We Rocked the World, Muscle Shoals Music
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• START - Colbert County Tourism Office and Visitor Center
719 U.S. Hwy 72 West, Tuscumbia, AL 35674 / 256-383-0783
Get first hand information about what to see and do, studio hours, brochures, maps, and all the local information you'll need. Purchase and wear your "We Rocked the World - Muscle Shoals Music" memorabilia - T-shirts, mugs, magnets, CDs and a DVD of the Muscle Shoals Documentary. Throw in a Sweet Home Alabama shirt and hat. Cash, checks or credit cards accepted.
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Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 am- 4:30 pm
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• STOP 2 - The Alabama Music Hall of Fame
617 U.S. Hwy 72 W., Tuscumbia, AL 35674 / 256-381-4417
Hundreds of exhibits depict the various genres of music from famous artists and songwriters - all from Alabama. You will be amazed at the many artists who have made outstanding contributions to the music world. Before you leave, record your own "hit" single in the studio located on site.
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Open: Monday-Friday 10 am- 5 pm, Saturday 10 am- 4 pm
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• STOP 3 - FAME Recording Studio
603 Avalon Ave., Muscle Shoals, AL 35661 / 256-381-0801
This is where Rick Hall began recording in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The first top record recorded here was You Better Move On by Sheffield artist, Arthur Alexander, later covered by the Rolling Stones. This is the studio that made Muscle Shoals famous and helped it garner the status "Hit Recording Capital of the World". Wilson Pickett, Clarence Carter, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and many, many other artists had countless hits recorded here. Rick Hall was named Billboard Producer of the Year in 1972 after his success with the Osmonds. More recently FAME has recorded projects for The Gregg Allman Band, Alison Krauss, Keb Mo, John Paul White, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Band of Horses, Drive by Truckers, Anderson East and Jamey Johnson to name a few. The 2013 documentary Muscle Shoals has brought thousands of visitors to the place where Rick Hall recorded all of this music in Muscle Shoals. FAME remains a working recording studio today.
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Tours: Monday-Friday, 9 am and 3:30 pm (backstage tour), 4 pm (standard tour), Saturday 10 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm (backstage tour).
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• STOP 4 - Who's Hungry?
It's lunchtime! If you are in the mood for good southern BBQ, try Rick's or 306 BBQ just down the street from FAME or Champy's, famous for its chicken and catfish. Grab a quick sandwich at Sweet Peppers next door to FAME or Momma Goldberg's, or try a gourmet pizza at the Pie Factory.
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Click here to view our Muscle Shoals Area Dining Guide.
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• STOP 5 - Muscle Shoals Sound Studio
3614 Jackson Hwy., Sheffield, AL 35660 / 256-978-5151
In 1969, the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section moved here when they left Rick Hall at FAME, and where they created the studio that carried the name of the sound they created. This small building is where the Swampers continued to record hit after hit with the Rolling Stones, Lynryd Skynryd, Paul Simon, Bob Segar, and the Staple Singers, to name a few.
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Open: Monday- Saturday, 10 am- 4 pm (Tours begin every hour on the half-hour. The first tour begins at 10:30 am, and the last tour starts at 3:30 pm.
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• STOP 6 - Cypress Moon Productions
1000 Alabama Ave., Sheffield, AL 35660 / 256-335-6961
A short distance away, located on the banks of Pickwick Lake and the Tennessee River, and now known as Cypress Moon Studios. When the Swampers found that their 3614 Jackson Hwy location was just too small, they relocated to a building that had housed a naval reserve, renovating it to become their studio in 1978. Here, they continued to record hit after hit from many artists who had recorded with them at the first location, plus countless others. Open for tours on a daily basis and for concerts as advertised.
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Open: Monday-Saturday, 11 am- 3 pm
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• STOP 7 - Check-in at a Local Hotel
In Sheffield, Tuscumbia, or Muscle Shoals.
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• STOP 8 - Dinner and Live Music
Available in many restaurants or in bars as nightly entertainment.
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Click here to view our Muscle Shoals Area Dining Guide.
Timeless Tuscumbia
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• START - Colbert County Tourism Office and Visitor Center
719 U.S. Hwy 72 West, Tuscumbia, AL 35674 / 256-383-0783
You'll find free maps and brochures and all the information you'll need to know about places to see and things to do. You'll also find a small gift shop where you can pick up a souvenir T-shirt, mug, or magnet. Think Sweet Home Alabama, We Rocked the World, Muscle Shoals Music, or Helen Keller. Discount coupons are available for some museums and attractions.
