I Found A Place In Alabama That's Actually Thriving 

I will begin by admitting that I am biased, I grew up in the Shoals area and now live in the Huntsville area, I believe that the best parts of Alabama are in the northern third. However, the State in general is a surprise to visitors who have a 60-year-old view of us. It's still the South, but the new south that has done a pretty good job of ridding itself of the bad while holding on to our polite friendly culture. We're not perfect yet, but we're working on it. Oh, and don't let the accent fool you, there's some pretty smart people who have an accent.

Many places in Alabama are thriving. Just moved to North Alabama from Alabama gulf coast and each have their own character. I love Alabama. Mountains in the north, beaches in the south. And so much in between.

One of my favorite things about Alabama is the adorable little towns throughout the state. So many of them have so much character. Historic buildings with modern updates.

I lived in the Birmingham area for 10 years but worked all over the state. Florence/Muscle Shoals was by far my favorite place to visit. I always say that if I had to move back to Alabama, I would definitely be moving to Florence.

I was born and raised in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. We are a nice community and generally quiet. You must not have talked to a older southern lady or gentleman to get the southern vibes. The Shoals is rich in music and other things. There is no place in the US that don’t have issues.

Sweet home Alabama Where the skies are so blue Sweet home Alabama Lord I'm comin' home to you

Such a cool state! Everyone was sooooo NICE! You definitely captured what makes this state great! Great vid Nick!

You didn't mention that Sam Phillips, the first one to blend hillbilly bluegrass with the delta blues and created rock and roll, is a Florence native.

Nick, you need to bring back the Unboxing theme song! Mappy said he agrees 🗺

Allman Brothers recorded there. Beautiful little Southern town. Alabama is a beautiful state.

I loved this episode! I just love Alabama, and the people there. I feel like I was meant to live there, not up north where I'm from. Thank you Nick for showing us all of these places. 😊

Born in Alex City, raised in Tallassee. Basically right near Tuskegee and right in the middle of Montgomery and Auburn. Love my beautiful state.... Roll Tide🐘

I've been here for 20 years now .lived in other states. It's laid back ,I enjoy it

I have just binged on all your RU-vid videos and I love them. I'm from Australia so it's been a good way to see what's happening in your part of the world. Thank you.

As a New Zealander I find Alabama fascinating, it has the same population as my entire country and yet somehow seems a lot smaller. Alabama largest city Huntsville is only around 30% of the population of our largest Auckland, and in fact is smaller than my city Christchurch the 2nd largest when factoring in metro areas for all. I would guess the US larger states have in a way have impacted Alabama and caused a urban brain drain of sorts, limiting urban growth.

Thanks for showing this. My grandparents lived in the shoals, Florence to be exact. My grandfather walked to work on a regular basis when the weather permitted. He was the town tailor. His favorite spot to eat is called Trowbridge's. Still there and famous today. My grandparents have been long gone from there. But I have wonderful memories of the community of the shoals. I'm 61 yrs of age now. . . . . thanks for sharing your videos.

The entire US72 corridor across north Alabama is as good as it gets.

It’s pretty much in between Nashville and Memphis. So it doesn’t surprise me artists record there.

Walmart falls. Amazon falls, the old mom and pop abandoned spots suddenly become an entrepreneurs gold mine. Long Live old school downtowns!

I live in Decatur, al. near the Tennessee River It's a little diverse but clean and quiet, and it's about 45 minutes from Huntsville. there are little towns close by like Hartsville, Moulton, and Priceville.

Seems like years ago, most small towns were "boring", unless you lived in a tourist town. Even then, tourist attractions lose their appeal when you live near them. That being said, there is something to be said about living in a quiet "boring" town. Quiet, peaceful, stable and affordable. I'll take that anyday over living in a big city.

Those locals will want to keep it that way.

My wife is from Alabama and is deaf. Went to Helen Keller's home up in Tuscumbia. Very nice!

