Alabama, my sweet home! At the very least, you could call it home for the weekend. Do you want to know what this town has to offer? If that’s the case, let me walk you through the full process.
Florence, Alabama is a picturesque city located on the Tennessee River in the northwestern part of Alabama. The area is known as The Shoals, and it is home to 80,000 people. There are several cultural activities in the city, including the Helen Keller Festival and the W.C. Handy Music Festival.
When I say Florence, I mean stunning architecture, a rich history, and a distinct culture, as you’ll see in my top list of things to do in Florence Alabama.
Visiting other places in Alabama? Check out our other tasty guides:
- 14 Best Orange Beach Restaurants
- 9 Must-Try Restaurants in Decatur, Alabama
- 10 Best Alabama Dishes
- 7 Must-Try Huntsville Restaurants
- 8 Must-Try Florence AL Restaurants
- 10 Must-Try Breakfast Places In Orange Beach AL
The Top 8 Activities in Florence, Alabama
Indian Mound and Museum in Florence
S Court St, +1 256-760-64271028
Some people believe that history is just facts and happenings from the past. I absolutely disagree because history is alive and accessible.
That is why the Florence Native Mound and Museum was included on this list. The museum displays and discusses the importance of American Native antiquities discovered in the region. The artifacts date from the Paleolithic and Historic epochs. You’ll agree that such interesting exhibits and features bring history to life.
This 43-foot-high mound, erected between 100 AD and 500 AD during the Woodland Period, is Alabama’s greatest storehouse of ancient tools, ceramics, jewelry, and pipes. Several excavations have been carried out by archeologists in order to ascertain the date and usage of the mounds.
The museum is modest; it takes around 30 minutes to get through it, and you can view the whole thing in less than an hour.
Adult tickets are $5, while student tickets are $2. The welcoming staff will greet you at the entry and provide extra information about the location and the items. Several stairs go to the top of the mound, but be cautious since they are quite steep. On the summit, you may witness breathtaking views of the river.
Rosenbaum House Museum designed by Frank Lloyd Wright
Riverview Dr., +1 256-718-5050601
Why is this area worth seeing out of all the things to do in Florence, Alabama?
What happens next will astound you. I was intrigued by the concept of how building deeply impacts and unites us. This home is so natural and exquisite that you can easily see yourself soaking in all of its comfort.
The Rosenbaum House was built by Frank Lloyd Wright for Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum in 1939. Wright constructed hundreds more Usonian houses after this one.
He envisioned his homes as simple, integrated rooms comprised of built-in features and furnishings. The houses were divided into three sections: a living room, a tiny bedroom, and a kitchen/dining room.
If you’re wondering what Usonian style signifies, it was a long-lasting aesthetic ideology that peaked in the 1930s. It is distinguished by a low, simple roof, natural decoration, effective use of space, no attic; no basement, one story, and horizontal orientation.
The trips, which last about 45 minutes and cost $10 per adult, are led by experienced interpreters. There’s also a little comfortable gift store across the street from the museum where you can stock up on anything you like.
It is easy to see why a visionary such as Frank Lloyd Wright stood out among architects. Architecture, he believes, is the mother art because it communicates with its residents. Without our own architecture, we lack the essence of our culture.
The Pie Company
+1 (256) 275-3248106 N Court St.
The Pie Factory is the kind of establishment you’d stumble across. Yet, a combination of so many odors might be a good lead. What could be better than cheese, fresh tomatoes, olive oil, and flaky pastry? I’m going to whet your appetite. The Pie Factory serves some of the best pizza in town. Are you seeking for Alabama, Florence activities to do that entail delighting in unique flavors? Come here!
They offer customized pizza creations, and we just had to share a couple to see what all the fuss was about. Even as I write this, I can taste that Old Faithful with tomato sauce, pepperoni, and Italian sausage. Of course, the mushrooms, onions, and melty mozzarella cheese were the icing on the cake.
The Muscle Shoals Sound, with tomato and spicy sauce, additional layers of pepperoni, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, was the second pizza we tried. Heaven on earth.
Someone mentioned pineapple on pizza. So why not go to a Hawaiian Luau? A delicious explosion with delightfully soft bread covered with delights.
They provide a broad range of pizzas and other foods, but these three were the standouts. I enjoyed how the mixing of such elements gives a lively flavour. Please share your thoughts and favorites from your visit to this area.
Park McFarland
James M Spain Dr.
Mc Farland Park is steeped with history. Locals told me that this location has been frequented by the people of the region for over 10,000 years! Can you fathom how lengthy that would be?
This lovely campground, along the Tennessee River, includes 60 campsites and other facilities.