- Open: Monday-Friday 8:30 am- 4:30 pm
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• STOP 2 - Helen Keller Home
300 N. Commons St., Tuscumbia, AL 35674 / 256-383-4066
Located in downtown Tuscumbia. Known locally as Ivy Green, the 1820s Virginia cottage plantation home is where Keller was born and lived until she went with Annie Sullivan to reside during the school year at Perkins Institute in Boston. Today, the home is filled with original furnishings from the Keller family and memorabilia from the life and times of Miss Keller. Tour the main house, birthplace cottage, original pump, and the many gifts from around the world that have been placed in the gardens on the grounds. Local Master Gardeners tend the grounds with plantings that were original to the site. Gift shop on site.
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Open: Monday-Saturday 8:30 am-4 pm
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• STOP 3 - Tuscumbia Railroad Depot
204 West 5th St. Tuscumbia, AL 35674 / 256-389-1357
Located near the Keller Home stands the 1888 restored Tuscumbia RR Depot, where Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan often traveled to and from. Railroad memorabilia, as does a vintage carriage belonging to the Keller Family, occupies this space.
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• STOP 4 - First Presbyterian Church
103 N Broad St, Tuscumbia, AL 35674
Drive past the First Presbyterian church on 4th Street in Tuscumbia and view one of the oldest churches in Tuscumbia, where the Keller family worshiped and Helen Keller was baptized. Built circa 1828, it is one of the oldest churches in the state.
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• STOP 5 - Who's Hungry? Lunch Time!
Several restaurants are close by, and all provide an experience. Favorite suggestions: Claunch Café (in Spring Park); The Palace Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop, or Superhero Chefs.
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Click here to view our Muscle Shoals Area Dining Guide.
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• STOP 6 - Downtown Tuscumbia
You'll want to shop along the streets of Tuscumbia as several fashionable ladies' shops and gift boutiques are located here. While in the downtown area, take a stroll in Spring Park and take a "selfie" at the beautiful waterfall there. If you have children, they will love the amusements in the park, and they may ride with an inexpensive armband - carousel, roller coaster, and narrow gauge train.
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• STOP 7 - Alabama Music Hall of Fame
617 U.S. Hwy 72 W., Tuscumbia, AL 35674 / 256-381-4417
Enjoy seeing the vast memorabilia from all genres of Alabama artists and songwriters. While there, you will learn about the state's music heritage and the music of Muscle Shoals and have an opportunity to record your own hit single in the studio and take the CD home as a souvenir of your visit.
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Open: Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- OR - if you have already seen the AMHOF, why not take a five-minute ride to...
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• STOP 8 - Belle Mont Mansion
1569 Cook Ln, Tuscumbia, AL 35674 / 256-381-5052
One of Alabama's crowning architectural achievements. The mansion was built in the 1820s and has a raised, two-story central section with flanking one-story wings and a u-shaped floor plan that embraces a courtyard (believed to have been designed by Thomas Jefferson).
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Open: Wednesday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- www.bellemontmansion.org
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• STOP 9 - Check-in at a Local Hotel
Time to check into your hotel for the evening and rest a bit. As you head out at dusk for dinner, visit Spring Park, where you'll see a beautiful water show choreographed to lights and Muscle Shoals music. Free show daily at dusk, lasts about 30 minutes. After your tour, grab dinner at a local restaurant.
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Click here to view our Muscle Shoals Area Dining Guide.
Famous Faces, Historic Places
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• START - Colbert County Tourism Office and Visitor Center
719 U.S. Hwy 72 West, Tuscumbia, AL 35674 / 256-383-0783
Start your day at the Visitor Center, where you will find the latest brochures, maps, restaurant guides, and plenty of information from our staff! We are open at 9 AM and can’t wait to help you plan your trip. Don’t forget to buy souvenirs from our wonderful gift shop!
- Open: Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
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• STOP 2 - Helen Keller Home
300 N. Commons St., Tuscumbia, AL 35674 / 256-383-4066
Tuscumbia is home to Helen Keller, America’s First Lady of Courage, and her childhood home is now a museum that people come to visit from around the world. Come see and learn the incredible stories of Helen Keller in this beautiful home that was built all the way back in the 1820s. It is an inspirational tour that you will be sure to remember. Pick up a Keller souvenir in the gift shop and take time to tour the entire complex, including the beautiful gardens.
Open: Monday-Saturday 8:30 am - 4 pm
www.helenkellerbirthplace.org -
• STOP 3 - Belle Mont Mansion
1569 Cook Lane, Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674 / 256-381-5052
Come visit the Belle Mont Mansion, and you’ll find a fine example of Jeffersonian architecture that was built circa 1828. Belle Mont is of the Palladian style and is believed to have been designed by Thomas Jefferson. Come see this beautiful mansion that overlooks wheat and cotton fields-- you won’t be disappointed.
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Open: Wednesday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm
www.bellemontmansion.org -
• STOP 4 - Who's Hungry?
Ready for lunch? Try the Pie Factory, Sweet Pepper’s Deli, or Rick's and 306 BBQ, all in Muscle Shoals. If none of these appeal to you, check out the Muscle Shoals Restaurant Guide for additional places to eat.
