By Stephen EdmondsWhether you dread it or anticipate it, Valentine’s day is almost here! There is no better way to spend this day than with the people you love; and that still applies even if you are not in a romantic relationship with this person or persons. Family, coworkers, good friends; all of these relationships deserve to be celebrated on February 14th this year, so why not spend it with us in beautiful downtown Florence? Here are some fantastic reasons why you should!The biggest reason why downtown Florence deserves your business this Valentine’s Day is because there is something for everyone here. The Shoals is full of an eclectic mix of people and the local business owners have adapted to that excellently by offering many different forms of entertainment. 
If you’re looking to have fun while you and your family, friends, or loved ones participate in games and puzzles, we eagerly recommend Escape Room Florence and Paradox Challenge Rooms Florence. These two escape room businesses have put their originality to work in creating interesting scenarios and rooms full of puzzles for your enjoyment! A varying number of people can participate at once, so this is ideal for a medium to large party of participants. This experience is so much fun, you’ll be talking about it for a little while afterwards making it a perfect thing to do before dinner. 
Just you and your loved one? Head over to Spinning Spoke and rent a couple bicycles for an hour! This is a greatway to get to know the downtown, parks, and UNA areas. To top it all off, the cycles they rent are a guaranteed smooth ride. Another great idea to combine with dinner or a show afterwards; this will create a well-rounded evening experience leaving all parties satisfied. 
To keep the options coming, downtown Florence is also home to a host of museums. These establishments are rich in the culture and history that made our town what it is today. Whether you try Pope’s Tavern, the Indian Mound, the W.C. Handy Home, or all three; these interesting locations are full of info and history that really drives home a sense of belonging and can reignite anyone’s love for the Shoals. Each of these museums can accommodate groups of multiple sizes and, once again, these visits can be combined with dinner or a livelier activity to create a well-rounded and memorable evening. 
For the citizens interested in the arts, there is absolutely no better place to go than downtown Florence. The Shoals has always been a landmark for music in America and that is still true today. With the multitude of swanky music venues that call our downtown home, fans of any genre of music will find the electric atmosphere of establishments like The Mane Room, 116 E Mobile, and Singin’ River Live undeniably irresistible. Similarly, downtown boasts an armada of theatre venues where plays are held regularly. Such notable places include The Z (Historic Zodiac Theatre), Shoals Community Theatre, and the UNA Theatre. No matter what your cup of tea is, there is a venue here for you. These locations are perfect for groups of varying sizes and the stellar atmosphere of downtown Florence’s artistic side will be sure to create an evening for the books. 
No evening out is complete without a great meal. Any of the activities suggested so far can easily be coupled with dinner from one of our fine eating establishments. Yumm Thai Sushi and Beyond is a Florence fan favorite while the calm and intimate atmosphere at City Hardware is perfect for a one on one date. Going out earlier in the day?Trowbridge’s is a perfect spot for lunch or a snack with their menu that features savory meals and sweet desserts all at ideal lunch sized portions. Want to sample Florence’s nightlife? Wait till late and head over to FloBama, or On the Rocks. There’s almost always live music going on in these bar and grille establishments. Wildwood Tavern and Tennessee Street Billiards & Grille are also notable spots for deliciously creative food, tasty drinks, and active nightlife. One more noteworthy mention on this list would be Chicago Café that stays open late to make sure you have a snack right when you need it. No matter who you are with, these spots make a perfect end to a long day, or a flawless beginning to a long night.At Florence Main Street, we know Valentine’s Day is about love specifically, not just dating relationships; so, don’t get bummed out if you don’t have a significant other this time around. Instead, focus on the ties that you already have with your family, friends, and possibly even coworkers. These relationships often get pushed to the side because of the popular notion that Valentine’s Day is strictly for dating couples, so I challenge you, reader: Don’t let this Valentine’s Day be a source of sadness or disappointment; let it be a night to remember in a place that you love with people that you love even more.
Starting off the Year with Florence Main Street
Do you have any new goals for 2018? If so, downtown Florence Alabama has what you need to chase those goals! Whether you aspire to be stronger, faster, healthier, dress better, or anything in between, the city of Florence has a local business to help you reach those goals. If you want to take your body to a new level physically, you’ll want to check Florence’s great fitness and health businesses. These are great options to have whether you need training and individual attention from an experienced instructor at the Fit Facility, OR, if you’ve already got a workout regiment and need a clean community environment to execute it in like The Basement Gym. For those of us who aspire to learn while they work out, Contender Boxing and Grit Fitness have boxing, yoga, and cycling classes that help us get into shape while learning new techniques! Add that on top of our Jack-o’-Lantern Farm and Valley Health Foods businesses that can help anyone make sure that their diet healthily compliments their lifestyle, and there’s no way that getting healthier will stay on the list of unchecked resolutions. As far as fresh and stylish clothing go, Florence AL has got you covered there as well. Whether you find your ideal style in Coco’s Boutique, Karen’s Corner, Harper Clothing Co., or Jar & Co. it is all a part of what the brilliant shop owners of Florence have to offer. Find an amazing piece of clothing that’s just barely out of your size range? Take it to Miss Beth’s Tailoring and Alterations and have it sized up or down to suit your needs. If more exotic clothes catch your eye, head over to The Eclectic for interesting and rare finds! With all of these businesses ready and standing by to help put you in your ideal clothes and help in any way they can, becoming a savvy, experienced, and thrifty shopper is easy.These are just some of the ways our thriving town can help you with your New Year’s resolutions. Since there’s no way anyone can cover every advantage to shopping in Downtown Florence on one simple blog post, I’ll stop here; but if anyone has any questions about businesses and services offered in the downtown area, feel free to call us at 256-760-9648 OR contact any businesses directly on their Facebook accounts! We all look forward to another great year of serving you.
