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...

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 ...

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...