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About FlorenceFlorence is the largest of the four cities in the Muscle Shoals Area. Incorporated in 1818—a year before Alabama became a state—Florence began as a trading post on a westbound stagecoach route.
Ferdinand Sannoner, an Italian engineer commissioned to design the new city, named it after his birthplace in Italy. Florence's parks and plazas express Sannoner's vision while accommodating an expanding industrial base. Major electrometallurgical and aluminum-, rubber- and steel-fabricating plants are in the area.
Wilson Dam, east of Florence on SR 133, possesses one of the world's highest single-lift navigation locks, which lift commercial and pleasure boats up to 100 feet in a single operation. Under Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) control since 1933, the dam, 4,541 feet long and 137 feet high, also boasts the largest hydroelectric generating capacity of all the TVA dams.
Oscar DePriest, the first African-American man to serve in Congress, and William Christopher “W.C.” Handy, famed blues composer, were born in Florence. Handy earned the title “Father of the Blues” through such compositions as “St. Louis Blues” and “Memphis Blues.” Handy is honored by jazz and blues artists during the 10-day long W.C. Handy Festival, held in late July. In Florence, the Fourth of July is synonymous with the Shoals Spirit of Freedom Celebration, when thousands gather in McFarland Park along the Tennessee River to enjoy food, music, fireworks and family activities. The Alabama Renaissance Faire is a 2-day event featuring magicians, knights on horseback, sword fighting, arts and crafts, and food. The fair takes place in Wilson Park in late October.
Visitor Centers Florence/Lauderdale Tourism Visitor Center 200 Jim Spain Dr. Florence, AL 35630. Phone:(256)740-4141 or (888)356-8687
Things to Do Children's Museum of the Shoals
Florence, AL
In-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. All hotels must meet the same basic requirements for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality to be AAA Approved. A rating of one to five AAA Diamonds tells members what type of experience to expect, from no-frills to highly personalized.
Members save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa10 Hightower Pl. Florence, AL 35630
Members save up to 10% and earn Honors points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Hampton Inn & Suites - Downtown Florence505 S Court St. Florence, AL 35630
Members save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Residence Inn by Marriott Florence1000 Sweetwater Ave. Florence, AL 35630
140 Matthew Paul Ct. Florence, AL 35630
As a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.
