Judy Sells The Shoals

With work schedules and the busyness of every day life it’s often difficult to find time to relax, and planning an extended vacation out of state or out of the country can be a daunting and often expensive task—however, there’s an opportunity to get away from it all and it’s only a few minutes away. Escape from the every day in the middle of the Shoals by enjoying a Staycation at the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa. The grand hotel sits on top of a hill overlooking Wilson Dam and the blue waters of the Tennessee River. The Renaissance Tower, which is home to the popular 360 Grille, can be seen across the Shoals area and stands as a consistent reminder to indulge, relax, and take time to enjoy life, whether it’s dining at one of their incredible restaurants for a night, or booking a weekend staycation for the family to spend time together and make memories. Located off of Veteran’s Drive, the hotel is in the middle of the Shoals, but upon entering the property it is like a secluded r...

100 gold records line the walls of the ground floor lobby of the Suntrust Bank Building in downtown Florence, Alabama—100 reminders of the raw talent that has driven through the Alabama pines in search for that Muscle Shoals music grit. For years new and seasoned artists alike traveled across the country and across the world to find the palatable, soulful Shoals sound that rose out of the river and into the recording studio. Legendary artists like Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Percy Sledge, Etta James, and the Rolling Stones are just a few of the musicians that found that sound and possess gold records displayed on Court Street, however, the wall isn’t just a museum or reminder of the success found in the past, but also of the talent that is here today, and the potential for the future. On June 1 st , 2016 Marty Abroms and Bill Lyons, owners of the Suntrust Building, teamed up with Swampette wife, Judy Hood, to unveil the Gold Record Room, which showcases current musicia...