I Found A Place In Alabama That's Actually Thriving

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 พ.ค. 2023
  • Who would have thought this was in Alabama? You might be surprised.
    The whole area is really neat. The Shoals as it’s called is made up of four cities - Muscle Shoals, Florence, Sheffield and Tuscumbia. There’s close to 200,000 people here on the banks of the Tennessee River.
    Most of Alabama is very wide and flat, and perfect for agriculture. Here, it’s kinda hilly. So the place has always had a unique culture to Alabama.
    I think it feels more like Tennessee than Alabama. It’s a lot more progressive here than the rest of the state, although people here vote conservative in large numbers. To me, the Shoals doesn’t feel very southern, but there’s still a lot of charm.
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ความคิดเห็น • 785

  • @suzylindblom139
    @suzylindblom139 ปีที่แล้ว +111

    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.

    • @viceman8152
      @viceman8152 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Yep. Redstone Arsenal has a little over 700 Active Duty Soldiers and 50,000 plus civilian and contract employees. Not the only reason, but the biggest reason the Huntsville area is always thriving.

    • @concernedcitizen6572
      @concernedcitizen6572 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      ​@@viceman8152 Thank goodness for the government investing in the area. Many small towns around the USA have died as job opportunities have dried up. Sometimes paying taxes helps.

    • @tomtbi
      @tomtbi ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I would love to see Syracuse have a College Football program like The University Of Alabama.. Until S.U. ponies up for a top notch coach that's highly unlikely to happen..

    • @tomtbi
      @tomtbi ปีที่แล้ว +2

      ​​​@@viceman8152 The Cold Winter Central New York climate doesn't seem to help either... Other than maybe Ohio State, Michigan,Notre Dame and Penn State the best High School talent tends to migrate to southern schools like Alabama, Georgia,L.S.U, Clemson, Florida State etc...

    • @viceman8152
      @viceman8152 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@tomtbi It takes a commitment to football to get a coach like Saban. You not only have to pay him, but keep him happy and that means investing in top notch everything. The advantage the state of Alabama has is actually in the culture. Since there are no NFL teams in Alabama, college is the highest level in the state and thus instead of many nfl fans, we have many college fans. Climate helps but in New York kids play football. In Alabama, they live it.

  • @ronniegreen3513
    @ronniegreen3513 ปีที่แล้ว +91

    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.

    • @ebikeoutdoors
      @ebikeoutdoors ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I have always looked at the USA as such a cool country I'm from England but love the idea of living in America for town's like this and I love hunting and you guys have a great hunting seen over there in England we can't even hunt with a bow 👍✌

    • @alansewell7810
      @alansewell7810 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      I lived in Muscle Shoals, Montgomery, Birmingham, and Mobile at various points of my life. Typical Alabama story: In 2005 my transmission failed 7 miles outside of Luverne and I didn't have a cell phone. I started hoofing it into town. Hadn't been walking 15 seconds before a black man pulled over and took me to the garage in town. By then I was driving with a Florida plate I thought it was going to be a rip off, with an out--of-state motorist stuck at the only garage within about 30 miles that could repair transmissions. It wasn't like that at all. The owner of Stephens Garage ordered a new transmission from Birmingham, which was better than the original. Installed it for $2,400, a great price. I had a good time in town for a couple days it took to get the factory order shipped, meeting people and just having a great time. An event that would have been terrible anywhere else turned out to be nice in Alabama. I remember "Stephens Garage" because a journalist from the Wall Street Journal broke down this year in similar circumstances and wrote them up as being a wonderful place to be broken down in, as they gave him the same courteous service and fair price they did me 18 years before. That's how Alabama is. The good things don't go away like they do in a lot of other places.

    • @danplantman62
      @danplantman62 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      🎉Perception and reality are totally different about Alabama. It's true the majority of people in Alabama are nice and we do get along no matter the color .I guess morals are more important in the South than some other places.

  • @nicolerenee8402
    @nicolerenee8402 ปีที่แล้ว +60

    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.

    • @andyusfca
      @andyusfca ปีที่แล้ว +4

      God will not be mocked

    • @nicolerenee8402
      @nicolerenee8402 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@andyusfca hhmm, ok. 👍

    • @jimdep6542
      @jimdep6542 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@andyusfca true, but those liberals keep trying.

    • @nicolerenee8402
      @nicolerenee8402 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@jimdep6542 I grew up north of Pittsburgh but I’ve lived in FL, WA, HI, AL, Italy, and currently live in Australia. I lived in Prattville while I was in AL. Plenty of charming towns in the area and headed toward FL.

