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Florence-Muscle Shoals Travel Articles
- Frommer's Budget Travel Lists Tuscumbia, AL In America’s 10 Coolest Small Towns
- Southern Living Magazine - Make Time For Florence
- Snuggle Up to Fine Bedding
- Visiting The heart Of Dixie: Florence, Alabama Is Truly Ya'll Country
March 2008 - Southern Living
Make Time For Florence - You'll be glad you left the interstate when you see these shops.
It takes an hour to reach Sweet Basil Café and The Shops of English Village from 1-65 in North Alabama. But boy, is it worth the drive. This small strip of businesses offers one-stop shopping for gourmet food, handcrafted jewelry, original paintings, and designer clothing. For Starters: Begin with lunch at Sweet Basil Café. Specials change every other day-pray they are offering white barbecue chicken served over cornbread. Other favorites include chicken salad and sandwiches served with a specialty salad such as Oriental noodle or artichoke-rice salad.
Browse Side Lines for jewelry set with non-precious stones such as agates and for beaded necklaces designed by owners Titian Scales and Carolyn Phillips. "Its different from what's in department and jewelry stores," Titian says, "We also carry designed items."
Paint me a Picture: Walk into ARTifacts on Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday, and you'll likely find artist Tommy Mathis at his easel. His love for Tuscany shows in his vibrant paintings of the region. "I've been there eight times," he confesses. To see his work even when he's not there, visit the gallery Tuesday through Saturday.
Don't miss Marigail Mathis and MG2, the upscale clothing store next door. Owned by Tommy's wife, it offers the latest fashions. Look for Tommy's Tuscany scenes reproduced on Icon leather products such as footwear and handbags. "Its like having a second gallery," he says.
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