I love to travel.
Every few years we spring for a big vacation, but on the in-between years, we will take short jaunts over a long weekend just to get away. Recently I decided that our long weekend trips would be spent exploring Alabama. Every nook and cranny. Mr. Menace (Dennis the) was born right here and has lived here all his 63 years, but there are many interesting places that he has never seen.
So, it is my mission to see all 4 corners of this great state.
I know Alabama has a bad reputation and much of it is probably deserved (insert politics here), but as a scenic state, there is none more beautiful! It is my goal to prove this to the rest of the world.
Our anniversary is May 30, which often coincides with Memorial Day weekend. I usually select this weekend for one of our trips. Last year, we went to the north eastern part of Alabama to Mentone.
We stayed at a B&B called Mentone Inn which was built in the 1920’s. I got this picture from their website.
Just a short walk from our B&B was Brow Park on top of Lookout Mountain. Beautiful views!
It clouded up and we did not get to see the sunset but dusk was beautiful anyway.
We visited Desoto State Park and Little River Caynon, both of which I highly recommend. We picnicked, hiked, swam, fished, canoed, and napped in the shade.
Just a block or two from our B&B was the Wildflower Cafe, which we frequented for supper. We can highly recommend the Wildflower Crepes and the Triple layer Carrot Cake.
We thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing weekend of Alabama beauty.
Interested in reading more about Alabama? You might enjoy Moss Rock Preserve or The Shoals or Orange Beach.
jodie filogomo says
I have to admit, I’ve never had the urge to visit Alabama, but these pictures have changed my mind.
We love staying at interesting places and that inn looks so neat!
I wouldn’t be fishing, but the napping and eating are right up our alley!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
gwingal says
Hi Jodie, I do realize that Alabama is not on the Top Ten tourist attractions, however, it is a fabulously beautiful state. And I intend to prove it. haha Thanks for your visit. 🙂
Michelle says
Every state is known for its unique beauty. Alabama the way you have captured it rings true. Lovely photos and I’m happy you shared with us at party at my place. Happy Anniverary!
gwingal says
You are so right! I have another goal and that is to visit all 50 states! Thanks for visiting with me! 🙂
Florence says
Alabama IS a beautiful state! And yes I’m biased because I was born and raised here. We have an unfortunate past, it’s true, but Alabama is a real gem. Most people who are transplanted here love it.
About Mentone…unfortunately, the old hotel recently burned, but Mentone is still a scenic place. I actually stayed in the old hotel once & it was charming. I hate that it burned.
Please give Alabama a chance again!
gwingal says
Yes, the Mentone Hotel did burn, but the Bed & Breakfast is a great place to stay! I hope you will come back for my next Alabama Adventures post, Florence! 🙂
Meg says
What a beautiful place! That inn is awesome & those photos are absolutely breathtaking!!
gwingal says
Truly my photos do not do it justice! Thanks so much for the compliment. It is a lovely place. 🙂
Amy says
I actually love Alabama and think it’s a gorgeous state. My husband and I talk all the time about taking a vacation there sometime. Our problem, is we feel that if we have already driven that far we might as well keep going to the coast…which is what we do every time! I am unaware of any bad reputation of Alabama.
gwingal says
Oh thats GREAT to hear! haha Did you know that Alabama has beautiful white sand beaches??? A post about that coming soon. 🙂
Stephanie of Stephlin's Mountain says
I actually visited this area for the first time last October. We stayed in Fort Payne. It was beautiful! We drove through Mentone on the Lookout Mountain Parkway, I believe, and also visited the DeSoto Park. I *think* that (or near there) is where we saw the “church in the rock.” Great scenery. Your photos are fantastic.
gwingal says
It was my first visit and even my husband’s first visit, who has never lived anywhere besides Alabama! Thus, my goal to show him, and myself what surprises we can find here. We missed church in the rock though! I will be investigating. Thanks Stephanie. 🙂
Kait Around The Kingdom says
Wow this looks like such a fun trip! Adding it to the bucket list!
gwingal says
I love travel. It doesn’t matter too much where it is. Thanks for visiting Mentone with me! 🙂
Stephanie | Adventures in Aussieland says
I have yet to visit Alabama but there’s always been something about the state that I’ve been drawn to. Your pictures were beautiful and just made me want to visit even more.
gwingal says
I am so glad to hear that Stephanie! It really is a beautiful state. 🙂
Taylor Mobley says
What a fun little vacation! I’ve never been to Alabama!
gwingal says
It is a beautiful State, Taylor. There are some amazingly beautiful sights to see here. 🙂