    • @jimdep6542
      @jimdep6542 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@nicolerenee8402 You've been to a lot of places. I've been to those places too, except for FL and Australia. I have not been near the Florida border in AL, so maybe that area does have the charming towns that you speak of. I do like the villages and towns in north western PA and I love Upstate NY and New England., regarding the scenery. I spent my 7th birthday years ago in Florence, Italy and it was very beautiful there.

  • @charliecfh
    @charliecfh ปีที่แล้ว +31

    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.

    • @kenwaltson7113
      @kenwaltson7113 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Birmingham is shit Huntsville all the way

  • @nancyhollandsmith2802
    @nancyhollandsmith2802 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    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.

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I talked to everyone Nance

    • @brittianmoore726
      @brittianmoore726 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I didn't know u came here I live in Florence would of liked to meet u

  • @KCFromTheIE
    @KCFromTheIE ปีที่แล้ว +89

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

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  ปีที่แล้ว +13

      We had fun didn't we??

    • @helloimclaudio
      @helloimclaudio ปีที่แล้ว +15

      @@NickJohnson It’s been my lifelong dream since I was a small boy, to be able to visit the great state of Alabama. Thank you for taking me with you Nick.

    • @jouir45
      @jouir45 ปีที่แล้ว

      Nice if you’re Christian, white and don’t support a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body.

  • @alexmobil7463
    @alexmobil7463 ปีที่แล้ว +13

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

  • @markmccullough5873
    @markmccullough5873 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    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.

  • @davel7014
    @davel7014 ปีที่แล้ว +55

    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.

    • @MrNajibrazak
      @MrNajibrazak ปีที่แล้ว +11

      i am just thinking; if i ever intend to migrate to America one day, it must somewhere peaceful, stable and affordable. I think i need to look at Alabama more.
      Sounds like a nice place to raise a family?
      i hope it wont change like California did. My first visit to the states was to California, was actually there for work in the semiconductor ind. It is a total dump nowadays. Made me glad that i didn't stay when offered the opportunity on days i regretted not taking the offer.
      An advice give to me by a friend in San Francisco was, never live in any state run by liberals, it will go to hell and I think Alabama would never be anything like California. i hope.

    • @davel7014
      @davel7014 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@MrNajibrazak Agreed

    • @panlam3366
      @panlam3366 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@MrNajibrazak you bumpkins say anything to make yourselves feel better lol you guys flood the comments with bs red state good blue state bad your trying to justify being boring lol tell southern states to take their homeless population back

  • @timstar28
    @timstar28 ปีที่แล้ว +54

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

    • @user-nw6qp1ki2n
      @user-nw6qp1ki2n ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Truly Correct 😍👍🏻⭐️

  • @flicmac3401
    @flicmac3401 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I have just binged on all your TH-cam 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.

  • @xFactoryUSA
    @xFactoryUSA ปีที่แล้ว +17

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

    • @concernedcitizen6572
      @concernedcitizen6572 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Blame falls on the the consumer mainly. Whenever I go out with folks its always "Why dont you just buy it from Amazon its X amount cheaper there". If we arent careful soon we wont have any thriving small businesses if the average american consumer values final sticker price above all else.

    • @TheHamburgler123
      @TheHamburgler123 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @Concerned Citizen I was a low earner for most of my 20's so I get where those people are coming from. When you have to make every dollar count, it's hard to justify paying more for the same exact product. Those little decisions can add up to thousands of dollars that you can't afford to let go of. Now that I'm a small business owner and have increased my earning power significantly, I do my part to shop local for almost everything.

  • @DMX_334
    @DMX_334 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    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🐘

  • @temperanceawakening7002
    @temperanceawakening7002 ปีที่แล้ว +9

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

  • @Battleneter
    @Battleneter ปีที่แล้ว +51

    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.

    • @andrewtaylor3167
      @andrewtaylor3167 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      It's more that Alabama has more evenly split "major" urban areas. Huntsville might be the largest city, but it's not the biggest urban area. That's be Birmingham (urban area pop is 774,956.). That's followed by Huntsville (329,066), Mobile (321,907) and Montgomery (254,348). Compare that to Auckland (1,440,300), Christchurch (377,900), Wellington (212,000) and Hamilton (179,900). Alabama's also not an island. The urban areas of Pensacola (390,172) and Columbus, GA (267,746) cross into the state, with Chattanooga (398,569) being separate by a single Georgia county.
      On top of that, Mobile's got a bit a sub-city in Fairhope (76,807) that a separate urban area across the bay (separate urban area due to the distance over the water). Huntsville's got that to a lesser degree with Decatur (60,458), a river city that tends to do a lot of the manufacturing tied to Huntsville's military research. Auburn (100,842) is similarly considered sorta tied to Columbus.

