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Hawaii Snorkeling Tours
Hawaii Sunset Cruise

Observe Hawaiian Humpback whales while sailing the waters of the famous North Shore, the least crowded whale watching spot on Oahu. Our Small groups give you a personal and up-close experience

www.sailingcat.com

Embassy Suites Hotel - Mandalay Beach Resort - Oxnard

TO FLY L.A.
16303 Waterman Drive
Van Nuys, CA 91406
877.863.5952

Montgomery, The Spirit of Alabama's Heritage
By Mel and Ronnie Greenberg

Montgomery's origins were sparked in the early 19th century when the two river towns of New Philadelphia and Alabama Town merged into one. Named for General Richard Montgomery a hero of the American Revolutionary War, Montgomery became the twenty-second state to enter the Union. It went on to become the state capital in 1846 and in 1861 the first capital of the Confederate States of America. Jefferson Davis was inaugurated as its president and his home in the city is now a museum.

Courageous and rebellious Montgomery was thrust into the spotlight again, in the tumultuous 1950s, and 60s. In 1955 Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man on a city bus, igniting the 381-day Montgomery Bus boycott- paving the way for the Civil Rights Movement In 1965 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ended the Selma to Montgomery Civil Rights March at the Capitol steps, just one block from the only church in which he ministered.

From the Civil War to Civil Rights, Montgomery is steeped in history. Start to explore, and discover this fabulous city by unpacking your bags at the historic downtown Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa. The 290 lavishly appointed guestrooms and 52 suites are replete with modern amenities .When relaxation is on the agenda the hotel's luxurious European spa and signature pool are yours to enjoy. For dining there's the House Restaurant that opens the palate to a delectable new age of local Southern cuisine, or get to mingle at the Exchange Pub for evening cocktails and entertainment. Located at 201 Tallapoosa Street, phone 1-877-545-0311 or www.renaissancemontgomery.com

The City

Montgomery, a place for leisure and sightseeing, is also a modern metropolis whose history and wonders turn this charming city into something grand .Just beyond the skyline dominated by the 23 story RSA Tower, are the areas and pockets that define its Southern heritage.

Downtown lies along the southern bank of the Alabama Rivers about 6 miles from the confluence of the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers. With a nod to history it's home to many state and local government buildings including the restored Alabama State Capitol, c.1851; the Winter Building on Dexter Avenue where Jefferson Davis issued the telegraph giving orders to fire on Fort Sumter; the First White House of the Confederacy, and the nation's oldest State Archives. The National Civil Rights Memorial that was designed by artist Maya Lin and dedicated in 1989 is a memorial to 40 people who died in a struggle of equal treatment for all people. Lin also designed the Vietnam Memorial is Washington, DC. The landmark Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church is where the young pastor Dr. King preached his message of hope and brotherhood. Depicting life in central Alabama, Old Alabama Town, the South's premier History Village depicts 19th and 20th century life among the more than 50 restored houses and shops.

Musical Performers

There's a rich history of musical performers with roots in Montgomery, Jazz singer and pianist Nat King Cole, Melvin Franklin of the Temptations, and guitarist Tommy Shaw of Styx got their start here. The Hank Williams Museum pays homage to a legend and one of the best country artists of all time.

Culture

Wynton Blunt former Postmaster General donated 250 acres of land that is now home to the Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park. The park houses the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts whose front lawn showcases a series of avant garde huts made of interwoven sticks that resemble a native village. The Museum's permanent collections include American art and sculpture, Southern art, prints from European masters, and collections of porcelain and glass works.

The Shakespeare Festival on the park grounds presents year round performances of both classic plays in addition to the works of William Shakespeare

Other points of interest

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama a 2 million square foot state of the art manufacturing plant resides on 1744 acres of land which includes a stamping facility, paint shop, vehicle assembly shop, a two mile test track and an engine shop where the all new Hyundai 3.3 liter V6 engine I are produced. In May 2005, the facility marked the official start by the South Korean automaker with production of its first saleable 2006 Sonata. There is an incredible complimentary one hour long guided tour that is educational and entertaining. To arrange a tour go to www.hmmausa.com

How to get around

Get started at the Montgomery Area Visitor Center in historic Union Station for your Passport to area attractions as well as hopping aboard the Lightening Route Trolley.

(800) 240-9452
www.Visitingmontgomery.com

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