Dining in Alabama

DeSoto State Park’s Mountain Inn Restaurant – Visit DeSoto State Park and dine in the historic Mountain Inn Restaurant. This unique restaurant is located in the original sandstone Lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the mid 1930’s and is nestled on a canyon-edge overlooking the West Fork of Little River. The restaurant is open year-around but only on certain days and times. Located at 261 County Road 951, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967. 256-845-5380.

The Wildflower Cafe & Country Store – Step into the Wildflower, the hippy-chic restaurant in the heart of Mentone, and you’ll discover why it’s been voted Best Cafe! The atmosphere, the music, the service, and definitely the food will create a wonderful dining experience and bring you back time and again. The Wildflower Cafe offers meals that are decadent and hardy, or healthy and organic, with gluten-free and vegan options. Whatever you do, don’t skip the tomato pie! Located in the Heart of Mentone on Alabama Highway 117.  256-634-0066.

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 a.m. – 5 p.m.  256-845-2057

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 

The McLemore Embark on an unparalleled culinary journey with Cloudland’s diverse dining options. You’ll find exquisite flavors, scenic beauty, and authentic hospitality all on the menu.

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.