Spend a weekend in Florence—where to stay, shop + more

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See the Elvis statue in Muscle Shoals during your weekend in Florence. (Nathan Watson / The Bama Buzz)

Looking for a fabulous weekend getaway? You’re in luck—Florence is a hidden gem in North Alabama and it’s the perfect spot.

This small town has a big city feel with all of the restaurants, shops and things to do in downtown Florence. Keep reading to hear why Florence should be your next weekend getaway!

Places to shop

Downtown Florence, Alabama. Photo Via Nathan Watson For The Bama Buzz
Downtown Florence, Alabama (Nathan Watson/ The Bama Buzz)

There are plenty of things to do and see during your weekend in Florence. Some of our favorite local businesses to shop include:

  • Billy Reid
  • PSI
  • Reclaimed Spirit
  • Stella & Goose

Places to eat

The Carriage Win Bar, Florence
The Carriage Wine Bar in Florence. (Audrey Johnson / Hville Blast)

After all the shopping, you’re going to want something to eat. Lucky for you, Florence is not short of great options. Here are some of our recs:

  • Jack’s Place Bistro
  • Odette
  • Ricatonis
  • The Carriage Wine Bar
  • Yumm

Places to see

Una Campus
University of North Alabama (Lacey Spear / The Bama Buzz)

We’ve got incredible food and top-notch local businesses, but the beauty of Florence doesn’t stop there. Here are some must-see sights during your visit to North Alabama:

  • The University of North Alabama
  • Frank Lloyd Wright house
  • W C Handy Museum
  • McFarland Park
  • The Wilson Dam

Stay at the GunRunner Boutique Hotel in downtown Florence

  • Gunrunner Boutique Hotel
  • Gunrunner Boutique Hotel
  • Gunrunner Boutique Hotel
  • Gunrunner Boutique Hotel

The GunRunner boutique hotel offers 10 luxurious suites, each one with their own unique theme. Many of the suites are themed based off of iconic people and places around the shoals. The GunRunner has been featured in Southern Living Magazine & was named one of the top 12 boutique hotels to visit in 2019.

Not only do you get to stay in a luxurious & uniquely themed room during your stay, The GunRunner also has several amenities that make your trip even more worth while. These amenities include… an indoor & outdoor bar, a Medical Spa & a coffee shop!!! The suites that are offered at the GunRunner include…

  • The Muscle Shoals Sound
  • Billy Reid
  • Frank Lloyd Wright
  • Lumber One
  • The lion’s Den
  • Devil’s Backbone
  • Smithsonia

Enjoy a peaceful stay at GunRunner Hotel, get out and about and check out all of the cool stuff Florence has to offer.

What’s on the agenda for your weekend in Florence? Tag us @thebamabuzz + let us know!

Bess Christopher
Bess Christopher
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