    • @kimberlythomas4373
      @kimberlythomas4373 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Nah, the towns are small because leaders want to keep them that way. It has very little to do with “urban brain drain”. Keep in mind that there are other states on every side of Alabama so there are lots and lots of living options. Many people in this area don’t want to live in larger cities.

    • @captainvanaroo1729
      @captainvanaroo1729 ปีที่แล้ว

      You trying to compare a communist country like New Zealand to Alabama shame on you.

    • @frednugent2310
      @frednugent2310 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Birmingham is actually the largest city in Alabama

    • @ridesharegold6659
      @ridesharegold6659 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I lived in Australia, visited NZ, live in FL now and visit AL. It was difficult to explain to Australians but basically the whole eastern half of the US has a town at least every 10 miles. Farming or ranching is possible everywhere. There is no real wilderness. We don't have a huge mountain range that makes a huge part of this half of the country difficult to settle. What I'm trying to say is that there are people everywhere, even in the rural areas. Also, Birmingham and Huntsville, while quite different, are pretty cool towns.

  • @beardedba
    @beardedba ปีที่แล้ว +19

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

  • @ChadSimplicio
    @ChadSimplicio ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Those locals will want to keep it that way.

  • @NickJohnson
    @NickJohnson  ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Here's my entire Deep South Road Trip Playlist: th-cam.com/play/PLq-_cmf3H6yrg0_gX1fq81lsxUQTnt7Vl.html
    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

  • @user-vh2tj4hv6k
    @user-vh2tj4hv6k ปีที่แล้ว +23

    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.

  • @j.g.007
    @j.g.007 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    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. 😊

    • @mgarner1227
      @mgarner1227 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I felt that way too. Moved there from Connecticut and could handle it for about 12 years before the rural-ness and the lack of anything to do got to me. I lived in the Shoals and I eventually couldn't handle being 2 hours plus away from a major city/airport.

  • @knivesgunfights526
    @knivesgunfights526 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @markmccullough5873
    @markmccullough5873 ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

  • @TrudyNYC
    @TrudyNYC 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    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 😊

  • @barryobrien7935
    @barryobrien7935 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Your production techniques have really improved. Good work!

  • @morganlafae1882
    @morganlafae1882 ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

  • @joneastman5627
    @joneastman5627 ปีที่แล้ว +4

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

  • @Userkaf_II
    @Userkaf_II ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Where have you been??

  • @philipketchum1407
    @philipketchum1407 ปีที่แล้ว +4

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

  • @budmangt2
    @budmangt2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    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.

  • @johndoee3850
    @johndoee3850 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Another great video. Thanks Nick

  • @southerngal7899
    @southerngal7899 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @Nonchalant_248
    @Nonchalant_248 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    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.

  • @kenthespeaker6901
    @kenthespeaker6901 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @patsylambert8283
    @patsylambert8283 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great job Nick.

  • @patalou7843
    @patalou7843 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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! 😊

  • @prnunceddead3178
    @prnunceddead3178 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @jillwiegand4257
    @jillwiegand4257 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @cobbchannel9993
    @cobbchannel9993 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    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.

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I did already

    • @sandyfields678
      @sandyfields678 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Known as rocket city, USA, lots of engineering,, resistancxxxxgoofed, Redstone arsenal, army,, nasal,, etc,, lots of traffic, we hav mtmountaind,, mtns,, foothills of Appalachia mtn end near anniston..Birmingham, chaytanooga tn not far ftm huntsville,,Bama has bches, mtns,, all of it,,

    • @andrewtola8536
      @andrewtola8536 19 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Yeah I live In Huntsville, I love it. It’s a great place to live, and raise a family.

  • @yapahkalayahkimberlym4448
    @yapahkalayahkimberlym4448 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    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. 😊

    • @MX-CO
      @MX-CO ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Wow you have property you haven't been to since the 80's???

    • @yapahkalayahkimberlym4448
      @yapahkalayahkimberlym4448 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@MX-CO nope! My brother and I inherited the property plus some land as well.

    • @MX-CO
      @MX-CO ปีที่แล้ว

      @@yapahkalayahkimberlym4448 Nice

  • @luke-8449
    @luke-8449 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @chiarac3833
    @chiarac3833 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    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.

  • @paulcarney7495
    @paulcarney7495 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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!

  • @59z2
    @59z2 7 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Thank you, Nick.

  • @tora201jp
    @tora201jp ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @spitfirered
    @spitfirered ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great Video Nick, Love Your Tours!

