This is such a cool piece of history!!! We came here to see where Helen Keller grew up and it was…read morereally cool to see all the historical artifacts and how well the property is kept up. I highly recommend this stop. Once the weather is nice they do showings of the miracle worker play on site too.

My family took a day trip here and this was the highlight stop of the day. She absolutely loved it!…read moreFrom seeing the rich history and impact one person could have and to be filled with so much dedication to educate those around her, was a true joy. Beautiful 200 year old house and wonderful tour guide helps capture a glimpse into the life Keller had not only at Ivy Green but on her adventures later in life to over 35 countries. Definitely worth a visit to see and one we will definitely not forget.

A beautiful Georgian-style building which was incorporated into present day Deshler High School,…read morethe William Winston home is stunning from the outside. Alas, with school out and it being a Saturday, I couldn't see the inside. I won't say too much more as I have included the plaque in my photos. But I will mention there have been ghost sightings here over the years allegedly of a woman who fell from the Widows Walk.

We drove over the dam and also got a wonderful view from the 360 Grille restaurant at the Marriott…read more It is an amazing engineering achievement being built 1918 - 1924 and it is a National Historic Landmark. Worth a stop if you are in the area!

I would have given more stars if it had been opened..you need to call and make an appt. but it IS…read morean authentic log cabin, rough-hewn, built around 1815. It's tiny and easy to pass on the road which used to be part of Andrew Jackson's military road which he built for his supplies/army on their way to the Battle of New Orleans.

I love libraries…read more Sometimes, late at night, I find myself organizing my stuffed animals in accordance to the dewey decimal system. Libraries are so organized. So sterile. So quiet. So full of think-i-ness. I mean knowledge. Remind me to take "think-i-ness" out before I post this. Laugh if you want, but the Florence library is awesome. Nice building. New building. Lots of places to sit in comfortable chairs and read. Big windows. Thought-inspiring quotes everywhere. And the librarians are bitter idiots. But that's true of all librarians. One of my favorite features is the reading room. Walk inside, and you find yourself in Sherlock Holmes' living room. Wood panels everywhere. Greek columns. Newspapers and magazines out your saggy butt. I want to sit and smoke a pipe while I read in there. They also have a entire wing devoted to gynecology. I plan to spend a great deal of time in there. Did I say gynecology? I meant genealogy. Honest mistake. Thanks. spellchecker. Not my least favorite feature is the coffee shop, the disgustingly cleverly named "Coffee-ol-ogy." Coffee, sandwiches, and all sorts of snacks. The 14-year old behind the counter asked where I was from when I asked for a "drip" coffee. "No one around here calls it a drip," she quipped. I then beat her senseless with the cappuccino maker. But don't expect to pay three bucks for a sandwich, a luke warm Coke, and sashay into the library. Nosiree, Mr. Fresh-Ground Paris Pants. No food or beverage in the library. So you have to sit in the lobby and enjoy your meal. Bonus - free wi-fi all around (I suspect they've blocked myspace). Five stars for this library. They're open until 7 most nights, which gives me just enough time to stop by, order a "drip," and Yelp like mad.

A favorite place to research and relax on a lunch. I have done a bunch of genealogy work here and…read morethe local history section is top notch. A really fine library for young people or for those with many years under their belt.

Tom's son, Trace, was an excellent guide. This is truly a special place. We visited today, and we…read moreare so glad we stopped and walked around.

A very moving experience to see and hear about the longest non-mortared rock wall in the US... The…read morestory of the great great Grandma's journey from Florence AL to Oklahoma and the long walk back to the singing waters....

Beautiful library and friendly staff! Always has the best selection of books and movies.read more

Parking in downtown Florence is a challenge at the best of times but we lucked out finding a spot…read morenext to this marker as we headed into the nearby Wildwood Tavern for dinner. This was an interesting introduction to the city and it has me wanting to return to explore. The marker has the same text on both sides. It reads, "Florence was surveyed for the Cypress Land Company in 1818 by Ferdinand Sannoner and named for the famous capital of Tuscany. The county seat of Lauderdale County, it was first incorporated in 1826. Located at the foot of Muscle Shoals, it became a thriving agricultural and commercial center with light industry and significant religious, educational, and medical institutions. During the Civil War, Florence was occupied by both armies at various times. The Tennessee Valley Authority with Wilson and Wheeler Dams contributed to further economic development." The marker was erected by the Florence Historical Board. Florence is often called Alabama's Renaissance City, grew beyond its early survey to become a cultural hub. It is the birthplace of W.C. Handy, the Father of the Blues, and still celebrates his legacy with the annual Handy Music Festival. The University of North Alabama anchors the city with its historic campus and live lion mascots, adding both tradition and charm. Visitors can explore the Rosenbaum House, Frank Lloyd Wright's only design in the state, or climb the Florence Indian Mound, the largest of its kind in Alabama. Today Florence blends music, architecture, and Native heritage into a lively identity that honors its past while embracing creativity. [Round number review 250 in Alabama - 1524 of 2025 - 25074 overall]