On a recent trip to the “land of the Delta Blues” I experienced a variety of emotions. The Mississippi and Arkansas Delta region is imbued with the ghosts of music past, the soulful talent of music present and for sowing seeds in the fertile soil to create future music giants. The similarities to our Shoals music scene and the depth of music greats –past, present and future – are truly unprecedented. It was in channeling the spirit of collaboration that I embarked on the journey to experience a true American art form. Exciting things are on our horizon for promoting the unique southern music experience through a multi-state, private/public partnership. Many genres of music are to be included but it seems that all roads lead back to the flat lands where the blues were born from hardship and poverty. www.visitthedelta.com www.msbluestrail.org

It is true that you sometimes ignore what is in your own backyard. In tourism we all know that it is necessary to experience something with the heart, first hand in order to properly share the excitement about the attraction, activity or place with visitors. I had never visited Elvis’s birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi so that was the first stop. It was well worth the short drive to see the humble beginnings Elvis was delivered to the world. An added joy was going inside the church where he grew up. There are some fun surprises awaiting Elvis fans of all ages! www.elvispresleybirthplace.com www.tupelo.net

Next up was Clarksdale, Mississippi and Ground Zero. Live music every night and truly tasty southern favorites in their catfish and fried green tomatoes. Along with the food, visitors get a heaping helping of down home southern hospitality. It is a place where the writing on the wall is encouraged. I left some Muscle Shoals Swamper bumper stickers in strategic places as well as a FAME recording studio t-shirt.

Everywhere we went in the region to the museums record shops and art galleries; there were numerous references to Florence natives W.C. Handy and Sam Phillips. On our trip to Helena, Arkansas we went to a cool record shop called Bubba’s. We met Bubba and exchanged t-shirts. He sent a gift to one of the all time great bass players and Shoals native, David Hood. He eagerly anticipates meeting David someday and is well versed in our music heritage for the Shoals area.

The Muscle Shoals sound was recognized everywhere, even at the Shakeup Inn. In tourism we experience a variety of lodging offerings. In my 20 plus years in tourism, this was by far, the most unique lodging around. Sharecropper shacks have been fashioned into overnight accommodations. On the grounds of a cotton gin, the shacks are filled with pictures and memorabilia of Blues greats. It is also filled with cold, uneven floors, old fixtures and rickety furniture. It is the odd mix that makes it authentically a shack. It is from staying in the shack that I got my “heart” engaged in the spirit of the Delta blues. There is a piano in every shack with guitars available for loan in the lobby, on the honor system of course. I’m not musically inclined but had to give the piano a try. It inspired creativity I didn’t know existed! It was an odd, but comforting feeling of strong spirits that had my fingers sprinting across the keys. www.shackupinn.com

Next stop was Cleveland, Mississippi and Dockery Farms. Once the site of a vast plantation, it was a birthing ground for blues artists such as Robert Johnson and W. C. Handy. I had the sense that someone was watching us while filling the air with inspiration.

Close by is a famous juke joint called Po Monkey’s. We were fortunate to meet Po Monkey in the flesh and get a private tour of his one of a kind juke joint. Only open on Thursday nights, the place fills to capacity week after week and is an eagerly sought after venue for performers.

In the increasingly global marketplace, collaboration is essential. Visitors do not see the political boundaries that locals see. We have to erase the lines of counties, cities, and states to showcase the unique brand of Americana music that ties us with a triangle of solid music history – past, present and future. In that spirit I write about something outside of our so called tourism “comfort” zone of promoting other areas and attractions. Stay tuned for exciting developments with this important project and for the fruits of cooperation through regional branding that will reap more visitors and enhance the local quality of life.

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Florence, AL and the Shoals area is poised for a dynamic 2012! In tourism, in economic development, in the retail sector – you name it, and it is happening in the northwest corner of Alabama.  Tourism revenues were up well over $70,000 in Florence and Lauderdale County in 2011 over 2010. Indications from our tourism partner’s forecasts year are showing an even larger increase for 2012. With the addition of mega corporation Navistar to our economic development mix, job creation and corporate travel will add to the increase in lodging business.

Some new offerings for 2012 -. As part of the 150^th anniversary of the Civil War (Sesquicentennial) we will have an event about Dred Scott and the Florence connection. Spring will bring  several new Earth Month Celebrations throughout the Shoals area, Additionally,  a celebration  is planned  of Frank Lloyd Wright’s birthday in June on the grounds of the only Frank Lloyd Wright designed structure in Alabama. Check out our Calendar of Events for dates and details for our plethora of annual festivals.

The music –past, present and future – and the area’s influence in the industry will continue to be highlighted through the Roots of American Music Trail. A new partnership is underway with neighboring states that involves a regional approach in sharing our unique musical heritage story with the world.

The river continues to be a big attraction for our leisure travelers. Fishing continues to bring in a wide array of anglers from all over the country. Their success stories garner a lot of national attention to our bountiful lakes.  Outdoor options abound for our area- in walking trails and bird watching.

The best of all worlds is here for visitors and residents alike. We have the conveniences of larger cities while having the tranquility and hospitality of small town America.  Here’s to a Prosperous and Happy 2012!

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