Taste of Downtown: Riverside Restaurant
Riverside Restaurant is a southern diner located right in downtown Florence. Decorated with photos from old westerns and cowboy accessories, this small local owned restaurant even includes a jukebox full of country classics. The restaurant was built somewhere around 1959 and has been in the possession of the current owner for 25 years. Just walking through the front doors takes you back to the year it opened, complete with the mild scent of cigars smoked by their loyal patrons as they enjoy their morning coffee. Children ran and chattered about as their parents spoke cheerfully to someone they hadn't seen in a long time. It captured the era it was built in perfectly and did not leave anything to be desired or lose any of the downright friendly behavior you would expect from a restaurant of this caliber.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you can find a classic southern breakfast such as country ham or, if you're in the mood for supper, could go for a juicy burger. My husband and I went for brunch so I opted for the classic gravy and biscuit combo while he ordered the blt; however, that was no easy choice! There were so many great foods to choose from including top favorites such as catfish or the ribeye steak, I had to work hard to keep my husband from drooling all over the menu. We both got sweet tea and yes, it is as sweet as your grandmother's. They are open Monday through Thursday from 6:00am to 10:00pm and Friday and Saturday from 6:00am to midnight. You can find them at 111 East Limestone Street in Florence, Alabama. 
Sweet Home FloAla: TVA Trails
For as long as I can remember, my family has always loved being outside. Thankfully, Florence and the Shoals area have no shortage of hiking trails and paths for adventurers with all levels of experience. Last spring, I went with my family to the Rockpile Recreation Area to enjoy the sun and the river.
One of the coolest parts of the trail was passing under the Singing River Bridge that connects Lauderdale and Colbert Counties. However, there’s also a beautiful waterfall and view of Wilson Dam, a plethora of challenging trails, and picnic areas and playgrounds for families with younger kids or those just looking to experience some of the natural beauty that the Shoals area has to offer.
Sweet Home FloAla: Date Night
Since my boyfriend and I both go to school in Tuscaloosa, nights out at home can be few and far between. For that reason, date nights almost exclusively begin downtown. I’ve already expressed my love for Trowbridge’s as the perfect lunch spot. However, since the beloved soda fountain closes at 5:30, it always comes down to Ricatoni’s, City Hardware, and Rosie’s for dinner dates. I am classically indecisive, so narrowing down my options to these three choices sometimes makes things easier...but not always. Ricatoni’s, my all-time favorite restaurant and the location of our first date in 2013, wins me over easily with Fettucine Alfredo and Ravioli Ricatoni. However, City Hardware’s Crab Cake Sandwich and Rosie’s Pollo Loco are also mouth-watering options, and all are so equally tempting that we’ve had to “pick a number between one and three” many times. Thankfully, neither of us is ever disappointed in the winner of that game.
After dinner, Carson and I like to walk down Court Street, often seeking out live music (which is thankfully abundant in the Shoals) or simply enjoying the peacefulness of downtown before finishing out the night with dessert and a $5 movie from Target. Date nights downtown are one of our favorite traditions, and downtown Florence has so much to offer when it comes to delicious dining and local talent.Emily Strickland, Communications Intern
Sweet Home Flo-Ala: Trowbridge's
Until August 2015 I’d lived my whole life in Lauderdale County, so when I entered my freshman year at the University of Alabama I was faced with the prospect of learning an entirely new city. This experience has been important not only because it has been one of my first forays into the independence of adulthood, but also because it gave me a renewed appreciation for the Shoals and the hometown that I love--Florence. Tuscaloosa has no shortage of meat-and-threes, trains, or championships. One thing Tuscaloosa doesn’t have, though? Trowbridge’s. The bustling, classic diner has been a Shoals favorite for over a century, and one of my personal favorite downtown spots for as long as I can remember. You’ll come for the chicken salad and pimiento cheese, but you’ll stay for the deliciously iconic desserts. My personal favorite has to be the Coke float, but the restaurant’s really known for the orange pineapple ice cream (a recipe developed by Mr. Trowbridge and later sold to Purity) and the Oh My Gosh (a brownie sundae big enough for your whole party that truly lives up to its name.)I’ve yet to find an equal to the gem that Trowbridge’s is, and it’s always one of the first spots I and my other out-of-town friends hit as soon as we’re home.
