Things To Do
McLemore Resort
If it were up to the bride and groom, your itinerary would look like this: grab a book (because the groom never goes anywhere without one), park yourself by the heated endless pool, and do absolutely nothing. If you have to move, there are hiking trails that start at the resort with stunning overlooks.
Cloudland Canyon State Park
The bride insists this is a must-do if you’re feeling adventurous. Specifically, check out the West Rim Loop Trail—a 5-mile, moderately strenuous hike that Backpacker Magazine once rated as one of the top 10 hikes in the U.S.! The trail hugs the canyon rim and offers jaw-dropping views of Cloudland Canyon and beyond. It’s a lollipop-style trail: the first and last mile are the same, with a three-mile loop in the middle. Duration 2.5 hours
Canyon Grill
The bride orders the Scottish salmon, while the groom swears by the chicken piccata. But let’s all agree on this: the fried mushroom appetizer is hands-down the best thing on the menu. The bride and groom have celebrated many birthdays here, so you know it’s special. It’s BYOB. Pro tip: there’s a gas station nearby where you can pick up wine.
Mentone
Mentone is small but mighty in charm. And let’s be honest, you can’t skip it—we know the mayor. The bride recommends driving up to Brow Park, parking, and taking in the stunning valley views. The groom’s favorite? Elevation Bistro and make sure to try the Rob Roy cocktail. This is our local spot. Stroll through the town’s adorable shops, and don’t miss the Mentone Market. Catherine and Mike, the owners, curate a fantastic selection of local Alabama makers’ goods. It’s a must-stop to pick up unique, handcrafted souvenirs.
DeSoto Falls
If you’re like the groom, you’ll park at the main lot, hop out, and enjoy the stunning falls from the top; quick, efficient, and minimal effort. But if you’re like the bride (and love a good short hike), park at the first lot on the right, hike down to the bottom, and take in the falls from below. It’s totally worth the extra steps, trust us. Back in the day, before there was an official trail, Lisa and Indiana Bones were trailblazers, literally. They would plow their way down through brush just to take in the breathtaking views from the bottom of the falls. A few years ago, they made it an official trail, so now it’s much easier to navigate.
Chattanooga
If you want a city vibe, head to Chattanooga. The North Shore area is perfect for boutique shopping, and downtown is a foodie’s paradise. For a dining experience with a touch of 1920s glam, the groom recommends visiting The Read House, their steakhouse exudes Great Gatsby vibes and is worth checking out, especially the bar. For Italian lovers, the bride recommends Aaliyah for its cool, moody vibes and fantastic food. Finally, make your way up to Point Park on Lookout Mountain, not just for the breathtaking views of the city, but also for its Civil War history. It’s a little bit of beauty and a lotta bit of significance wrapped into one amazing stop.