Visit Florence Alabama - a getaway in the south!
Your guide to all the best things to do in Florence Alabama…
Located just 2.5 hours south of Nashville, and about the same distance from some other major cities, Florence is perfect for a quick day trip, or an overnight weekend stay! The highlights of this town are The Rosenbaum House by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio that has recorded some of the worlds most famous musicians, lots of American history, and some great food and drink options!
If you’re looking for a southern romantic getaway, or a quick day trip with friends, read on to plan your perfect trip…
Florence, Alabama May 2023
A view of the lovely Florence Alabama downtown.
The Rosenbaum House by Frank Lloyd Wright
For my husband and I, this was our biggest draw to visit Florence. We both LOVE architecture and design, and Frank Lloyd Wright is from my home state of Wisconsin, making me a long time fan. This is one of the few homes by Wright that you can regularly and easily tour, and our tour guide did a wonderful job of sharing history on Wright, as well as the family who it was built for! Each room is set up nearly exactly as the family had it, and you’re able to explore each of the rooms. It’s a beautifully designed home and is worth the visit. It’s about $10 per person to tour.
The Rosenbaum House by Frank Lloyd Wright
This is a stunning home, and the only Frank Lloyd Wright building in the state of Alabama.
I was completely ignorant of this place until our drive down, but my husband who is a musician knew of it, and I decided it was an absolute must-see once I learned a little bit about the history. Now mind you, this is a recording studio, so there isn’t as much to explore, however, the tour guide shares the history in such a way that really brings the space to life! You can imagine each story as it’s being told, and almost feel the creativity in the room! It was special to be in a place and hear the stories of musicians who had created there, such as The Rolling Stones, Cher and The Black Keys. This tour is a little more expensive at $20 per person, but it is well worth the price!
Muscle Shoals Recording Studio
Places to stay in Florence:
GunRunner Boutique Hotel (they have a spa!)
The Stricklin Hotel
Marriott Shoals Hotel
Other things to do in Florence:
Shop at Billy Reid and All the Best
Check out Graffiti Alley
Walk to the Wilson Park fountain to lounge and read
For blues/soul/jazz fans, visit musician WC Handy’s Museum
Go to Helen Keller’s birthplace
Visit Alabama Music Hall of Fame
Walk the Old Railroad Bridge at sunset
Places to drink in Florence:
Turbo Coffee (my personal fav)
Rivertown Coffee
The rooftop bar at GunRunner Hotel (pictured)
The Carriage Wine & Market
Odette for cocktails
Singin’ River Brewing for beer
North Wood Social for cocktails
(We were a HUGE fan of the bar at GunRunner! We opted for the one on the rooftop, but they also have a dimly lit, sexy spot indoors if the weather isn’t great.)
Places to eat in Florence:
Rivertown Coffee for sandwhiches
Odette for a 5 star farm to table meal (pictured)
Yumm Thai for sushi and Thai food
Taco Mama for Mexican
Lost Pizza Co. Shoals
North Wood Social
(Odette completely wowed us! Both of our dishes were absolutely phenomenal, and would have a seat at the table of noteworthy Nashville restaurants. Yes - it was that good!)
Florence is truly a hidden gem of the south, and one that you need to add to your list of places to visit this year!