Judy Sells The Shoals

If you are as big of a fan as I am of The Carriage and Jack-O-Lantern Farms in downtown Florence, then the two weeks they were closed in April to renovate and reopen their new store at 121 East Mobile Street was as hard for you as it was for me. I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed The Carriage’s high quality wine selection, fine cheese, fresh flowers, and overall chic atmosphere, as well as Jack-O-Lantern Farm’s delicious produce and homemade goodies until I couldn’t have it. However, it was well worth the wait for the new space they opened at the beginning of May. Since their grand opening, these two unique Florence shops haven’t skipped a beat—frequently filled with patrons eager to relax and socialize with friends and a nice glass of wine, or shopping for their weekly groceries, it’s a wonderful place to run into familiar faces and unwind after a long day at work. Owned by Jason Allen and Caleb Banks, The Carriage opened their doors in Fall of 2014 in Court Street M...

In the midst of distinctive restaurants and shops, is an exceptional vision center that has taken part in the renaissance of downtown Florence, Alabama. Specs Downtown has firmly established itself as the stylish standard for first-class eye-care. Passionate about the optical health of the Shoals community and creating a one-of-a-kind eye care experience, they have changed the game in optometry with their fashion forward eyewear, exclusive technology, and superior customer service. Specs Downtown is unlike any eye care center you have visited. They have gone above and beyond to create a first-rate, fantastic experience from the minute you walk in the door. Every detail of the space has been designed to make customers feel welcome and excited about picking out that perfect pair of glasses. Specs will “decorate your face” with the latest, designer eyewear, including Ray-Ban, Coach, Dolce & Gabanna, Nike, and Versace. Their glasses are exhibited on color-shifting displays in t...

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 the beautiful parks of Florence, but today I’m focusing on taking the fun indoors. For all the bookworms in the Shoals area, you probably are already aware of the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library that proudly sits in downtown Florence, next to Wilson Park. If you haven’t yet checked out this establishment you are truly missing out. But, wait! I feel like when we think of public libraries an image of a dark, musty building comes to mind that only offers the chance to pick up the occasional book. This is not the case for Florence’s public library. FLPL is a place of possibility for young and old and offers much more than a study spot or book check out. It’s a vibrant participant in the community and creates an atmosphere of opportunity and energy, while still maintaining its reputation as a quiet reading retreat. First, we must talk about the appearance of the library and dispel any thoughts of a gloomy, dusty book depot. It is quite the opposite. This st...

As the weather warms up and people start slowly emerging from their winter hibernation, the parks and lakes begin buzzing with energy. For a smaller size area, Florence really has a lot going on—there’s a great mix of activities around town, and for those who love getting out and about there are endless possibilities in the Shoals: hiking, biking, fishing, boating, camping, playgrounds, and that doesn't include First Friday’s and the numerous festivals. I list all that to say I could literally write a book on the Shoal’s outdoor recreation, but today we are just focusing on three parks in Florence, Alabama that you should check out in the coming summer months! McFarland is possibly Florence’s most well-known park because it greets people as they make their way over the bridge from Sheffield. Immediately the tall pine trees and inviting harbor create a beautiful landscape and the perfect backdrop for numerous recreational activities. Whether you want to take a leisurely strol...

For many years the art and culture of the Shoals has been sustained by the beautiful Tennessee River that runs through it. While normally we might think of the arts in the area as music, fashion, or food, we can now put the art of brewing a good beer in the mix. Singin’ River Brewing Co. has recently burst onto the scene as the first microbrewery in the region and they are onto something big. If you don’t know anything about brewing a beer, I promise there is an art to finding that perfect flavor and making something that’s original and memorable—Singin’ River has done just that with their IPA, Porter, and Handy's Gold.   Singin’ River Brewing Co. opened their doors in 2014 and there is good reason to support this local business— they are putting Florence, Alabama on the map in the microbrewery world. For those who love tasting craft beers, you know that the first thing you do is look at the place it was brewed and the label. This can often lead to conversations with friends...

For the past two weeks I've focused solely on restaurants in downtown Florence, and since I’m a foodie at heart, I could probably use every blog post to talk about each restaurant in town. However, this week I’m going to switch gears and focus on some unique shopping you must check out in Florence. If you’re a new resident of the Shoals area, let me introduce you to a hidden treasure in the middle of town: The English Village located on Darby Drive. If you've lived in Florence for quite some time, you know that The French Basket, Sidelines Jewelry, and Marigail Mathis are three boutiques that are on your list for spring shopping! The English Village is an outdoor shopping center and promises a relaxing walk from one boutique to the next, and your first stop should be at The French Basket. This upscale home décor boutique has one-of-a-kind pieces that cannot be found anywhere else in the Shoals area. The store boasts a mix of rustic European and American antique furnitur...