What to do in Florence, AL - Day 2

Wow...this is going to be more difficult than I thought...mostly because there is so much happening! I can see that I'm going to have to try to post these early in the day.

Let's see...the first opportunity to get out and do something today is at 6 am. Now I'm not a morning person, but I know a lot of people are, so I'll include something for you guys. The Florence-Lauderdale County Farmer's Market is at the park at the intersection of Chisholm Rd. and Cox Creek Parkway in the open pavilion. There are all kinds of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as plants and homemade jams, jellies, and other goodies. It is open from 6 am to noon, or whenever they sell out of everything and go home. There is no admission charge. I stopped by there last week myself and got a HUGE watermelon for only $6. Can't beat a deal like that!

If you can't get up early enough to make it to that Farmer's Market, you can try the Jack-O-Lantern Farms Greehouses Indoor Farmer's Market. It is open from 3-7 pm, and even better, it's INDOORS out of the heat. I haven't been to this one myself, but the blurb says "Items available include hydroponically grown vegetables, Amish sweet cream butter, local honey, Shoals Culinary Center products, freshly baked breads, and a variety of local fruits and vegetables, homemade jams and jellies, and fried pies." (Wow...my mouth is watering already. Save me a pie!) It is located in Sheffield, across the street from the Holiday Inn on Garage Rd. There's a pretty visible sign pointing the way. No admission charge for this one either.

The kids aren't left out today, either. The Florence-Lauderdale Public Library Youth Services Department's weekly program "Holidays Around the World" is from 2-2:45. This week they will be learning about holidays and traditions in Australia.

Music lovers have lots to choose from today. At lunchtime, you can catch live music at McGraw's Coffee House on Court Street in downtown. I couldn't find who is scheduled to play today, but stop by anyway. You can sample the Tuesday special (Quiche with bread and greek pasta salad) or browse around the art gallery that is an extension of the coffee house. Say hi to Melissa for me!

Swamper's (inside the Marriott Shoals) has a line-up of live music starting at 5 pm. Chris Roach will be performing and acoustic set until 7 pm, followed by Christian Turner from 8-11 pm. If you'd rather stay downtown, you can drop by On the Rocks on Court St. at 9 pm to hear Jeff Henson & Jordan Denton. Finally, if listening to all that music makes you want to get up to dance and sing, check out karaoke and dancing at the Side Pocket Lounge on Darby Dr. There's no admission charge for any of these shows, but of course, these establishments would all appreciate you ordering something to eat and/or drink while you're there.

If all the live music isn't your cup of tea, you can drive across the river to Tuscumbia for a free knitting class for beginners or intermediate knitters. The class is at Springer's Yarn Nook on N. Main St. from 5-7 pm. Free admission on this one too! While you're in Tuscumbia, check out the Tuesday Evening Trolley Tour which leaves from Cold Water Books at 4:30 and again at 6 pm. YouI get a ride on the trolley with a guide giving the history of Tuscumbia and its significant structures. You also get a tour of one historic home. Cost for this one is $5. (I haven't been on this tour, but it sounds interesting. I think I'll check it out...)

Whew...sounds like there's so much going on today, you can't make it to everything! Have fun and feel free to post a review of any of these things in the comments section.