Florence, Alabama is a city located in Lauderdale County and is part of The Shoals metropolitan area along with Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. Florence is known as the “Shoals City” with steeped in musical heritage.
1. Parks and Places for a Walk on a First Date
Florence has several green spaces and parks that make for a great place to explore on a first date. McFarland Park is a lovely spot with a large pond, gazebo, and trails for walking, running, and biking. Pick a sunny day for a picnic in the park and the gazebo makes a great spot for lunch. Veterans Park is another great place to explore with a large fountain, walking trails, and picnic tables. It's also located along the world's only maritime-style floating boardwalk.
2. Places for a Coffee Date in Florence
Florence has some great coffee shops and cafes that make for a perfect spot for a first date. Libby’s Cafe is a cozy spot with great coffee, tea, and a variety of sandwiches and pastries. Another great spot for a coffee date is The Flying Squirrel, a locally-owned coffee shop with great coffee, tea, and sandwiches. It’s also a great spot for people watching and sipping your favorite hot beverage. The Downtown Coffee Shoppe is an old-fashioned diner with delicious coffee and pastries.
3. Galleries, Museums and Exhibitions to Visit on a Date
For the art and culture lovers, Florence has some great galleries and museums for a date. The Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts is a great place to explore with art galleries, exhibitions, and even a sculpture garden. The University of North Alabama Art Gallery offers rotating art exhibitions with a focus on contemporary art. There are also some great museums and historical sites in Florence. The Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House Museum is an interesting spot to explore, offering guided tours and an exhibition of the work of the famous architect. The W.C. Handy Home is another great spot, showcasing the life and music of the legendary Handy.
4. Live Music and Entertainment to Invite your Date to in Florence
Florence is known for its rich musical heritage, so why not take your date to one of the city's many live music venues? Florence’s historic downtown is home to the historic Bradford’s Music Hall, where you can catch performances by local and national acts. The Florence/Lauderdale Coliseum is another great spot for live music, with a variety of acts, from local favorites to national headliners. The Shoals Theater also offers a variety of live performances, from music to comedy.
5. Pubs, Bars and Restaurants for a First Date Drink or Food
Florence also has some great spots for eating and drinking on a date. The Cypress Inn is a great spot to get to know each other over some casual food and drinks. If you're looking for a more upscale experience, you can visit The Tavern at the Mill, located in the Shoals Theater. Featuring craft beers, wines, and cocktails, it's the perfect spot to enjoy some drinks and conversation. The Burgundy Room is also a great spot to visit for a craft beer or cocktail. It's also the perfect spot to enjoy some live music and karaoke.
6. Other Date Ideas to Try in Florence
There are plenty of other creative and unique date ideas you can try in Florence. If you're looking to get out on the water, you can take a boat ride on Pickwick Lake. You can also take a stroll down the historic Court Street District and check out some of the city's historic buildings. If you love animals, take your date to the Alabama Wildlife Center, where you can learn about the animals and birds of the area. Florence is also home to the Whirlpool Golf Course, where you can tee off for a round of golf. You can also enjoy some time in nature at the Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge and explore the various habitats and species of the refuge.
