Labor Day Weekend in Mentone, Alabama: Come join us

This is going to be a great Labor Day weekend in Mentone.

The weekend kicks off with Uptown Lowmen in Mason Park at 7:00 PM on Friday night. This is really a great band with a gritty southern sound that will rock the house. The cost is only $10 per person and you will be certain to have a great time.

Splendor in September Art Show will also be moving to Mason Park on Saturday and Sunday. With over 40 artists committed to participating in the show, it simply outgrew the grounds of the Mentone Inn. Show will run from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM on Saturday, and 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM on Sunday.

September 2 • 3:00pm - 7:00pm
Mentone Inn Outdoor Pavilion
One World Adventure Company invites everyone in Mentone to their monthly fundraiser.
Buy a plate of farm-raised, hand-breaded catfish, homemade slaw & Hush-puppies for only $5!! Learn about their outdoor program in Valley Head School, our Strong Family Initiative.

September 3 "Crossroads to the Arts" The Northeast Alabama Arts Council is sponsoring "Crossroads to the Arts". Come and celebrate a day with all of our local artists and see what they have to offer. Event will be held in the Rainsville City Park. 10 a.m. 256-717-4050

September 5 Ider Mule Days This annual event showcases Sand Mountain’s rich agricultural heritage. Enjoy a parade of mules, horses, carriages, antique tractors and more. A horse pull, mule pull, antique tractors and cars, arts and crafts, food, children’s games, and so much more make this day one you won’t want to miss. Event takes place in the town of Ider and begins at 9:30 a.m. 256-657-4184

Come relax and have fun on Lookout Mountain at Mountain Laurel Inn Bed and Breakfast soon. Click here for availability.

Camp Season in Mentone, Alabama begins for the summer

Lookout Mountain Alabama is the home of summer camps and the season began today. Camp Alpine opened today with a ten day junior camp. This weekend brings campers to Camp Laney, Camp Riverview, Camp Skyline and Lookout Mountain Camp for boys. The oldest camp in Mentone is Camp DeSoto for girls which opens the second weekend in June. Mentone and the surrounding ares is also home to Camp Comer Boy Scout camp, Ponderosa Bible Camp, Camp Juliete Low, Camp Adahi and Camp Woodmont. A summer in the mountains allows kids to enjoy the out doors, to make new friends and to develop confidence and independence. Cool summer nights around a campfire cannot be matched.

Mentone Area Arts News

Mentone is fortunate to have many artists in the area with local shops. Here are some upcoming special events in June and July sponsored by the local arts council. Come see the beauty.


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Mentone Area Arts Council Newsletter
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Dear Arts supporter:

Area benefit programs set for tornado relief

In the wake of the late April tornadoes that were so destructive across northern Alabama, several events have been scheduled to raise funds to help those in this area who suffered losses.


This Sunday, May 29th, from 12 pm until 6 pm, there will be a benefit musical performance at the Mapco station at I-59 and Glenn Boulevard, in Fort Payne. There will be live entertainment:



2 pm- Russell Gulley

3 pm- Max Russell and the Shakedown Kings

4 pm- The UpTown LowMen



Proceeds will go to the American Red Cross' Disaster Relief program. Country Music Hall of Famer Jeff Cook, of the legendary group Alabama, will also be there to meet and greet fans. Food and drink will be available for sale as well.



And, on Saturday, June 11, a silent auction to raise disaster relief funds will be held at the DeKalb Theater, in Fort Payne. The event will kick off at 9:00 am, and is being coordinated by the Wills Valley Covenant Church and Purpose Center. For more information on how to make a donation, contact Hank Sturm at 256-393-9986.




