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Post by unalions on Dec 26, 2018 17:27:04 GMT -6
I'm starting this thread for those that may be coming to town for games, etc.
I've just returned from another trip and, after living away for about 20 years, I may be considered a Shoals Area resident-turned-tourist at this point! I'll add to this over time and hope others will chime in with their knowledge, favorites, and experiences.
I may have found a new favorite hotel this trip and it's a bit of a hidden gem. After eye-balling their good deals for several trips now, I stayed at the Best Western Plus - Tuscumbia/Muscle Shoals out on 72. Hear me out! I mean, even with my frequent destination almost being the TN state line in Zip City, I'm still impressed.
It's one of the newest hotels in the area and it's perfect for folks coming to town from I-65 via Cullman/Moulton or Decatur. It's owned by the new(ish) Love's Truck Stop that sits out there, which has a 24-hour McDonald's and Subway. The access may seem remote at first thought but it's a quick zip down 133 to the Singing River Bridge and a quick left on Florence Blvd. for access to downtown/the campus or onto Hermitage to the stadium.
I usually stay at one of the properties out near Cox Creek/Florence Blvd. like Comfort Suites, Holiday Inn Express, or Residence Inn. I can recommend all of those but that area of town is a nightmare around a holiday. Happy I tried something different.
I also went to Big Bad Breakfast. Enjoyed it! More on that soon.
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Post by unafied on Dec 26, 2018 19:18:24 GMT -6
I'm starting this thread for those that may be coming to town for games, etc. I've just returned from another trip and, after living away for about 20 years, I may be considered a Shoals Area resident-turned-tourist at this point! I'll add to this over time and hope others will chime in with their knowledge, favorites, and experiences. I may have found a new favorite hotel this trip and it's a bit of a hidden gem. After eye-balling their good deals for several trips now, I stayed at the Best Western Plus - Tuscumbia/Muscle Shoals out on 72. Hear me out! I mean, even with my frequent destination almost being the TN state line in Zip City, I'm still impressed. It's one of the newest hotels in the area and it's perfect for folks coming to town from I-65 via Cullman/Moulton or Decatur. It's owned by the new(ish) Love's Truck Stop that sits out there, which has a 24-hour McDonald's and Subway. The access may seem remote at first thought but it's a quick zip down 133 to the Singing River Bridge and a quick left on Florence Blvd. for access to downtown/the campus or onto Hermitage to the stadium. I usually stay at one of the properties out near Cox Creek/Florence Blvd. like Comfort Suites, Holiday Inn Express, or Residence Inn. I can recommend all of those but that area of town is a nightmare around a holiday. Happy I tried something different. I also went to Big Bad Breakfast. Enjoyed it! More on that soon. Certainly not a shot at you, but man, I hate the name “Singing River Bridge”. I still call it Patton Island Bridge and don’t plan on changing. Yeah I know, get off my lawn and whatnot, but that was a perfectly good name that didn’t need to be changed - but a politician needed to get his face in the paper, so... I love Big Bad. Really, I love the entire downtown restaurant scene. My wife and I went to Wildwood Tavern this past Saturday and enjoyed it. That was actually our second time there. We’re a little older than most patrons probably, but hopefully didn’t stick out too much. They were actually having Happy Hour on a weekend! So that was nice. The one kind of restaurant I’d love to see downtown? A nice Irish pub. I feel like it would do really well. I moved away ten years ago, but I’ve only stayed at a local hotel once. My wife and I spent the night at the Marriot for Valentine’s Day about three or four years ago. I can highly recommend both it and the 360 Grille. Given, I haven’t eaten at a ton of fine-dining establishments, but 360 is legit IMO. Probably the best steak dinner I have ever had. Keeping the tourist hat on, Florence (and the entire Shoals really) is blessed with great parks. Also, something you may never think about doing if you’re a resident, but should go there at least once: the Rosenbaum House (Frank Lloyd Wright home). It’s a very interesting tour.
