Attractions

Even though Florence is a small town there is plenty to do just in case you make it to town early or the wedding weekend isn't enough to keep you busy, we'd like to suggest some great places to eat, relax and soak up some Southern history! Please click on the locations name to be taken to their website for more information.

GOOD EATS & DRINKS
Ricatoni's
107 N. Court Street, Downtown Florence, AL 35630
If you're looking for a great Italian meal unlike any you've had back home we suggest stopping by Ricatoni's in downtown Florence. This was one of the first places Mike and Kelly went out for dinner together. Our favorites include the Chicken Sandwich, Italian Sandwiches and their Ravioli. While you're there don't forget to try the complimentary bread dipped in olive oil and a special blend of spices that the restaurant is known for.

On The Rocks
110 N. Court Street, Downtown Florence, AL 35630
Owned by dear friends of the bride and groom this is the best place in town to get a juicy burger and a cold glass of beer. It's our favorite watering hole and our own personal Cheers where everybody knows our name. If you aren't in the mood for a burger we can vouch that you won't be disappointed with anything on the menu, seriously, we've tried it all and it's amazingly tasty! Great service, great music and a great atmosphere! Our favorite dishes: the Burgers, Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches, Wings, Loaded BBQ Chicken Potato Wedges and Tomato Basil Grilled Chicken.

Trowbridges
316 N. Court Street, Downtown Florence, AL 35630
This is the soda shop that time forgot, and we mean that in a good way. Classic fare and warm hospitality make this small sandwich shop a great place to grab lunch and sip on a root beer float. The bride and groom love the classic and frills free Tuna Salad and Chicken Salad sandwiches served up with chips and a Coca Cola Classic in a glass bottle it doesn't get more nostalgic than that. If you're looking for a trip down memory lane this is the ticket. While you're at it grab a bag to go and enjoy your meal around the block at the beautiful Wilson Park located in the heart of Downtown Florence.

The Smokehouse
118 E. Tennessee Street, Downtown Florence, AL 35630
Greasy, good ole fashioned bar food, that's what you'll get at The Smokehouse. Still a smoking establishment we will say to enter at your own risk if smoking bothers you, in order to eat there. Serving up Chili burgers, chicken wings, and all the fixings. If you feel up for a game of pool they also have tables and often live music during the week in the evenings.

Cupcake and Co.
124 E. Tennessee Street, Downtown Florence, AL 35630
Just a few doors down from the Smokehouse you'll find Cupcakes and Co. A small cupcake bakery serving up different flavors daily. This shop just opened but Kelly can vouch that the cakes are delicious, and her favorite is the coconut cupcakes.

Rivertown Coffee
117 N. Seminary Street, Downtown Florence, AL 35630
Freshly brewed coffee and specialty drinks as well as soups and sandwiches are offered at this small coffee shop that has been open since 2004. This small cafe is right around the corner from where Kelly and Mike first lived downtown [Tombigbee Apartment Complex] and nearby Kelly's first job when she moved to the area. The coffee is delicious, the and the quiet shop is a great place to read your paper in the morning. Again we suggest getting your coffee to-go and enjoying it on a park bench in Wilson park if weather permits and you have the time.

Rosie's Cantina
302 N. Court Street, Downtown Florence, AL 35630
While Rosie's is a chain Mexican restaurant it doesn't feel like one. Settled right in the heart of downtown the establishment has been here for as long as Kelly has been in town. While Mike and Kelly will tell you a few other amazing places to grab Mexican food this one has a great ambiance and a perfect patio for sipping made from scratch margaritas with fresh lime juice and watching the world go by.

Legend's Steakhouse
201 N. Seminary Street, Downtown Florence, AL 35630
If you smell something tasty cooking while driving though downtown Florence, chances are it's either Ricatoni's or Legend's Steakhouse. On the corner of N. Seminary and E. Mobile Street Legends offers a variety of different foods, a salad bar and a great outdoor patio. Please don't miss out on their delicious bread and if you are a fan of French Onion Soup you won't be disappointed. If you visit take note of the walls plastered with old newspaper prints, they were reproductions of the original paper The Florence Herald - printed where Mike works now full time. The company no longer prints the paper but they are still running strong as a print and technology store serving Florence and surrounding areas. Where ever you eat lunch be sure not to miss out on the Sweet Tea! It's probably not as great as Mrs. Henderson's Sweet Tea but it will do in a pinch.


UMI Japanese Steakhouse
201 N. Cox Creek Parkway, Florence, AL
Located away from downtown but close to everything is UMI. A great steakhouse offering Japanese cuisine including sushi, sashmi, teriyaki, tempura and hibachi food. Get a big table at the grill or a quiet table in the corner it's a great location to feed your sushi craving.

Casa Mexicana
2801 West Mall Drive, Florence, AL
Located close to the Mall you'll find our favorite Mexican restaurant. We suggest the Burrito Supremo with shredded chicken and lots of ice cold beer. And don't forget the cheese dip, it's sooo good!

