Judy Sells The Shoals

Two weeks ago Thread fabric store opened in downtown Florence, Alabama in a large, narrow building with simple, cream walls and a rustic, hardwood floor, but the shelves are stocked with rows of vibrant colors in every shade and hue—a cheery, inspirational invitation to create. Located on North Court Street, the adorable shop just recently opened its doors and is run by incredibly talented individuals who want nothing more than to empower and encourage each of their customers to create. While Thread sells a wide range of independent patterns, sewing and craft books, supplies for every sewing projects, and of course designers fabrics—their goal is not just to provide quality products, but to inspire others to make something that is a lasting reminder to the talent and originality that lies within us all. Walking through the front doors of Thread sparks the imagination and opens up the possibility to dream. If you lack inspiration at home, all you have to do is wander a...

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...

On the corner of Seminary and Tennessee sits an old building that has been given new life with a local business that strives to leave a lasting legacy. The Spinning Spoke Cycle Hub, which opened its doors in July of 2014 was created by Timothy Wakefield, an avid cyclist and runner. As he planned his business the year prior to opening he knew he wanted to be a part of the flourishing downtown Florence community and contribute to The Shoals area. Over the short time that the shop has been open it has gained a reputation for being friendly, personable, and helpful to both serious cyclists and those just beginning to discover the benefits of biking. Where many people were traveling to Birmingham and Huntsville to have their bikes serviced and repaired, Spinning Spoke has filled a need for those who love cycling and has brought a fitness focus to downtown Florence by selling top of the line bikes, apparel, and equipment. 18 months later, as they prepare to celebrate two years of ...

Built in 1948 Shoals Theatre is a romantic fixture in downtown Florence, Alabama with it’s twinkling sign, which stands as a reminder of simpler times, when going to the movies only cost 25 cents. Today, the flashing lights on the corner of Seminary and Mobile Street signifies the survival of the creative arts in Florence, which has just recently taken on a revival with the opening of small businesses, restaurants, and boutiques by young artists and entrepreneurs sprinkled throughout downtown. While Shoals Theatre is continually producing plays thanks to the diligent dedication of volunteer board members, the theatre itself is hoping to take on its own renovation to support not only live theatre productions, but the addition of projection equipment for movies and an all-over updated look, creating a completely remodeled space for concerts and events. Inspiration for the project is being drawn from the beautiful and popular Franklin Theatre in downtown Franklin, Tennessee, which ha...

If you’ve been in downtown Florence, Alabama at night in the past two weeks you might have noticed a group of people standing in the glow of a dimly lit street lamp in front of various homes and businesses listening intently to a woman telling a story. While The Shoals always has something going on, one event that you shouldn’t miss out on is the Haunted History of the Shoals Ghost Walk. This unique tour gives you a look into the history and local ghosts that haunt the homes, restaurants, and buildings around Court Street. There are only two nights left for this tour and with Halloween just one night away how else would you spend your evening, but by listening to spooky ghost tales on a dark, chilly October night? The tour begins in Wilson Park at 7:30pm in front of the W.C. Handy statue where you are introduced to your tour guide, Debra Glass, who started the ghost walk in 2002, after the release of her first of many ghost story books, True Ghost Stories of the Shoals, Vol. 1....