Hello,
Will be traveling to Maxwell AFB, in Montgomery in two weeks. Will be meeting my spouse who is training there. Any good, short day trips to take? Will be there Fri. through Sun. Also, any good restaurants and local attractions? Will not need a hotel as I will be staying on the base. Thank you in advance.

You poor dear. Take a large bottle of bourbon, stay in your room, and pray for decent TV reception.

You need to tour the USS Alabama, Belgrath gardens (not sure about the spelling). You are not far from Gulf Shores, Alabama where you will find some of the most beautiful beaches on the gulf, good seafood, and outlet mall shopping.

Unfortunately, the USS Alabama and Bellingrath Gardens are both in Mobile, about three hours from Montgomery -Could be kind of far for a day trip. Gulf Shores, while it does have really beautiful beaches, is also over three hours from Montgomery. You'd have to decide if you want to do that much driving.

I'm sorry that I don't have more specific suggestions for things nearer to Montgomery, but if you're interested in history you could visit some of the sites commemorating the civil rights struggle. The Dexter Ave. Baptist Church, where Rev. King was the pastor, is in downtown Montgomery. There's a Rosa Parks Museum at Troy State University in Montgomery, and a Civil Rights Memorial in front of the Southern Poverty Law Center. There are probably other relevant sites as well, both in Montgomery and nearby Selma. If this interests you you could probably do a search on Google to find out more.

and of course, you must not forget...no trip to Montgomery is complete without a trip to Hank Williams grave.

LEAVE.....

i spent a month in Montgomery one night. Edna has the right idea.

Rick,

Don't feel bad people, I spent 4 years in Montgomery. Actually, it is better than this yankee thought possible. For a short trip out of the city, try Callaway Gardens in Pine Hill, Georgia about 1 1/2 hours drive. You could also go to Birmingham which is about the same distance. It is much more cosmopolitian there. Atlanta is a 2 1/2 hour drive that is well worth it. Since you are only staying a short time, visit some of the sites in Montgomery like the previous poster mentioned. The capitol was restored about 10 years ago and worth a visit. Also, the The First White House of the Confederacy is interesting. Old Alabama Town my kids always enjoyed. Also, if the weather is nice, the zoo, though small, is very nice and well kept. As to restaurants - the choices are very limited unless you are looking for the typical chain types. Drive down Eastern Blvd. and Vaughn Road where there is plenty. My personal favorite was Sinclair's on Vaughn Road, but we moved 4 years ago so there might be plenty more. As to local food, my husband's favorite was this little hole in the wall in Millville for barbecue. Sorry but he is out of town and I can't remember the name of this place. I think it is the only restaurant in this town though. I'm sure someone on base probably has some good ideas since they have so much information available to them unlike this big company transferee who had to find her child's school in the yellow pages. Have fun and enjoy!

There is nothing worthwhile in Montgomery. Out of 22 years in the military, it was the one place I never want to return to. I spent my last two years there and the happiest day of my life was when I left.

Rick:
Listen to Sara and Maureen regarding things to do in Montgomery. One cannot expect a cosmopolitan holiday in a small town. The best attitude is to enjoy it for what it is. I was there several years ago (begrudgingly) and actually had a good time. The locals will tell you where to go for great southern cooking. Nearby were the charming towns of Prattville and Wetumpka. I found some nice antique deals and ate wonderful fried catfish. It is all a state of mind and you will be with your spouse! Have a great time.

Drive south on 231 and experience Panama City Beach in all its Spring Break glory. Hang out on the beach behind Spinnaker (www.spinnakerbeachclub) and La Vela. Maybe you'll be on MTV. It's only a couple of scenic hours away. Enjoy!

Go to Corsino's (Italiant restaurant)--good italian.

Lived in Montgomery for 6 long, long years...

Anyways - one thing that I remember being pretty decent was the Shakespeare Festival. The grounds are gorgeous, there's a museum you can walk around, and you might even be able to catch a play or something (not always just Shakespeare plays).

Can't recommend a dinner option...sorry!