are we there yet?
Wildflower Cafe and Country Store Mentone, Alabama. september / october 2025
10 tors can admire the Falls from a picnic area equipped with grills and restrooms— parking, which is $ 4.00 per vehicle, is limited, though, especially on weekends, so make sure to get an early start. People of all abilities can enjoy the upper level of the Falls, while the lower level requires a 50-step descent down concrete stairs. Since GPS directions for both DeSoto State Park and DeSoto Falls can be unreliable, make sure to check out the written directions on alapark. com.
MENTONE
Although Mentone means“ musical mountain spring,” to me the word is synonymous with peace and tranquility. Located on the Western brow of Lookout Mountain, Mentone was once a popular vacation retreat beginning in the late 1800s for wealthy northern travelers who believed the mineral springs had healing powers. Today, a revival of interest is sending visitors to the quaint town for relaxation, unique mountain crafts and a unique restaurant. The fingers from the narrow streets spread out from tiny cottages to large homes resting on the brow of the mountain with sweeping views of the valley.
WILDFLOWER CAFÉ’
It is hard to describe the décor at the Wildflower Café located in Mentone, but the owner nailed it,” hippie-chic.” Enjoy the local musicians and delicious, locally sourced food. The staff treats you like family. I always order the tomato pie— the best I have eaten. Make sure you come early for lunch … there is always a line. The Wildflower Café was previously voted best café in the state by readers of Alabama magazine and has been featured in numerous publications over the years with accolades and awards to prove it is worth the wait. Weather permitting, you can picnic where the kids enjoy the large space to run and play.
For Tourist Information, call DeKalb County Tourism at 1-256-845-3957, or visit www. visitlookoutmountain. com