Celebrate spring in Mentone with waterfalls, cute cafes + more

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DeKalb County
I want to be there right now. (Lookout Mountain Alabama / Facebook / November 11 Photography)

Just over an hour and a half northeast of Birmingham lies the sweet little town of Mentone. We polled our audience for their top recommendations for things to do + see, places to stay and places to eat while you’re in town. After hearing everyone’s suggestions, I actually had to hop in the car this past weekend to spend a day there + I’m not mad about it.

Your guide to the perfect mountain getaway in Mentone

Little River Canyon near Mentone
Little River Canyon National Preserve. (Little River Canyon National Preserve / Facebook)

Mentone is the closest place to go to feel like you’re in the mountains. Nestled in the southern part of the Appalachian Mountains, just an hour and 40 minutes away from Birmingham, it really does feel like another world.

You may be dreaming of relaxing in a hot tub or by a fire pit. Ziplining or kayaking through canyons and hiking by stunning waterfalls may be more your jam. Or strolling through shops sampling tasty treats could be your idea of perfection.

Whatever’s your speed, you’re sure to find just what you need in Mentone.

Things to do + see in Mentone, Alabama

Ziplining
Ziplining is just so darn fun. (Lookout Mountain Alabama / Facebook)

Whether you stay in Mentone for a weekend or a week, you won’t run out of things to see and do.

  • Little River Canyon National Preserve: Little River flows through a beautiful canyon that runs along the top of Lookout Mountain. Whether you love to hike, bike, ride horses, fish, hunt or just go for a scenic drive, there is literally something for everyone here. When I went this past weekend, I loved hearing the different tones and pitches of the streams and waterfalls that all flow into not-so-little Little River.
  • Mentone Arts Center: Check out this community art center created & supported by the community for the preservation of the Mentone area’s artistic, musical and cultural heritage.
  • St. Joseph’s on-the-Mountain Episcopal Church: When you’re done at the farmers market, walk over to this sweet little church and spend some time in the garden in the back. Filled with winding paths and a full labyrinth, it’s designed to help you forget your cares and step into a more timeless realm.
  • Shop: Check out the little stores with crafts, clothes and collectibles that line the cute little main street.

Places to stay in Mentone

Mentone Mountain View Inn
Mentone Mountain View Inn has gorgeous views. (Mentone Mountain View Inn / Facebook)

Whether you want to stay in style or rough it, you’ve got plenty of options.

I’m a huge fan of Airbnb + VRBO. Both feel like Pinterest for real estate, where you get to peruse adorable homes with hot tubs + fire pits, game rooms or private waterfall views. It’s even more fun to actually stay in one.

Get closer to nature with camping, including primitive + wall tents, or you can bring your own RV.

To book your bed + breakfast, cabin, campground or RV park, hotel or motel, go to visitlookoutmountain.com.

Places to eat in Mentone

Mentone
Wildflower Cafe in Mentone is a beloved spot. (Wildflower Cafe / Facebook)

There are so many tasty spots to try in Mentone. Here are a few of our audience’s favorites for you to try:

Grace's Falls Mentone
Grace’s High Falls is just one of many in Little River Canyon + one of the tallest in the state at 133 feet. (Lookout Mountain Alabama / Facebook)

I’m really glad I decided to pack up the car and spend a day in Mentone this past weekend. Close enough for a day trip or a weekend, it’s also a charming destination for Spring Break or a long Easter weekend.

Ready for your Mentone getaway? Check out visitlookoutmountain.com to plan your trip today.

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Sharron Swain
Sharron Swain

Writer, Interviewer + Adventurer | Telling stories to make a difference

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