2013 - Our Favorite Moments in Florence, AL

Florence, AL's Best Moments of 2013

As 2013 passes into history, we here at the office wanted to reflect on some of our favorite events of the year that went down right here in Florence, AL.

Swamp Romp

Things got dirty at this event back in September. The Swamp Romp was an obstacle event set up at

5 New Places to Eat in Florence this Holiday

5 New Restaurants in Florence, AL for You to Try.

There's a few new faces here in Florence, Alabama. We're pretty well-known for our dining choices, both chain and local. Here's a list of 5 new places for you to get your eats and sweets this Holiday Season.

The Pie Factory

This is not a cake and cupcake joint. This is pure pizza pies we're talking. Located on Court Street, right in the middle of Downtown Florence, Alabama, The Pie Factory is a just-opened full service restaurant that specializes in two of the greatest things ever created: beer and pizza. They've got a massive brew menu, and you can have any kind of pizza you can come up with.

Check out their facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/piefactoryflorence

River Bottom Grille

Here in Florence, Alabama, we catch a lot of cool nights during Winter. Often times, you'll be able to sit outside and enjoy what might feel like a mild Spring evening in much of the rest of the country. The River Bottom Grille is about the most outdoorsy dining experience you can get in Florence, Alabama while still being a restaurant.It's right on the Tennessee River, and I'd say it's tied for the 360 Grille for the best place to watch the sun set. 

Check out their facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/RiverBottomGrille

Ocean Boba Teahouse

The Ocean Boba Teahouse sits just north of 7 Points, in the Seven Points Shopping Center. While this isn't technically a restaurant, it does offer a truly unique drunk experience. You can choose from a large variety of beverage, hot and cold, some you've probably never heard of. So, if you're tired of lattes and cappuccinos, give this a try. Oh, and they also have regular tea. It is a tea house after all.

Check out their facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ocean-Boba-Teahouse/1394609820750591

Yummie's Bakery

Yummie's Baker is great for decorative treats, and also plain good sweets. They've got brownies, cupcakes, cookies, cakes, cheesecakes,

Check out their Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/YummiesBakeryAndDeli

Odette

Martinis and cocktails and the cool balance between mod and rustic are what set this little restaurant apart from the rest. You can get specialty drinks, and food ranging from a simple pastrami reuben, to a five-spice duck confit. They offer drinks, lunch, dinner, and dessert. You can get your drink shaken or stirred. No bow tie required. 

Check out their website here: http://www.odettealabama.com/

If you live in Florence and haven't already given some of these new places a try, I highly recommend you do so. If you've got relatives coming, they'll be impressed by what Florence, Alabama has to offer no matter where you take them.

The Sound of First Friday

With the release of the Muscle Shoals movie right around the corner, Florence and the Shoals have much to be proud of with both its rich musical heritage and active music scene today.

You may have heard

If you don't already know, area musicians who helped create the legendary music of the 60s and 70s, along with some up and coming stars performed on the David Letterman show, which was broadcast last night.

Tonight's Entertainment

It's October's turn for First Friday tonight and that means it's not going to be sweltering, which means you should be there. There will be pupmkin-related antics of course, and some pretty great live music courtesy of An Abstract Theory.. Plus there's all the familiar faces, and vendors with plenty of merchandise to browse. For a full listing of events this weekend and next week, see the Weekly What's Happening.

So don't miss out! In my opinion, the First Fridays of Fall are the best

6 Things to do this Fall in Florence, AL

Fall has arrived here in Florence, Alabama. With it comes cooler weather, shorter days, and a lot of cool things that you can only do this time of year! Here are 6 things you absolutely can't miss this Fall in Florence, AL.

The Natchez Trace

The absolute best time of year to see the trace is Fall. No doubt about it, the foliage is simply breathtaking and is an ideal day trip for anyone remotely interested in the outdoors. The Trace is dotted with a variety of natural attractions from caves, to Indian mounds, every few miles, and best of all, it's only 15 minutes from downtown Florence.

McGee Farm

A unique experience that's an annual tradition for many area natives, McGee Farm's Pumpkin Patch offers a variety of activities ideal for families, church groups, or school tours. Find your pumpkin out of hundreds grown right in the pumpkin patch, enjoy a traditional-style meal right from the farm kitchen, or go for a hay ride through the farm.

8211 Co Rd 7, 256-766-2725

Mon-Fri: 3-6pm, Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun: 1-5pm website

Farmer's Market

You hear a lot about the seasonal changes in the markets, but the Lauderdale County Farmer's Market. Fall brings a different flavor to the stands at the market. You're always in for a surprise, so check it out on any Saturday this October.

Open Sat: 6am-12pm, 256-764-7125 EBT & SNAP accepted

Arx Mortis

Arx Mortis is an award winning thrill attraction featuring Hollywood-quality effects, makeup, and costume design. Push on through a variety of attractions including Covington Clinic Sanitarium, the Graveyard, Sir Cecil's Big Top Circus, and of course zombies.
With 23 exits along the path of terror, you can leave at any time to come back and try again.

See details at the website.

The Ghost Walk Tours

Take a walk with local author and supernatural historian Debra Glass at the Haunted History of the Shoals Ghost Walk. It's a great way to learn some of the lesser-known history of Historic Downtown Florence. Tours start October 18th at Wilson Park at 7:30pm. Admission is paid on site.

Call 256-757-7506 for details. website.

Renaissance Faire

The Alabama Renaissance Faire is an annual event that celebrates the culture and customs of the European Renaissance. It aims to educate and entertain through reenactments, food, costumes, and interactive exhibits.

October 26-27 at Wilson Park

September First Friday

Fall is just around the corner, so come out and enjoy a nice cool evening in downtown Florence!