While Muscle Shoals, AL is likely not at the top of most travelers "must-see" list, it was definitely at the top of ours. Why? Because it is the home of the two other ladies in Nick's life, his mom and his sister.
This was our glamping site for the week. Nick's mom has a wonderful property complete with multiple outbuildings and a pad that was more that large enough for our camper to sit on. We also had the bonus of water all week which was an unexpected surprise and greatly appreciated!
Muscle Shoals may ring a bell if you are a history buff. It was the city that the US Government chose to begin producing nitrates for ammunition and explosives to support WWI efforts. Millions of taxpayer dollars were used in the construction of a dam that would harness the Tennessee River and power the two nitrate factories that had been constructed. The production factory, powered by steam at the time, began production of nitrates 2 weeks after the war ended. Not wanting to spend any more resources on the war effort, during peaceful times, Congress opposed further funding to the development of the dam and began looking for a private sponsor who would finish the dam. In walks Henry Ford and his visions on urban design. Ford's ideas were never able to come to fruition. Politics, The New Deal and The Great Depression are among some of the reasons that the area never took off.
Muscle Shoals is a small rural city best known for FAME Recording Studio - home of "Muscle Shoals Sound". For us, it is where we can find family, laughter, a great meal, game night and quiet conversations around the fire pit.
Some of our evenings were here, by a fire, telling stories of the past and laughing...a lot. The patio is not decorated for any special holiday. This is my sister-in-law's love of things looking festive and fun. She has such a free spirit that is shared with all of us. Both she and Ellie, my mother-in-law, were the best hosts. We spent every evening somewhere under the back patio enjoying the breeze while we played games and had a drink or two. I could not have had a better time.
The moon coming up behind Diesel, Ellie's horse.
Nick and Diesel have a special bond. Maybe its because Nick always has apple chunks when they are together.
Nick with his mom, Ellie and his sister, Teresa. I just love this picture.
Nick and I spent a week in this quiet community near the northwest corner of the state. My sister-in-law graciously gave me her office to use for work during the day. Our evenings were consumed with dice games, Dominos, Rubikub, and card games. We ignored the outside world and took in every moment we could enjoying the company of one another. We can't wait to get back and spend more quality time with these two special ladies!
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