Mentone, AL
I just spent a few days up in beautiful Mentone, Alabama & I already want to go back! It's about an hour SE of Chattanooga (TN), and two hours from both Atlanta and Birmingham, so it's the perfect weekend getaway!
EAT
PLOWSHARES BISTRO
This charming bistro was one of my most favorite meals of the whole entire trip. We had brunch here our first full day on the mountain and it was SO yummy.
They also get bonus points because it's attached to an art gallery. I picked up a gorgeous art print and can't wait to show y'all! Once I get my second guest bedroom situated it will be on the 'gram, I promise! One of my favorite things to do when I travel is picking up local art prints... [] [] []
MENTONE MARKET
I only ate here once, but my parents stopped here twice during our stay up on the mountain, and it was just what we needed after a long day hiking around the canyon and the falls of Little River Canyon. Get the fried green tomatoes as an appetizer! You won't regret it.
There's also a little market attached, which makes it a perfect spot to stop in and grab snacks for the road if you're on your way to the parks! We also stopped in for some charcoal so that we could cook out at the cabin - complete with s'mores of course!
WILDFLOWER CAFE
I ate here my last day in town and it was so good! The Wildflower was one of the places I knew that I wanted to eat as soon as I started planning my trip - I'd heard nothing but good things! I love everything about the atmosphere of this "hippie-chic mountain hangout" from the local art to the string lights and all the other eccentricities; and the food was SO GOOD (definitely stop in and get some crepes after your meal! We got a strawberry and a chocolate - both delicious.). It was so cozy and welcoming and laidback, I definitely can't wait to plan a return trip! *gluten-free and vegan options are available too!*
THINGS TO DO
Little River Canyon
Little River Canyon National Preserve is located on top of Lookout Mountain within Desoto State Park. It's said to be the country's longest mountain top river! The canyon has a road that takes you to viewpoints along each side of the canyon, so definitely bring your camera if you visit this spot! Little River has three main waterfalls, Desoto Falls, Little River Falls, and Grace's High Falls.
Desoto Falls is a 104 foot waterfall off of the Little River.
Little River Falls mark the beginning of the Little River Canyon. They are located TIGHT off of Highway 35, and are the perfect first stop on a trip around the canyon! We actually made it our last stop, and that was great too!
Grace's High Falls is a seasonal spot, but is the tallest waterfall in Alabama inside the Preserve.
Hippie Hole Kayaking
This is one that we didn't get to do this trip, but are definitely adding to the list for the next time we head out to Mentone.