Crocodile Ed's Grill and Fish Market
395 Cox Creek Parkway [Across from Best Buy and Target Shopping Center]
We have to say we love this place. It gets mixed reviews from everyone we talk to but the two of us have always had great experiences and meals while eating here. With a great patio and one of the most expansive seafood menus in the area this is a great place to get a meal. The atmosphere is very laid back and enjoyable. Three words, Crab Pot Pie! And the Bloody Mary's aren't half bad either.

Sweet Basil's Cafe
English Village Shopping Center, 1633 Darby Drive, Florence, AL
One of the best gourmet specialty shops around. The menu is always evolving and every meal is a surprise. Be sure to order a side of the Red, White and Blue salad - blueberries, strawberries, bleu cheese and walnuts on a bed of greens with a special homemade dressing that will blow you away! While you're there snag a few goodies to take home from their small market of gourmet cooking goods and wines! Note: If you stop in on Fridays they serve Sweet Potato French Fries - YUM!

Bunyan's BBQ
901 W. College Street, Florence, AL
Last but CERTAINLY not least here in Downtown Florence... if you come to the Shoals you have to head over to Bunyan's BBQ. Go up to the counter and order a Large BBQ Sandwich, with slaw - don't ask questions just do it! Get your chips and a drink and enjoy the goodness. We swear if you aren't hooked there is something wrong with you. Mike's family travels from all over and comes to visit at least once a year. When they do, they all leave with buckets of this stuff to take home with them. It's that good. But be warned there isn't always time for chit chat at the counter since they are busy. Much like the Soup Nazi, it's make your order, smile, and more along or else you get a big "NEXT!" From the women behind the counter.

Savannah Cafe
1609 Lee Street, Downtown Rogersville, 35652
Located close to Joe Wheeler State Park Resort in the middle of the small downtown area of Rogersville is a great cafe serving up fresh sandwiches, baked bread and pastries as well as coffee and refreshments. If you are at the lodge for the weekend and want to get out for something different this is a quaint little place to stop and snack. It's also a nice little downtown area to shop a bit.

SHOPPING
If you're looking for something different or unexpected to take back home with you check out a few of our most unique local places to shop.

The English Village
Located at 1633 Darby Drive, Florence, AL
Stores Include: Sidelines Jewelery, The Yellow Door, The French Basket, Xtravagance by Susan, Halsey House Interiors, and many more!

Grassroots Market
108 E. Mobile Street, Downtown Florence, AL
Right in the heart of downtown Florence hidden on the cobblestone street of E. Mobile is one of Kelly's favorite stores. Mike purchased most of her Christmas gifts from this store alone last year. The service is amazing an everyone is so friendly. You'll definitely find special items for women in this store you won't readily find anywhere else.

Frolic
1326 N. Pine Street, North Florence, AL
Be careful taking the curve to get to Frolic you may miss the building you're looking for. Located in North Florence, set back just a bit from the road this cute little building with a bright orange fence holds tons of adorable clothing options for women inside. Again this is a unique store with a great collection and selection not found around here in any other stores that I've seen. The service is friendly and the owner is extremely helpful.

Relique
1136 N. Wood Avenue, North Florence, AL
Are you looking for one of a kind art, jewelery and fun items? Look no further. This shop is so fun and all items in there are unique and super adorable too. The owner makes everything herself as do the others who rent booth space from her. Stop by you're sure to find something awesome to take home to remind you of your trip to Florence.

Alabama Outdoors
468 North Court Street, Florence, AL
Seriously, if we could have registered at this store we would. Are you looking for great outdoor stuff, or maybe just some comfortable shoes or shorts to wear in the hot Alabama heat? You thought you'd be cool since it was October didn't you? Well bless your heart, it's not. Even if you aren't into outdoor living it's a fun store to stop by and look around. If you have time you might even want to take a stroll around the corner to the University of North Alabama Campus. You know they have live Lions named Una and Leo there don't you? Well you do now! Take the small road around the corner after you leave Alabama Outdoors and follow it to the next entrance on the left. After you park you'll find the lion cage not far from there. I hope they are out to say hello. GO UNA LIONS!

** We can't stress enough that you might want to get out and walk around downtown and even take a walk down North Wood Avenue to see all the homes close up. This town has tons of history and lots of beauty behind every turn.

HISTORY & ATTRACTIONS
Welcome to the City of Florence
Alabama Music Hall of Fame
W.C. Handy Father of the Blues Old Family House
Ivy Green Birthplace of Helen Keller
Fame Recording Studios
Indian Mound Museum
Frank Lloyd Wright-Rosenbaum House
Spring Park in Tuscumbia
Pope's Tavern 

If you've been here before and know of great attractions please feel free to email Kelly or Mike and let them know so they can link it for friends and family who have never been here before.

MORE TO COME!!!