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Post by unalions on Dec 27, 2018 17:06:34 GMT -6
As the owner of Singing River Media for eight years, we'll just have to differ on the significance of the name. I'm all for preserving the history of the first inhabitants of the area. I just ordered a book by a former UNA professor, Lore of the River, about the history of the area. There's also a Singing River area in Pascagoula (random fact). Speaking of attractions, I haven't been to the new Indian Mound museum. Definitely want to try to check that out my next visit.
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Post by unalions on Dec 27, 2018 17:47:18 GMT -6
LODGING
Staying in Florence as a visitor has always been an interesting experience after growing up there. I've stayed in numerous hotels (and even a couple of AirBnB's) around the area and here are my thoughts on a few of them.
Within the past few years, I’ve stayed in:
* Comfort Suites ($81-$115) – I’ve stayed here at least a half a dozen times. It’s my go-to because I like and trust it that much. I can usually get a good deal on Hotwire for this hotel. It’s out on Florence Blvd/72 across from Logan’s behind a Sonic and Chinese takeout place. Lots of food and shopping around this location (most of it chains) including a Super Walmart a couple blocks behind it. Note: This can be a very busy area around holidays. Indoor pool and hot tub. All rooms are suites with sofas and the breakfast/lobby coffee area are adequate.
* Residence Inn ($65*, $91-$115+) – Excellent property on Florence Blvd. My asterisk on the rate is because of a crazy good deal I got using the Priceline Name Your Own Price tool a couple of Thanksgiving’s ago. It was shocking to me because it was a holiday. Never got it to work since and their rates are normally $100 or more. Well worth it, though. Full on apartment-style accommodations. Great breakfast but was busy. Pool and hot tub are outdoors.
* Best Western Plus ($61-$100+) – Out on 72 in Tuscumbia near a Love’s Truck Stop. I stayed in a King Suite room that had a sofa along with a mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker, etc. I mention those because they are not listed on the hotel info on the site I was using. Yet, an indoor hot tub and pool was mentioned but it’s only a pool. Just FYI. This hotel is new and clean. Friendly staff and above average breakfast and lobby coffee. I booked this room two weeks before Christmas and got it for $65 a night.
* Baymont Inn ($51-$90) – This is the older hotel recently acquired by Wyndham and converted into a Baymont property. I was unimpressed but the rate was okay. In a pinch, it wasn’t horrible. The plus for me was that it’s behind the Shoney’s on Florence Blvd. and I walked over one morning for a bit of nostalgia for me – the breakfast buffet. Access via Ana Drive to the movies, mall and Aldi are easy from this hotel. Beware that Priceline groups this hotel in the 2.5-star hotels. So, if you try the NYOP tool, you could get this hotel instead of Comfort Suites, Holiday Inn Express, etc. I only use that tool for the 3-star and above (which includes only Residence Inn and Marriot on Priceline).
Places I've stayed in or familiar with but it's been a while.
* Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa ($125+) - Top notch place all the way around. I stayed there about 6 years ago and was very impressed as was my guest from Birmingham. As unified mentioned, the 360 Grille is what occupies the top of the Renaissance Tower now and it's menu looks great. I've never been there or been up there since it rotates. My only experience up there was years ago when it was a different, stationary restaurant. There's live music on certain nights at the Marriott and lots of events happening on this property. It's the top of the list in the area but only on my "special occasions" list.
* Quality Inn ($70+) - This is an older property behind Logan's on Florence Blvd and beside the newer Holiday Inn Express. It used to be my go-to for years but they rarely have a discounted rate on the Hotwire/Priceline sites and I always find newer places for cheaper or the same price. This hotel is very popular with the anglers and construction worker commuters. That said, I'd feel comfortable booking there just because I know it so well. NOTE: Fishing season brings tournaments to the area and that can eat up the hotel availability.
