La Quinta Road Trip: History and Music, Find Nearby Alabama Hotels

History and Music Florence to Tuscumbia, Alabama In this corner of the state, where small cities and towns hug the Tennessee River, Civil War history and the south's music heritage play a big part in your northwest Alabama road trip. The journey begins in Florence, Alabama, north of Muscle Shoals and across the Tennessee River, at the W. C. Handy Birthplace, Museum & Library, which houses artifacts and papers of the "Father of the Blues." Nearby is the Tennessee Valley's largest domiciliary mound, the Indian Mound & Museum, where the state's earlier residents are remembered. A quick trip south across the Tennessee River on US 43/72 heads to Muscle Shoals; go east from there to Tuscumbia, Alabama. There you'll find Helen Keller's birthplace, Ivy Green, an 1820 clapboard house with exhibits and antique furnishings. Enjoy lunch at the old-time Palace Ice Cream & Sandwich Shop in Tuscumbia before heading just a few miles south to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Inductees include Nat King Cole, the Commodores, and Alabama, of course. Use our route planner to find hotels for your next trip.
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Edith Newman Culver Memorial Museum 501 Main Street Waterloo, AL 35677	The Edith Newman Culver Memorial Museum holds Civil War relics, Native American artifacts, and items unique to Waterloo, which was visited by U.S. General William Sherman and burned during the war. The museum's located in a two-story frame house built in 1872.

Pope's Tavern 203 Hermitage Drive Florence, AL 35630	Once a stagecoach stop and inn, Pope's Tavern Museum was a military hospital during the war, serving both Union and Confederate forces. Today it houses antiques, local historical items, and Civil War artifacts.

Florence Indian Mound 1028 S. Court Street Florence, AL 35630	Earlier residents are remembered at the Florence Indian Mound, the Tennessee Valley's largest domiciliary mound--and one that visitors can climb. An adjacent museum holds artifacts that detail the history of the Native Americans who once lived in the area.

Ivy Green 300 W North Commons Tuscumbia, AL 35674 Call (256) 383-4066	Across the Tennessee River in Tuscumbia, an important chapter in history was written at Ivy Green, birthplace of Helen Keller. Built in 1820, the white clapboard house contains many original furnishings and items pertaining to America's "First Lady of Courage." Ivy Green each summer offers an outdoor drama remembering Anne Sullivan, the teacher who broke into Helen's dark and silent world.

Coon Dog Cemetery Coon Dog Cemetery Road Tuscumbia, AL 35674 Call (256) 383-0783	No trip through northwest Alabama history is complete without a stop at Coon Dog Cemetery, which holds more than 185 coon dogs interred among unique headstones and epitaphs. Annually on Labor Day, the cemetery hosts a celebration that includes buck dancing, singing, liars' contest, and barbecue.No trip through northwest Alabama history is complete without a stop at Coon Dog Cemetery, which holds more than 185 coon dogs interred among unique headstones and epitaphs. Annually on Labor Day, the cemetery hosts a celebration that includes buck dancing, singing, liars' contest, and barbecue.

Alabama Music Hall of Fame 617 Highway 72 West Tuscumbia, AL 35674	Although no studios offer tours in what is still called the "Hit Recording Capital of the World," music legends receive tribute at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, which is filled with personal items, wax figures, the tour bus once used by the country music group Alabama, and a live recording studio. Even if you can't carry a tune, go ahead and record yourself singing; you'll have the tape to take home as a souvenir.

W.C. Handy Birthplace, Museum and Library 620 W College St Florence, AL 35630 Call (256) 760-6434	Among the state's music standouts: W.C. Handy. The W.C. Handy Birthplace, Museum & Library contains personal papers and artifacts linked to the "Father of the Blues." Handy's memory is celebrated annually during the W. C. Handy Music Festival.

Claunch Cafe 400 South Main St. Tuscumbia, AL 35674	Diners find down-home Southern cooking at Claunch Caf; try the Coca-Cola basted ham, with two types of mustard and brown sugar, Southern coconut cake, and squash casserole with water chestnuts and cheddar cheese.

The Rocking Chair 814 US 72 West Tuscumbia, AL 35674	The Rocking Chair Restaurant and Country Store is open for breakfast all day during the week and features a complete country breakfast with grits. Catfish and hamburger steaks are popular for lunch and dinner. The store has cards, candles, t-shirts, novelties, and figurines.

The Palace Ice Cream & Sandwich Shop 100 South Main St. Tuscumbia, AL 35674	Enjoy milkshakes, chocolate malts, sundaes, and huge banana splits at the lovingly restored Palace Ice Cream & Sandwich Shop. The original Palace Drug Store was built in 1906 and the original soda fountain was removed in the 1960s, but new owners restored the fountain a few years back and although the drug store's gone, a meal and dessert here is a step into an older era of old-fashioned ice cream treats.

Pillow Factory 298 River Road Muscle Shoals, AL 35661	Find down pillows, comforters, and featherbeds at the Pillow Factory, which produces "Heavenly Bed" products for a major hotel chain and sells them at deep discounts in its outlet store. It also custom-fills products while you wait.

Scent-Sations Candle Shoppe 1123 North Wood Ave. Florence, AL 35630	The local owners of Scent-Sations Candle Shoppe make their own candles and the aromas, ranging from blueberry muffin and butter brickle to roasted chestnut and sandalwood are heavenly. A huge variety of soaps and lotions are also available.

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