Summer in Mentone begins

Mentone is ready for summer so come on up and enjoy.  Spring came early with beautiful flowers, new shops and restaurants opening and reopening.  The Kamama Art Gallery and Twiggs coffee shop has been fun to watch as an old building was recreated into a beautiful gallery with many local artists work on display from Thursday through Monday. They also offer creative workshops such as watercolor and pottery.  Windwood Farms restaurant has reopened with a redesigned menu that, of course, contains Tony’s famous Whiskey Sauce.  The Mentone Springs Hotel has opened Alice’s restaurant on the weekends and the Hardware Café has a new chef creating delicious soups, salads and sandwiches.  The Inca Connection artisan gallery has moved to a wonderful building across the street from the Mentone Market.  The Mentone Farmer’s Market has fresh, local veggies, fruits and breads on Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning at the town square.  Mountain Laurel inn B&B continues to be on the “100 dishes to eat in Alabama before you die” and continues to provide a wonderful place to rest, relax and renew.

Here are some highlights of upcoming events in the next month.  Check out Mountain Laurel Inn’s facebook page or the DeKalb County’s Tourist association website https://www.discoverlookoutmountain.com.

May 17 – 20 14th Annual US 11 Antique Alley Yard Sale Follow the scenic U.S. Highway 11 from Meridian, MS to Bristol, VA for more than 500-miles of yard sales! Explore charming historic communities and downtown districts like the 1889 boom town district of Fort Payne, Alabama. 888-805-4740 & 877-871-1386

May 19 - 20 Mentone Rhododendron Festival A bonfire and storytelling always get this event off to a great start. Live music, arts and crafts, food vendors, and much more round out the weekend. 256-634-8245

May 25 – 26 Impressionist Painting Workshop Join Caroline Nuckolls for a two-day workshop to learn how to paint in the Impressionist style with primary colors. The workshop will be held at Kamama Gallery in Mentone.  Space in the workshop is limited so call now. Workshop fee is $125 which includes all instruction and critique. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. 256-634-3001

 May 26 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 and cost is $130 per person. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  256-523-3188

May 26 Rappelling Adventure at True Adventure Sports. Come experience the thrill of rappelling down the sheer sandstone gems of NE Alabama.  No previous experience necessary.  Each trip includes all the gear plus basic instruction.  $37 per person 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 256-997-9577

May 26 Growing Up WILD for Preschool Children: Fiesta! Join Canyon Center staff and volunteers every fourth Saturday of the month for fun nature and art programs for preschool age children. Little River Canyon Center, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. No fee; some programs may have limited space so pre-registration is encouraged. 256-782-5697  

May 26 River Rhythms Family Fun Programs: Fiesta! 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. Little River Canyon Center, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. No fee; some programs may have limited space so pre-registration is encouraged. 256-782-5697

May 26 – 27 Basic Sculpture Workshop presented by Mentone Area Arts Council Carl McCleskey and Betsy Scott will lead a workshop on Basic Sculpture held at the Kamama Gallery in Mentone.  The workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The cost of the workshop is $125. Space is limited for this workshop and it is sure to fill up quickly so make your reservations today. 256-634-3001

May 28 Memorial Day Rod Run And Ping Pong Ball Race Mountain Valley Cruisers and Twin City Auto Sales is hosting the run and race. There will be door prizes, goody bags and lots more! Come on out for the FUN! Twin City Auto Sales located at the South Y. Registration begins at 8 a.m. 256-845-1458

June 1 – 2 Ethnobotany Weekend at DeSoto State Park JSU Field Schools and DeSoto State Park will offer fun activities Friday night, all day Saturday and Saturday night for families who want to learn about nature together. Join ethno-botanist Francine Hutchinson for Campfire Talks on Friday and Saturday nights, register for the plants workshop on Saturday. 256-997-5025   

June 1 Campfire Talk: Medicinal Plants of Little River Canyon Join botanist Francine Hutchinson for a presentation of local healing herbs, and learn how to grow many of them yourself. DeSoto State Park Campground 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free 256-997-5025  

