Florence, Alabama
Florence is located in the northwestern corner of Alabama. It is the county seat of Lauderdale County, the biggest city in the Shoals area and the primary economic hub for Northwestern Alabama. This community is most known for its many historical attractions, fun annual events and picturesque downtown area.
Brief History of Florence
The land that is known as Florence today was originally occupied by Chickasaw tribes. However, the federal government took control of the land during the early part of the nineteenth century. Shortly after the government took over the land, they sold a portion of it to the Cypress Land Company.
The area was named Florence after the surveyor's hometown in Italy. Town officials held two land sales in Florence: one in 1818 and the other in 1823. About 180 people purchased land during these sales, and among them was President Andrew Jackson. While the town struggled a bit during the Civil War, it recovered rather quickly and became the thriving city it is today.
Parks and recreation
Florence is filled with opportunities to stay active, constituting many parks and athletic grounds. McFarland Park, located on James M. Spain Drive alongside the Tennessee River, features playground equipment, picnic tables, a frisbee golf course, walking trails, a fishing pier, a marina, a restaurant on the water, camping grounds, public pavilions that can be reserved for events and Miami Ice, Florence’s well-known shaved ice spot.
Deibert Park is another of the beautiful parks in Florence, located at the corner of Darby Drive and Cox Creek Parkway. It contains a large playground, multiple ponds, miles of paved trails, informational bird and tree signs, public bathrooms and water fountains. Along with most other outdoor facilities, Deibert is pet-friendly and home to many species of wildlife.
Other parks that attract the residents of the Shoals are Veterans Park, Martin Park, River Heritage Park and Wilson Park. Veterans and Martin Park are home to tennis and pickleball courts, and Veterans contains baseball and softball fields along with public pavilions for events. River Heritage Park is on Florence’s Marriott Resort Hotel grounds and has a splash pad, playground, picnic shelters and the Florence Walk of Honor. Wilson Park is located in downtown Florence and contains paved and lighted walking trails, a charming fountain at the heart of the park and is home to the W.C. Handy statue.
One of the most popular recreational facilities among residents of Florence, AL is the Florence Sportsplex, located just off Savannah Highway, includes numerous baseball, softball and soccer fields, small football and flag football fields and multiple concession stands.
Another recreational facility in the Shoals is Cox Creek Complex. Cox Creek Complex, located on the corner of Chisholm Road and Cox Creek Parkway, has 12 lighted tennis courts, a skate park, a billiards building and is home to the University of North Alabama’s softball facilities and sand volleyball court. The Florence/Lauderdale Farmer’s Market is also held at the complex.
EVents
Florence is well known for its many historical attractions, and some favorites among the locals are W.C. Handy Birthplace and Museum, Pope's Tavern, the Larimore Home, Florence Indian Mound and Museum and Frank Lloyd Wright-Rosenbaum House.
Residents of Florence also love the many surrounding bodies of water including Pickwick Lake, Wilson Lake, and Wheeler Lake, all located on the Tennessee River. These are easily accessible and a great place to relax on your boat, go tubing or fish! Shoal Creek is another one of Florence’s beautiful water locations with great kayaking and fishing opportunities, as well. You will also find several nature-related attractions near Florence including Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge, Joe Wheeler State Park, Shoal Creek Preserve and Wildwood Park.
The University of North Alabama and Downtown Florence are a big part of Florence’s identity as a city. Downtown has lots of shopping and dining and is a great place to spend time with family and friends.
There are also a lot of family-friendly activities near Florence such as Point Mallard Waterpark, Children’s Museum of the Shoals, Killen Time Mini-Golf and Adventure Park, and Arx Mortis Haunted Attraction.
Attractions and Activities
In addition to its many wonderful attractions, Florence offers a variety of special events during the year as well. For ten days during the month of July, residents of Florence properties celebrate the Annual W. C. Handy Music Festival. This event features live jazz and blues music, interactive activities for kids, art exhibits, plays, and sporting events.
Another annual event that takes place near Florence is the Arts Alive Festival. This event takes place in mid-May and features hundreds of arts and crafts exhibits including paintings, jewelry, sculptures, stained glass and much more. This is always a beautiful event with so much to see and many talented people!
Other events you will have access to are The Alabama Renaissance Fair (October), the Spirit of Freedom Celebration (July), Frontier Days (June), the Billy Reid Shindig, and Shoals Fest (October). Shoals Fest originally started in 2019, created by Jason Isbell and Traci Thomas to celebrate the rich musical culture in the Shoals.
