Judy Sells The Shoals

 W. C. Handy Music Festival July 19-28 is one of the biggest 10 days in the Shoals.  It's when we celebrate music - in the streets, in the restaurants, in the churches, basically - everywhere!  The W. C. Handy Music Festival is a celebration paying honor to the Father of the Blues, W. C. Handy.  He was an internationally recognized composer of sacred and secular music.  We also celebrate the music produced locally in the "Hit Recording Capital of the World".  Musicians in the Shoals area are the best anywhere.  They produce a sound that has never been able to be replicated. The first festival was held in 1982 and has continued to grow in size each year.  It is recognized as one of the top 10 events in the State of Alabama and one of the top 20 events in the Southeast.   There is something for everyone!   Are you a runner?  No worries, there is an annual run to cover the running enthusiast in the famil...

For the past two years families across the Quad Cities have been anxiously awaiting the Grand Opening of the beloved Children’s Museum of the Shoals on June 8th. With the help of the City of Florence and many generous donors, all of the venues have been reinvigorated with new materials and redesigned to promote creative, educational play for children. This innovative museum is more than a play-date option, it’s an interactive place for children to explore new ideas, dig into the creative arts, and learn more about their interests and talents. It’s not just a museum for viewing, but a community hub for children to make new friends, grow, and for families to come together.  The outdoor space and two floors have been freshened up with new paint, flooring, additional venue spaces, and exciting features like an art classroom, outdoor dinosaur dig, and gift shop entrance. Guests who visit the museum, can expect to find the gift shop stocked full of creative gifts and toys pe...

If you weren’t at the Grand Opening for Singin’ River Live last Friday, March 17th, you truly missed out on an incredible evening all about supporting homegrown musicians, chefs, brewers, and celebrating the first of many memorable live performances by artists local and across the globe. Singin’ River Live, the newest event space in downtown Florence, Alabama was recently completed by Rob and Michelle Jones, the owners of Singin’ River Brewing Co., the Shoals’ first micro brewery and home to many delicious brews that pay tribute to local culture including their Handy’s Gold blonde ale, The Swamper porter, and Ghost Bridge Imperial Stout. Rob and Michelle’s love for music has both influenced their beer names and most recently their newest venture: Singin’ River Live, a versatile event space that accommodates live music, weddings, corporate events, and small, private parties.  The large industrial-style building boasts 5000 sq ft. of modern charm, features glass, double door...

What began as a small coffee corner in the back of Greasy Hands Barbershop at the end of College Street has now developed into a refreshing study spot and hang out on East Tennessee in downtown Florence, Alabama. The bright white walls and clean concrete floors are enlivening as Shoals residents, young and old, enjoy high quality coffee brewed by Shoals native, Reese Shirey, while his wife Sarah makes delicious baked goods daily. Over the past 5 years Reese and Sarah have discussed and intentionally planned their dream coffee shop, finally opening the new Turbo Coffee location only a few months ago on a popular downtown street that has recently been revitalized with freshly paved roads, sidewalks, and new landscaping. Turbo’s recent move comes at the perfect time as they are at the forefront of what will be a beautiful and busy part of downtown, and they bring their own brand of excitement by providing an energizing coffee experience. Turbo’s space is flooded with light, with ...

By now you might have heard the buzz around town about the brand new Sky Zone Trampoline Park recently opened in Florence, Alabama—and you can believe all the hype. The large, shiny new facility located on Mangum St. close to the mall, is every child’s dream with cheery, bright orange signs, upbeat music, and plenty of stations to jump with friends, make memories, and embrace the lighter side of life. This incredible space is a unique and much needed addition to the Florence area as it provides field trip opportunities for schools, workout classes for adults, and a healthy way for kids to have fun with friends in a well organized, safe environment monitored by an energetic staff trained to ensure safety and promote fun. Kim Moore, the owner of Sky Zone, realized that her son’s school frequently went to Huntsville for field trip and entertainment purposes, so by opening the trampoline park her goal was to provide a place for everyone in the community to enjoy right here in the Sh...