  • @VivKittie32
    @VivKittie32 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    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. ❤

  • @neilbruce123
    @neilbruce123 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks Nick.

  • @dr.burtgummerfan439
    @dr.burtgummerfan439 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @benwoods4178
    @benwoods4178 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    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.

  • @michaelhe34
    @michaelhe34 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    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

  • @cookielover1018TM
    @cookielover1018TM ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

  • @PsychicStaggs
    @PsychicStaggs ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @Rebelqueen89
    @Rebelqueen89 ปีที่แล้ว +9

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

  • @frednugent2310
    @frednugent2310 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    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.

    • @concernedcitizen6572
      @concernedcitizen6572 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Good thing the Federal government invested there. (Same here in East Tennessee with the TVA and ORNL). Getting real tired of folks demonizing the government when they help these areas tremendously

    • @frednugent2310
      @frednugent2310 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@concernedcitizen6572 I've also worked at the TVA Kingston, TN and it's tragic about the disaster that happened there several years back with the flyash sludge. I hope everything has been cleaned up and the locals compensated. TVA has created so many good paying jobs for so many families and I was one of them. I will always be grateful for the opportunity given to me from TVA. They even put my kids through college. The ORNL is also a great area to raise a family. I left out the Bull Run fossil plant.

    • @concernedcitizen6572
      @concernedcitizen6572 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I love the Bull Run plant. I drive by there otw home from work. I dont know what they do but it looks super cool! ❤

    • @frednugent2310
      @frednugent2310 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@concernedcitizen6572 Bull Run is a coal power plant. I used to work as a union boilermaker and worked the entire Tennessee Valley region which includes Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Muscle Shoals, AL.

    • @concernedcitizen6572
      @concernedcitizen6572 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@frednugent2310 I wonder if the plant will stay open with this worldwide push away from coal. Maybe they will retrofit it as best they can. Or maybe we will keep some plants open always. Probably a good idea to have access to a variety of power sources.

  • @mandybrown-ys1pc
    @mandybrown-ys1pc 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @jimaccardi1076
    @jimaccardi1076 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    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!

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Good jim! Degrees used to mean something- not so much anymore

    • @concernedcitizen6572
      @concernedcitizen6572 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      ​@@NickJohnson CNBC - "A bachelor's degree holder earns a median of $2.8 million - 75% more than if they had only a high school diploma"

    • @JohnMoore-xf5wy
      @JohnMoore-xf5wy ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Muscle Shoals rocked in those days.
      Duane Allman and others recorded there.

    • @jimaccardi1076
      @jimaccardi1076 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@JohnMoore-xf5wy I played in a lot of groups---folk, bluegrass, rock---based in the Shoals...got to play with some great studio musicians, including the guy who played the iconic piano intro to "Old Time Rock `N' Roll".... I was in school there when The Stones, Linda Ronstadt and Kenny Rogers recorded

    • @JohnMoore-xf5wy
      @JohnMoore-xf5wy ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@jimaccardi1076
      Cool.
      Duane Allman did back-up there, but you know that.

  • @TFDCAPT
    @TFDCAPT หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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.

  • @isaiahfrazier4176
    @isaiahfrazier4176 25 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

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

  • @avioncamper
    @avioncamper 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    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..

  • @Still_Waters99
    @Still_Waters99 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

    • @jimdep6542
      @jimdep6542 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Rick Hall was a great guy. His wife still works at FAME and she's a lovely lady.

  • @darleenhickson3718
    @darleenhickson3718 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Interesting! I've enjoyed watching!

  • @jsledge26
    @jsledge26 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I lived there 35 years. Cane creek preserve is a great place to hike. Southern Farm Table restaurant is a hidden gem.

  • @allsmilz7234
    @allsmilz7234 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great Journalism Nick👍

  • @allsmilz7234
    @allsmilz7234 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @davechristian7543
    @davechristian7543 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    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.

  • @Alpnach5151
    @Alpnach5151 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wow can I come visit??

  • @jeltoninc.8542
    @jeltoninc.8542 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @btetschner
    @btetschner ปีที่แล้ว +4

    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.

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Do you ever give me an A-?

    • @btetschner
      @btetschner ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@NickJohnson I only give A+ or no rating at all! I suppose not all the videos can be the best....but this is certainly the most realistic and fair one of an Alabama region I have ever seen. I remember watching a couple videos from some other channels years ago and both of them made fun of Alabama the entire time.

  • @philipduffer2669
    @philipduffer2669 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice little region you discovered.