The Mentone Area Arts Council announces the first call for artists to display your work at the Mid Summer Art Show, July 2nd and 3rd, in Mentone. The 4th of July weekend in Mentone always attracts crowds of visitors to the area, and considering the low exhibitors fees, this is a very attractive show. Council members pay $20; non-members pay $45, but $25 of that goes to pay your 2011 membership in MAAC. What a deal! So sign up now, and join us in downtown Mentone for this great show. Mid Summer's coordinator Harry Ohme, says, "This will be a firecracker event!" Just fill out and return the following form to MAAC:



Please Print



NAME_____________________________________________





MAILING ADDRESS___________________________________



CITY_______________________STATE______________



EMAIL ADDRESS______________________________________



TYPE OF ART EXHIBITED______________________________



EXHIBITOR'S FEE ENCLOSED $20 MAAC MEMBER

$40 NON-MEMBER

Make Check Payable To MAAC



Participation will be confirmed. Mail form & fee to:



Harry Ohme

P. O. Box 243

Mentone, AL 35984



Holley Midgley, MAAC vice president

Training begins for Sammie's first 5K in Mentone

I, Sammie, have decided to participate in the Walk-It Challenge by Weight Watchers this spring and I am making Sarah do it with me. Now I love to run but if you know Sarah, you know she prefers to bike, hike, walk or climb trees. She hates to run and believes her body was not made to run. We have been biking together some this winter but now we are putting on our running shoes and we started our training today. Fortunately, Sarah did not die but she did lose count of how many reps we had done of walking a minute and running a minute. So we either did 10 or 11 Yay!. She has been doing Weight Watchers lately which has really cut down on goodies in the house. I could care less how many points are in a grilled cheese sandwich just give me all that goodness! Mmm, I'm getting hungry just writing this. Anyway, we have a six week plan to get ready for Weight Watchers 5K challenge in Rainsville. For this first week, on days 2, 4 and 7 you rest-I like that :)
On the other days for the 30 minutes of exercise, you always start and end with 5 minutes of walking(not strolling). Today, we did 10 reps of 1 minute running and 1 minute walking which we will repeat on Sunday. On the 4th day, it is 4 reps of 2 minutes of running and 3 minutes of walking (oh dear-don't let Sarah know how long she is going to need to run). And day 6, consists of 3 reps of 2 minutes of running and 3 minutes of walking.
Anyone that wants to join us in this endeavor, please come on and walk/run with us virtually or in person. Let us know how you are doing. If you just want to walk a 5K then join us with that training too. We will gladly communicate with anyone that wants to participate. Let's see if we can get Sarah to run a 5K-oh my!

Spring Forward with time in Mentone

Spring erupting on Lookout Mountain in Mentone is a wonderful time to come up and enjoy hiking and/or the many waterfalls in the area. The daffodils, forsythia, redbuds and Virginia bluebonnets are a few of the many delights to be found on the mountain in early spring. So come up and enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings of Mentone, Lookout Mountain, DeSoto State Park and Little River Canyon.

Mountain Laurel Inn B&B has comfortable rooms, award winning breakfasts and relaxing porches to complement nature's bounty.
Here are some special events happening in the area for March and early April.
Click on highlights for more information from their website.

March 14 Afternoon Rock Climb Nestled in the NE corner of Alabama are some of the best and unique sandstone cliffs in the country. Come experience first-hand what rock climbing is all about with guides who are fun, safe and energetic. This trip includes all the gear plus basic instruction. No prior climbing experience is needed. Meet at True Adventure Sports. $34 per person. 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 256-997-9577

March 16 Treasure Hunt Adventure Do you enjoy trying to solve riddles and clues? Ever wanted to find buried treasure? Up for new & exciting challenges? Then our Cave Treasure Hunt is for you. This 5-hour adventure will take you deep into the heart of Manitou Cave. You will have to solve and follow each clue in order to find the next one, and ultimately the Treasure! Are you up for the challenge? Meet at True Adventure Sports $65 per person 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. 256-997-9577

Tigers for Tomorrow at Untamed Mountain
March 16,17,& 18, Tigers For Tomorrow, Collinsville, Al. Spring Break Environmental Education Tours. Gates open at 1:30 , Tour begins at 2:00. Admission is $7.50 Ages 3-11. $12.50 Ages 12 and above. Learn about predators we share our world with. Bring your camera. For More info 256-524-4150

