CFDA Member Billy Reid was a long-time New Yorker before moving to his wife’s hometown of Florence, Alabama. He left New York in 2001, saying that “the business climate and effects of 9/11 took a toll” on him. In Alabama, they started anew. Reid’s company is now based there with an office and a wholesale showroom. Although he spends much time in New York, where he has two stores, Reid considers Alabama his home. Here, he shares some of his insider tips.
FAVORITE THINGS: Personally, I enjoy the lifestyle: being a part of a small but growing and culturally engaging community, going to school functions like football games and baseball games. Above all, it’s home. Alabama has one of the richest music heritages. The music documentary “Muscle Shoals”, available on Netflix, is about our hometown and will give you insight into Alabama’s deep roots in music.
LEAST FAVORITE THINGS: I’m an LSU man, living in Alabama.
MUST DO: The Frank Lloyd Wright house, one of the few in the South, and truly inspiring. Muscles Shoals Sound Studios. And our annual Shindig, in late August, is a cultural gathering of people sharing music, food, art, fashion and good times. Come visit!
MUST SEE: The wall by Tom Hendrix, a beautiful and spiritual site built as a tribute to The Trail of Tears. And Alabama Chanin, fellow CFDA member, has a super cool shop and restaurant at her factory.
WHERE TO EAT: Odette, a fantastic farm-to-table restaurant with one of the most impressive bourbon selections I’ve ever experienced. Trowbridge’s, established in 1918, is an ice cream and sandwich shop. It’s 100 years old, family-owned, and hasn’t changed. It’s a Main Street must-visit. And Bunyan BBQ. It’s a take-out place with a few tables but it is quintessential Alabama pulled pork BBQ. Ask for outside meat, which is a local knowledge request.
WHERE TO CHILL: I’d go Wildwood Park on Cypress Creek. Small, quite public park on the creek.
BEST STREET STYLE: Street style is best at Rivertown Coffee Shop. It’s a melting pot of college students, artists, musicians, business folks and locals. The breakfast and lunch are outstanding! It’s intimate and independent. It’s also great chill spot in the afternoon.
ON MISSING NYC: NYC pizza and great delivery food are not easy to find in Florence, Alabama!