Sweet Home FloAla
Hey there!My name is Emily Strickland, and I’m a guest blogger and communications intern for Florence Main Street. I am entering my Junior year at the University of Alabama pursuing a degree in Journalism with a double minor in Economics and General Business.In my time at UA, I’ve completely fallen in love with Tuscaloosa and all it has to offer. However, I’ve also learned that nothing can make one appreciate her hometown more than spending some time away.That’s why I was so excited to have the opportunity to work with Main Street promoting the city I love. I’ve lived in the Shoals area my whole life and jump at any chance I get to sing its praises. Throughout my internship, I’ll be keeping up a series called “Sweet Home FloAla,” highlighting all of the parts of Florence and the Shoals that I love the most.My hope is that readers would fall in love with this area just as much as I have. Thanks for reading!Emily
Announcing the Florence Restaurant Week Charity & Restaurant Winners
Congratulations are in order for the following:First Place Charity: Room in the Inn Shoals
Second Place Charity: "Sidney's Safe!" Foundation
Favorite Restaurant: The Pie Factory
Best Dish: Tied between Woodpecker Cafe and Rivertown Coffee Co.
We would like to again thank our sponsors: McDaniel Window & Door, Alabama Outdoors, and Blue Olive!
2016 Florence Restaurant Week Charity Nomination
Florence Main Street is asking you to nominate your favorite local charity to have a chance to win $5,000 from our Presenting Sponsor ~ McDaniel Window & Door. The charity nominated must be a registered 501(c)3 organization and must have a Shoals Area office. The top three most nominated charities and two wild-card charities (to be selected by the FRW committe and sponsors) will be placed on the Florence Restaurant Week Charity Ballot. The five charities will compete against each other for the most votes throughout a week of dining in downtown Florence for the $5,000 Grand Prize.
*Shoals Sav-A-Life is excluded from the nomination phase as they were the 2015 Florence Restaurant Week winning charity.
For more information about Florence Restaurant Week visit www.dineoutflorence.com
Nominate through the link below:
2016 Florence Restaurant Week Charity Nomination
Florence Restaurant Week 2016 Charity Nomination Phase
Contact: Molly Austin or Teryl Shields FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tel. 256-760-9648
Email: info@florencemainstreet.org
FLORENCE RESTAURANT WEEK 2016 CHARITY NOMINATION PHASEFlorence Main Street
Florence, AL – September 14th – Between Sept 15th and October 13th, Florence Main Street wants you to nominate your favorite charity for the opportunity to win a $5,000 check. Last year during Florence Restaurant Week, Presenting Sponsor McDaniel Window & Door owner Mike McDaniel presented the $5000 winning charity check to Shoals Sav-A-Life and he’s looking forward to making another charity very happy this year. “Presenting the $5000 check to Shoals Sav-A-Life was not only an honor, but a privilege for myself and staff. It was exciting to see our local businesses thriving, while our community came together to raise awareness for so many wonderful charities. McDaniel Window & Door is excited to be the Presenting Sponsor again for 2016 Florence Restaurant Week, and I personally challenge all our local businesses to get involved and support this great event,” said owner, Mike McDaniel. Selected from the community’s nominations, five charities will be placed on a ballot for guests dining at participating restaurants to vote on during Florence Restaurant Week in October. Thursday, Sept 15th through Thursday, October 13th, nominate your favorite charity and tell us why they deserve this prize. (To be considered, a charity must be a designated 501c(3) organization and have an office in the Shoals.) The three most nominated charities will automatically be included on the ballot, and Florence Main Street will choose two wild-card charities based on input from our Presenting Sponsor, number of nominations, impact on our community, and other factors. Shoals Sav-A-Life will be excluded from this years’ nomination phase because they were the winners of Florence Restaurant Week 2015. You can nominate your favorite charity four ways. Florence Main Street will have a poll on our Facebook page, on McDaniel Window & Door’s Facebook page, and on our website (www.dineoutflorence.com) or you can mail in your nomination. If you choose to mail in a nomination please include these items: Your First and Last Name
Your Email address
Name of CharityWhy you are nominating the charity?
Name of Executive Director at the charity.
Contact info for the charity. (Address & Phone Number)
Then, from October 21st - 30th, Florence Main Street will host Florence Restaurant Week 2016. Ballots will be available at participating restaurants. Every time you eat at a participating restaurant during Florence Restaurant Week, you will have the opportunity to vote for one of our five local charities. Every time you eat, you get to vote! Florence Restaurant Week is not only a showcase of our best local eateries, but it will also help to shine the light on some of our best local charities. The charity with the most votes at the end of the week will walk away with a check for $5,000 that will be used to do good work right here in the Shoals.
Mark your calendars now for FLORENCE RESTAURANT WEEK–October 21st - 30th, 2016! And please, help us do good where it counts by nominating YOUR favorite charity today!Florence Main Street is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to working with business owners, community leaders, and residents toward the common goal of revitalizing Downtown Florence, culturally and economically. For more information about us or any of these efforts, please contact Florence Main Street at 256-760-9648 or info@florencemainstreet.org
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