Montevallo
Montevallo seems to have it all and is certainly “the place to make your mark!” Settled in the early 19th century, the landscape’s rolling hills, creeks and valleys have given way to playgrounds, parks, trails and many modes of recreation, thanks to the coordinated work of community leaders and residents. After becoming a Main Street Alabama community in 2016, its downtown spaces have been transformed through comprehensive streetscape renovations, a cultivated small business community, and popular events—all while preserving its historic charm.
With its wonderful small town feel, Montevallo’s walkable downtown sets the stage for its historic buildings and innovative art. This charm creates the perfect setting for several locally-owned restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries. A unique example of this is the Blue Phrog Gallery, a local business that specializes in handmade art. Free admission art galleries include the Poole Gallery at the Song Center for the Arts at the University of Montevallo, the Nance Metz Gallery at Montevallo Presbyterian Church, and the City Hall Gallery and Parnell Memorial Library Art Gallery, both of which are managed by Montevallo Arts Collaborative.
Art, innovation and community pride are easily found at Orr Park, located at the edge of the Main Street District and featuring over 60 trees carved by local artist Tim Tingle. Motifs include faces and creatures both real and mystical, and the park plays host to Montevallo Arts Fest in April and Tinglewood Festival in September.
Thanks to a grant provided by Main Street Alabama, an incredible 59-foot mural celebrating the town’s growing Hispanic and Latino/a community welcomes all with its “Bienvenidos a Montevallo” message. In the works is a small food truck park at the mural site. Other downtown murals also tell the story of the community’s past and inspire creativity among locals and visitors alike. In fact, two hands—one old, one young—hold the key to the future simply called “Becoming,” connecting the town to campus as a centerpiece at the University of Montevallo.
Main Street seamlessly connects all of its elements in important events, like its Friday Nights at the Cove, a free outdoor concert series that takes place the last Friday of April through July. Downtown is also home to Montevallo Art Walk, a festival that has been enjoyed for over a decade on Main Street each year on the Saturday before Halloween.
Just as easy to find as creativity is certainly community, and Montevallo is a place that loves to support small businesses, art, aspiring youth and each other.
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