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Day 1: Fort Payne & Mentone

If you’re headed to DeKalb County on a Saturday morning, and you plan to arrive early, you can begin your shopping adventure at Collinsville Trade Day. This weekly event is one of the largest outdoor markets in the South, full of antiques, collectibles, tools, fresh produce, children’s toys, furniture, and so much more. After stopping in Collinsville, head to Alabama’s Mountain Town, Fort Payne. This charming small town lies in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, setting the scene for your trip. Start your morning at Myrtle Jane’s, a booth-style antique store offering unique gifts and home décor. Next, head down the road to the Mercantile on Gault, a new shop blending timeless antiques, vintage finds, and holistic wellness. Afterwards, stroll through Fort Payne’s Historic Mainstreet, where you’ll find unique gifts, collectible treasures, and handmade pieces by local artisans at shops like Alice Circle, Katherine’s Gallery & Custom Framing, Relics Antiques & Collectibles, Bleu River Home Accents & Candle Bar, and Boom Town Makers Market. Continue your antique journey at Big Mill Artisans & Antiques, a historic hosiery mill built in 1889 that now houses 21,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles. For lunch, enjoy a variety of soups, sandwiches, and pastas at Vintage 1889, a charming café connected to Big Mill Artisans & Antiques. Another lunch option could be Southern Harvest, a locally owned restaurant that specializes in fresh ingredients and southern comfort food located at the top of Hwy 35 on the Lookout Mountain Parkway. As you continue your drive north on the parkway, stop at Barnyard Antiques, a unique family-owned and operated shop atop Lookout Mountain. If you like interesting roadside attractions, be sure to walk next door to see the junk art of Ekim Snaggog, a local artist who uses found objects to create incredible sculptures, including robots, animals, and even a dinosaur! 

In the afternoon, continue your journey on the Lookout Mountain Parkway to Mentone. This quaint mountain village is home to a variety of antique stores and unique local shops. Begin at the Log Cabin Craft Village, an area of unique stores clustered together with a large selection of pottery, art, antiques, gourmet coffee, and food found in the heart of Mentone. After exploring this unique shopping area, continue east on Highway 117 South. Stop by the Mentone Market to grab a snack, refuel, and browse gifts made by local artisans. If you’re interested in pottery, visit Rocky Top Pottery across the street. Afterwards, continue your antique adventure with visits to Triple G Trading Post, Moon Lake Trading Co., Moon Lake Village, and Ayers Antiques. Indulge in a wonderful meal at a local restaurant such as Wildflower Café or Elevation Bistro before winding down your first day. Enjoy a cozy stay at one of Mentone’s many cabins. Whether you want a brow view, or a quiet stay nestled in the woods, Mentone has you covered. 

Day 2: Sand Mountain

Fuel up for your exciting day with a hearty breakfast. Head down the mountain from Mentone into Valley Head for a delicious country breakfast at Tigers Inn. Afterwards, begin your shopping spree at Dave’s Antiques in Hammondville, a hidden gem known for antiques and collectibles. Then, head to Ider to visit Vintage 75, a unique store specializing in vintage items.

In Henagar, stop by Indigo House, described as a place where fashion meets artistry, and follow with a visit to The Shop on 40 for unique gifts and men’s apparel. Right down the road is The Willow Tree, a charming shop offering antiques and home décor. If it is the holiday season (Mid October-December) don’t miss Christmas at Eddie’s Florist, where over 200 themed Christmas trees and festive rooms offer endless holiday decorating ideas with ornaments ranging from whimsical to retro. Grab some lunch at Bama Boys BBQ in Henagar or Katy’s Katfish or Kelly’s Kitchen in Rainsville.

In the afternoon, make your way to Fyffe and explore eclectic vintage boutiques such as The Cupboard and Two Peas in a Pod. Conclude your day in Geraldine with a stop at Bear Trap Antiques, a long-standing store with interesting finds. Stop in Frothy Dog Coffee Company for an evening treat. Be sure to inquire about additional stores of interest before starting out on your expedition.

We hope you end your journey through DeKalb County with a treasure trove of unique finds, timeless antiques, and unforgettable experiences, making this two-day adventure one for the memory books.