Car Hire Montgomery - Mini guide to Montgomery

The capital of Alabama is a likeable southern city and cultural centre, bursting at the seams with quality attractions, historical buildings and museums. The city also boasts a world class theatre and fine food.

The three historic downtown streets of Hull, Perry and Lawrence feature some of the most beautiful and historic homes in Montgomery. Home to the Governor's Mansion, this district also includes Greek revival, neoclassical and bungalow-style homes, and is perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll.

Built in 1851, the Alabama State Capitol served a dual purpose during the American Civil War as both the State Capitol and the Capitol of the Confederacy in 1861. The building offers an engrossing look at this historic state and the role it played in the history of the United States.

The nearby Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and stands as a symbol of Montgomery’s history. It was the site of Dr Martin Luther King Jr's first pulpit as a minister and also served as the centre of the bus boycott that spurred the movement. Look for the large mural depicting Dr King's civil rights crusade from Montgomery to Memphis.

The beautiful Museum of Fine Arts, east of downtown, is the oldest fine arts museum in Alabama. The museum is noted for its outstanding survey collection of American paintings and sculpture, and also boasts an impressive collection of old master prints, southern regional art and decorative arts. The Museum's stunning grounds and lovely neighbouring lakes area are also worth seeing.

Set in a beautiful park and housed in the pretty Carolyn Blount Theatre, next door to the Montgomery Museum, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival has year round performances of plays such as King Lear and Twelfth Night. As the fifth-largest of its kind in the world, the festival also stages other classic plays that are on a constantly changing schedule.

The historic Montgomery home of Confederate President and Mrs Jefferson Davis, which the couple occupied during their stay in Montgomery in 1861, is well worth a visit. The 1835 Italianate-style home features an array of Davis family furnishings and memorabilia. Admission is free.

For a great insight into the rich food, culture and people of this wonderful city, head for the Montgomery Curb Market. Local farmers sell everything from the freshest vegetables to flowering plants; be sure to sample some of the home-cooked specialties available for purchase.