Amid the fragrant, rolling hills and scenic blue river valleys reaching across northwestern Alabama lies the small, welcoming city of Florence.

Situated on the banks of the meandering Tennessee River, it has long been a favorite destination for travelers, a stepping off point to a region abundant in natural resources, excellent in resort accommodations, restaurants, ample shopping, and enough history to last a lifetime.
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Historic Natchez Trace Parkway, stretching from near
Nashville, TN to Natchez, MS offers a relaxing, scenic
alternative when traveling to Florence and the Shoals.
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Easily accessible from several exist along the Natchez Trace Parkway, Florence is only a short drive down the road, the perfect distance for grabbing lunch, freshening up, and taking in a few sights before resuming one’s travels. The city itself emerges atop a broad ridge with a sweeping view of the Tennessee River Valley below. At once, one recognizes a big city that has become the economic powerhouse of Colbert County, but also a small city that possesses the kind of hometown charm that welcomes like an old friend and immediately puts one at ease.
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Florence's Marriott Resort Hotel offer some
of the most comfortable and luxusious accomodations at very affordable prices.
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Florence offers visitors a unique selection of famous attractions, including the “Father of the Blues” W.C. Handy Birthplace Museum, historic Pope’s Tavern and Museum, Funland Water Park, Kennedy-Douglas Center for the Arts, Children’s Museum of the Shoals, Indian Mound and Museum, and famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rosenbaum House. The city also hosts First Fridays in Florence, a growing arts and music event begun in 1995 and occurring downtown every First Friday from April through December.

Famous Florence residents include Pulitzer Prize winning author T.S. Stribling and famed Sun Records producer Sam Phillips, who changed music history when he discovered Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Former slave Dred Scott also lived in Florence, working as a stable hand at the Peter Blow Inn on Tennessee Street.