March 17 Rock Climbing Adventure Nestled in the NE corner of Alabama are some of the best and unique sandstone cliffs in the country. Come experience first-hand what rock climbing is all about with guides who are fun, safe and energetic. This trip includes all the gear plus basic instruction. No prior climbing experience is needed. $35 per person. 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 256-997-9577

March 18 John Michael Montgomery in Concert The Northeast Alabama Agri Business Center will be hosting a John Michael Montgomery Concert along with Andrew Pope & Bootleg Whiskey. Pre-Sale Price of tickets will be $22 each. Day of Show $25 each. Doors will open at 6 p.m. With show starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the Agri-Business Center. 256-638-1650

March 19 & 20 NE Alabama Home & Garden Show This event awakens your senses from their winter slumber and invigorates you to begin planning your spring and summer gardens and remodeling projects. Vendors will offer products for sale, educational information, and displays of suggestive ways to utilize their products. Event is held at the DeKalb County Schools Coliseum in Rainsville. Show Hours are Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. & Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m 256-638-3575

March 19 Waterfall Tour at DeSoto State Park Join DSP Staff for a fun day of hiking thought-out the park to see some of DeSoto’s waterfalls, big & small. See Lost Falls, Laurel Falls & many more! Moderate Terrain over several miles. Meet at DeSoto State Park’s Nature Center. Please bring a daypack with plenty of water/snacks & wear comfortable shoes/clothes. Not recommended for children under 10. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to the public; registration appreciated but not required. 256-997-5025

March 19 Night Zip Line Adventure This is an adventure of a lifetime. All our zip lines are set up just before the adventure to ford a gorge or cross from one high point to another. Our cable zip line spans 250 feet over a ravine and whisks you on an adventure through the woods where your only light source is a headlamp and tiki torches. Pre-registration required at True Adventure Sports by 6 pm the day before the adventure. Meet at True Adventure Sports $45 per person. 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 256-997-9577

March 19 The Ultimate Tuff-Man & MMA Challenge This event will be held at the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center in Rainsville. General Admission is $15 and Ring Side Seats are $20. Show begins at 8 p.m. 256-638-1650

March 21 Wild Cave Tour Go beyond where the average tourist explores! This 2.5 hour adventure is for those of you ready to explore on your knees, on your belly, in the mud and through tight tunnels. Explore in one of NE Alabama's most unique all-weather caves, Manitou Cave, in the heart of For Payne. Adventure includes helmet, cave lamps plus a fun informative guide. Meet at True Adventure Sports. $30 per person. 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 256-997-9577

March 22 Plants of the Pocket Join DeSoto State Park botanist, Brittney M. Hughes, for this botany trip to “The Pocket” on Pigeon Mountain in Georgia. Excellent photo opportunities of unique and beautiful plants. Easy to moderate short hike. Meet at DeSoto State Park Nature Center to catch a shuttle to the site. 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. $10 per person 256-782-8010
Bring water and snacks.

March 22 Zip Line & Sky Swing Adventure This is an adventure of a lifetime. Zip lines are set up just before the adventure to ford a gorge or cross from one high point to another. Enjoy the thrill of the swing. Pre-registration required at True Adventure Sports by 6 pm the day before the adventure. Meet at True Adventure Sports $50 per person. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 256-997-9577

March 25 & 26 Geraldine 23rd Annual Quilt Show This 2 day event will be held at the Geraldine Homemaker’s Building and will offer beautiful handmade quilts of all designs. You will be able to register to win a free quilt. Show will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 25 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 26. Admission is $3 per person. For more information, call 256-638-8263 or 256-659-6678.

