Reviewed by: Lacey Muenstermann
Your beautiful fall mountaintop getaway in North AL—a Fall Festival, lodging + more in Mentone
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If you’re craving a fall getaway but don’t want to break the bank on your travel or time budget, look no further than Mentone, AL.
Keep reading for all the details you need to plan a weekend trip to one of my personal favorite North Alabama towns.
Charm + fall views that are straight out of a Hallmark movie (or Gilmore Girls)
If you’ve watched a Hallmark movie or show like Gilmore Girls that has all the things (the vibes, the community, the bed and breakfasts, etc) and wondered where to find a town like that–it’s Mentone.
As a kid, I remember visiting Mentone was like stepping into a movie. The local shops, log cabins and beautiful fall foliage created the best core memories.
When I think of fall, I picture Mentone.
If you and your family are craving a fall getaway, I’ve outlined all the must-sees that make Mentone one of my favorite fall destinations.
Plus, if you play it smart, you can stock up on unique gifts ahead of the holiday season.
Shop local at the Mentone Fall Festival Oct. 19 (plan smart + get ahead on Christmas gifting)
Shop artisan vendors and enjoy live music at the Mentone Fall Festival. (John Dersham / Dekalb Tourism)
The cherry-on-top of the Hallmark feel in Mentone is the second annual Mentone Fall Festival at Moon Lake Village (doesn’t that sound like a movie name?).
This year, the Town of Mentone is uniting to host the Mentone Fall Festival packed with local vendors, arts and crafts, live music, kids’ activities, food and more.
- What: Mentone Fall Festival
- 45 vendors including art, pottery, local honey, handmade wands, silverware, food and more
- Where: Moon Lake Village 5866 E River Rd, Mentone, AL, United States, Alabama
- When: Saturday, October 19 | 9AM-4PM
- Price: FREE ($5 parking donation)
- Facebook | Website
Enjoy fun festivities hosted by passionate local volunteers while supporting a community cause:
Funds raised from the weekend will support the historic Moon Lake school building, an iconic site in Mentone that has been given new life as an artisan village in the heart of town (now if that doesn’t sound like the sub plot of a Hallmark movie, I don’t know what does).
Cozy local lodging options
Connect to the city through every step of your stay, including lodging. Here are a couple spots to stay for the weekend to make sure you hit all the sites:
- Mentone Inn Bed n Breakfast: This cozy cabin has 12 guest rooms and a gourmet breakfast buffet.
- Mentone Mountain View Inn: The only inn overlooking the mountain, this bed and breakfast has the perfect view for a relaxing getaway.
- View more lodging options including hotels, camping + RV parks
Our must-visit Mentone shops + sights
As someone who grew up visiting Mentone, I’m cluing you in on the spots you can’t miss while you’re there.
Sights
When I’m asked what my favorite views are in the state of Alabama, my answer is always a tie between these two lookouts.
- Littler River Canyon: Every fall, my family takes a trip to explore the countless beautiful lookout spots throughout the canyon.
- Fun Fact: This preserve is home to the state’s highest waterfall, Grace’s High Falls.
- DeSoto State Park: Walk down a tiled mosaic staircase to a beautiful overlook with rushing water and beautiful trees.
- Fun Fact: This bountiful park is home to the state’s second highest waterfall, DeSoto Falls.
Shops
While you’re in Mentone, you can’t miss the Log Cabin Downtown Village and other quaint shops.
- Mentone Market: Shop homemade food, local produce, gifts and more in this local general store.
- Rocky Top Pottery: Marvel over unique handmade pottery and take home a piece as a souvenir.
- The Groovy Goat: Stop in this gift shop for more kitschy knick knacks and souvenirs.
- Mentone Arts Center: Browse a gallery of locally-made art.
- Find more shops for thrifting, clothes, groceries + more
Restaurants
- The Hatter Cafe + The Rabbit Hole Bakery & Gifts: Enter a fairytale with this whimsical Alice in Wonderland-themed cafe adorned with teacups, lace and wonder.
- Wildflower Cafe: I love visiting this magical woodland cafe full of twinkle lights and art.
- Browse other dining options across several cuisines
Plan your trip for the peak fall getaway weekend: October 19-20
According to Alabama State Parks, mid October is the perfect time to experience the fall foliage in North Alabama. The water will be rushing and the leaves will be those vibrant fall colors we all love.
The community’s Fall Festival takes place mid October, as well, meaning October 19-20 is the perfect weekend to plan your visit.
If you’re looking for more resources to make the most of your stay, check out Visit Lookout Mountain.
Treat your family to a serene fall getaway right here in Alabama. For more info on where to stay and play, check out Visit Lookout Mountain’s resources.
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