Florence has earned national recognition as one of the South’s premier music destinations after being named to the list of “The South’s Best Music Towns” by Garden & Gun in its June/July 2026 issue.
The magazine, which focuses on the culture, food, arts and traditions of the American South, highlighted Florence and the Shoals region for their deep musical roots, iconic recording studios and thriving live music scene.
In the feature, writer Jim Beaugez noted that the region’s musical legacy gained renewed national attention following the 2013 documentary Muscle Shoals, which introduced a new generation of music fans to the area’s storied recording history.
“People started to realize they needed to tell the story,” said Ben Tanner, keyboardist for Alabama Shakes and co-owner of Sun Drop Sound recording studio.
The article points to the Shoals’ influence on American music dating back more than a century, noting that W. C. Handy wrote “Memphis Blues” in 1912 and highlighting the continued draw of legendary recording facilities such as FAME Recording Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio.
Garden & Gun also praised the region’s attractions, including the W. C. Handy Birthplace, Museum & Library, recording studio tours and the local arts scene.
The publication highlighted Florence’s restaurant and nightlife offerings, including Odette, Bunyan’s Bar-B-Q, FloBama and Lava Room, noting that visitors can often catch performances by local and nationally known musicians.
For lodging, the magazine spotlighted Renaissance Shoals Hotel & Spa and The GunRunner Boutique Hotel, both of which embrace the area’s musical heritage.
Florence was one of 10 destinations selected for the list. Other communities recognized by Garden & Gun include St. Augustine, FL; Clarksdale, MS; Kerrville, TX; Bristol, TN; Greensboro, NC; Macon, GA; Asheville, NC; Leiper’s Fork, TN; Owensboro, KY; and Lafayette, LA.
The recognition adds to a growing list of national accolades for the Shoals area, which continues to attract visitors drawn by its role in shaping American music and its reputation as an active recording and performance destination.