  • @user-nw6qp1ki2n
    @user-nw6qp1ki2n ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Bro 💜🤍💚
    Your clips make my day ⭐️

  • @fobbitguy
    @fobbitguy ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Looks very clean

  • @WilliamtheWorst
    @WilliamtheWorst ปีที่แล้ว +2

    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...

    • @NickJohnson
      @NickJohnson  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Mappy says that's AMAZING!

  • @tcwhite0104
    @tcwhite0104 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

  • @RoundsOfWanting
    @RoundsOfWanting 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    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!

  • @frankwoods4532
    @frankwoods4532 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

  • @Methuselah969V
    @Methuselah969V ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @CyndiOyea
    @CyndiOyea ปีที่แล้ว +4

    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 🙏

  • @MikeKelsoJr
    @MikeKelsoJr 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @willasage23240
    @willasage23240 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @DUMPSTERDIVINGADELAIDE
    @DUMPSTERDIVINGADELAIDE ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

  • @tobydavis5673
    @tobydavis5673 7 วันที่ผ่านมา

    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.

  • @chriscosby2459
    @chriscosby2459 ปีที่แล้ว +4

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

  • @Kirdie72
    @Kirdie72 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Lol I work at one of the walmarts. Sheffield was actually suppose to be the old Detroit. Not sure what happened but when it did not happen Sheffield fadded into the back ground. Thank you for focusing on our lil town

  • @stevesyverson8625
    @stevesyverson8625 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    My city slicker brother;).
    You still bust me up.
    Dadgummit, I know about Alabama cuz I lived there.
    Going back to your recent Mississippi video.
    When your interviewee mentioned Viking contributing to the economy, it was not me;).
    Viking is a manufacturer of clocks that is also in Foley, Alabama.

  • @ryanmilligan9372
    @ryanmilligan9372 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    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.

    • @concernedcitizen6572
      @concernedcitizen6572 ปีที่แล้ว

      You talkin bout Bankhead National Forest?

    • @ryanmilligan9372
      @ryanmilligan9372 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@concernedcitizen6572 Cane Creek Canyon is the one I've been to.

    • @mercymade8
      @mercymade8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Both are beautiful! That view at Cane Creek is a breathtaking surprise the first time you see it. ... Then of course, so is the hike uphill to see it depending on which way you got to the lookout😆.
      Such a treasure.

  • @isabellebittencourt2212
    @isabellebittencourt2212 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @alexmartinez7278
    @alexmartinez7278 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I grew up in Winston County, little town of Arley in the Smith Lake area. We always make the Trail of Tears ride up to Waterloo Al. Cross both dams first on 101 to 72, then back towards Sheffield. Cut thru McFarland Park to Waterloo. The area has some amazing history up there.

  • @SniperLogic
    @SniperLogic ปีที่แล้ว +3

    🎼
    Muscle Shoals has got The Swampers. And they’ve been known to pick a song or two.

  • @annhowcroft9493
    @annhowcroft9493 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @MayWhite-fj9my
    @MayWhite-fj9my ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video the good old Shoals in Alabama.

  • @motherearthisinfear
    @motherearthisinfear ปีที่แล้ว +3

    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.

    • @markmccullough5873
      @markmccullough5873 ปีที่แล้ว

      My father was born and raised across the mountain from Ft. Payne near the Broomtown community, a few miles from the Georgia state line.

  • @Rjisawake
    @Rjisawake ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video!

  • @celticfiddle7605
    @celticfiddle7605 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Nice video! I could live there and be happy.

  • @shaennavincent5082
    @shaennavincent5082 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This is where im from my house is Only a couple of blocks down from the Jackson studio in Sheffield. I tell my daughter all the time famous ppl are around us all the time and we dont even know it. 😂 I live on one of the sides of that graveyard across from the studio on Jackson hwy. I also have a house in the country side of Muscle Shoals. Its beautiful here!! I moved from Franklin county (neighboring county) to Colbert County about 20 years ago. Im 36 now. Alabama has beautiful lands. I couldn't see myself living any where else in the states. Y'all have a blessed day now.

  • @susan5301
    @susan5301 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    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!

  • @HueroVat
    @HueroVat 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    We have lots of places like that. North Alabama is beautiful.

  • @bigmoneycarlos8947
    @bigmoneycarlos8947 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    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.

  • @margaretbeard6564
    @margaretbeard6564 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    All my favorite music was produced at Muscle Shoals!

  • @RKM514
    @RKM514 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I'm from Florence and my dad used to work in Muscle Shoals next to FAME Record studios

  • @ronaldboykin9755
    @ronaldboykin9755 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is my type of place! I’ve heard of it!