Make a Date for the River Region
Posted on February 2, 2014 by bob in Features
Treats for Two
by Kristi Gates
photos by Stone Images Photography (Heath Stone); Bob Corley
Are you stuck when it comes to ideas for “date night,” whether Valentines or just a Special Day? Do you find yourself returning to some version of dinner-and-a-movie? There’s an abundance and variety of activities in the area, both new ones and old favorites you may have forgotten.
The Spa at Montgomery 
Pamper yourselves with a day of relaxation at the Renaissance Montgomery’s spa. Splurge on couples massages and enjoy access to the spa’s facilities, including a swimming pool, hot tub, indoor whirlpool and steam room. Or save and still enjoy the spa’s facilities by purchasing a day pass for $35.
201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery, 334-481-5210
Special note: Day passes are not available on Saturdays.
Prattville Pickers + Capone’s Pizza & Subs
Treasure hunt at one of the River Region’s largest malls with over 100,000 square feet of antiques, collectibles and household goods. Once you’ve made your purchases and worked up an appetite, you won’t regret driving 20 minutes to Millbrook to try Capone’s Pizza & Subs. Capone’s is a new hot spot for authentic New York-style pizza, delicious salads, subs and calzones.
Prattville Pickers:
616 Highway 82 West, Prattville,
334-730-0266
Capone’s Pizza & Subs: 4145 Highway 14, Millbrook,
334-285-5442
Carriage Ride
What’s more romantic than a scenic horse-drawn carriage tour of downtown Montgomery? Drivers can provide historical facts and stories about the city, or let you appreciate a quiet, romantic ride. Winter break ends March 15, and spring hours are 6-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Tours: Corner of Commerce & Tallapoosa, Montgomery, 334-221-2336
$50/two adults (40-minute tour)
W.A. Gayle Planetarium
Shoot for the stars and rediscover one of Montgomery’s hidden treasures. The planetarium recently underwent a major renovation adding 22 projectors, including video projection, a new sound system and the introduction of Laser Light Shows. Public shows are offered at 3 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.
1010 Forest Avenue, Montgomery, 334-241-4799
$5/person; $4/seniors 65+
“Do the Coosa”
For a real adventure, rent a tandem sit-on-top kayak or canoe and get your thrills “Doing the Coosa.” Starting mid-March, the staff at the Coosa Outdoor Center will get you ready to experience Class I-III rapids that will satisfy beginners or seasoned paddlers. Reservations recommended. 172 River Road, Wetumpka, 334-201-5510
Tandem sit-on-top and canoe rental, $45-$55/boat
Wind Creek State Park + Catherine’s Market
Revel in the great outdoors at Wind Creek State Park along the shores of Lake Martin. Fish, swim, boat, hike and picnic in the 1,400-acre park. On your way home, visit Catherine’s Market to pick up some tasty pastries from their in-house bakery that uses the finest natural ingredients.
Wind Creek State Park: 7 miles SE of Alexander City, Highway 128, 256-329-0845
Catherine’s Market: 17 Russell Farms Road, Alexander City, 256-215-7070
Wind Creek State Park entrance: $3/adult; $1/seniors 62+
The Great Gatsby — Alabama Shakespeare Festival
If you’ve seen the recent hit movie adaptation, compare it to the ASF’s take on The Great Gatsby. The breathtaking glamour and decadent excess of the Jazz Age from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel comes to the stage in Simon Levy’s adaptation. January 31through February 16.
One Festival Drive, Montgomery, 334-271-5353
Standard balcony seats $24-$29; orchestra seats $24-$49
Horseback Riding
Shade Tree Riding Stables offers public trail rides through a 35 acre pasture and 86 acre forest. Get back to nature with half-hour or hour long Saturday rides on gentle, lovingly trained horses that will provide a relaxing, fun ride.
566 Thornfield Drive, Millbrook, 334-290-3727
$20/person for half-hour rides; $30/person for 1 hour rides
Jasmine Hill Gardens & Outdoor Museum
Experience “Alabama’s Little Corner of Greece,” with more than 20 acres of year-round floral beauty and classical sculpture. Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting March 1 until the end of June. Begin your visit at the Olympian Centre for a video of Jasmine Hill’s history and display of Olympic memorabilia.
3001 Jasmine Hill Road, Wetumpka, 334-263-5713
$10/adult; $8/seniors 65+
Rays at Riverwalk
Get out to the ballgame on Saturday, March 29 to enjoy the Rays at Riverwalk. The Tampa Bay Rays will be playing an exhibition game against the Montgomery Biscuits at 2:05 p.m. This marks the first time a Minor League team has played their Major League affiliate in the capital city.
200 Coosa Street, Montgomery
$28 reserved seating; $20 general admission
Special note: Go to www.raysatriverwalk.com for tickets and information
Whippoorwill Vineyards
Just 40 minutes east of Montgomery, Whippoorwill Vineyards is a family-owned and operated farm winery, one of a few within easy driving distance. All their wines are made from grapes varieties grown in their vineyard, including muscadines and scuppernongs, and they have a taste to satisfy every palate.
4282 County Road 31, Notasulga, 334-257-2711
Tastings and tours free during business hours, Mon, Thur-Sat, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
www.whippoorwillvineyards.com
Riverboat Cruise
Always a safe bet for a good time, cruise the Alabama River aboard the Harriott II Riverboat. Open for public cruises March through November, there are a variety of ways to savor the scenery and tranquility of the river. Choose from dinner, blues and regular cruises.
Box office is located at 200 Coosa Street, Montgomery, 334-625-2100
Dinner cruise $43/person; Blues cruise and regular cruise $25/person
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts + Café 
Have you seen the Montgomery Museum of Fine Art lately? Audio guides let you choose your own path through the permanent collection, and MMFA regularly brings in superior exhibitions. When you’ve finished the feast for your eyes, have a different kind of feast with a delectable lunch at the museum’s Café M.
One Museum Drive, Montgomery, 334-240-4333
Museum admission is free
Special note: Museum galleries are closed Monday, and Café M is closed Sunday and Monday
Bed & Breakfast
Recharge your batteries with a “staycation” at a local B&B. “Heaven on Hull Street,” The Lattice Inn, is known for its beautiful garden, hot tub and saltwater pool area. Five percent discount for seniors 60+ and a February Lover’s Special (call and ask!). The Smith-Byrd House, Prattville, has an authentic Victorian atmosphere, delighting tea lovers with afternoon tea time in the Tea Room.
Lattice Inn (Right): 141 South Hull St. Montgomery, 334-263-1414, www.thelatticeinn.com.
Smith-Byrd House: 137 N. Washington S., Prattville, 334-365-1459
$99-$130/night
