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...

If you weren’t at the Grand Opening for Singin’ River Live last Friday, March 17th, you truly missed out on an incredible evening all about supporting homegrown musicians, chefs, brewers, and celebrating the first of many memorable live performances by artists local and across the globe. Singin’ River Live, the newest event space in downtown Florence, Alabama was recently completed by Rob and Michelle Jones, the owners of Singin’ River Brewing Co., the Shoals’ first micro brewery and home to many delicious brews that pay tribute to local culture including their Handy’s Gold blonde ale, The Swamper porter, and Ghost Bridge Imperial Stout. Rob and Michelle’s love for music has both influenced their beer names and most recently their newest venture: Singin’ River Live, a versatile event space that accommodates live music, weddings, corporate events, and small, private parties.  The large industrial-style building boasts 5000 sq ft. of modern charm, features glass, double door...

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 ...

Driving up to the Florence-Lauderdale Tourism and Visitor Center you’re met with the shimmering waters of the Singing River and the soaring Alabama pines—both iconic reminders of the Shoals area and an ideal location for the Visitor Center, which celebrates and embodies everything that makes up an area so rich with history, talent, and beauty. The stunning building filled with informative displays, dynamic technology, a gift shop, and friendly staff, makes a Visitor Center that is truly one-of-a-kind, and a must-see for both local residents and those new to the area. The goal of the Center is not to be a museum, but to give each person who walks through the door a taste of everything the Shoals has to offer, and to send them out to explore the many attractions and events across the Quad Cities.  The front of the Tourism & Visitor Center is structured with towering pine posts and tall, wooden doors created by local artist Robin Wade who also designed the...

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 ...