A Guide to a Long Weekend in Mentone

Looking for the perfect long weekend getaway? You can witness nature at its finest, ogle at majestic waterfalls, view amazing scenery and breathtaking vistas, enjoy quaint shopping, and indulge in delectable cuisine; all atop Lookout Mountain in the quaint little Town of Mentone.

*NOTE* While part of AL Hwy 117 is closed going up/down the mountain and has forced a detour, Mentone and everything around it is still very much open. The road closure has not forced any closings of businesses.

Let’s start our adventure in one of these wonderful accommodations located here at Lookout Mountain. You can choose from an array of beautiful cabins, cozy bed & breakfasts, well developed campgrounds or nearby luxurious hotels.

First stop is DeSoto State Park, where you can enjoy hiking or biking, bird watching, swimming, many rushing waterfalls and fragrant wildflowers, kayaking or canoeing and a long list of fun weekly events. Also, be sure to check out the new Screaming Eagle Zip Line and Aerial Adventures.

Check out the 104 foot DeSoto Falls and some of the other 6 waterfalls in DeSoto State Park.

While in Mentone, dinner at the Wildflower Café is a must! We suggest the famous tomato pie or an out of this world filet mignon. There are so many delectable items on their menu it is hard to choose, but whatever you decide, you are almost guaranteed to be amazed! Wildflower is not just a café, it is an experience. The ambiance, service and food is as unique as the beautiful mountain it sits upon.  Be sure to call ahead for hours and reservations.

Start your day with breakfast (or brunch for those that want to sleep in) at The Hatter Café.  This elegantly Alice in Wonderland themed tea house is like stepping into the storybook.  Favorites include Alice’s chicken salad sandwich, avocado toast, hot brown, and a meatloaf pie. Dive down the rabbit hole and come experience their version of southern comfort food.

Don’t miss the Moon Lake Trading Company on your way back into Mentone. You will spot it’s artistic VW Van out front of the building, helping to house some of the many beautiful flowers, bushes, trees and plants. Step inside their super cute store front for some really unique gifts.  While you are there, grab some street tacos from Seabolt’s Taco Truck. 

Now, to satisfy your sweet tooth, run in next door at the Little River Hardware store and ask about their homemade ice cream. I promise you won’t regret it! They have some very interesting and delicious flavors. While there, check out the amazing (made in Mentone) nightingale pottery. 

Once you get back in downtown Mentone, step into the Mentone Market, with its beautiful new face lift, and shop around for all of your necessities and some really cool Mentone souvenirs. Hop across the street to Rocky Top Pottery and the Inca Connection and discover some amazing handmade gifts!

Bounce on up the street to the the Mentone Log Cabin Village for a variety of quaint shops like, AJ Trading Post, Other World Gifts, and Little River Soap. Be sure to stop and try the banana split at The Village Ice Cream Shoppe.

You absolutely cannot miss the new Mentone Arts Center and it’s amazing local artwork. Mentone has really been blessed with some phenomenal artists and artisans and their beautiful creations have filled the gallery space in the Chuck Sennett Center for the Arts. Oil and watercolor paintings, a wide variety of pottery, glass, jewelry, woven works and sculptures await your presence.  

Located next door is Elevation Bistro, an intimate and inviting restaurant that offers menus of locally and regionally sourced ingredients for a mountain town farm to table experience. Chef, Kevin Dunlap, has been praised for his award winning food. Be sure to check them out for a dinner you won’t soon forget! Be sure to call ahead for hours and reservations, though not required, they are recommended by calling 256.634.3001.

With what seems to be a differently themed weekend every week, the Tip Top Bake Shop is cooking/baking up some of the most amazing take home goodies! A delectable array of freshly baked goodies, take and bake meals, soups & sandwiches, and many other savory succulents await you at this quaint little bake shop.  See what is on this week’s menu!

Now from here, you will take a trip to the base of the mountain (using the Tutwiler Gap detour) where you will find Miracle Pottery, nestled in Valley Head. Here we will discover the miracle behind this hand crafted pottery that will last you a lifetime and learn that it is not just about the pottery.
*Please note that Tutwiler Gap can only be used for regular sized vehicles. No oversized trucks, trailers or RV’s. 

Take a step back in time when you drive over to see the historical Winston Place B&B, circa 1831. This magnificent mansion boasts large verandas across the front, is undoubtedly one of the state’s finest examples of how the master builders planned for open air living in ante-bellum days. 

Now, you must be famished. Swing by and have lunch at the Rib Shak on the square for some of the finest real pit barbecue around. My favorites are their unique Soul Taco and Floyd’s fall-off-the-bone ribs! Floyd and his staff are some of the sweetest you will find, just like their handwritten notes on every to-go order.

**PLEASE BE SURE TO CONFIRM STORE HOURS AND INQUIRE ABOUT RESERVATIONS, WHERE NEEDED, BEFORE VISITING A LOCATION.