Taking a break from all things Christmas today to share a little excursion we took awhile ago that I never got to share.
Back in October, we took off for a day to the scenic little historic town of Mentone, AL. Sitting in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, Mentone began as a summer getaway when folks here in Birmingham built cottages there for retreats away from city life. It’s quaint and cozy and we enjoyed the day. It was a perfect Fall day. I had read in the local paper about a free art studio and cottage tour. Sounded fun to me!
Mentone Springs hotel was the beginning point for the free tour and there were art studios, as well as a few cottages open for the tour. 
IÂ loved this old hotel, you can tell it’s been around for awhile.
Quaint and rustic, there are a lot of homes built of out rock in this town.
So pretty.
You can see the hotel dates back to 1884, so I imagine it has seen a lot of visitors over the years.
We walked through and got our info for the tour.
Lots of pretty things to see.
Lobby of the lodge.
Big stone fireplace.
Decked out for Fall.
Very rustic and appealing.
A cozy corner.
First stop was this cozy old cottage sitting on the edge of a huge gorge. The view from the back was amazing.
We walked through this screened porch to the outside deck.
Where this view was waiting. Talk about majestic, it certainly was. You can’t really tell from this pic, but this gorge is just HUGE.  They told us the water flow here varies depending on rainfall. 
He had pics of when a hurricane came through down South and dumped a lot of water on them, the waterfall covered about half of the rocks instead of this little trickle. Amazing!
Gorgeous day!
Outside the cottage.
One stop was this rustic lodge, Nippersink. 
Stone and wood, it had a nice feel too.
Pottery on the shelves.
Wood planks and books.
And a guest room.
Outside on the screened porch.
We walked down to a river in the back and it was very peaceful.
A delightful day.
Love those red fall leaves.
Thanks for coming along! Have you Alabama girls been to Mentone? It’s so cute and charming, I’d highly recommend it. On the way back, we stopped for BBQ in a little town, but I can’t remember the name of it. Fantastic food!
Rhoda, thanks so much for posting this! I have not been to Mentone in a long time. I read about the open houses and art show in the newspaper, but I could not make it because my daughter had a horse show. I had a few friends in my Book Club who went, and they had a blast!
Thanks again for sharing. 😀
I’ve been to Mentone several times as a child….I went to Church camp there. But I never realized what beauty there is there! Thanks for tour!
Looks lovely, nice pictures. I have to see how far that is from us.
I have driven through there, but have never seen that much of it. Don’t you just love the small towns?
I made a candy tree like the one you did last year and linked to your post on it. It was a lot of fun to make. I used it as a centerpiece at a ladie’s banquet and I had so many people come and ooh and aah over it.
Mentone was such a pleasant surprise the first time I happened through. I’ve been through there a few times on “business” (back when I had a job!) There is no quick route from north Georgia to northern Alabama (atl or chattanooga) – so I always chose an interesting backroad to cross the mtn. Thanks for sharing!
-Trish
I like Mentone! I’ve been through there many times and ate at the local quaint restaurants. Now I’ve gotta go back sometimes and see the hotel and other sites.
We used to drive through Mentone on our way from Marietta to Scottsboro to visit my husband’s grandma. Haven’t been since she passed away, and I kind of miss the drive! I’ve always loved the cute little towns along the way.
These are beautiful pictures. It was so relaxing just looking at them – you really captured the essence of the place – thanks!
No, I’ve never been to Mentone. I’ve heard about the “ski” place there but have never wanted to visit because we ski in Utah and Colorado and we’re spoiled by the Rockies and lots of snow! However, I think I’d like to visit in the fall. Your pictures are so beautiful.
I love Mentone! Our very first trip there we stayed at Mountain Laurel Inn B&B. So beautiful! We loved the falls, especially. I’ve not ever taken a fall trip there, though — it looks like it was awesome! 🙂
I love Mentone! We have never stayed in the area, but travel through many times. It is a “have to” to stop and check out the lovely view and shops. But in Feb, I have plans to spend a weekend in Mentone with a group of my scrapbooking friends. Can’t wait.
Hi Rhoda, I met you last weekend at Chuy’s after the Deeper Still conference! I love Mentone and the Fort Payne area. It is beautiful here and close to Chattanooga and Birmingham. The BB Que restaurant was probably Old’ Tymer’s . It is a local favorite! Great to meet you!
Hey Rhoda, Merry Christmas season! These pictures are gorgeous and I love that water gorge. Amazing what God’s hand created. I haven’t seen enough of the southeast, and I can tell I would love Alabama. I did see Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga on the way to Atlanta last summer and it was the most amazing view and scenery. Have a good week.
Carol S…. stewcarol
Rhoda, I just LOVE the stone fireplaces! My absolute dream home would include a massive stone fireplace. Of course, that when then call for a massive room and ceiling! 🙂
My husband and I went there for our 5th anniversary. It is so beautiful! We stayed at a BnB. My favorite memory is the french toast she made us one morning…..yummy!
I can’t believe I live in Alabama and have never been there. It looks like I need to change that and go for a visit. Very pretty — thanks for sharing!
I have never been here Rhoda, so thanks for taking me along for the tour…I enjoyed it!
Blessings,
Linda
My husband and I own land in Mentone; we must reside in TX where Greg works. This article makes me wish I could be there. Sigh!
Rhoda, I just LOVE the stone fireplaces! My absolute dream home would include a massive stone fireplace. Of course, that when then call for a massive room and ceiling! 🙂