Downtown Florence is one of the better-preserved small-city commercial centres in northern Alabama. The historic district, listed on the National Register, takes in around five blocks of mostly late-19th and early-20th century brick storefronts along Court Street, Tennessee Street, and surrounding side streets.
The buildings are now mostly occupied by independent restaurants, galleries, antique shops, and the Singin' River Brewing Company. Wilson Park, a small green at the centre, hosts the Saturday farmers' market and seasonal concerts. A walking-tour brochure available from the Visitor Center marks about 30 buildings of interest, including the 1888 Lauderdale County Courthouse.