Judy Sells The Shoals

It’s that time of year again when resident fashion designer, Billy Reid, transforms downtown Florence, Alabama into a hip fashion, food, music, and art festival that is a delicious mixture of local cuisine and brilliant artists taking over popular homegrown venues along the tree-lined streets that make up our charming city. With the Billy Reid store located downtown on North Court Street, you can expect the restaurants, bars, and shops to be filled with visitors from across the country, taking in the sights and sounds of Florence as Shindig No. 11 begins August 23.   Here is a brief summary of some of the events.   There are events that are free to the public and other events that require tickets. August 23 - Shindig in the Park - Free Event Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to the center of Florence at Wilson Park, for a free outdoor concert featuring music by Erin Rae , Devon Gilfillian , and Dirty Dozen Brass Band .    Enjoy delicious food, cra...

What began as a small coffee corner in the back of Greasy Hands Barbershop at the end of College Street has now developed into a refreshing study spot and hang out on East Tennessee in downtown Florence, Alabama. The bright white walls and clean concrete floors are enlivening as Shoals residents, young and old, enjoy high quality coffee brewed by Shoals native, Reese Shirey, while his wife Sarah makes delicious baked goods daily. Over the past 5 years Reese and Sarah have discussed and intentionally planned their dream coffee shop, finally opening the new Turbo Coffee location only a few months ago on a popular downtown street that has recently been revitalized with freshly paved roads, sidewalks, and new landscaping. Turbo’s recent move comes at the perfect time as they are at the forefront of what will be a beautiful and busy part of downtown, and they bring their own brand of excitement by providing an energizing coffee experience. Turbo’s space is flooded with light, with ...

Odette, a popular restaurant in downtown Florence, Alabama, has greatly impacted our community by providing us with a healthy, delicious Farm to Table menu that features locally and sustainably sourced ingredients, but to truly appreciate this local eatery one must understand every aspect behind Owner Celeste Pillow's decision to open a restaurant that has easily become the Shoals’ preferred stop for incredible fare. After leaving Florence to pursue a degree in Art at the University of Montana, Celeste traveled to New York City to continue her education in cuisine—two focuses that go hand-in-hand. With little intention to become a chef, she still wanted to grow in her understanding of the art of cooking, which she did at the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan. After time spent in New York working and learning in the restaurant industry, she began her journey home to Alabama where she first landed in Birmingham and eventually decided to move back home to The ...