March 25 Growin’ Up Wild for Preschool Children: Wiggling Worms Join Canyon Center staff and volunteers every fourth Friday of the month for fun nature and art programs for preschool age children. Little River Canyon Center; No fee but pre-registration is encouraged 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 256-782-8010

March 25 Fairy Tales & Fun Join staff for an enchanting night starting with “fairy stories” and watching a “true fairy tale film”. Bring your own folding chairs or quilts. Snacks provided. DeSoto State Park’s Campfire Circle in the Improved Campground, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. No Fee, great for all ages. 256-997-5025

March 25 Night Zip Line Adventure This is an adventure of a lifetime. Zip lines are set up just before the adventure to ford a gorge or cross from one high point to another. Our cable zip line spans 250 feet over a ravine and whisks you on an adventure through the woods where your only light source is a headlamp and tiki torches. Pre-registration required at True Adventure Sports by 6 pm the day before the adventure. Meet at True Adventure Sports $45 per person. 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 256-997-9577

March 26 Paperweight Class at Orbix Hot Glass Gallery. This class is designed for those who really just want see what molten glass is all about. Feel the heat, gather from the furnace, sculpt the glass into you own design. It is ultimately about the experience, some experimentation and a couple nice paperweights to take home or to the office to show your friends. Class size at the largest will be five students so everyone has adequate time at the bench working. There will be material provided before the class for you to review and become familiar with concerning safety and basic glassblowing vocabulary. Please join Cal and staff for some in-depth discovery. Reservations Required $135 per person. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 256-523-3188

March 26 Early Spring Canyon Hike Join Naturalist Laura Bundy for an unforgettable view of one of Alabama’s natural wonders, Little River Canyon. Hike level: difficult to extreme. Not recommended for children under 14. Little River Canyon Center; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. $15 per person; Pre-registration is required. 256-782-5697

March 26 Spring Fairy Houses (Children’s Nature Observation Skills) Pausing in the forest or along the river to create a small structure for the good folk gives children the opportunity to bond with nature on a very personal level. Led by JSU Field Schools and DeSoto State Park staff, children learn to observe the tiny and important aspects of the natural world while constructing fairy homes along woodland trails. This is a very popular program and spaces fill quickly! DeSoto State Park’s Playground Pavilion in Picnic Area. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. $10 per person; pre-registration encouraged. 256-782-8010

March 26 River Rhythms Family Fun Programs: Hisss and Sssslither Join Canyon Center staff and volunteers every fourth Saturday of the month for fun nature programs including hikes, crafts, games, nature talks, activities and more. Kids will learn why snakes are an important part of our natural world, how to identify snakes, and take a short “fake snake” hike to learn better observation skills. Little River Canyon Center; No fee but pre-registration is encouraged. 1 p.m. 256-782-5697

March 28 Rock Climbing / Rappelling Adventure Combo Nestled in the NE corner of Alabama is some of the best and unique sandstone cliffs in the country. Experience what rock climbing and rappelling is all about with guides from True Adventure Sports, who are fun, safe and energetic. This trip includes all the gear plus basic instruction. No prior climbing experience is needed. $54 per person 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 256-997-9577

March 29 Rappelling Adventure Come experience the thrill of rappelling down the sheer sandstone gems of Northeast Alabama. No previous experience necessary. Each trip includes all the gear plus basic instruction from True Adventure Sports. $37 per person 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 256-997-9577

March 30 Sky Swing This is an adventure of a lifetime. Enjoy the thrill of the swing. Pre-registration required at True Adventure Sports by 6 pm the day before the adventure. Meet at True Adventure Sports $45 per person. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 256-997-9577

March 30 Extreme Night Hike This end-of-day adventure does not slow down just because it's dark. Intended for a large group team-building exercise, this hike has a bit of bouldering, some scrambling, some spelunking, and a whole lot of required working together. Headlamp and enthusiastic guide included. Meet at True Adventure Sports. $18 per person 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. 256-997-9577

March 31 Wild Cave Tour Go beyond where the average tourist explores! This 2.5 hour adventure is for those of you ready to explore on your knees, on your belly, in the mud and through tight tunnels. Explore in one of Northeast Alabama's most unique all-weather caves, Manitou Cave, in the heart of Fort Payne. Adventure includes helmet, cave lamps plus a fun informative guide. Meet at True Adventure Sports. $30 per person. 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 256-997-9577

April 2 Spring Canyon Hike Join JSU’s Dr. Chris Murdock for an unforgettable view of one of Alabama’s natural wonders, Little River Canyon. Hike level: difficult/extreme. Not recommended for children under 14. Little River Canyon Center; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. $15/person; Pre-registration is required. 256-782-5697

April 2 Tri State Arena Cross Series This event will be held at the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center in Rainsville. General Admission is $10 per person with 6 & under free. Show begins at 7 p.m. 256-638-1650 or 205-281-3654.