June 2 Medicinal & Edible Plants Workshop & Hike For centuries, local residents have used hundreds of different species of medicinal plants found in our forests. Come learn about many of them with botanist Francine Hutchinson. Meet at DeSoto State Park Nature Center; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fee is $10 adult; $5 child; Pre-registration is required. 256-997-5025  

June 2 - 3 Lookout Mountain Art Expo in Mentone. The Mentone Area Arts Council presents a wonderful art show and sale. The show will be held at various locations in downtown Mentone. There will be over 40 artists from across the southeast showing off their work.  Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 256-634-3001

June 2 Campfire Talk: Ethno-botany/Edible Plants of Little River Canyon There are many wild plants that have a wide range of uses. Join botanist Francine Hutchinson for a presentation on what’s safe and what’s not. Meet at the DeSoto State Park Campground Fire ring. 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free 256-997-5025  

June 9 Introduction To Stained Glass Spend a full Saturday at Orbix Hot Glass getting to know the art of stained glass by constructing your own 10” sun catcher with the help of local artist Lyn Cox.  Lyn has worked in stained glass for over twenty years building one-of-a-kind commissioned glass work, as well as teaching hundreds of glass hobbyists.  Join us as we make a stained glass piece, using Tiffany’s copper foil method. Learn how to cut, copper tape, and solder a medium size sun catcher.  Bring a bagged lunch and be prepared to have a full day of fun!  All supplies included. 5- 8 students per class. $120  Reservations and deposit required. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 256-523-3188

June 9 CCC Historic Hike: The Quarry Trail Join DeSoto State Park Staff on a moderate to mildly-strenuous hike to the CCC Quarry. Learn how the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the original structures that you can still see in the park today. Moderate hike; mildly strenuous along mountainous terrain. Meet at the Nature Center (Next to DeSoto’s Country Store)  10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Free to the public; registration appreciated but not required. 256-997-5025 

June 9 The National Park Service staff and volunteers will present “Green & Grey” 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!  Meet at the Little River Canyon Center by 10 a.m. Free.  256-845-8548  

June 9 Alabama Mountain Folk Pottery Presentation in Mentone The Mentone Area Arts Council is pleased to present Joey Brackner, noted authority on Alabama Folk Pottery in a lecture presentation at the Kamama Gallery in Mentone. Admission to the lecture is $10 and is payable at the door. 6 p.m. 256-634-3001

June 16 Paperweight Class at Orbix Hot Glass. 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 of 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 $130 per person. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  256-523-3188

June 23 Growing Up WILD for Preschool Children: BUGS Join Little River Canyon Center staff and volunteers every fourth Saturday of the month for fun nature and art programs for preschool age children. 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. No fee; some programs may have limited space so pre-registration is encouraged.  256-782-5697  

June 23 River Rhythms Family Fun Programs: Dragonfly Eye Join Little River 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 be led along a trail to find the objects that do NOT belong there. Families will learn how to tune their observation skills to observe natural objects and creatures.  1 p.m. to 2 p.m.  No fee; some programs may have limited space so pre-registration is encouraged. 256-782-5697

July 4 29th Annual Sand Mountain Potato Festival Sand Mountain is well known for its rich diversity of agricultural products, including potatoes. Celebrate our heritage with live music, arts and crafts, entertainment, games and fireworks. Event begins at 10 a.m. and culminates with a beautiful fireworks display. 256-657-6282

July 7 - 8  The Mentone Area Arts Council (MAAC) is pleased to host the 2012 Julyfest in Mentone.  A community of artist and skilled craftsman from throughout the region will assemble in downtown Mentone to display their works of arts and crafts. There will also be entertainment taking place at The Mentone Inn on Saturday night. We hope you are able to join us for this great weekend. 10 a.m to 4 p.m. 256-845-1930

July 7 Paperweight class at Orbix Hot Glass Studio and 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.  The largest class 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 $130 per person. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  256-523-3188

Surprise Mom with a memorable trip to Mentone this Mother's day

Make Memories in May with Mom at Mountain Laurel Inn Bed and Breakfast.

