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RECREATION & CULTURE:
The Shoals is an Outdoor Lover's Dream. Northwest Alabama is an area of unsurpassed beauty with miles of riverside parks, communities of diverse cultures, and a treasure chest of vacation destinations. The beautiful Tennessee River flows through the cities and gives the Shoals wonderful leisure water activities and some of the best bass fishing in the country.
Fishing in the Shoals...
Some of the biggest bass in the world come from the waters of the Tennessee River. There are four sport lakes located in Northwest Alabama, and fisherman from all over the country come here to participate in tournaments held throughout the year, including the 2001 Bassmaster Top 150, Wal-Mart FLW Tour, and several BassMaster tournaments annually. Tim Horton, 2000 B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year grew up fishing local lakes and still makes his home in the Shoals. This is the perfect trail for family vacations, weekend fishing buffs and pro-anglers. So bait a hook, cast away your cares, and take to the bountiful waters for an UNFORGETTABLE fishing adventure.
Pickwick Lake
One of the South's best trophy smallmouth bass impoundments in the United States. Pickwick impounds 30,175 acres of water along the Tennessee River, stretching 46 miles between The Shoals, AL, and Pickwick Landing, TN. Fishing conditions include shallow stump flats, well-defined channels, active feeder creeks, steeply falling bluffs, rocky ledges and long grassbeds.
256-383-0783
800-344-0783
256-740-4141
1-888-FLO-TOUR
Wheeler Lake
Wheeler impounds 67,100 acres and extends roughly 60 miles between Guntersville and Wheeler Dams. It is basically a shallow reservoir, but mixes shallow banks with deep drop-offs, wide-open spaces and narrow tributaries. Milfoil makes for great top-water fishing in the spring and fall.
256-350-2028
256-524- 6181
256-232-2600
256-551-2230
Wilson Lake
Wilson impounds 15,930 acres of water along the Tennessee River, stretching 15 miles between The Shoals, AL and Rogersville (Wheeler Dam). Fishing conditions include rocky points, grassbeds, deep dropoffs with many ideal shallow water areas, and good night fishing in the summer. Wilson Lake is the holder of three previous World Records. Smallmouth Bass - 10 Lbs, 8 Oz., Freshwater Drum - 41 Lbs, 8 Oz., and Sauger - 5 Lbs, 2 Oz.
256-383-0783
1-800-344-0783
256-740-4141
1-888-FLO-TOUR
Fishing Guides available
1-888-FLO-TOUR
http://www.flo-tour.org
Bear Creek Lakes
Composed of four impoundments, each with its own distinct personality. The lakes are stocked with a variety of fish including largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass; crappie, and catfish.
256-332-4392
Golfing in the Shoals...
Like to play golf? You will find an abundance of beautiful and challenging golf courses throughout the area.
Anderson Creek
256-247-5916
Anderson, Alabama
18 holes, 5,750 Yards
Bent Grass Greens
Arrowhead Golf & Country Club
256-381-4452
Tuscumbia, Alabama
Blackberry Trail
256-760-6428
Florence, AL
Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club
256-386-7783
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Florence Golf and Country Club
256-764-8592
Florence, AL
18 hole, Bent Grass
6048 yrds, Men
5089 yrds, Women
Joe Wheeler State Park
256-247-9308
1-800-ALA-PARK
18 Holes, 7,100 yards, Par 72
New Skypark Golf Course
256-757-4911
Florence, Alabama
Robert Trent Jones, @ the Shoals
256-446-5111
Muscle Shoals, AL
36 holes, Two Courses
Twin Pines Golf & Country Club
256-332-4191
Littleville, Alabama
Turtle Point Yacht & Country Club
256-757-2153
Killen, Alabama
Camping in the Shoals...
PARKS, MARINAS AND LODGES
Northwest Alabama is an area of unsurpassed beauty where you will find miles of riverside parks, beautiful marinas and riverfront lodges.
Doublehead Resort & Lodge
145 CR 314
Town Creek, Al
1-800-65-85-9267
http://www.doublehead.com
Tent camping, RV camping, and primitive camping
Motel / Cabin Rentals
Joe Wheeler State Park & Resort
4401 McLean Drive
Rogersville, Al 35652
256-247-5461
1-800-ALA-PARK
Fax: 256-247-5471
Tent camping, RV camping, primitive camping
Motel / Cabin rental
Lucy's Branch
6120 Snake Rd
Athens, Al 35611
256-729-6443
1-800-242-9284
40 cabins, Tent camping, RV camping, and primitive camping,
Florence Parks & Recreation
256-760-6416
There are 50 campsites in McFarland Park, open April through November.
