Judy Sells The Shoals

As the weather warms up and people start slowly emerging from their winter hibernation, the parks and lakes begin buzzing with energy. For a smaller size area, Florence really has a lot going on—there’s a great mix of activities around town, and for those who love getting out and about there are endless possibilities in the Shoals: hiking, biking, fishing, boating, camping, playgrounds, and that doesn't include First Friday’s and the numerous festivals. I list all that to say I could literally write a book on the Shoal’s outdoor recreation, but today we are just focusing on three parks in Florence, Alabama that you should check out in the coming summer months! McFarland is possibly Florence’s most well-known park because it greets people as they make their way over the bridge from Sheffield. Immediately the tall pine trees and inviting harbor create a beautiful landscape and the perfect backdrop for numerous recreational activities. Whether you want to take a leisurely strol...

For many years the art and culture of the Shoals has been sustained by the beautiful Tennessee River that runs through it. While normally we might think of the arts in the area as music, fashion, or food, we can now put the art of brewing a good beer in the mix. Singin’ River Brewing Co. has recently burst onto the scene as the first microbrewery in the region and they are onto something big. If you don’t know anything about brewing a beer, I promise there is an art to finding that perfect flavor and making something that’s original and memorable—Singin’ River has done just that with their IPA, Porter, and Handy's Gold.   Singin’ River Brewing Co. opened their doors in 2014 and there is good reason to support this local business— they are putting Florence, Alabama on the map in the microbrewery world. For those who love tasting craft beers, you know that the first thing you do is look at the place it was brewed and the label. This can often lead to conversations with friends...

For the past two weeks I've focused solely on restaurants in downtown Florence, and since I’m a foodie at heart, I could probably use every blog post to talk about each restaurant in town. However, this week I’m going to switch gears and focus on some unique shopping you must check out in Florence. If you’re a new resident of the Shoals area, let me introduce you to a hidden treasure in the middle of town: The English Village located on Darby Drive. If you've lived in Florence for quite some time, you know that The French Basket, Sidelines Jewelry, and Marigail Mathis are three boutiques that are on your list for spring shopping! The English Village is an outdoor shopping center and promises a relaxing walk from one boutique to the next, and your first stop should be at The French Basket. This upscale home décor boutique has one-of-a-kind pieces that cannot be found anywhere else in the Shoals area. The store boasts a mix of rustic European and American antique furnitur...

Last week I wrote about three of Downtown Florence’s favorite restaurants that have been serving us for many, many years. Today, I’m focusing on some of the newer eateries that have popped up over the last few years and are sure to stick around! They bring a renewed energy to downtown and a promise towards continued growth and revitalization for the already exciting Shoals area. For now, I want to share with you three more favorite new restaurants that you should try! From what I've gathered Odette seems to be everyone’s favorite Date Night restaurant in Downtown Florence. If you want to take your sweetheart somewhere upscale and romantic, with delicious distinctive food this is the place to go. The menu hosts healthy, southern cuisine, but with an international flare. You will be surprised by the twists and tastes of each item and it is evident the amount of thought, preparation and passion that goes into every dish. The menu is updated each season to bring new energy to bot...