Dining in Alabama

DeSoto State Park’s Mountain Inn Restaurant – This restaurant-motel complex was remodeled from the original stone lodge utilizing the exposed stone walls, beamed ceilings and the extra large fireplace to enhance the mountain atmosphere. The restaurant features some of Lookout Mountain’s finest dining. 261 County Road 951, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967. 256-845-5380.

The Wildflower Cafe & Country Store –  More than a cafe’, The Wildflower is a one of a kind experience. Offering Gourmet Coffee, Divine Desserts, Smoothies and Wi-Fi service in a fun atmosphere with exceptional service and great food. Try Wildflower 5-course Gourmet Dinners- prepared by our very own trained chef, Chef Ben.  Reservations suggested for parties of 6 or more or for Gourmet Dinners.  Patio seating is available in warm weather.  Private parties &/or catering requests are gladly accepted.  Call for hours. Live Music on weekends. Wildflower’s store also features local art of many mediums, L.C. Moon’s Bath and Body Care, Herbs,  Herb tea, AL Dirt Shirts and more…  Located in the Heart of Mentone on Alabama Highway 117.  256-634-0066. Email

Shopping in Alabama

Akins Furniture Store – You won’t believe the prices and the selection. 135,000 square feet of furniture. All brand names with the lowest prices in the Southeast. 12,500 sq. ft. Broyhill Showplace added in March 2004.  Located along the Lookout Mountain Parkway in Dogtown, Alabama.  Open Monday – Saturday,   8 – 5 p.m.  256-845-2057

Miracle Pottery & Art Gallery – Come check out our handmade pottery and art gallery and you can watch as the “miracle” is actually being handcrafted.  You will find a large selection of functional, decorative and unique pottery and art, including mugleys & jugleys, salt crocks, butter bells, canvas oil paintings, art prints, critter pals made of rocks, hammers painted as giraffes, and much more! All of our pottery is made with stoneware or porcelain clay and is food safe, dishwasher friendly, oven and microwave proof. Located at 7871 AL Hwy. 117 between Mentone and Valley Head. Open 7 days a week.  Call ahead for demonstration tours.  256-635-6863

Orbix Hot Glass – Since 2002, Orbix Hot Glass has distinguished itself by its refined handmade glassware and its connections with those who appreciate clean designs, dependable service, and excellent quality. Their glass art studio & gallery has found artistic refuge in Alabama’s Appalachian foothills creating & exhibiting museum quality sculptures, on site. 256-523-3188

Dining in Georgia

Canyon Grill – On the twisting roads near glorious Cloudland Canyon, this always-clamoring little gem serves up specialties like the “slash-and-burn” catfish, a hefty feast of fried fish smothered in black bean sauce. Named in the Top 10 of the 2009 Silver Spoon Awards by Georgia Trend Magazine! Serving dinner Wednesday thru Sunday from 5pm to 9pm. Located at 28 Scenic Hwy., Rising Fawn, Georgia (in New Salem). 706-398-9510 

Shopping in Georgia

Lookout Mountain Pottery – The home of Lookout Mountain Pottery has been a local reference point for Southern Appalachian Arts and Crafts since 1947, when Fannie Mennen, a local printmaker, founded the Plum Nelly Clothesline Art Show. The name Plum Nelly is derived from contractions of the phrases: “Plum out of Tennessee” and “Nearly out of Georgia.” Featuring local artists and craftspeople, the show is but an historical footnote now. Today, potter Mark Issenberg has returned to contribute to that former inspiration. 3005 Plum Nelly Road, Rising Fawn, GA. 706-398-3232

US 11 Antique Alley Yard Sale – This annual event takes place each year the weekend following Mother’s Day. It begins on Thursday and ends on Sunday from Meridian, MS to Bristol, VA following US Highway 11 for the entire route.