McFarland Park has the following features:
-Sixty camping spots
-Golfers’ driving range
-Soccer pitch
-Fireplace picnic shelters
-Playgrounds
-Ramps for boats
Piers for fishing
-Separate picnic tables
-Baseball diamonds
-A paved and illuminated jogging track that around the harbor
-A restaurant and a marine shop
-Slips for boats
-The park hosts several festivals and special events, including the annual Trail of Tears motorcycle ride and the Bassmasters Fishing Tournament.
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, closed. Of of all the things to do in Florence, Alabama, I feel that this Park truly has something for everyone, and a day here is just not enough.
Birthplace, Museum, and Library of W. C. Handy
Beale St.
This is a fantastic tiny museum that explains the tale of W.C. Handy. They do an excellent job of conveying a form of history that is seldom recounted in such detail. Its famous Museum and Library are Florence’s greatest source of pride.
W.C. Handy, known as The Father of the Blues, was born in a log cabin on this location in 1873, and this home, museum, and library are dedicated to him. He was one of America’s most influential artists.
Before his death in 1958, Handy gave many of his papers, antiquities, and other objects to the cabin, museum, and library. The Handy family, who carefully watches everything linked to the museum, is continually improving it.
I should not fail to highlight the W.C. Handy Music Festival, which honors the life and music of great artist in this town. Every year, people love it, and this year it will take place from July 23rd to August 1st. If you’re looking for things to do in Florence, Alabama, be sure to stop by here.
Popes Museum and Tavern
Hermitage Dr., +1 256-760-6439203
There are never enough museums in Florence! Popes Tavern And Museum is another site to learn more about history.
The Civil War would not be complete without addressing it. This location was formerly utilized as a Civil War hospital for both Union and Confederate soldiers.
Popes Tavern has been around for a while. Travelers halted here while they were travelling west or east. Its primary function was as a hospital. Now, the location is a museum that displays both North and South troops’ uniforms, items from the conflict, and information about the Indians who lived in the region long before. Frontier Day is held each spring. This festival involves weavers, singers, basket weavers, and other crafts to observe and buy. All ages are welcome!
Despite its modest size, I learnt a lot here. The staff not only informed me about the museum, but also about Florence in general.
North Alabama University is a public university in North Alabama.
256-765-4000 Harrison Plaza
I have so many stories to tell you about this! But first, some fundamental facts and information.
Florence, Alabama, is home to the University of North Alabama (UNA). It is the state’s oldest public university. This four-city region, which includes Florence, Tuscumbia, Sheffield, and Muscle Shoals, has a 130-acre (0.5 km2) campus in the midst of a residential neighborhood.
The institution has been known as the University of North Alabama since 1974, and it has been based in Florence since 1855.
The institution presently offers 60 undergraduate majors and seven graduate programs across four colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Commerce, the College of Education, and the College of Nursing and Allied Health.
This institution is distinguished for its enormous and wonderful grounds, as well as its spectacular architecture. When going around this garden, I was reminded of my undergraduate days. It is from these sorts of locales that memories and sentiments are readily evoked.
You may also talk to some friendly persons or pupils there. I inquired about universities, college life, and youth, and they were kind enough to engage in discussion with me. It may seem strange to include a university among the things to do in Florence, Alabama, but blame it on the garden.
Odette
N Court St, +1 256-349-5219120
I’m nearing the conclusion of my list of things to do in Florence, Alabama, as any true gourmet should! Odette is a five-star restaurant. But first, let me to introduce you to their cuisine, which features locally produced foods and meals with a southern and cosmopolitan flare.
What I liked most were the Deviled Farm Eggs Two Ways with pimento cheese and bacon, red curry, a meal that was both simple and delicious. We then decided to split the Grilled Chicken Wings. These come with fish sauce, caramel, and peanuts, a large serving that will leave everyone in your party wanting more.
The Grilled Whole Wheat Toast was my particular favorite. I’d also want to point out that they often update their menu and provide daily specials.
The owner, Celeste, states, We founded Odette out of combining interests for art, cuisine, and the town of Florence. We live here, after all, and we wanted to build a restaurant that showcased the best of Alabama as well as inspirations from across the globe.
Things To Do In Florence Alabama in Summary
Did you know Florence is known as Alabama’s Renaissance City?
Despite the fact that there are many more great spots to highlight in this list, it must come to an end. The best time to visit Florence is undoubtedly during the summer, when the weather is pleasant and there are several events and festivals to enjoy.
I narrowed the list to what I thought was worth the time and best represented the essence of Florence. Do not be afraid to hit the road and explore these and other sites on your own.