Movie buff’s destination

Filmmakers, thespians and cinema buffs are drawn annually to Florence, Ala. for the Lindsey Film Festival. Named for founder and actor George Lindsey, this celebration of the cinematic arts is a surprisingly big draw for serious and casual movie aficionados.

Don’t be taken in by the legendary foolery of Lindsey’s most famous character, that beloved jester, Goober Pyle. Lindsey is a serious and cultured actor whose love for this art form is expressed through the well-regarded gathering that carries his name. An alumnus of the University of North Alabama, Lindsey founded the film fest in 1998 in a coordinated effort with his alma mater. Now the Lindsey Film Festival is one of only a handful of such festivals that a university hosts.

Each year’s event features a theme. This year’s festival, slated for March 4-7, will commemorate the 25th anniversary of a wildly popular fantasy movie.

“The Lindsey Film Festival is going to be really cool this year, with a ‘Back to the Future’ reunion of sorts,” said Debbie Wilson, director of Florence tourism.

Actors, designers and others involved in “Back to the Future” will be on hand to meet the public and present workshops. The lineup includes film stars Lea Thompson, Bob Gale and James Tolkan. Michael Scheffe, who coordinated construction of the DeLorean time machine and designed the flying taxi for “Back to the Future II,” will present a special effects workshop on March 5. Check the event’s Web site for details.

Don’t Miss:

● W.C. Handy Home, Museum and Library. Called the "Father of the Blues," W.C. Handy was born in Florence in 1873 in a log cabin that has been preserved and is now a museum. Hailed for his compositions "St. Louis Blues" and "Memphis Blues," the musician lives on in memorabilia and other personal items in his birthplace. A weeklong festival each summer further celebrates the extraordinary talents of this Alabama native son and national treasure. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. $2 adults; 50 cents students. 620 W. College St., Florence. 256-760-6434. www.florenceal.org/Community_Arts

● The Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House. The only house of its kind in the Southeast open to the public, the home was designed and built in 1939 for newlyweds Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum, and it is the only Frank Lloyd Wright structure in Alabama. Built in what's known as the "Usonian" style (so named for the United States of America), Wright designed this style of house to be affordable to the nation's middle-class families. After the house fell into disrepair, the City of Florence assumed renovations and reopened the home as a museum. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 1-4 p.m. Sundays. $8 adults; $5 seniors and students. 601 Riverview Drive, Florence. 256-740-8899. www.wrightin alabama.com

● Pope's Tavern. This historic site is where Andrew Jackson is said to have sought respite on his way to the Battle of New Orleans. What served as a tavern and inn was transformed into a hospital during the Civil War. Though the structure eventually found use as a private residence, the City of Florence assumed ownership of Pope's Tavern in the 1960s, and it stands today as a reminder of a tumultuous, tenacious local history. Inside, visitors can see antiques and memorabilia dating to the 18th and 19th centuries, including plenty of Civil War artifacts. An annual summer event is the Frontier Day Celebration, during which period arts and crafts are displayed. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Tuesdays-Saturdays. $2 adults; 50 cents. 203 Hermitage Drive, Florence. 256-760-6439. www.florenceal.org/Community_Arts.

● Indian Mound and Museum. Near the shores of the Tennessee River stands a monument to the area's first inhabitants. The Indian Mound and Museum is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of Native Americans. Visitors can see preserved examples on display of the work of the Cherokee, Chickasaw and Creek tribes that once lived in the area. Many items date back more than 10,000 years. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. $2 adults; 50 cents students. 1028 S. Court St., Florence. 256-760-6427. www.florenceal.org/Community_Arts.

Getting There

Florence is 280 miles from downtown Atlanta.

Where to Stay

● The Limestone House Bed & Breakfast. The 1915 Georgian Revival home constructed of hand-hewn local limestone is located in historic downtown Florence. Rates begin at $100. 601 N. Wood Ave., Florence. 256-765-0365. www.thelimestonehouse. com.

● Longing For Home Bed & Breakfast Inn. Set on 15 acres, this 1880s-style farmhouse offers hearty breakfasts, four guest rooms and a bug-free sleeping porch. $100-$150, guest room; $75, sleeping porch. 1017 Lee St., Rogersville. 866-669-5823. www.longingforhome.com

Where to Eat

● Ricatoni’s — An Italian Grill. Italian cuisine featuring wood-fired pizza and fresh-baked bread. Entrees $10.65-$19.95. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday. 107 N. Court St., Florence. 256-718-1002. www.ricatoni valentino.com

● On the Rocks. American-style pub located in the Florence historic district. Live music most nights. Entrees $9.99-$15.49. 110 N. Court St., Florence. 256-760-2212. www. florenceontherocks.com

Visitor Information

Florence/Lauderdale Tourism. 888-356-8687, www.visitflorenceal.com.

Film Festival Information

The 2010 Lindsey UNA Film Festival, March 4-7. $17. Historic Shoals Theater, 123 N. Seminary St., 256-765-4592. www.lindseyfilmfest.com.