The Best Small Town In Alabama For A 3-Day Weekend
Mentone is an Alabama anomaly. Tucked into the northeast corner of the state, this is one of the South’s few mountain towns, perched on the brow of Lookout Mountain. A tranquil community with only 360 residents, Metone is the perfect rural retreat if you’re looking for a weekend away from the crowds, surrounded by leafy forests, majestic mountains, and cascading waterfalls.
Founded by John Mason in the late 1880s, the town’s name came from Mason’s daughter, who took it from the French city of Menton, whose name means ‘musical Mountain spring’. The mineral springs around Mentone led to its development as a health resort in the late 19th century, as visitors flocked to the Mentone Springs Hotel. While the hotel and springs are both gone, the town has kept its warm hospitality and laidback vibe. Don’t be fooled by its sleepy charms; however, there’s still plenty to keep visitors occupied on a three-day weekend. Below, we list some of the best attractions in town so you can plan your itinerary and get to know this Alabama gem.
Things to Do
Mentone is a rural idyll that attracts outdoor adventurers. It’s also something of an arts and culture hub, and you’ll see many studios and galleries lining its leafy streets among cozy cafes and quirky gift stores.
Visit the Mentone Arts Center to see the latest creations from the area’s artists. This community space offers classes and workshops, as well as a gallery and gift shop where visitors can browse for souvenirs. Take a little piece of Mentone art home with you, choosing from pottery, sculptures, paintings, glasswork, and jewellery.
Meet local artist Amanda Grace at her store, Coming Up Violets, which features a curated collection of her work and that of other Alabama artists. The gift shop offers a selection of arts, crafts, books, music, and handmade bath and body products.
For more shopping, head to the Log Cabin Village downtown, a rustic plaza that contains several shops, including Little River Soaps, which sells handmade soaps crafted from natural ingredients using traditional Appalachian methods.
Stock up on supplies at the Mentone Market, the town’s oldest grocery store that’s served the community for over 80 years. The market sells homemade food, local gifts, farm-fresh produce, and more.
If you’re feeling hungry after all that shopping, grab a bite at the Wildflower Cafe. Voted "Best Café in Alabama" by readers of Alabama magazine, this funky eaterie blends hippy chic with farm-to-table dining. Local musicians occasionally serenade guests, and the restaurant features a charming country store that sells a range of gift items and local art.
Take a drive up Lookout Mountain to see one of Mentone’s most famous landmarks, the Sallie Howard Memorial Chapel. This one-room country church has a very unusual feature - it was built out of a massive boulder, earning it the nickname, the ‘Rock Chapel’. The church was constructed in 1937 by a grieving widower who wanted to honour his late wife’s memory with a memorial that would last through the centuries.
Outdoor Recreation
You can’t visit Mentone without spending some time at DeSoto State Park, known for its dazzling waterfalls. The best time to see the falls is spring, late fall, or winter, as they can dry up in the hot summer months. The park has over 35 miles of hiking trails, many of which lead to waterfall overlooks. The most spectacular cascade in the park is the 104-foot DeSoto Falls, which is accessible from the DeSoto Falls Picnic Area just off the Lookout Mountain Parkway.
Back in town, catch the best views of Lookout Mountain from Brow Park. This scenic green space includes picnic areas, pavilions, and a walking path. It’s a great place to go at sunset when you can watch the sun dip over the mountain as the sky loses its light.
Where to Stay in Mentone
After enjoying the sunset in the mountains, it’s time to get a good night’s rest. Mentone offers several options for a rustic yet luxurious overnight stay. The Mentone Inn Bed and Breakfast is a historic property in the heart of the village. Built in the 1920s, this beautifully restored lodge features 12 guest rooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. The property also features a pavilion where guests can mingle or relax and enjoy the views, as well as a dining room that serves hearty, home-cooked meals.
To stay closer to nature, bed down in a cozy cabin courtesy of Mentone Mountain Getaways. Specialising in short-term vacation rentals for nature-lovers, the ‘Getaways’ are a selection of cabins and tiny homes, decorated with rustic style and modern amenities. Choose from Brow Bella, a two-bedroom cabin with a hot tub and mountain views, the two-bedroom Butterfly Creek Cottage near a scenic stream, a four-bedroom historic cottage, and more.
Mentone is a truly unique destination for a weekend away. A mountain town in America’s deep south, this close-knit community offers something different from the norm. The city has been a draw for wanderers and wellness seekers since the 1880s, combining timeless beauty with southern hospitality. Explore the natural wonders of DeSoto State Park and Lookout Mountain, dive into the local arts scene, shop for handmade Appalachian crafts. It’s easy to spend a few days in this quaint mountain hamlet, a year-round destination that shows a new side of Alabama.
