We are all proud of our hometowns. We were born and raised there, and that town will always have a special place in our hearts. We can act like we have always wanted to live somewhere else, but the fact of the matter is that we could never picture ourselves being the person we are today without those roots from back home. My particular hometown is the best hometowns of all hometowns. Florence, Alabama has been a hugely influential part of my life. Anyone from Florence knows that there are a few distinct things about our hometown that sets us apart from all of the others.
1. Rivertown Coffee
We never really understood why Starbucks was such a craze because we had something better. 117 N. Seminary Street is not only our destination for coffee but also our choice for study groups, dates with friends and more.
2. W.C. Handy Festival
Ah, the W.C. Handy Festival! Not only is this a tradition of our hometown that has lasted for 35 years but it is a tradition that brings our whole city together to enjoy good music and remember how musically talented our area truly is.
3. Ricatoni's Italian Grill
Ricatoni's Italian Grill may be my favorite location in all of Florence. Who could possibly live in Florence and not know how amazing their pepperoni bread and ravioli is? Don't even get me started on how good the herbs and garlic they provide to dip your bread in are. It's a heavenly experience only Florence has to offer.
4. Deibert Park
Deibert Park is the location of at least one of your childhood birthday parties. The park is great for children to play in, but it is also a great place to talk a walk with a friend on a warm, summer day. (They also have great trees to hang your hammocks in.)
5. The Florence High School/Muscle Shoals High School Rivalry
Often referred to as "The River Rivalry," this rivalry is always sure to stir up some strong emotions. Sometimes it seems as if this rivalry is even bigger than the Alabama-Auburn rivalry in our hometown. One thing is for sure: The Falcons will always be our favorite team despite the outcome of the game. (Sorry, Trojans.)
6. George H. Carroll Lion Habitat
Florence is also home to The University of North Alabama where you constantly hear students saying, "Roar Lions!" However, UNA is unusual in the fact that they actually have two live lions living on campus! It's always fun to stop and say hi to Una and Leo when you're near their lovely habitat.
7. Trowbridge's
This family-owned restaurant in Florence will always have the best chicken salad sandwiches. However, the most popular item is the dessert called an "Oh-My-Gosh." It is a brownie with enough ice cream, caramel and whipped cream on top to satisfy all of your sweet cravings.
8. First Fridays
The first Friday night of each month March through December is a special time to be in Florence. First Fridays is a fun experience because of all of the beautiful art, interesting sidewalk exhibits and, of course, the live music in Downtown Florence.
9. The Old Railroad Bridge
The Old Railroad Bridge is probably the location of your high school prom pictures. Who could blame you for wanting to join that bandwagon, though? This is one of the most beautiful sites you'll ever see and also a good location to walk and think about life.
10. Billy Reid
Billy Reid is an internationally recognized clothing designer. His shop is found on North Court Street in Downtown Florence. It's great to know that we have hidden treasures like Billy Reid right in our backyard.
Florence, Alabama is an amazing place to call home. Although it is not a huge city, it has always had much to offer for its residents. I'm proud to call Florence my hometown and hopefully everyone else is, too.