There are 22 campsites in Veterans Memorial Park and are open year round.
Both areas have electrical connections, a dumping station, showers, rest rooms, and washers & dryers. No reservations are taken in advance. Park Rangers will collect fees at the campsite. The cost for tent camping is $9 per night; regular campsites are $12 per night, and $8 for seniors over age 62. Parties over four, there is a $1 per person fee per night.
Muscle Shoals Parks & Recreation
256-386-9270
Russellville Parks & Recreation
256-332-8770
Sheffield Parks & Recreation
256-386-5615
Tuscumbia Parks & Recreation
256-386-5655
Attractions
Colbert County Tourism
Florence Lauderdale County Tourism
The Alabama Music Hall of Fame
The Alabama Music Hall of Fame, which opened in 1990, is dedicated to over 500 musical achievers in all types of music. Rock, rhythm & blues, gospel, country & western, opera, and contemporary are all represented here. The Hall of Fame is the perfect compliment to the Shoals, once known as the "Hit Recording Capital of the World" .... Open Monday Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
U.S. Hwy. 72 West, Tuscumbia (256)381-4417 -- Web-Site
W.C. Handy Home & Museum
W.C. Handy, the Father of the Blues, birthplace is in the Shoals. Completely restored, the blues legend's birthplace houses the most complete collection of memorabilia, musical instruments, library, and original manuscripts from some of his most famous works. Handy's famous trumpet and his personal piano are just a few of the items on display .... Open Tuesday Saturday, 10 a.m. 4 p.m.
620 West College Street, Florence (256) 760-6434
Wilson Lock & Dam
Completed in the early 1920's, Wilson Dam was once used as a power supply center for munitions plants in World War l. The completion of the dam allowed a once un-navigable stretch of the Tennessee River, "Muscle Shoals", to become a major transportation resource for the Shoals Area. Later, Wilson Dam became the cornerstone of the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Off Alabama 133 North, Muscle Shoals (256) 383-0783
The Children's Museum of the Shoals
Our area has several museums. What is unique about a children's museum is that the exhibits and programs are geared specifically to the developmental stages and needs of children. There are 38,000 children 18 and under in the surrounding three-county area. The purpose of the Children's Museum of the Shoals is to further classroom education and compliment existing cultural and educational resources.
2810 Hermitage Drive, Florence (256)765-0500 - Web-Site
The Florence Indian Mound & Museum
The Florence Indian Mound is the Tennessee Valley areas largest domiciliary mound. It is typical workmanship of the Indians who lived in this area before the Cherokees, Chickasaws, and Creeks. Early settlers found steps on one side of the mound, and discovered that it had been enclosed by an earthen wall. The mound could have possibly existed as much as a thousand years before Columbus ....Open Tuesday Saturday, 10 a.m. 4 p.m.
End of South Court Street near Tennessee River, Florence (256) 760-6427
The Birthplace of Helen Keller (Ivy Green)
The Birthplace of Helen Keller, America's First Lady of Courage, is located in Tuscumbia. Built in 1820, only one year after Alabama became the 22nd State of the Union, Ivy Green is a simple, white clapboard home designed in typical Southern architecture .... Open Monday Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
300 N. Commons, Tuscumbia (256) 383-4066 - Web-Site
Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard
Coon Dog Graveyard came into being on Labor Day, September 4, 1937, when Key Underwood buried his famous coon dog, "Troop". They had spent many enjoyable hours hunting in this area, and it was only fitting that "Troop" be laid to rest here. Since that time, over 100 coon dogs have been buried at the site.
Off Hwy. 247, west of Tuscumbia (256) 383-0783
Pope's Tavern
Once a stagecoach stop, tavern, and inn, Pope's Tavern is one of the oldest structures in Florence. Pope's Tavern was first used as a hospital for both Union and Confederate wounded during the Civil War after a skirmish in the streets of Florence. Later, wounded soldiers from the Battle of Elk River and Franklin, Tennessee, were treated here by local doctors and women who gave unselfishly of their time ....Open Tuesday Saturday, 10 a.m. 4 p.m.
