Judy Sells The Shoals

If you’ve been in downtown Florence, Alabama at night in the past two weeks you might have noticed a group of people standing in the glow of a dimly lit street lamp in front of various homes and businesses listening intently to a woman telling a story. While The Shoals always has something going on, one event that you shouldn’t miss out on is the Haunted History of the Shoals Ghost Walk. This unique tour gives you a look into the history and local ghosts that haunt the homes, restaurants, and buildings around Court Street. There are only two nights left for this tour and with Halloween just one night away how else would you spend your evening, but by listening to spooky ghost tales on a dark, chilly October night? The tour begins in Wilson Park at 7:30pm in front of the W.C. Handy statue where you are introduced to your tour guide, Debra Glass, who started the ghost walk in 2002, after the release of her first of many ghost story books, True Ghost Stories of the Shoals, Vol. 1.

October is here, which means the leaves are changing colors, the temperature is cooling, and fall has officially arrived. It’s a magical season of the senses—a warm cup of coffee in the crisp morning air, laughter and storytelling around a wood-burning fire, sipping spiced apple cider on a hayride, and picking out the perfect pumpkin for fall décor and carving. If you’re looking for the ultimate fun, fall afternoon for the family and a picturesque pumpkin-picking experience head out to McGee Farm.  Open Weekdays 3-6pm, Saturday 10-6pm, and Sunday 1-5pm thru Halloween, it’s on an inviting family farm 12 miles north of Cox Creek Pkwy. Driving up a gravel road towards the entrance you’re met with hay bales and stretches of farmland and forest—you are truly in the country. Rows of red, yellow, and white mums line the edge of the cornfield, stacked on trucks, and set on straw bales, an ideal backdrop for a family photo. Next to the parking lot the main barn is filled with pumpkins in

As you walk through the front door of Greasy Hands you will most definitely pass by a vintage motorcycle or two and enter into the barbershop filled with the fresh scent of shaving soap, the lingering aroma of coffee wafting in from the back of the building, and the prattle of good conversation. However, if a haircut isn’t what you’re looking for, upon venturing further into the long building you will find Dixie Garage, a quality men’s supply store, and Turbo Coffee, a moto espresso bar. While Greasy Hands just recently celebrated their one-year anniversary with the annual Rally in the Alley, Dixie Garage and Turbo Coffee are new additions that have added a unique dynamic to the two-chair barbershop. The four men, who have invested their lives into the three separate businesses under one roof, work as a team for the vision of the multidimensional store, and have crafted an experience that adds to the creative downtown Florence, Alabama community. Austin Shirey, Lucas Wassne

In the early 90’s, with almost 24 years of restaurant expertise, Rick Elliott took a trip to Spain and found unique restaurants, nestled on cobblestone streets, in long, narrow buildings owned by families who poured their lives into perfecting and specializing in good food. After his experience he wanted to bring the same vision and character back to the Shoals and was inspired to create the popular Ricatoni’s Italian Grill that has been a Florence favorite since it opened its doors in the summer of 1996. The recipe for such a successful business over time has been great service, delicious food, and the ability to create a space that is unique and memorable. Walking into Ricatoni’s is much like entering into a restaurant that could be found in Chicago, Boston, or New York—it has a warm, family atmosphere with maroon, leather booths, exposed brick, and a classic embossed ceiling—it feels as though you might find The Godfather himself sitting in the back eating meatballs