Tuesday, September 30
Start & Finish: Florence, AL

Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area - our plan today was to visit as many of the sites we could today. It was a navigator's nightmare, I ended up re-routing us a couple of times. We definitely saw lots of back roads and new sites. At each site the staff were delightful, thrilled we had stopped by and helpful when needed. I think today was as much about the people of NE Alabama, as their rich heritage.

Stop #1 - Old State Bank, Decatur, AL
The town Decatur was a significant site during the Civil War, held by Union forces throughout the war. It is on the banks of the Tennessee River and two major railroad lines. The gentleman who greeted us had a wealth of information about the area and the building. The fireplace mantle pictured below is called a War and Peace mantle - look closely and you will see the uprights are cannons held up on each end by bibles. Also the upstairs was the home of the banker. It is beautifully furnished with period pieces.






Stop #2 - Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, Decatur, AL
Nice stop with lots of natural scenery. The big season of migrating cranes, geese and ducks are a month or so off. Inside the visitor center there were good displays of the birds that use the refuge. As we keep trying to get better at identifying birds these displays are helpful.


Stop #3 - Mooresville, AL at JaVa Coffee
A beautiful, small intact town settled in 1818, a small Williamsburg without any commercialization. The passport stamp for the heritage area is at a coffee place in the village. What a surprise, Jack the owner was raised in Tucson. We enjoyed a hot beverage, slice of Apple pie and sharing stories. Along with selling drinks he has an eclectic selection of art and collectibles, including beautiful photos of western landscape. What a pleasant surprise!




Stop #4 - Belle Chèvre Artisan Cheese, Elkmont, AL
Fun stop at the factory and store. A tour was being conducted when we stopped. We were able to get the stamp and look around on our own. The building had been a cotton warehouse, we found the front of the building very interesting, lots of architectural history.


Stop #5 Red Bay Museum, Red Bay, AL
This was a very well done small town museum. A number of years ago the town asked someone to write their history, in the process they realized they had a lot of the artifacts that told their story. They were collected and became this museum. They did a great job of creating displays with a common theme. Upstairs they have an extensive collection relating to Tammy Wynette, a country singer, she was born nearby. Her glittery gowns, with the lighting and my camera did not do justice to the 'flash' of her dresses.


Tammy Wynette's gowns


Stop #6 Rock Bridge Canyon, Hodges, AL
Not much to do here, but would love to come back and camp and hike. The mid 80s with humidity higher than we like kept us in the front office. From the pictures this natural areas looks spectacular. It is marketed as an Equestrian Park, but trails also open to hikers.


Stop #7 Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Tuscumbia, AL
This was an end of day, quick stop. The stars embedded in the front hall included many greats; EmmyLou Harris, Percy Sledge, The Temptations, Alabama (of course) and Nat King Cole, to name a few.

Stop # 8 Alabama Chanin, Florence, AL
Another end of the day stop, which was probably a good thing. They make beautiful hand-sewn women's clothing. Lots to admire, but not in my budget. The display area was beautifully arranged. Sorry I didn't get pictures. They serve lunch from 11-3.

Back into town for fresh, local beer while enjoying a tasty Calzone at The Pie Factory in downtown Florence. After eating we walked the several blocks of the thriving downtown, always nice to see.

A few more Muscle Shoal NHA sites tomorrow and then continuing east to new NPS sites for me.


Passport Stamps
Muscle Shoals NHA
Old State Bank
Wheeler Wildlife Refuge
Belle Chèvre
Red Bay Museum
Rock Bridge Canyon
Alabama Music Hall of Fame
Alabama Chanin


Wildlife Sightings

Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Northern Cardinal
Northern Mockingbird
Feral Dove
American Robin
American Crow
Swallow
Eastern Bluebird