Judy Sells The Shoals

Tuscumbia, Alabama is like a setting for a romantic comedy. I can picture Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks walking hand in hand down the adorable sidewalks, window shopping and stopping into Coldwater Books to have a coffee at a table for two as they admire the Alabama weather. No matter the season there is magic in the air in this quaint town where Southern charm exudes in everything from the shop windows, to the historical buildings, to the friendly small town lifestyle. If you live in the Shoals area then I’m sure you’re familiar with some of the popular spots, but this week in particular I’m highlighting Tuscumbia not only because of the many boutiques and eateries, but because the 37 th annual Helen Keller Festival is taking place, which is a week of events honoring the woman who was born and lived in this delightful town. Over the past decade Tuscumbia, Alabama has transformed into a precious, picturesque little town that has some of the best shopping and unique spots in the Shoal...

Three years ago Alabama Outdoors moved into the historical Rogers Department Store building in the heart of downtown Florence and the local, Alabama-grown outdoor store plans to make history of its own as an essential staple for Shoals residents. Luckily, Alabama Outdoors has established itself in a place rich with outdoor recreational activities, making it easy to support this community-driven business. Centered just a few minutes from the Tennessee River and Wildwood Park, the specialty outdoor retailer has the perfect location to serve those who love the water, camping, rock climbing and more. While the Rogers Building is located on Court Street, the actual Alabama Outdoors entrance is on Mobile Street and it’s a grand entry with large, modern, spherical chandeliers and the classic Alabama Outdoors oak tree logo. The colorful window displays are just a taste of the high quality clothing available inside. The rugged, earthy space was decorated and designed to pay emphasis to...

Across the bridge, on the other side of the shimmering Singing River, sits a small town that was once the bustling center of the Shoals and hosted some of the greatest names in music history at the famous Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. Over the years the downtown has remained quiet—but just recently Montgomery Avenue has been busy opening new boutiques, restaurants, and stores. This up and coming downtown has brand new apartments and is surrounded by gorgeous, established neighborhoods covered with ancient oak trees that hang lazily over streets that run into the bluffs and shores of the sparkling Tennessee River. Sheffield, Alabama is a charming, small town that is on the rise and if you don’t hurry, you might miss out on business and prime real estate opportunities.   Amongst the recently opened downtown shops are new favorites like the stylish women’s boutique, The Rak, the delicious restaurant, Rhoda P’s, and the upscale event venue, George’s 217.   The Rak i...

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...