlemen of Verona for a Sunday matinee. It was a wonderful production! I often attend the Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival and visited the Stratford Festival in Canada. I enjoyed the play in Alabama immensely. What fantastic actors!
We got to meet them later at a reception at E.A.T. South. Most of them were there from New York and had plans to join other theatres after this show finished. Alabama seems to attract great talent, for sure!
Two members of my “Capitol Cool” group were my partners in trying to escape from Escapology. Our room theme was an Arizona Shootout and we almost completed our escape. Honestly. We were on our last puzzle when we ran out of time. I swear! So close, but unfortunately, we failed.
Then we all rode segways down along the Riverwalk and felt like winners anyway.
Alabama Department of Archives & History
This doesn’t look like the type of place where you’d take your kids. It also doesn’t look like a place you could wander around inside and actually have fun doing so.
This Museum of Alabama was fantastic! The marble inside was austere and impressive, but then you spy a room for children to explore. Inside: Grandma’s Attic, where children can take a step back in time and dress in 1970’s clothing (How crazy that the 70’s are “back in time!”) and step into a pay phone booth to see how they worked. Man, I’m old.
I was more than happy to get back to the older history showcased in the museum. The “Voices of Alabama” exhibit was captivating. All the history that occurred in Alabama was incredible. I’ve been sharing that with you, and certainly didn’t escape it here. Nor did I want to. This is what museums are for: to feel engaged and learning about a place’s history.
The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce put together such an outstanding itinerary. I highly suggest you contact them to help you plan your Montgomery, Alabama visit. Because surely, after all these posts, Montgomery has hit your must-see list. It’s Capitol Cool!
What intrigues you most about Montgomery, Alabama?
Browsing The Atlas 
I know nothing about baseball unfortunately… or any sport for that matter haha so I’ll pass on that. I’m interested in the Shakespeare Festival though! I love lit so I bet that’d be a good time 🙂
I was really impressed with their troupe of performers. It was a wonderful production.
I spent a few weeks in Alabama, but unfortunately did not get to Montgomery so I need to go back. I grew up in a baseball loving family. My dad was in the Army and we moved all over, so we always found a pro, minor of farm team to support, sould definitely love to check out the Biscuit Baseball!
Part of what makes going to a Biscuits game so much fun is that they are loved by their community. I like farm league games as much as major league. Baseball is an easy game to watch and is always a great place to people-watch, too.
Alabama has such an important history. I’m glad you enjoyed the exhibits, and I love Shakespeare festivals.
Thanks, Jen! So much to see and do there. 🙂
“Then we all rode segways down along the Riverwalk and felt like winners anyway.” –> This is probably my favorite part of your post. Nothing like zooming along on segways to make you feel on top of the world.
To be honest, I’ve always been hesitant about visiting the South, given the history and what’s surely my own preconceptions about how I’d be received there as a PoC. Still, fear only breeds more fear, right? Thanks for sharing all your great experiences and finding a balance between acknowledging history and highlighting the enjoyable things. 🙂
I’ve never found anything to fear in the South. People are friendly and are so happy to tell you their stories. Plus, the food!! 🙂
I always love a segway ride. Especially when it’s too hot to walk.
Wow I feel like Alabama’s got so much crazy history. I have it pretty high on my list to visit along with a few other places in the south! Sounds like you had a blast! 🙂
I really did. There is so much to see and do and this was only PART of Alabama!!!
Escapology type of game is all over the world now we have a few here in Kuala Lumpur. It was fun but I’m kinda bad in solving the puzzles 😀 Shakespeare Festival sounds very interesting I always enjoy a good play.
I’ve done escape rooms at a couple places in Cincinnati, too. They’re always fun and I love seeing the creativity in each place. Fortunately, my children are good at them, so I rely on them to solve many of the clues, but since they weren’t with me in Montgomery, I had to step up my game and figure some things out and I did! 🙂
You’ve painted a good picture of Montgomery Juliann. Seems like everyday life co-exists comfortably alongside its eventful history. I have a friend who’s just returned from Verona – she visited the ‘real’ Romeo & Juliet balcony, which was a bit underwhelming.
We don’t get to see baseball over here. I think I’d like it. The game has its own unhurried rhythm with occasional moments of excitement. In that way it’s not unlike cricket, our national summer sport.
Thanks, Roy. I wanted to see the balcony in Verona while I was in Italy, but didn’t make it there.
Baseball is a relaxing game to watch. And one of the few sports I can actually play!
Alabama is definitely an underrated destination – I’m glad you’re covering it – the serious and not so serious sides 🙂 I haven’t been to Montgomery yet but I’d love to!
Thanks, Ashley! Montgomery is definitely a hidden gem.
Montgomery is not a city I’d ever thought about visiting — but now as I’m thinking about a southern road trip for 2018, it’s on my list. The museum looks really, really interesting . . . perfect for a Montgomery-Selma themed trip. Also — I’ve been intrigued by these Escape Rooms, and I’d love to know more about your experience at Escapology.
If you tour the South, I’d say Montgomery is a must. MANY interesting museums.
The Escapology room was fun. Different themes for different room experiences. Ours was an Arizona Shootout and it was fun. There were only 3 of us solving the riddles and we did pretty well. If we’d had 10 more minutes, we would have escaped. We were on the very last riddle and locks. So close!!!
There is so much history to this place. I’m intrigued by all the different sites and activities it offers! The Museum of Alabama sounds like a fantastic place to explore. I would love to check out the Shakespeare festival if I get a chance!
The Alabama Museum was beautiful and really interesting. It took you through the state’s vast history — Indians, plantations, slavery, agriculture, Civil Rights, etc.. They did a great job of creating engaging exhibits.
I agree with you about minor league baseball games — I found myself paying more attention during those games because people were there to watch the players instead of drink beer and eat 🙂 I had no idea how much there is to do in Montgomery! I’d definitely love to check out the Alabama Shakespeare Festival; I’ve seen some Shakespeare plays in the past but would love to see more.
There was SO MUCH to do. I will definitely go back.
I love the names of minor league baseball times. The Biscuits – classic. Up 75 from you is a town called Lima, which used to have a baseball team called – The Cigarmakers. I actually saw a vintage shirt when I was visiting San Francisco over New Years. I would love to get a Biscuit shirt.
Lima, Ohio?? They have a minor league team??
Hahah, the biscuit mascot is adorable! How charming. And love the idea of Escapology – what a fun and unique activity.
I agree. A Biscuit is the perfect mascot!
Excellent and very inspiring post! What time of the year would you recommend for visiting Montgomery?
Great question! It can get pretty hot and humid there in summer, though if most of your activities are indoors, that’s not such an issue. I went in spring and the weather was very pleasant. If you’re interested in a Biscuits game or the Shakespeare Festival, April-June is probably best. You can get a calendar of local events/festivals from the Convention and Visitors Bureau. They can help you plan the perfect trip!