* Holiday Inn Express ($85+) - I almost booked this hotel this past trip. Their rate is normally up around $100 or more but they had a deal on both sites I use for about $85. I had friends visit me when I was living in town a few years back and they stayed here. Nice hotel with indoor pool. Behind Logan's and Buffalo Wild Wings.
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Post by unafied on Dec 27, 2018 19:29:10 GMT -6
As the owner of Singing River Media for eight years, we'll just have to differ on the significance of the name. I'm all for preserving the history of the first inhabitants of the area. I just ordered a book by a former UNA professor, Lore of the River, about the history of the area. There's also a Singing River area in Pascagoula (random fact). Speaking of attractions, I haven't been to the new Indian Mound museum. Definitely want to try to check that out my next visit. Ha, well. Certainly hope you didn’t take any offense to that. I don’t guess it’s the name itself I hate, I just heard “Patton Island Bridge” for 20+ years and am a curmudgeon when it comes to change. It’s probably a good thing I wasn’t around yet when our alma mater decided to drop “Florence State” I’d love to check out the new Indian Mound museum myself. Maybe take my daughter there when she’s old enough to understand it. I don’t think I ever had a chance to go to the old one. I’m a little surprised we never took a field trip there in school.
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Post by unalions on Dec 28, 2018 10:08:17 GMT -6
Ha, well. Certainly hope you didn’t take any offense to that. I don’t guess it’s the name itself I hate, I just heard “Patton Island Bridge” for 20+ years and am a curmudgeon when it comes to change. It’s probably a good thing I wasn’t around yet when our alma mater decided to drop “Florence State” I’d love to check out the new Indian Mound museum myself. Maybe take my daughter there when she’s old enough to understand it. I don’t think I ever had a chance to go to the old one. I’m a little surprised we never took a field trip there in school. None taken! And, we definitely have to include attractions on this list. I toured the WC Handy home a few years back. It was neat! Stopped into Bunyan's, too. I'd never been down that way much for Bunyan's after growing up north of Florence with tons of mom and pop BBQ options. Bunyan's was great that day. I took slaw dogs back to my family that day and doled them out like Christmas presents (even though it was summer, I think. lol).
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Post by unalions on Oct 31, 2019 10:01:00 GMT -6
We ate at Garden Gate Cafe last night and it was perfect for my first meal back home this trip. Reminded me of my Grandmother's home cooking. A meat and three sides for $7.50 and it was really good. They even had Chicken Stew on the menu! I think the menu changes daily but I highly recommend it.
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Post by brandon on Oct 31, 2019 12:39:17 GMT -6
We ate at Garden Gate Cafe last night and it was perfect for my first meal back home this trip. Reminded me of my Grandmother's home cooking. A meat and three sides for $7.50 and it was really good. They even had Chicken Stew on the menu! I think the menu changes daily but I highly recommend it. Which one did you go to? One I'd in Muscle Shoals and the other on Florence Blvd.
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Post by unalions on Nov 1, 2019 18:21:29 GMT -6
We ate at Garden Gate Cafe last night and it was perfect for my first meal back home this trip. Reminded me of my Grandmother's home cooking. A meat and three sides for $7.50 and it was really good. They even had Chicken Stew on the menu! I think the menu changes daily but I highly recommend it. Which one did you go to? One I'd in Muscle Shoals and the other on Florence Blvd. Florence Blvd. We also ate at Homeside on Hunstville Road and enjoyed the food there, too! Large menu with daily specials. I had a breakfast biscuit that was huge!
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Post by unalions on Aug 31, 2021 11:10:55 GMT -6
Bump for those that might be visiting this upcoming year.
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Post by unafied on Aug 31, 2021 12:49:27 GMT -6
Don't know how many SLU fans will be able to make the trip, but if any make it up Friday (or any UNA folks are coming from out of town), it will be First Friday in downtown Florence. Local vendors, live music, etc., all set up on Court Street, the main street through downtown. I've only ever made it once myself, but I enjoyed it. If I'm not mistaken, you can even carry yourself around a to-go cup with an adult beverage from one of the final local restaurants... if you're in to that sort of thing, of course.
