Walking Around Historic Downtown Florence, Alabama

August 30, 2024

On August 23 (Friday), in the evening, we rode the motorcycle into the historic downtown of Florence. We parked the motorcycle and walked through the vibrant downtown thronging with people to Jake’s Place Bistro and The Bake Shop. We picked Jake’s Place due to the excellent reviews.

There was live music, a lady playing piano and singing with a cello player joining her. We sat at a family style table in back with two other couples. This made the experience even more fun.

The food was fabulous and lived up to the positive reviews. Bruce ordered the flat bread with salmon and feta cheese and I ordered the baked spaghetti and meatballs. The bread that came with my spaghetti and meatballs was a rosemary focaccia. Just delicious! Bruce was also impressed with his meal.

We agreed to return to Florence the next day to explore the downtown some more.

We rode home along US Hwy 72, crossing the Tennessee River at sunset. The western sky was a beautiful burnt orange at the horizon fading to a dark purple with some dark pink. It was stunning to see over the Tennessee River.

On Saturday (August 24), we rode the motorcycle over the Wilson Dam Road into Florence. We checked out the Veterans Memorial Park and then headed to downtown Florence.

We parked in Lot A at the University of North Alabama. There were some beautiful old homes that were part of the university.

We walked to the historic downtown and checked out graffiti alley.

After our walk in Graffiti Alley, we walked around the historic business area.

It was hot, so we decided to get ice cream at the 100 plus year old ice cream parlor, Trowbridge’s Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop. It was founded in 1918 and has been in the same location since it opened. There was a line to order and to get the ice cream to go. We decided to sit in the cool and have our ice cream at a booth. The service was excellent.

They are famous for their orange pineapple ice cream. I didn’t try it since I zoomed in on the black walnut. (My absolute favorite ice cream!) I ordered a cup of black walnut ice cream and it came in a glass ice cream cup. I don’t remember what Bruce ordered, something chocolate with a brownie.

Delicious ice cream on a blazing hot day is just an amazing experience!

We walked back to the motorcycle through the Sannoner Historic District.

We rode home. Once home, I was delighted to take off my gear; it was so hot!!!

Nox was happy to see us and we took her for a walk after getting some water.