03/05/2013 – SPRING BREAK FUN IN HISTORIC MENTONE, AL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: John Dersham, Executive Director
DeKalb Tourism
PHONE: 256.845.3957 or 888.805.4740 ext. 35
info@tourdekalb.com

Spring Break Fun in Historic Mentone, Alabama

Fort Payne, Ala. – Set atop Lookout Mountain in the northeastern corner of the state of Alabama, a quiet village awaits spring break visitors who are in search of nature, scenic views, and trendy shops and restaurants. Southern hospitality at its best, Mentone offers family-friendly fun – whether its relaxation, adventure, or something in between – that is affordable and appealing to all ages.

Mentone is overflowing with unique, locally-owned specialty shops providing endless opportunities for picking up a one-of-a-kind gift or souvenirs to take home. The Gourdie Shop offers a unique collection of hand-painted, signed and dated original gourds. Known as “gourdies,” these custom creations are designed and created by local artist Sharon Barron and are registered with the U.S. Patents and Trademark Office.

Housing one of the largest and most diverse collections of Inca Art outside of Peru and Ecuador, Artisans, The Inca Connection located in downtown Mentone represents one family’s 20-year quest of visiting and collecting a wide variety of art including Chulucana pottery, paintings, hand-carved wood sculptures, Tagua Nut carvings, and Inca weavings.

Kamama Art Gallery is home to an art gallery featuring local artists, antiques, and Twiggs Coffee Shop. While the aroma of freshly made coffee may bring one in, it’s the homemade panini that keeps customers coming back. In addition to these one-of-a-kind shops, the quaint village of Mentone also offers a handmade pottery store, an assortment of antique stores, and a log cabin village featuring eclectic shops and restaurants.

For the more adventure-seekers, visitors can explore the underground world at Sequoyah Caverns or take in miles of hiking and biking trails, sheer rock cliffs, kayak a raging river and fish from several streams and lakes available at Little River Falls, DeSoto State Park, High Falls Park, Buck’s Pocket State Park, and Little River Canyon National Preserve. Local outfitter True Adventure Sports can provide all the necessary equipment and knowledge for a truly adventurous spring break trip.

Situated atop Lookout Mountain among the many scenic waterfalls and majestic overlooks are a variety of accommodations from charming bed and breakfasts to rustic cabins. The Mountain Laurel Inn Bed and Breakfast offers a wonderful retreat from the hectic pace of everyday life. The March Madness package is available at $258 and includes two nights, morning coffee delivered to the room, full breakfast, a keepsake ornament, bottled water and snacks for two people. The historic village of Mentone is home to the oldest operating hotel in the state – the Mentone Springs Hotel. Listed in the New York Times bestselling book “100 Places to See Before You Die” and on the National Register of Historic Places, it is known as the Grande Dame of Lookout Mountain.

The Mentone Mountain View Inn is Mentone’s only inn perched on the edge of Lookout Mountain offering panoramic views of the valley. Within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants in downtown Mentone is the Mentone Inn featuring 12 rooms each with a private bath and gourmet breakfast buffet. Throughout the month of March, the Mentone Inn is offering two nights for two people with breakfast included for $198 plus tax.

For those in search of a more rustic getaway, visitors can choose to stay in one of seven hand-hewn, hand-built log cabins from Mentone Log Cabin Rentals. Chalet’s of Mentone offers a spacious two bedroom, 1,500 square foot cabin ideal for a restful retreat in the beautiful mountains. The Wilderness in Mentone offers a family-friendly retreat featuring four private cottages complete with a screened porch and fully equipped kitchen. Hiking trails lead directly into the adjoining Little River Canyon National Preserve and DeSoto State Park. Additional cabin and chalet rentals are available at Nut House Cabin, Setaspell by the Lake, Dixie’s Guesthouse, Granny Dollar Holler Rentals, Rock Bluff Rentals, and Mentone Mountain Getaways. For a complete list of accommodations, visit http://www.discoverlookoutmountain.com and click on lodging.

Along with its fine accommodations, Mentone boasts a variety of eateries ranging from casual gourmet to food with a funky country mix. Hardware Café is a cozy little sandwich shop nestled in the heart of Mentone serving lunch only. Their signature sandwiches are yummy as prepared or add the caramelized onion mayo for an extra tasty treat. Locally owned and operated, The Moonlight Bistro offers fresh seafood, hand-cut beef filets, and scrumptious pasta dishes. Favorite among the locals is hands-down the fried green tomatoes. Open Thursday-Sunday, the Wildflower Café and Country Store is best known for its tangy tomato pie. The eclectic café is located a short walk from the brow and, along with their “shabby chic, casual gourmet,” visitors are treated to live music by local entertainers.

The Mentone Springs Hotel serves up two restaurants. The Rusty Fox is best known for its handmade pizzas while Alice’s at the Springs specializes in desserts made from scratch, and following dinner, guests can enjoy sunsets from the Hotel’s wrap around porches. Located at Miracle Pottery and Art Gallery, J Spencer’s Restaurant offers delightful dishes to compliment the beautifully handmade dishes available for sale from artist Valinda Miracle. Situated in a country farm house, Windwood Farms Restaurant serves up hearty sandwiches, delicious steaks, seafood dishes, and salads Thursday through Sunday. For additional restaurants and eateries, visit http://www.discoverlookoutmountain.com and click on dining.

For more information on spring break getaways to Lookout Mountain, call DeKalb Tourism at 888.805.4740 or visit http://www.discoverlookoutmountain.com.

About DeKalb Tourism
DeKalb Tourism is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in DeKalb County. Our mission includes to provide outstanding customer service to all guests; to provide complete and detailed information about DeKalb County, its history and attractions; to leave visitors with a positive experience; to develop strong positive long term relationships with the people and businesses of our communities; and to be a leader in the education and promotion of our county, locally, nationwide and internationally.

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