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Post by unalions on Sept 1, 2021 15:25:04 GMT -6
So, I haven't been to Florence in almost 2 years because of the pandemic. Can some you locals chime in about good food options?
I mean, Florence has just about every chain out there but other than Bojangles and Jack's (we don't have these in Florida), I skip everything else.
For me, I have some favorites but it's mainly BBQ and country fare (not much of those in P'cola). I've discussed some of them above/below in this thread. And old school favorite Italian place downtown is Ricatoni's and it was okay the last time I went. Another very old-school favorite of mine is Trowbridge's (vintage soda fountain with laid-back southern breakfast and sandwiches). Rosie's downtown is decent Mexican food. Umi Japanese Steakhouse was okay the couple of times I've been there.
I've been to none of the higher-end options that currently operate there. I really want to go to 360 Grille. I went to the first restaurant there a lot back in the day but it didn't rotate back then!
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Post by unafied on Sept 1, 2021 16:53:15 GMT -6
So, I haven't been to Florence in almost 2 years because of the pandemic. Can some you locals chime in about good food options? I mean, Florence has just about every chain out there but other than Bojangles and Jack's (we don't have these in Florida), I skip everything else. For me, I have some favorites but it's mainly BBQ and country fare (not much of those in P'cola). I've discussed some of them above/below in this thread. And old school favorite Italian place downtown is Ricatoni's and it was okay the last time I went. Another very old-school favorite of mine is Trowbridge's (vintage soda fountain with laid-back southern breakfast and sandwiches). Rosie's downtown is decent Mexican food. Umi Japanese Steakhouse was okay the couple of times I've been there. I've been to none of the higher-end options that currently operate there. I really want to go to 360 Grille. I went to the first restaurant there a lot back in the day but it didn't rotate back then! I enjoy all the places you mentioned. Downtown, I’d add Pie Factory for pretty darn good pizza. Taco Mama is a bit of an Alabama chain, but I enjoy it. It’s a “street taco” type of place. And it’s next door to Singin’ River Brewery, so it’s not a bad spot to spend a few hours. Out at 7 Points, I used to enjoy Rice Box for Asian food (it’s a little of everything, Chinese/Japanese/Thai etc.). I guess they made it through the pandemic? Haven’t been there in a while. Across the River there’s Champy’s in Muscle Shoals (or that might be Sheffield?). I’m a big fan. We actually have three of them here in Chattanooga, where they got their start. Really good fried chicken. Personally I love their tamales.
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Post by roaringsince96 on Sept 1, 2021 20:24:55 GMT -6
Ricatoni’s 306 Grille Rice Box Pie Factory Texas Roadhouse Momma Jeans
After Midnight: Krystals
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Post by unalions on Jun 10, 2022 18:12:03 GMT -6
I went to Florence last month for Mother's Day and didn't get to do a lot because I spent most of the time with my family. However, one new restaurant I tried there was the Mexican restaurant in 7 Points - El Pollito Loco or The Crazy Little Chicken. It was great!! My entire family ordered on Cinco de Mayo, which also happened to be my brother's birthday. We called it in and it was ready to go when we got there about 20 mins later. Packaged great and everyone loved it. I got the Burrito California (I chose the steak/beans options) and it was large and tasty! My family was happy to find a new Mexican restaurant after one in Petersville had seem to let them down as of late. www.facebook.com/elpollitolocoflorenceI have no hotel to report on as I found an AirBnb/VRBO option way up in Zip City! It was a wonderful little pool house near Wilson HS and so close to my family. It was chilly water but I swam in the pool one morning before "Blackberry Winter" set in that weekend! The firefly (lightning bug) show was wonderful at night! There's also a farmhouse to rent via those sites out that way now. Don't forget those options when visiting the Shoals!
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