You stumbled upon one of the great music areas...thanks for showcasing the Shoals!

I've been missing out for awhile. Glad you're still going Nick.

I worked the toy section at a nice department store back in the 80s. It was one of my first jobs. Definitely an experience and probably why I never had kids lol. Watching these kids carry on over not getting a toy, when they probably were getting it for Xmas. Lucky for me it was part time and no Sundays.

Really enjoyed this video. And, you're so much fun, Nick. 😁

There is another place thriving in Alabama. It's Huntsville, it's upscale and lots of local businesses, and I even visited there. You should look into doing a video on this city as well.

So happy to see this review. I just got accepted to their remote schools program and wanted to get a feel for the area. Thanks 😊

Great video! Thanks for highlighting the shoals! Sheffield is my mom’s (RIP) hometown! We still have property down there but I haven’t been since the 80s but planning to visit soon. 😊

Thank you NICK. You did a great job with this. Awesome.

Another great video. Thanks Nick

The Shoals area is great. I'm from Huntsville (which is also great), went to undergrad school at UNA, played music with great musicians from the area. I was blessed to have been in school during the 60's and early 70's when a lot of great music was being made in Muscle Shoals/Sheffield. Still spend a lot of time over there. Wouldn't trade that part of my life for anything. BTW, Nick, my degree was worth a bunch!

Here's my entire Deep South Road Trip Playlist: ru-vid.com/group/PLq-_cmf3H6yrg0_gX1fq81lsxUQTnt7Vl And if you need help finding a place to move, I do consulting. I can help you pick where to move and get you a real estate agent, too. Email me! NickJohnsonNC18@gmail.com

Great Video Nick, Love Your Tours!

Nice video. My grandmother and aunts were from Sheffield, AL and growing up we would visit cousins down there sometimes. I remember when you crossed that bridge you were in Florence.

Love the narrative presentation.Great video as always.Can't believe that basement bowling alley.

Your production techniques have really improved. Good work!

Really appreciate your priceless tours!

Nick, this video had me laughing all the way through!!!!😂 Love the comments you make. You are really funny 🤣! ❤

Bro i love your channel and this one gives me so much hope! Well done Alabama:) on my bicket list for sure :)

I've worked many years at the TVA power plant in Tuscumbia and yes, the Muscle Shoals area is really a nice place to work and live while raising a family.

Heard Briggs talk about this area too, sounds like a chill place off the beaten path

I'm so glad that you did a video about The Shoals! I work in college admissions, and in early December 2019, I was in the Huntsville-area recruiting students. On December 3rd, I had a mid-day appointment at Florence High School. On my drive from Huntsville to Florence, I passed through Muscle Shoals and then saw some highway signs for the recording studios in the area. I had heard a little bit about Muscle Shoals in the past and that Lynyrd Skynyrd had recorded there. But, that was about the extent of what I knew. I thought to myself, "I'll have to stop by the studios on my way back to Huntsville." I had a little downtime in the early afternoon and followed the road signs on my way back. I came to the Muscle Shoals Sound Studios first. The place looked abandoned. But, there was one car in the gravel parking lot. Also, I did hear someone playing piano inside. I wasn't sure if the place was open to the public, but I decided to go to the front door to inquire. As I walked to the front door, I noticed two banners hanging on both sides of the building's facade of the Rolling Stones/Andy Warhol lips and tongue icon with "December 2-4, 1969" underneath. As I walked in the front door, a lady working the counter welcomed me and let me know that there would be a tour in just a few moments. I was the only person in the place until a couple that appeared to be about 10 years older than me. I was 52 at the time in 2019. When we were taken on the tour, I learned that the banners were up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Rolling Stones recording there. Through sheer happenstance, I just happened to drive through that area on the 50th anniversary of the Stones recording "Brown Sugar" there. Also, Keith Richards came up with the melody for "Wild Horses" in the bathroom on that same day, and they would record it the next day. I got goosebumps on the back of my neck!

