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
swampy McFarland Bottom in Florence, AL. The course ran about 5 miles, complete with a mini course for the kids, an after party. 

Alabama Restaurant Week

Once a year, the Alabama State Department of Tourism fully funds an all-out marketing campaign supporting the little guys on the food scene. Florence, AL had a lot of new faces in this year's August promotion. Did I mention the best part is that you can go to any participating restaurant during the event and get a two course meal for the same prices everywhere?

The Muscle Shoals Movie Premiere

Florence, AL hit it big again on the music scene this year, and reminded everybody in the world that it was once the capital of the music universe. The documentary simply called "Muscle Shoals" premiered right here in Florence, back in February. This was a big deal, local and national music celebrities, the red carpet, and all. If you missed it, the movie is available for digital download through iTunes, and the DVD is being release in early 2014.

The Swampette Music History Tours

After the spotlight was back on Muscle Shoals music, there was a lot of renewed interest in the music history of the area. The Alabama Music Hall of Fame reopened, and historic recording studios are being renovated. Since we're a tourism office, we couldn't help but oblige the many requests for music tours and renewed interest in local music. So the Swampette Music Tour was born. The tour covers all of the sights and sounds of the Shoals' music history from W.C. Handy's birthplace, The AL Music Hall of Fame, FAME Studios, and more. All of this curated by people who were at the center of it all, with special guests along the way. More tours are planned for 2014.

So there you have our favorite events of 2013. If there was an event you went to, and absolutely had a blast, let us know, and we'll give it a shout out.