Category: Blog

The New Year is a time for fresh beginnings, setting goals, and creating positive habits. What better way to kick off 2025 than by embracing the great outdoors with a First Day Hike at DeSoto State Park? Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking to start the year on the right foot, this event is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and prioritize health and wellness.

DeKalb County is not just a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs — it’s also a sweet tooth’s paradise. From charming bakeries to delightful specialty shops, the area is brimming with delicious treats that will satisfy any craving. Here’s a roundup of seven of the sweetest treats you must try when visiting DeKalb County.

As the leaves begin to fall and temps start to drop, local streets and storefronts take on a festive flair that only comes this time of year. And that’s just the beginning! DeKalb County’s diverse businesses make it easy to find the perfect gift throughout the season — whether you’re looking for a handmade sweater, an original piece of wall art, rare vintage decor, or a champagne chocolate truffle.

Bed and breakfasts offer a more intimate and personalized experience, where guests are treated like family. They provide a unique blend of comfort, charm, and local flavor, often reflecting the character of the region in their decor and hospitality. Staying at a bed and breakfast allows you to connect with the community, enjoy homemade meals, and experience the warmth and authenticity of a bed and breakfast provide a refreshing escape.

As a Fort Payne local, there is one small town tradition we look forward to every year to kick off the holiday season. Every first weekend of November, our quaint downtown transforms into a festive wonderland, full of twinkling lights, beautifully decorated storefronts, and the cheerful buzz of holiday shoppers. The Fort Payne Holiday Open House Weekend is a time when our community comes together to celebrate the magic of Christmas.

The second annual Mentone Fall Festival promises a full slate of musical performances, artistic creations, crafts, and plenty of tempting food — all nestled on the Moon Lake Campus, site of Moon Lake Village and home to shops, studios, and businesses. Visitors can make a weekend of it, with so many additional things to do in the area!

As fall sweeps over Sand Mountain, Rainsville, Alabama, transforms into a picturesque haven of warm colors and crisp air. The charming Southern town comes alive with the season’s warmth, and there’s no shortage of cozy stops and activities to spend a relaxing autumn day. Whether you’re in the mood for fall-flavored drinks, a visit to the local pumpkin patch, or indulging in Southern comfort food, Rainsville has you covered.

Barbecue lovers, rejoice! If you’re heading to Lookout Mountain and DeKalb County, Alabama, you’re in for a treat. The region is packed with BBQ joints that serve up smoky, tender, and flavor-packed dishes. When it comes to Southern cuisine, barbecue holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of locals and visitors alike. Barbecue isn’t just a meal—it’s a way of life.

DeKalb County has a variety of unique, memory-inspiring spots for your special day, no matter the season. Here, nature’s splendor meets Southern hospitality in an array of enchanting venues that are as unique as your love story. Whether you prefer a small affair with a rustic setting of charming barns or a grand gala event at an elegant estate with panoramic views, DeKalb County can provide the perfect canvas for your dream wedding.

Enjoy a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life with a weekend to remember in DeKalb County! Located in Northeast Alabama where the scenic beauty of Lookout Mountain and charming small towns offer the perfect weekend getaway. Whether you’re an adventurer, nature lover, or someone seeking relaxation, Fort Payne, Mentone, and Sand Mountain will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a world of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and Southern hospitality.

Fyffe UFO Day celebrates a moment in time when an unexplained series of strange sightings brought national attention to the small Sand Mountain town.

If you are looking for a great place to spend a summer day, then look no further than DeSoto Falls. Located atop Lookout Mountain in DeKalb County, Alabama, DeSoto Falls is a beautiful waterfall with a 104’ drop.