Im from this area , moved to pensacola a few years back .I recognized Gary Nichols at the 21:50 mark ,who was with the Steeldrivers a few years back

Hope to retire near Gulf Shores someday, vacation there for now, thanks for your videos

Great job Nick.

If you’ve ever really listened to Hank Williams Jr. you definitely know about muscle shoals. You probably haven’t, but he’s one who really made that town known for music. A true icon.

Its cool seeing others make videos about florence, and muscle shoals... live in florence all my life

Hope you liked your stay in Alabama. If you are looking for more places to visit in Alabama. Come on over to Fort Payne. Where the group Alabama is from.

Lived here in Alabama for the last 10 years and everywhere I’ve seen outside of a few Birmingham neighborhoods has been very nice. I work in a little town called Trussville which is very attractive and they have a community called the projects which is a nice historic area despite the name. I live in a town 20 minutes away where most of the communities are 15 years old or less. We have 3 coffee shops and what’s considered the best pizza in the state. I’ve lived in several states before moving here and consider this a nice, friendly, clean area. The population is diverse and there are plenty of jobs. It’s cheaper to buy a house here than rent as rent is around 1400 for an average place.

Interesting! I've enjoyed watching!

Hey Nick! You & your wife were just about 3 blocks from my house that was built in 1901 in this video. I wish I had known you were going to be in the area. I grew up meeting famous singers. You didnt mention that Elvis was at the Sound which was a big deal for folks here! Just like Aretha, Otis Redding, Alabama, & many more! Most of your info was pretty accurate. I really am enjoying your deep south series of videos! Thanks! 😊

My daughter and I go to the Renaissance Festival in Florence every year. Always a great time.

1:41 "wow Nick i like n think it was amazing how this heir river had like tow parts to it right next to each other like a highway going one way n another if u no wat i mean, ( guessing it was an island in the middle but very beautiful country mate eh n super green .. very nice buddy n truly love your videos n i must agree wit others how they have been saying your uploads are just getting better n better n they really are .. anyway all good n stay well from Nsw.

This is my hometown, muscle shoals! I love this video! It’s pretty spot on!

No trash, nobody hanging out in the street. No blasting music. Not bad.

Thank you, Nick.

A+ video! Great to see a piece of Alabama (never been to that state before) and get an overview of what it is like living in the area.

Thanks Nick.

I grew up here and I love it. I still visit it every few months and it still feels just as relaxed as when I left a few years ago. Though it's sad you didn't get to try any of the better truly local restaurants. Any plans on visiting the Huntsville/Madison area? They're also a pretty interesting location to visit in Alabama. They're a completely different vibe imo.

P. S. didn't mean to be so negative. You're very good at what you do. I am a fan. ✌🏾✌🏾✌🏾

I remember seeing the sign on I 65 Muscle Shoals and thought that sounds like a good name

One of my favorite movies is a documentary called "Muscle Shoals" 2013 about all the famous music made here. Thanks for the video.

Your Karen and Mappy characters are an ingenious concept you got going 👍

Saw a documentary "Muscle Shoals" that was excellent! Tried to find a link for you, but it seems to have gone out of rotation. I'm going to run through the area and check it out soon - thanks for the video!

Hi Nick! Love your Videos! I was born in Garberville (CA) but live since 40 years in Switzerland! Rg

I’ve passed through, visited cousins in Huntsville back in 2004. I thought it was beautiful country. Now that I’m living in Arkansas I need to go visit again. ❤

Lots of nice places in Alabama 😍 awesome videos nick. I'm trying to emprove my english, so thank you for your clear english 😂

Thanks for visiting our area and most stuff was fairly accurate. Didn’t drive thru the rich neighborhoods, and you missed out on multiple homeless that we are pretty sure gets bused into our area. Really good place to live though.

