Judy Sells The Shoals

By now you might have heard the buzz around town about the brand new Sky Zone Trampoline Park recently opened in Florence, Alabama—and you can believe all the hype. The large, shiny new facility located on Mangum St. close to the mall, is every child’s dream with cheery, bright orange signs, upbeat music, and plenty of stations to jump with friends, make memories, and embrace the lighter side of life. This incredible space is a unique and much needed addition to the Florence area as it provides field trip opportunities for schools, workout classes for adults, and a healthy way for kids to have fun with friends in a well organized, safe environment monitored by an energetic staff trained to ensure safety and promote fun. Kim Moore, the owner of Sky Zone, realized that her son’s school frequently went to Huntsville for field trip and entertainment purposes, so by opening the trampoline park her goal was to provide a place for everyone in the community to enjoy right here in the Sh...

On West Third Street in Sheffield, Alabama The Ritz Theatre, built in 1927, sits on a quiet corner a short walk from the evolving downtown district, which boasts new restaurants, venues, and shops—a reflection of a town that is invested in local business and the arts. The theatre, which has been renovated over time is surrounded by vacant buildings, and stands out with its bright marquee sign as a reminder of simpler times when children would save their pennies to watch black and white silent films and couples walked hand-in-hand on warm summer evenings through the small, Southern haven to see a show. The Ritz was a beacon of art and entertainment, a portal to the outside world and remained as a popular movie theatre in the Shoals until 1951 when it went out of business. In 1985 the Tennessee Valley Arts Association, a nonprofit organization in Tuscumbia, bought and restored the theatre to its former glory—now providing a place for locals to have unique artistic experiences through ...

With work schedules and the busyness of every day life it’s often difficult to find time to relax, and planning an extended vacation out of state or out of the country can be a daunting and often expensive task—however, there’s an opportunity to get away from it all and it’s only a few minutes away. Escape from the every day in the middle of the Shoals by enjoying a Staycation at the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa. The grand hotel sits on top of a hill overlooking Wilson Dam and the blue waters of the Tennessee River. The Renaissance Tower, which is home to the popular 360 Grille, can be seen across the Shoals area and stands as a consistent reminder to indulge, relax, and take time to enjoy life, whether it’s dining at one of their incredible restaurants for a night, or booking a weekend staycation for the family to spend time together and make memories. Located off of Veteran’s Drive, the hotel is in the middle of the Shoals, but upon entering the property it is like a secluded r...

100 gold records line the walls of the ground floor lobby of the Suntrust Bank Building in downtown Florence, Alabama—100 reminders of the raw talent that has driven through the Alabama pines in search for that Muscle Shoals music grit. For years new and seasoned artists alike traveled across the country and across the world to find the palatable, soulful Shoals sound that rose out of the river and into the recording studio. Legendary artists like Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Percy Sledge, Etta James, and the Rolling Stones are just a few of the musicians that found that sound and possess gold records displayed on Court Street, however, the wall isn’t just a museum or reminder of the success found in the past, but also of the talent that is here today, and the potential for the future. On June 1 st , 2016 Marty Abroms and Bill Lyons, owners of the Suntrust Building, teamed up with Swampette wife, Judy Hood, to unveil the Gold Record Room, which showcases current musicia...

On any given night you will find Wildwood Tavern overflowing with a crowd of young professionals, artists, musicians, and designers grabbing a drink and sitting down for good conversation until late into the evening on East Mobile Street in downtown Florence. Childhood friends Matt Henderson and Tyler Ross left the Shoals for college, only to return to their roots to open up the popular Chicago Café three years ago, and just one year ago, Wildwood Tavern—a bar that is both laid-back and filled with life. The two owners, born and raised in Florence, are devoted to “Keep Florence Funky” – a fun phrase they coined to encourage local residents to embrace and continue to create the soulful style that first put The Shoals on the map—an approach that is apparent in their unique décor, original recipes, and their love for the local community. The funky attitude begins as soon as you walk through the doors of Wildwood Tavern. The rustic space decorated with colorful, pendant lighting, which...