Frank Lloyd Wright/Architecture

Architectural beauties wait around every corner in Florence. Like the only Frank Lloyd Wright home in Alabama, white-columned Greek Revivals and antebellum mansions that once headquartered Civil War Generals, the massive Wilson Dam and striking Renaissance Tower—history, genius, and postcard-perfect design within a short walk or drive around the block.

The Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House

A genuine work of art—from the floors to the furnishings to the faucets—the Rosenbaum House grows naturally from its surroundings, cascading down a 2-acre lot facing the Tennessee River. It is one of the purest examples of Usonian design (named for the USA) with open floor plans and rooms that naturally flow from one to another. Built in 1939, the same year Wright delivered his treatise on organic architecture, this significant structure is cypress, glass, and brick and still has original hardware and furnishings designed by Wright.
Frank Lloyd Wright freed Americans from Victorian "boxes" and revolutionized art and architecture. He was born just two years after the Civil War and died two years after the launching of the satellite Sputnik and is considered to be America’s greatest architect. Originally built for $12,000 as an affordable, middle-class home, the house is the only Wright design open to the public in the southeastern United States.
 

Located: 601 Riverview Drive,
Florence, AL 35630
Phone 256-740-8899 or visit www.wrightinalabama.com
Admission charged.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM-4 PM.
Sunday 1 PM - 4 PM

The Renaissance Tower

This impressive 1991 structure towers 30 stories over Wilson Dam, Pickwick Lake, and the glistening Tennessee River. It’s a monument to modern construction with 3500 cubic feet of concrete, 500 tons of steel, and 175 miles of wiring—that’s enough to stretch across North Alabama twice (320 Miles)!

The Florence/Lauderdale Tourism Visitor Center is located at the base of the Tower. The Marriott's 6,000 sq ft. spa and additional meeting rooms are located on the first and mezzinine levels.

Enjoy the breathtaking view and top-of-the-world fine dining in the revolving 360° Grille atop the tallest attraction in Alabama. The restaurant is open Monday - Saturday from beginning at 4:00 PM with the last seating at 9:30 PM.

Located: One Hightower Place, Florence, AL
Open Monday – Saturday 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Call 256-246-3600 or visit www.marriottshoals.com

Historic Wilson Dam

Colossal Roman and Greek style arches and columns span the Tennessee River at Wilson Reservoir and Dam. Built originally to harness waters for electricity to power WWI explosives plants, the dam stands today as the only neoclassical structure in the TVA system.

Its 100-foot locking facility was the highest single lock in the world when construction began in 1918 and is still one of the largest lift locks ever built. In contrast to the bold structure, small creeks trickle through the woods surrounding the dam, providing beautiful settings for hiking and walking paths plus lush ferns, active wildlife, and some of the best smallmouth bass fishing around.

Due to security reasons, the Wilson Dam is no longer open for tours, however, visitors can view the dam while dining at the 360 Grill or from the TVA Rock Pile Boat Ramp & Recreation Area.