Many small towns help make up the great state of Alabama. Smithsonian Magazine recently named Muscle Shoals one of the country’s best small towns to visit this year. This town is part of the regional group known as “The Shoals,” which includes the following four towns: Sheffield, Tuscumbia, Florence, and of course Muscle Shoals. For more information about Muscle Shoals, including a few of “The Shoals” area’s most popular attractions, take a look below.
Muscle Shoals, which was incorporated in 1923, is located along the Tennessee River in the northwest region of Alabama. Because of its music history, it's known as "The Hit Recording Capital of the World."
Several iconic bands and singers have recorded here, including the Osmonds, Aretha Franklin, Liza Minnelli, and more. Recordings still take place today, in addition to tours.
In nearby Sheffield is Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. Four musicians from FAME’s house band, which was known as the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and nicknamed "The Swampers," started this recording studio in 1969. Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Rolling Stones, and Cher are just a few of the musical icons to record here.
The Alabama Music Hall of Fame, which is located just outside of Muscle Shoals in Tuscumbia, is another great place to visit while in town. It honors numerous Alabamians who have made a great impact on the music industry, including Hank Williams, Percy Sledge, Alabama Shakes, Tammy Wynette, and more.
While in Tuscumbia, be sure to visit Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller. You'll be able to take a tour of her childhood home and view numerous family artifacts. You'll also get to see the famous pump where Helen learned “w-a-t-e-r” from Anne Sullivan, her devoted teacher.
A wonderful place to eat, which is also in Tuscumbia, is the Rattlesnake Saloon. Situated in the side of a cave, it's one of the world's most unique restaurants. The Rattlesnake Saloon has also been featured in music videos, magazine publications, on Food Network, etc.
Located just across the Tennessee River, in Florence, is the historic Rosenbaum House, which was designed by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Built in 1939, it's one of Alabama's most unique houses. It's also the state's only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building.
The Rosenbaum House is open to the public for tours. During your tour, you'll get to view several pieces of Wright-designed furniture, family photos, vintage housewares, and more.
Another famous house in Florence is the W.C. Handy Home and Museum. This historic log cabin is the birthplace of W.C. Handy, who's best known as the "Father of the Blues."