April 9 Paperweight Class at Orbix Hot Glass Studio. This class is designed for those who really just want see what molten glass is all about. Feel the heat, gather from the furnace, sculpt the glass into you own design. It is ultimately about the experience, some experimentation and a couple nice paperweights to take home or to the office to show your friends. Class size at the largest will be five students so everyone has adequate time at the bench working. There will be material provided before the class for you to review and become familiar with concerning safety and basic glassblowing vocabulary. Please join us for some in-depth discovery. Reservations Required $135 per person. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 256-523-3188

April 9 Early Spring Hike at DeSoto State Park One of the most beautiful times of the year at DeSoto State Park! Join DeSoto State Park staff on an easy meandering hike along the ADA-Accessible Azalea Cascade Boardwalk Trail to see early blooming-species of plants & Azalea Cascade. Meet at DeSoto State Park’s Nature Center (Next to DeSoto’s Country Store) 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Free to the public; registration appreciated but not required. Great for all ages! 256-997-5025

April 9 Greener Day at Little River Canyon Center The National Park Service staff and volunteers will present greener living programs on the second Saturday of each month. Topics include climate change, recycling, energy conservation, eco-gardening, exotic plants, native landscaping, pollution prevention, green energy, and more! Little River Canyon Center; 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 256-782-5697

Horseback Riding in Mentone

While Sarah and I were taking a walk today, we saw a trail ride because it was the perfect day for it. Sarah was a bit jealous and I wondered what was so great about getting up on that big beast when I can out run them and out smart them in the pasture. I love when I have the opportunity to taunt them. She says it is relaxing and fun to ride horses up here in Mentone as you feel on top of the world. I am not totally convinced but some people must like it as there are several places in Mentone to go horseback riding and/or take horseback riding lessons.

Right next door to Mountain Laurel Inn Bed and Breakfast is Shady Grove Dude Ranch that offers ranch rides and waterfall rides for one($25) or two($50) hours. They take cash or a check and can be reached at 256-634-4673.

Less than a mile from Mountain Laurel Inn B&B is Holly Springs Stable where Nancy Smith teaches lessons and takes hourly trail rides. Call her at 256-634-4132 as reservations must be made 24 hours in advance. Enjoy the tranquility of nature on guided trail rides for all skill levels. Private woodlands trails provide a great place to view the beauty of Mentone from the back of a horse. Trail rides for riders 8 years and up. Riding lessons for young riders are available in the barn and for all ages in the ring. English and Western tack is available. The stables are located at 1844 County Road 630

Myrtle Jane's in Fort Payne, Alabama

Mountain Laurel Inn B&B is so excited to discover a new antique and collectibles store in Fort Payne to send guests to and to shop. One of the chairs in the main house at the bed and breakfast needed to be recovered and Tonya graciously allows customers to leave furniture there for Andy from Boaz to come and pick it up. He did a fantastic job on recovering Mountain Laurel's chair and ottoman to greet guests as they enter the bed and breakfast. It also allowed me to find a great shop in Fort Payne that I had considered stopping by before but had never taken the time. It is well worth the time.

































Owners, Britt and Tonya Haas began the antique store in September 2007 in Britt's grandfather's old concrete plant, located in Fort Payne, Alabama. The store was given the name: Myrtle Jane's after Britt's late grandmother who helped run the concrete plant.

Myrtle Jane's is an antique boutique that offers a unique selection of old and new items including: vintage jewelry, pottery, antique and painted furniture, dishes and china, as well as a huge selection of other unusual and hard to find items, including architectural salvage items. They also offer a bridal registry, baby registry and booths to rent.

1032 Grand Avenue Fort Payne, AL 256-845-4830
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Become a fan of both Myrtle Jane's and Mountain Laurel Inn B&B on facebook.