A Walking Tour of Florence

Day 145  |  Florence

It was a quiet night on Crossroads. We didn't run the air conditioners or a fan for the first time in weeks. The morning was chilly when we headed out for a walk around Florence Harbor. We were bundled up, waiting for the sun to warm up the day. We got a good look at our home, sitting quietly against the T-head, and returned there to knock out a few morning chores. A change of clothes later, we headed to town on another walking tour. We passed the combined US Post Office and Court House before walking across the street to the Wilson Park Fountain.

Opposite the fountain is a statue of Florence famous son W.C. Handy, the Father of Blues. We circled the block and came upon the entrance to the University of Northern Alabama, the state's oldest four-year public university. The Lions had their paw logo emblazoned on the streets leading into campus. We stopped in for lunch at Trowbridge's, a 100-year-old ice cream parlor and sandwich shoppe. It was a happening place, and it was easy to understand its popularity.

The city's historical marker notes that the Wilson and Wheeler Dams (and associated Locks) contributed to further the city's economic development. We will pass through both of those locks tomorrow on our way to the Looper Rendezvous at Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville, AL. We enjoyed our brief stay in Florence and look forward to returning here in a week. With a rental car, we will expand our reach and explore more of this nice little town which is celebrating its bicentennial this year.