Alabama Road Trip with Kids: Fathoming, Fun & Feasting (Day 1)
Welcome to Day 1: Tuscumbia + Florence Region
A day of fathoming deep courage, savoring music and imagination, and feasting on honey cakes and golden light.
This Alabama road trip with kids — or just adults! — begins in the Shoals region, where music legends echo, Helen Keller’s story inspires, and quiet waters reflect big discoveries.
If your kids are reading Ethan & Oliver Adventures: Great Alabama Road Trip, this post shows the real-life version of the adventure — packed with music, miracles, and peaceful moments you’ll never forget. Perfect for launching your Alabama journey with heart and hands-on history for all ages.
Itinerary Overview
- Stop 1: Alabama Music Hall of Fame — Florence, AL
- Stop 2: Ivy Green, Home of Helen Keller — Tuscumbia, AL
- Stop 3: Alabama Renaissance Fair — Florence, AL (October only)
- Stop 4: Paddleboarding at Joe Wheeler State Park — Rogersville, AL
Route: Florence → Tuscumbia → Florence → Rogersville
Total Drive Time: ~1 hr 15 min
Activity Time: ~8–9 hours
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Stop 1: Alabama Music Hall of Fame
Website: Alabama Music Hall of Fame
What to Expect
Step into the stories of Alabama’s most influential musicians, from Nat King Cole to Lionel Richie. The museum blends memorabilia, stage costumes, instruments, and interactive exhibits. Ethan and Oliver loved the hands-on scavenger hunt that encouraged them to slow down, read displays, and really listen to the music. You may even get to try a few instruments yourself!
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In:
- History of American music and its cultural impact
- Famous Alabamians in the music industry
- The role of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in shaping music history
Parent Tip: Ask for the free scavenger hunt at the front desk to keep kids engaged. Printable activity sheets are also available. Ethan and Oliver each got a harmonica for participating — you can grab a similar one here.
Notebook/Conversation Prompt: What song could tell your life story so far? How would it make people feel?
Faith Connection: Music is a gift from God — a way to express joy, tell a story, or bring comfort. Like the parable of the talents, we can use our gifts to bless others.
Stop 2: Ivy Green, Home of Helen Keller
Website: Helen Keller Birthplace
What to Expect
Visit the home where Helen Keller grew up and see the famous water pump where she first made the connection between touch and language. Tours share Helen’s life, travels, and advocacy for people with disabilities. A short, engaging stop that sparks lasting conversations.
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In:
- Biography of Helen Keller and her teacher Anne Sullivan
- Overcoming adversity through perseverance
- Braille and alternative communication methods
Parent Tip: The house tour is short but powerful. Try the on-site scavenger hunt for an added layer of fun.
Notebook/Conversation Prompt: If you couldn’t see or hear, which senses would you rely on most? How could you communicate?
Faith Connection: God can use our biggest challenges to bring hope and change to others — just as He did through Helen’s life.
Stop 3: Alabama Renaissance Fair
Website: Alabama Renaissance Faire
What to Expect
Held only on select weekends in October, this free fair transforms Florence into a lively medieval village. Expect costumes, jousting, archery, artisan crafts, and plenty of food. Ethan and Oliver enjoyed trying archery, watching blacksmiths, and sampling honey cakes.
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In:
- Renaissance history and culture
- Medieval trades and craftsmanship
- Performance arts and entertainment traditions
Notebook/Conversation Prompt: If you lived during the Renaissance, what would your “gift” be — musician, knight, jester, or something else?
Faith Connection: 1 Peter 4:10 — Use your gifts to serve others, just as God intended.
Recipe Remake: After Ethan and Oliver called these the best honey cakes ever, we made a kid-friendly version at home. Get the recipe here.
Stop 4: Paddleboarding at Joe Wheeler State Park
Website: Joe Wheeler State Park
What to Expect
Enjoy a peaceful paddle along the Tennessee River, framed by fall colors and wildlife. Fort Hampton Outfitters offers rentals and a shuttle from Sandy Beach to the lodge. Expect gentle waters, golden-hour light, and herons gliding by — the perfect wind-down after a big day.
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In:
- River ecosystems and wildlife observation
- Basics of paddleboarding and water safety
- Conservation and stewardship of natural spaces
Notebook/Conversation Prompt: What’s the most peaceful place you’ve ever been? What sights, sounds, and smells made it feel that way?
Faith Connection: Nature is God’s creation, and spending time in it reminds us of His beauty and care.
Free Printables – Day 1 Bundle
- Helen Keller Coloring Page
- Famous Alabamians Matching Game
- Paddleboarding Reflection Page
**Download Day 1 Bundle here**
What We Learned
- Music can tell a story even without words
- Helen Keller’s perseverance shows challenges can become gifts
- The Renaissance celebrated creativity and skill in all its forms
- God’s creation is best enjoyed when we slow down and take it in
State Symbols Spotted Today:
- State Fruit: Blackberry (served in a pie at the Renaissance Fair)
Read the Story Version in the Book
This day is woven into Day 1 of Ethan & Oliver Adventures: Great Alabama Road Trip — filled with silly sibling moments, big questions, and memories that go deeper than souvenirs.
Plan It Yourself
You can map this exact route — and customize it for your own family — using Roadtrippers Plus. It’s our favorite tool for finding kid-friendly stops, tracking drive times, and keeping everything in one place.
View our full trip on Roadtrippers: Ethan & Oliver Adventures: Great Alabama Road Trip Map
Up Next: Day 2 — Critters, Curiosity & Creation
Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon Associate and Roadtrippers affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Unless otherwise noted, all destinations, attractions, and resources mentioned here are places we’ve personally chosen to visit and recommend. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by these locations beyond the affiliate programs we participate in. We simply use and enjoy their tools and share them as a resource for fellow travelers.