203 Hermitage Drive, Florence (256) 760-6439
Rosenbaum House
This home, designed and built in 1939-40, is the only structure in Alabama designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and is considered his best example of Usonian style. Open for tours only by appointment. A National Historic Property. Completely restored in 2001.
601 Riverview Drive, Florence 256-740-8899 or contact thru the Kennedy-Douglas Center for the Arts at 256-760-6379. - Website
Belle Mont Mansion
The Belle Mont Mansion is one of Alabama's most distinguished homes. It is an excellent example of Jeffersonian style architecture of the early American Republic. Constructed in the early 1800's, the Belle Mont Mansion is known for its high-quality brickwork and contrasting wood trim ....Open for tours by appointment only 256-381-5052.
Cooks Lane, Off U.S. 43, south of Tuscumbia (256)381-8438 or (256)381-5052
Edith Newman Culver Memorial Museum
Built in 1870, this historic home features a museum full of period antiques. Civil War relics, Native American artifacts, and the unique history of one of Alabama's oldest towns, Waterloo ....The museum is open Friday Sunday, 1 4 p.m. Call for winter hours.
Main Street, Waterloo (256) 767-6081
Overton Farm
A project of the Bear Creek Watershed Environmental Education program, this is an outdoor education facility on an old family farm in Franklin County. The farmstead and cemetery are used as teaching tools in the field of social studies. The varied terrain, the wide variety of plants and animals and lake frontage are valued for teaching the natural sciences. There are dormitories and a dining hall on the property.
For information, call the Russellville Board of Education:(256) 332-8440
Historic LaGrange Site, Antebellum Cemetery & Pioneer Village
Listed on the National Historical Register of Landmarks, this cemetery and the recreated log cabins are all that remain as a record of the town of 395 people and LaGrange College and Military Academy, Alabama's first college. There is a welcome center and a bed and breakfast is planned. The town and college were destroyed in a Civil War battle in April, 1863. The site has been restored by the LaGrange Living Historical Association, which sponsors a festival each May with a Civil War reenactment, music, crafts and more.
Off Hwy. 157 in Leighton (256) 383-0783
Dismals Canyon & Rock Bridge Canyon
Dismals Canyon in Phil Campbell, a National Natural Landmark, features a canyon, nature and mountain bike trails, canoeing, camping, hiking, swimming, picnicking, lodges and a country store. Rock Bridge Canyon in Hodges is a rustic area featuring natural bridge waterfalls, scenic rock formations, mountain laurel, trees and shrubs and a nature trail.
Dismals Canyon - Web-Site
901 Hwy. 8, Phil Campbell
(256) 993-4559
Rock Bridge Canyon
1944 Canyon Road, near Hodges
Natchez Trace Parkway
This scenic highway follows the historic route from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. In Alabama, the Parkway goes through western Colbert County. Maintained by the National Park Service, the Parkway follows the same paths trekked by Davy Crockett and Andrew Johnson.
Shoals Area Annual Festivals & Events...
The NCAA Division II Football Championship Game
Held each December in the Shoals. The 2002 game will mark the seventeenth year the game is played in the Shoals. The Shoals has created a true championship atmosphere for the game, that has taken Division II football to an all new level over the past twelve years. Many events take place during "Championship Week", culminating with the presentation of "The Harlon Hill Trophy" and the Division II Football Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, and the Championship Game. The game is also televised nationally by ESPN.
More Information -- Web-Site
The W.C. Handy Music Festival
Held the first full week of August throughout the Shoals. It is the largest of all of the area festivals, with 1998 featuring close to 200 events. The annual event, named in honor of W.C. Handy, Alabama's "Father of the Blues", features blues, jazz, and gospel music, educational events, coordinated art shows, athletic events, street parties, great food, and much more. Some of the favorite events of the Festival include Handy Nights at local restaurants and outdoor concerts at parks throughout the Shoals. Some events require admission, but most are free. The event attracts an estimated 150,000 annually.
More Information -- Web-Site
The Trail of Tears Commemoration
Held annually in Waterloo during September. The event includes the "Largest Organized Motorcycle Ride in the South", with as many as 10,000 participants in this historic event to honor the many Native Americans who perished and suffered as a result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830.
