ACCOMMODATIONS:

HAMPTON INN: A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hampton Inn, 2281 Florence Blvd (US72), Florence, Alabama. The rate is $62 per night per room, with a deluxe continental breakfast included. To make reservations, call 256-764-8888 or fax 256-767-1930 with your specifications and mention that you are with the Darby-Gadi wedding. The motel’s email address is FLCAL_Hampton@hilton.com. The motel has an internet room and there will be a hospitality room available to all of the wedding party and guests on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Florence is still awaiting its first four-star hotel, now under construction by the Marriott Corporation but not due for completion in time for the wedding. Should the Hampton Inn be full, two other mid-quality, mid-price motels are located near the Hampton Inn on US 72.

The Florence/Lauderdale Tourism web site has a section on “Where to Stay.” (www.flo-tour.org) The Jameson Inn and Comfort Inn are two other possibilities that are nearby. The Hampton Inn and the Jameson Inn are pictured on the web site. Florence also has several B&B’s for anyone is interested in a different sort of experience.

Joe Wheeler State Park is located about 12 miles east of Killen. It is located on the Tennessee River, with lake swimming and water-based recreation, plus a nice 18-hole golf course. The accommodations are a bit rustic, but it might be worth a try for those wanting the outdoor feel. You can check this possibility out at www.joewheelerstatepark.com or call them at 800-544-5639.

DINING:

A comprehensive list of restaurants is included on the local tourism web site (www.flo-tour.org) . Those within a stone’s throw of Hampton Inn, Jameson Inn, and Comfort Inn include:

LOGAN’S. Honky-Tonk atmosphere where you throw your peanuts on the floor. Good steak at a reasonable price.

CRACKER BARREL. The Interstate chain featuring plain old Southern food. Good breakfasts too.

O’CHARLEY’S. Good, broad menu. Especially good sandwiches.

LA HACIENDA. Good Mexican food in the K-Mart mall near the hotels.

BARNHILL’S BUFFET. An all-you-can-eat place near the hotels. Good vegetables and desserts, but don’t go there for the meats. Vegetarians beware, many of the vegetables are cooked with meat a la Southern style.

Downtown recommendations include RICATONI’S ITALIAN GRILL, especially for pastas, and EVA MARIE’S right across the street for sandwiches, including good vegetarian fare.

SHONEY’S, A GOOD CHINESE BUFFET, IHOP, CHILI’S, RED LOBSTER, FAMOUS DAVE’S LEGENDARY PIT BBQ, RUBY TUESDAY’S, several other restaurants, and all the fast food places are nearby.