Guest Author - Kimberly Button

Hidden in the northeast corner of Alabama is a lush, tranquil paradise of lakes and mountain vistas that is a well kept secret among the travelers that repeatedly visit the area. For those that are searching for a romantic or private getaway with breathtaking views and quiet seclusion, Mentone Cabins in Mentone, Alabama are ideal for you.

The Mentone Cabins company has rental cabins throughout many areas of northeast Alabama. I stayed in one of their Cupid’s Crest Cabins which are perched on the edge of Lookout Mountain. The mountain is aptly named because from each of the cabin’s porches you’ll be transfixed on the green, deep valley below that seems to go on for miles and miles.

I stayed in the Cupid’s Stairway to Heaven cabin which can sleep six but would more comfortably sleep four. The downstairs had one bedroom with a queen size bed; a living room complete with satellite television, VCR and DVD players, and a gas fireplace; one bathroom and a full kitchen with stocked dishware, a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher and microwave. A washer and dryer were located in a closet, and there was a small dining room table and a small breakfast nook table by the windows overlooking the gorge. The couch in the living room pulls out as a sleeper sofa to accommodate larger parties.

The second floor had a master suite with a queen size bed, bathroom, balcony overlooking the living room and an unforgettable large, step-up whirlpool tub with windows overlooking the gorge below, perfect for romantic or relaxing getaways.

One of the best features of the cabin, though, was the covered porch off of the first level. Guests can relax on the porch swing or porch seating while enjoying a magnificent view of the gorge below. A charcoal grill is ready for an impromptu cookout while a hot tub on the porch which can accommodate five people is the ultimate indulgence while overlooking the secluded mountain top. The sides of the porch are walled with lattice, so even though several cabins are located in a row, chances are you’ll never see your neighbors.

The décor is country romantic, with plenty of wood and rustic accents with lots of lace, flowers and feminine touches. The cabin was stocked with the amenities that travelers to the area would need but might not think to bring, such as a walking stick hanging by the door ready for a wilderness hike and a pair of binoculars by the back porch for close up views of the gorge.

For anyone searching for a romantic or secluded vacation spot, where you can freely enjoy the great outdoors without the crowds or expense of more well-known vacation destinations, the northeast Alabama area is ideal for you. Mentone Cabins is definitely a hidden gem that few travelers might find on their own, especially with the remote location down a dirt road that seems to be miles from nowhere. Though cabins are over $100 a night, if you’re splitting the cost among a group of travelers, such as a family reunion or a large family, you just can’t beat the price for the seclusion and the views that you will enjoy in this mountaintop hideaway.

Reservations are necessary for the Mentone Cabins. For more information, visit their webpage at www.mentonecabins.com or phone (888) 560-0492.


Kimberly Button is the author of The Disney Queue Line Survival Guidebook, the only Walt Disney World® Resort theme park guidebook that features scavenger hunts, trivia questions, word puzzles and hidden Mickey searches tailored to each attraction to alleviate boredom while standing in lines. For more information and to read an excerpt, visit www.disneysurvivalguide.com