Judy Sells The Shoals

Walking into Staggs Grocery at noon you’re greeted with the steady murmur of a crowd genuinely enjoying the company of friends on lunch break while burgers sizzle on the flattop griddle and fans lazily cool patrons in the heat of the summer. The entrance is like taking a walk back in time with the original integrity of the building being maintained with high, tin embossed ceilings and simplistic décor. However, no one is worried about what’s on the walls, the laser-like focus of every individual in the building is the food. It’s a sinfully delicious, satisfying experience of biscuits and gravy in the morning and mouthwatering cheeseburgers packed with juicy flavor and washed down with a fountain drink at lunch. There’s a reason that Staggs Grocery is so popular in the slowly evolving Sweetwater District of Florence, Alabama—it’s quite simply the quality of the food that has been produced over the last 17 years by owners Lynn and Pat Staggs who can be found behind the counter...

Located in the heart of downtown Florence, Alabama is Rivertown Coffee Company, a quaint, friendly coffee shop in the Shoals area. Just this past year they celebrated their 10 year anniversary and established themselves as Florence’s beloved coffee shop. This is the place where anyone, young or old, can take a break, relax, enjoy a drink or meal, and feel right at home. Visiting Rivertown feels like walking down the street to have coffee with a friendly neighbor. Owned by John and Jan Cartwright, they love the residents of the Shoals and are eager to serve and provide high-quality coffee in a comfortable environment. If you blink you might miss the entrance to Rivertown on Seminary Street, just a quick walk from Court Street and Wilson Park, but the modest entrance hosts a coffee shop full of vibrancy, originality, and local charm. Upon entering you are greeted by friendly staff eager to take your order at the counter, which displays the everyday coffee and drink options, daily ...

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...

As I sit here and write this blog post I’m watching snow gracefully fall from the sky outside my window. But as lovely as it is, I can’t help but think about when I can get back outside and enjoy the beautiful Alabama weather and the eclectic venues of downtown Florence. Having lived in Florence for so many years, I have had the opportunity to see this town grow into a vibrant area full of restaurants with excellent menus and unique styles… and our Downtown hasn't stopped evolving! If you’re not from the Shoals area, we might seem small, but we have a lot to offer. In downtown Florence off of Court Street there are several restaurants that have been staples and the beloved treasures of our town. They have remained consistent producers of yummy food and authentic atmosphere. Ricatoni’s, our resident Italian restaurant offers a warm, cozy environment complete with a wood-fired brick oven that creates the most delicious thin crust pizzas this side of the Mississippi. You als...