North Alabama is nice, lots of rolling hills and lakes.

I was able to visit the studio/the Shoals and met Gary Baker who gave us an amazing tour. He wrote I Swear, I'm Already There, lots more hits. Really cool building & vibe. Mappy would fit right in...

Thanks for the info, I might consider this part of Alabama

Great video!

Been There... loved it too!!! Loved How they Signed their Names on The Wall!!! 🇺🇸

I've lived here all my life & love it, nice & quiet also BEAUTIFUL💙

Great Journalism Nick👍

Enjoyed this video❤

Bro 💜🤍💚 Your clips make my day ⭐️

I'm a J. J. Cale fan, the king of laid back, his 1982 song, "Downtown LA" - from the "Grasshopper" album, it's excellent 😊

Nice little region you discovered.

Looks very clean

Great video, sometimes boring is good, no problems. Nick , to be from Cali, you speak just like a Southerner, twang included. You are pushing 1 million Subs keep them coming..

I love what you do, and your humor is killer 😂 What company was paying to relocate? Thanks for being you!

I appreciate this look at the northwest corner of Alabama. I grew up 50 miles east of here in Decatur, Alabama. As a child I would occasionally visit this area as my dad was an insurance claims adjuster and worked this territory and he would sometimes let us ride with him. When he would have a lot of work in this area and be here for 2 days, he would get a hotel and leave me, my siblings and my mother at the hotel while he worked. It was sort of a mini vacation as while we were at the motel we would swim in the pool during the day. In the late 70’s I attended the University of North Alabama graduating in December of 1980. It was a nice place to go to school and even cooler in the fact we do have a live lion as our mascot. I can’t say that I’ve really used my degree from UNA, but it did help me get my foot in the door at a couple of jobs I’ve worked over the years. My brother attended UNA for a while and met and married a lady from Sheffield and he resided there near the river until they divorced a few years ago. His now ex wife is a real estate agent in “the Shoals”. They have 2 sons, my nephews who also reside in the area. One thing I will say good about UNA is when I was a student there we actually had some really good concerts on campus from big name musical artists. Many times when they would come to “the Shoals” to record, they would combine it with a concert on campus. I now reside in Southeast Georgia and miss my roots in North Alabama. My 3 siblings and many friends are still in my hometown of Decatur, so I do get back to visit from time to time. Thanks again for an awesome video of the area that brought back memories of my past times of being there.

Sweet home Alabama ! I really loved this video. Your work is incredible.

Great area! I'm through there fairly often. They have one of the best nature preserves I've ever been to off of hwy 72 of about 700 acres and lots of great waterfalls.

My old stomping grounds back in the day! Florence is a great city!

Thanks!

As a singer song writer I can really appreciate this studio !! 👍👏👏👏😊🎸🎤

Great video! These are some sweet little towns! Love the charm of them. As an artist I’ve been seeking funky little towns to relocate, meet fellow artists and have a charmed, relaxed life. I love the way you narrate. I started following you after you did a show on Centralia PA. Thanks so much for expanding your horizons 🙏

Alabama is awesome! I’m going to bust there soon hopefully!!!!

Sheffield is REALLY cheap right now and you can walk down to the waterfront where there are boat launches and a walkway that goes out into the water. Really nice!

Very cool. Thanks for the lesson. We keep learning every episode.

That studio does not look like any other studio. Take that from a guy that runs a small studio. That place is magic.

Love your videos. I'm home with a broken ankle. Love to get away watching your videos 👍👍👍

Love the area, move to Alabama 3 years ago and don’t regret it purchas 78 acres of land for the price of 2 acres in Florida and you can’t bet the property tax. You can defenetly retire here.

All my favorite music was produced at Muscle Shoals!

Thanks for another interesting video, Nick! Such pretty little towns! I never get out to travel anymore but your videos help me feel like I am! Thanks!

That sounded like Bob Weir playing at the bar!!