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• STOP 5 - Frank Lloyd Wright's Rosenbaum Home
601 Riverview Dr, Florence, AL 35630 / 256-740-8899
Built-in the late 1930s with an addition in the 1940s, this Usonian Wright design was simple; built for an average family of the time, of cedar and glass. You’ll want to take plenty of time here as every nook and crevice of this home had a purpose. Several books are available for purchase in the gift shop, as well!
Open: Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm, Sunday 1-4 pm
wrightinalabama.com/ -
• STOP 6 - Trowbridge's Ice Cream Bar
316 N Court St, Florence, AL 35630
This 100-year-old ice cream shop is famous for its signature orange pineapple ice cream that is made especially for its soda fountain. Other flavors and ice cream treats will fill the bill for a mid-afternoon sweet treat!
- Open: Monday-Saturday 9 am- 5:30 pm
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• STOP 7 - W.C. Handy, Father of the Blues
620 West College Street, Florence, Alabama / 256-760-6434
Handy's birthplace cottage is where he lived until he went to Memphis as an adult and became famous for writing and performing blues and jazz. Many of his early musical instruments are now in the museum, including his famous piano, where he composed the St. Louis Blues, Beale Street Blues, and others. Although Handy was much older than Helen Keller, he became a friend of hers in his later years.
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• STOP 8 - Check Into a Hotel
Enjoy the ride across the river at sunset, where you can stay at one of our hotels listed on our website.
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• STOP 9 - Dinner and Live Music
After check-in, eat at one of our many restaurants. George’s Steakhouse in Sheffield offers an incredible steak or seafood dinner, or try the Red Clay Table or Stanfield's Steakhouse. Ichiban serves fresh sushi and hibachi for something a little different. Want something a little more casual? Check out Champy’s, where they serve great fried chicken and fish. They have live music on weekends, too!
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Click here to view our Muscle Shoals Area Dining Guide.
Outdoor Adventure
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• START - Colbert County Tourism Office and Visitor Center
719 U.S. Hwy 72 West, Tuscumbia, AL 35674 / 256-383-0783
Get first-hand information about what to see and do great hiking and/or jogging trails, brochures, maps, and all the local information you need, including restaurants and evening entertainment. Purchase and wear your “Sweet Home Alabama” or “Coon Dog Cemetery” shirt and hat. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted.
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Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
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• STOP 2 - Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve
251 Loop Rd., Tuscumbia, AL 35674 / 256-381-6301
Step onto the porch here at the Lacefield House and pick up your hiking trail map. And, don’t forget to return it when you are finished. Enjoy easy-to-moderate hiking on either of these two trails, ensuring you visit the splendid overlooks, bluff shelters, and waterfalls. You’ll enjoy seeing the wildflowers and creek cascades as your hike. Open Friday-Sunday, 7 am- 5 pm, Free.
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• STOP 3 - Bet You’re Hungry!
As you leave Cane Creek Canyon (if you are there on Thursday through Sunday), take a short drive to the most unique restaurant in the area, the Rattlesnake Saloon, located at 1292 Mt. Mills Road, Tuscumbia. While there, rest in the cool cave while enjoying your choice of burgers, appetizers, salads, and chicken. The Rattlesnake Saloon will open for the 2023 season on February 17 from 11 am until 10 pm (Thursday through Saturday). When you’re finished, you’ll be just 10 minutes from another unique place, the Coon Dog Cemetery. Another good lunch stop is Too Fat Sisters for a "meat & three" meal in Tuscumbia.
• STOP 4 - World’s Only Coon Dog Cemetery
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4945 Coondog Cemetery Rd., Cherokee, AL 35616
Over 300 coon hounds have been laid to rest in the scenic “Freedom Hills.” Unique headstones and epitaphs pay tribute to man’s best friend. Key Underwood’s raccoon hunting dog, Troop, was the first dog buried here on Labor Day in 1937.
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Open daylight hours, year-round. Free.
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• STOP 5 - The Palace Ice Cream Shop
100 S Main St, Tuscumbia, AL 35674 / 256-386-8210
Whew, what an incredible day in the great outdoors. Time for a Harvey Milkshake, which is listed in Alabama’s “100 Dishes You Must Eat in Alabama.” YUM!
- Open: Monday-Saturday, 11 am- 4 pm
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• STOP 6 - Check into a local Hotel
in Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, or Tuscumbia
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• STOP 7 - Dinner
Just a few dinner options include Superhero Chefs, the Pour House, & Hometown Pizza in Tuscumbia; Rick Lanning’s BBQ, Champy’s, 306 BBQ, Smokin' Jalapeno, the Pie Factory in Muscle Shoals; Stanfield's Steakhouse, the Red Clay Table, or George’s in Sheffield.