Mentone Tour
Mentone Tour Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Scenic Views & Local Art
As you set off toward Mentone, let the drive up Highway 117 be your first taste of adventure. Winding through breathtaking mountain scenery, the journey itself is an experience—so take your time! Pause at the scenic pullouts to capture the stunning views, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and let the beauty around you set the tone for an unforgettable trip. Next, drive over to DeSoto Falls, one of Alabama’s most breathtaking waterfalls, perfect for a morning stroll and some beautiful photos to capture the views. Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you watch the water cascade over rocky cliffs—a peaceful prelude to your afternoon.
At lunchtime, check out Fontastic Foods Food Trucks, where you can sample a variety of gourmet flavors in a casual, outdoor setting. Then head on over to the Mentone Log Cabin Village, a collection of charming shops, perfect for browsing unique finds like The Groovy Goat, and treating yourself to ice cream at The Village Ice Cream Shoppe. From there, make your way to the heart of Mentone to enjoy some local art at the Mentone Arts Center, where talented local and regional artists display their work, adding a touch of culture to your day.
For dinner, unwind at Elevation Bistro, a cozy spot featuring creative dishes made from fresh ingredients. Before you plan your dinner time, make sure you check sunset times. You don’t want to miss the sunset over the Appalachian Mountains from Brow Park. It’s an idyllic setting to end your first day, as the sun dips behind the hills, painting the sky with vibrant hues—a truly magical way to conclude a day of scenic beauty and local charm. After your wind down with dinner and a sunset, head to your accommodation of choice. There are 4 cozy bed & breakfasts located in the area: Mentone Inn, Andiamo Lodge, Bee on the Brow, and The Hatter Cafe and Country Inn. If bed & breakfasts are not your style, there are many cabins scattered around the mountain woodlands that provide a serene and private setting for your trip.
Day 1: Scenic Views & Local Art
Late Morning
• DeSoto Falls – Take a short drive to DeSoto Falls to see one of Alabama’s most picturesque waterfalls, perfect for photos and a scenic walk.
Lunch
• Fontastic Foods Food Truck – Sample a variety of casual, gourmet options for lunch in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Afternoon
• Log Cabin Village – Explore this quaint area of local shops, and to satisfy your sweet tooth grab some ice cream from The Village Ice Cream Shoppe.
• The Groovy Goat – A unique gift shop nestled near the Log Cabin Village in downtown Mentone, Alabama.
• Mentone Arts Center – Browse artwork from local and regional artists, adding a bit of culture to your day.
Dinner
• Brow Park – Enjoy a beautiful Appalachian sunset at Brow Park. The perfect spot to wind down and enjoy the end of your first day.
• Elevation Bistro – Unwind with an inventive dinner featuring fresh ingredients in a cozy atmosphere.
Day 2: Markets, Orchards, & Outdoor Fun
Begin your second day with breakfast at your accommodation and, if it’s a Saturday, head to The Farmers Market at Mentone (open from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm). Discover fresh produce, baked treats, and handmade goods from local vendors, immersing yourself in the community spirit. Then, make your way to Little River Orchard for a peaceful morning among apple trees. Stroll through the orchard and, if the season allows, pick your own apples—a delightful activity for families and couples alike.
Lunch brings you to Seabolt’s Street Tacos, where local flavors meet fresh ingredients to create a memorable meal. After lunch, explore Moon Lake Trading Co., a unique plant nursery and gift shop showcasing antiques and handmade treasures from regional artisans. Just nearby, Moon Lake Village offers an intriguing blend of local crafts and artwork, located on the historic grounds of Moon Lake School. Round out your afternoon with a round of golf at Lil’ Mole Run Golf Course or an antique hunt at Ayers Antiques, both perfect options to add a little leisure and nostalgia to your day. If it’s blueberry season, wrap up the afternoon with a visit to Blueberry Falls Farm for a relaxing stroll and some fresh-picked blueberries.
Dinner awaits at Wildflower Cafe, an iconic Mentone establishment known for its artistic charm and delicious favorites like tomato pie. Reservations are recommended to make sure you don’t miss out on this unforgettable dining experience. The Wildflower Cafe is the perfect cozy setting to end a day of markets, nature, and friendly encounters with the town’s local gems.
Day 2: Markets, Orchards, & Outdoor Fun
Morning
• Breakfast at your accommodation.
• The Farmers Market at Mentone – Discover fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade items from local vendors. (optional, Saturday’s 10:00 am – 1:00 pm)
Mid-Morning
• Little River Orchard – Stroll through this charming orchard and try picking your own apples, a great option for families or couples. (hours vary seasonally)
Lunch
• Seabolts Tacos – Enjoy fresh tacos that showcase local flavors for lunch.
Afternoon
• Moon Lake Trading Co. – Browse this local gem that includes an expansive plant nursery, unique gifts, antiques, & works of art from local artisans.
• Moon Lake Village – Explore this artisan and craftsman village on the former campus of the historic Moon Lake School.
• Optional Activities:
• Lil’ Mole Run Golf Course – Have some fun with a round of golf.
• Ayers Antiques: Enjoy a little afternoon antiquing to find some uniques, collectibles, and primitives.
• Blueberry Falls Farm – End the day with a relaxing visit to this scenic farm, perfect for a leisurely walk & picking blueberries! (seasonal)Dinner
Dinner
• Wildflower Cafe – Enjoy dinner at this iconic, artistic cafe known for local favorites like the famous tomato pie. Reservations recommended.
Day 3: Farm Visit, Antique Shopping, & Relaxation
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation, or head to Hatter Cafe & Country Inn to enjoy a traditional Southern morning meal. Mid-morning, visit The Farm at Windy Hill, a lovely local farm with stunning landscapes and serene views. Take a tour of the farm, where nature’s beauty is on full display, providing a calm and relaxing start to your day. If you’re interested in scheduling a tour, visit their website.
For lunch, stop by the Mentone Market, a cozy local spot to grab snacks, light lunch options, and some last-minute souvenirs. You may want to try their pizza, it’s a local favorite! Afterward, explore Rocky Top Pottery, just across the street, where you’ll find local pottery pieces and artistic creations that capture the spirit of Mentone. Continue your shopping adventure at Triple G Trading Co., an antique store filled with vintage items, collectibles, and local treasures, offering a glimpse into the area’s rich history and character.
To wrap up your trip, spend the afternoon unwinding at your chosen accommodation, taking in the mountain views one last time as you reflect on your journey through Mentone. This leisurely finish allows you to relax and savor the tranquil beauty of the area—a perfect ending to your three-day escape in this charming mountain town.
Day 3: Farm Visit, Antique Shopping, & Relaxation
Morning
• Breakfast at your lodging or for a delicious Southern breakfast, try Hatter Cafe & Country Inn.
Mid-Morning
• The Farm at Windy Hill – Tour this beautiful farm and enjoy the natural landscapes, perfect for a peaceful morning activity.
Lunch
• Stop by for snacks, a light lunch, maybe a pizza, and some last-minute souvenirs.
Afternoon
• Rocky Top Pottery – If you’re interested in pottery and local art, drop by this unique shop located across the street from the Mentone Market.
• Triple G Trading Co– Take your time exploring this antique store filled with hidden gems and local treasures.
• Relax at your chosen accommodation – Spend the last part of the afternoon relaxing and taking in the mountain views before wrapping up your Mentone experience.