More Information -- Web-Site
The Helen Keller Festival
Held annually during the last weekend in June. Held at Spring Park in downtown Tuscumbia, thousands gather to commemorate the lifetime accomplishments of the town's world renowned native, Helen Keller. The week-long celebration includes a parade through downtown, stage entertainment, arts and crafts, an art auction, tour of historic sites, puppet shows, a variety of sports tournaments and athletic events, and more.
More Information -- Web-Site
The Alabama Renaissance Faire
Held annually during the fourth weekend in October at Wilson Park in downtown Florence. Are you in Florence, Alabama in 1998, or Florence, Italy in the Middle Ages? This educational event re-creates the atmosphere of an authentic medieval renaissance faire. Participants dress in authentic, period costumes. Arts & crafts, wandering minstrels, magicians, and chamber singers are also part of the festivities, as you step back in time.
More Information--Contact Florence-Lauderdale Tourism (256)740-4141
The Festival of the Singing River
Held annually at McFarland Park in Florence. The festival celebrates the ancient, mystical heritage of the Native Americans who once inhabited Northwest Alabama. The 1998 festival will be held October 10-11. Many Native American tribes will be represented at the festival which includes, dances, crafts, music, arts, and Native American culture. A variety of unique hand-made crafts and art will be on display, as well as the opportunity to view these crafts being made.
More Information--Contact the Florence Parks & Recreation Dept.,
(256)760-6416
Summer Celebration
Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of summertime and the City of Florence celebrates the start of summer with Summer Celebration. Four days of outdoor sporting events including bass, golf, & tennis tournaments, mountain bike races, a 5K run, a century bike ride, watercraft races, Veteran's appreciation ceremony, barbecue cook-off, and many more events. All events help promote summer safety to participants and observers, and serve to kick off the summer season in the Shoals.
More Information--Contact Florence-Lauderdale Tourism
(256) 740-4141 or 888-FLO-TOUR
The Spirit of Freedom Celebration
Held annually on July 4th at McFarland Park in Florence. Thousands of people gather each year to enjoy live music from some of the biggest names in the music business, family fun, and various other activities. The celebration concludes with an impressive fireworks show illuminating the beautiful Tennessee River. The fireworks show is one of the largest in the Tennessee Valley.
More Information--Contact Florence-Lauderdale Tourism
(256) 740-4141 or 888-FLO-TOUR
Alabama Pro National Truck & Tractor Pull
The Alabama Pro National Truck & Tractor Pull is held annually during August. Sponsored by the Lexington Volunteer Fire & Rescue Squad, the event is the "Largest Pulling Contest in the Southeast." Several different categories and classes compete for prize money that attracts some of the best pullers in the United States
More Information--Contact Florence-Lauderdale Tourism
(256) 740-4141 or 888-FLO-TOUR
The Arts...
MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS
The Tennessee Valley Art Center
Provides rotating exhibits of the visual arts.
Permanent exhibit of aboriginal art (petroglyph).
511 North Water Street, Tuscumbia (256) 383-0533
Kennedy Douglass Center for the Arts
The Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts is the Arts Cultural Center for Florence. It is the administrative office for coordination and promotion of cultural activities and the home base and meeting place for cultural groups. It also serves as a showcase and classroom for all art disciplines, including workshops for adults and children. It house genealogical files and personal memorabilia of Hiram K. Douglass.
217 E. Tuscaloosa Street, Florence, AL (256) 760-6379 - Web-Site
The Children's Museum of the Shoals
Our area has several museums. What is unique about a children's museum is that the exhibits and programs are geared specifically to the developmental stages and needs of children. There are 38,000 children 18 and under in the surrounding three-county area. The purpose of the Children's Museum of the Shoals is to further classroom education and compliment existing cultural and educational resources.
2810 Hermitage Drive, Florence (256)765-0500 - Web-Site
THEATRES
Ritz Theater
This 1920's silent movie house is restored to it Art Deco style, and is used for community theater. Open for events and by appointment. Admission
103 West 3rd Street, Sheffield (256) 381-8370
Zodiac Theater
The Shoals Community Theater consists of the Zodiac Players and the Gingerbread Players, the children's theater division. Performances scheduled throughout the year. Located in downtown Florence.
416 N. Court Street, Florence (256) 764-1700 - Web-Site
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