Judy Sells The Shoals

In the midst of Cox Creek Parkway lined with generic, chain department stores, there sits a shop that has remained a steadfast clothing boutique for the last 20 years, providing high-end, sophisticated fashion for Shoals women who like to make a statement. Melissa Coldiron opened Lilly’s Sportswear two decades ago simply because she loves fashion and helping women find something that they can feel fabulous in every day. Melissa can be found at the store each day ready to greet customers with a sweet smile and warm hello as they browse the on trend, high-fashion clothing and accessories that includes everything from jeans and formal dresses, to shoes and jewelry for women in their 20’s and up. A Sheffield native, Melissa began working in boutiques at the age of 15 and never looked back, originally opening Lily’s Sportswear in Sheffield, but moving to W. Tennessee Street for 16 years, and just recently settling into their newest location next to the Florence Mall. The tall, indu...

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 ...

Nestled in the hills of Les Cayes, Haiti is a green plot of land lined with palm trees overlooking the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. In a country struck with poverty and tragedy, this lot is a space that represents hope and potential—it’s a place where one day children will laugh, learn, and have the opportunity to make a difference in the future of their country. However, this future is only possible if our Shoals community partners together to make a difference. Melissa Daniel Bain, a Muscle Shoals native, and the founder of The 610 Project loves two places—The Shoals and Haiti, and she invites our community to join her in serving the people of Haiti by building a training space for children and adults that will facilitate education, vocational training, and microenterprise. The dream to make a difference began 6 years ago after her first trip to Haiti as a volunteer with Soles4Souls. After traveling across the United States as an RV Tour Spokesperson for Soles4Souls ...

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...

Each year in the August heat a flood of students pour into the streets of downtown Florence, Alabama, bringing a whole new energy and excitement to The Shoals area. The University of North Alabama is the beating heart of our already vibrant Southern town and all roads seem to lead to the beautiful campus that sits in the epicenter of the Historical Downtown Districts. Established in 1830, UNA is Alabama’s oldest four-year public university, solidifying it as a place of great educational and cultural influence, and making it a rich part of Alabama’s history. It’s a unique campus that has shaped our community by providing creativity, growth, and an excellent education.  There’s really nothing like the feeling of a new school year. Fresh planners and notebooks are purchased, classes are scheduled, and there is the air of possibility—a sudden and distinct change on campus and throughout our small town. Having just emerged from the slow summer, Florence is now bustling with stude...