The So-Called ‘Hit Recording Capital of the World’ is a Vibrant Riverfront City in Alabama

While Seattle is known for its early ’90s grunge and Memphis is the birthplace of rock and roll, sweet home Alabama is where the skies are so blue and the music is always good. The state has birthed many icons, such as Hank Williams, Lionel Richie, and even Nat King Cole. Be it country, jazz, or blues, Alabama knows how to create musicians with a legacy. But there’s a specific place in the state that drew the likes of Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin, and The Rolling Stones, where they recorded hit after hit. That vibrant city is Muscle Shoals — the best place to increase your music trivia knowledge at the “The Hit Recording Capital of the World” and a part of the Florence-Muscle Shoals Metropolitan Area, also known as “The Shoals.”

Even if you’ve witnessed the world’s top music destinations on a scenic Americana Music Triangle road trip, nothing beats following in the footsteps of Otis Redding and Carrie Underwood in Muscle Shoals. Located on the banks of the Tennessee River, this city is the home of two recording studios that have released some of the most chart-topping songs since 1959: FAME Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. It didn’t take long for Etta James to record “Tell Mama,” Aretha Franklin to tape “Respect,” and Cher to produce the LP “3614 Jackson Highway,” which is the address of the studio. One can go on and on about what happened behind these walls, but you just have to see for yourself in this Colbert County city.

The most convenient way to get to Muscle Shoals is by flying into Northwest Alabama Regional Airport. But for those who want to go by car, it’s a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Nashville, Tennessee, and about the same distance from Memphis. The drive from Chattanooga takes three hours. Meanwhile, Rogersville, a recreational haven with a walkable downtown, is just 40 minutes away.

All this talk about music must have you dying to visit the recording studios — and that’s exactly what you should do at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. Immerse yourself in music royalty as you begin your tour in the basement of the studio, where the publishing offices were situated back in the day. From there, you’ll head to the main studio — and don’t worry about not touching the exhibits. The guides actually encourage you to play the instruments on display. At the end of your tour, check out the gift shop to purchase a souvenir.

One studio tour isn’t enough in Muscle Shoals — swing by FAME Studios for more lessons in music. Wander around the very same rooms where Little Richard and Gregg Allman recorded their popular tracks. Like Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, FAME continues to be a working studio — but instead of legendary rock stars, it’s R&B singer Alicia Keys and former Disney star Demi Lovato recording music here. FAME offers a longer tour, the Backstage Experience, which allows you to view the studio’s awards, publishing office, owner Rick Hall’s office, plus lots of instruments. After visiting both studios, you have to watch the 2013 documentary “Muscle Shoals” to come full circle.

A great way to reflect on your experiences is by discussing them over a nice meal. Make your way to Shoals Bistro on an empty stomach, and you won’t regret it. Whether you order the pecan chicken salad box or the sweet turkey Swiss panini, your cravings will be satisfied big time. Ask for the birria menu, too, for a flavorful explosion — think birria ramen, pizza, grilled cheese, quesadilla, and, of course, tacos. Better yet, share your food with a friend by ordering the garlic parmesan wings.