Judy Sells The Shoals

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...

As time marches on it’s hard to imagine life in the 1800’s, but in the Historic District of Downtown Florence located on Walnut Street, Wood Avenue, and stretching into the College district it’s easy to picture the rich culture and history that was cultivated during these times because of the beautifully preserved homes that line the shaded streets of our lovely downtown. When I tour a home on one of these streets I find myself truly wishing that the walls could talk as I think about the original residents who literally laid the foundations for generations of families to enjoy a place to create lasting memories of holidays and celebrations, family dinners and the raising of children. It’s humbling to think that these homes have seen the Civil War and housed great Generals, musicians, authors, and leaders. Each house has a story to tell and by preserving the architectural design of the house we preserve the memories of those who came before us and called Florence h...