Unique eats take the stage in northwestern Alabama
You may not know the Shoals in northwestern Alabama, but you know its sound. Muscle Shoals is the Hit Recording Capital of the World, attracting music legends like The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Willie Nelson, and Lynyrd Skynrd. The largest town in the Shoals, Florence is touted as the “Renaissance City”–convivial, eclectic, and welcoming to all. t
It’s the hometown of W. C. Handy, the Father of the Blues—and increasingly, in recent years, some stellar places to eat, such as Alabama staple Odette, a neighborhood farm-focused bistro, and Rivertown Coffee Co., home of a delicious breakfast sandwich. There’s also nothing quite like Staggs Grocery-store-turned-restaurant on a Friday morning, serving chocolate gravy over homemade biscuits. Weekends are a great time to visit and catch First Fridays, a monthly street festival
that occurs in downtown Florence every first Friday of the month from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Best Places to Eat and Drink
Best Market: All The Best
A record store, coffee shop, bodega, and newsstand all in one, All The Best is a gathering place for the local
music scene, courtesy of husband-and-wife duo Kristy Bevis and Ben Tanner of the Alabama Shakes.
Best Coffee Shop: Companion Coffee Roasters
Companion Coffee Roasters in Seven Points is an ode to man’s best companion, a golden retriever named
Angus. Order the house special maple-and-orange latte and a lemon-lavender-blueberry scone.
Best Wine Shop: The Carriage Wine and Market
The Carriage Wine and Market is a sleek wine-focused bar and bottle shop with the largest Champagne
selection in Alabama.
Best Food Stand: The Shoals Shack
On the side of the road sits a tiny food stand with a rotating menu featuring Cajun garlic butter shrimp po’boys, chicken marinated in a sweet tea brine, and fried cheese curds with creole sauce.
Best Diner: Trowbridge’s
In 1918, dairy farmer Paul Trowbridge opened Trowbridge’s, a lunch counter and soda fountain. The oldest ice cream shop in Alabama, the diner serves renowned flavors like orange-pineapple ice cream. (256) 764-1503
Best Sushi: Yumm Thai Sushi and Beyond
Thailand native Paul Visuthikosol pilots Florence’s first Thai and sushi restaurant, Yumm Thai Sushi and Beyond. Order the sweet potato fries and peruse the sizable sushi menu.
Where to Shop
Billy Reid
Designer Billy Reid’s flagship store and headquarters reside in Florence. Reid wants customers to feel at home in his stores, which epitomize a Southern residence dotted with antiques and family photographs. For the first time since 2019, Reid is hosting the 12th annual Shindig in October 2024, a festival celebrating music, food, fashion, and art.
Seven Points
Shop around Seven Points at Florence Trading Co., eleven54 on Wood, Mom’s, Autographs, Seven Points
Outdoors, and Vinyl Junkie.
Court Street Books
Opened in 2024, Court Street Books is an independent bookstore and coffee shop with new and used titles, including rare and regional reads.
Where to Stay
Marriot Shoals Hotel
Situated on the banks of the Tennessee River, the 360 Grille offers panoramic views atop the Marriott Shoals Hotel. At 27 stories high, it’s the only revolving restaurant in Alabama, turning 360 degrees every hour. A concise fine-dining menu sources regional, seasonal produce and features dishes like crab cakes, pan-seared scallops, filet mignon, and crème brûlée, along with a vast wine list. Book a reservation an hour before sunset. On the bottom floor, Swampers touts live music and a memorable evening. The entire property is undergoing a $25 million renovation, and each suite depicts the Shoals’ rich music history.