May in Mentone is the perfect time to celebrate Mom with time away to enjoy the natural beauty and the peacefulness of Lookout Mountain.  For that special mom, she will experience the simple elegance at Mountain Laurel Inn B&B.  Tucked in the woods with a ten minute walk to DeSoto Falls, the peace and quiet will allow her to relax and soak in the soothing atmosphere of the woods.

 

Upon arrival at the B&B, mom will be greeted with homemade chocolate chip cookies and love from Sammie, the resident golden retriever, to make her feel at home without the responsibilities.  A beautifully decorated room will be waiting just for her where she will find a special Mom package including a signed copy of Mountain Laurel  Inn’s popular cookbook with recipes to delight everyone in the family, including the dog.  She will also receive a choice of a small vase of sweet roses or a potted plant.  Chocolate hugs and kisses will surround her personal note penned by you on a Mountain Laurel Inn note card.  Best of all, coffee will be delivered and breakfast served to her the next morning after a restful night of sleep atop the mountain in Mentone. 

This package for one night, double occupancy in a downstairs room is $165 which includes tax.  Come for two nights and the price is $185.  The Mother’s day package must be purchased and paid for before May 31, 2012.  Call 800-889-4244 or email today and show that special mom in your life that she is loved and appreciated.  See www.mountainlaurelinn.net for more information. The Apartment or additional guests available for an additional fee.  If preferred, a Mountain Laurel Inn Mug may be received in place of the cookbook.

Mountain Laurel Inn Pudding Cake recipe

A great, creative recipe left by guests in the Deer room after their stay at the bed and breakfast.

Mountain Laurel Pudding Cake recipe

3 cups unsifted kindness
1 cup pure sweetness
2 eggs of beaten thoughtfulness
1 tsp hard work
1/2 tsp baking enthusiasm
1 cup liquid graciousness

Mix kindness and sweetness in large bowl. Add hard work and enthusiasm. Stir together well. Add eggs of thoughtfulness one at a time. Stir in liquid graciousness and mix well.

Bake in filtered sunshine when Mountain Laurels are in full bloom. let cool in peaceful morning air.
Serve with dusted good wishes for all. Add two barks from the best B&B greeter and enjoy!

Mentone Area Arts Council supports another art show and workshop

Mentone Area Arts Council (MAAC) Members are conducting February
Shows and Workshops

Color in February: A One Woman Art Show

In November 2011, MAAC member Debbie "Happy" Cohen made a commitment to post one painting on Facebook every day for a year. On Thursday, February 23rd, Happy will display her current work beginning at 6:30 PM at Rock Ridge Retreat in Valley Head, Alabama. Rock Ridge Retreat is located at 451 Rock Ridge Road (off Lowery Road). Enjoy 50 colorful paintings and live music with Kam Showers from Atlanta, GA who will lift your heart and soul.

For more information, please call 404-395-9512 or visit www.artinthemind.com.

Learn the Art of Massage in Mentone

On Saturday, February 25th, MAAC member Kerry Breithaupt will conduct a basic massage workshop from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM Central Time. Kerry is a licensed Massage Therapist and conducts seminars and massage therapy workshops all over the country. No experience is necessary and only light physical exertion is needed. For further information or to register for the workshop, contact Kerry at 256-254-9802 or email her at kerryblmt@gmail.com.

MAAC is an active member of the Mentone community bringing us home tours, art shows and workshops. From their website, the Mentone Area Arts Council states their purpose as: We believe the arts are for everyone, beginning with our children and continuing throughout our lifetimes. We promote big dreams in a small town, nurturing artists, building audiences and bringing the arts to the community and the community to the arts. Our goal is to encourage individual creativity and to broaden community participation, appreciation and support for the visual, performing, and literary arts in the Mentone Area.

Founded in 2006, The Mentone Area Arts Council (MAAC) is a non-profit tax exempt organization that has enriched the quality of life for people in Mentone and neighboring communities by raising funds for the arts, sponsoring events, providing educational opportunities, and strengthening cultural resources for the benefit of all businesses and citizens in the Mentone area.

The Mentone Area Arts Council will be hosting at least two art shows this summer. The first will be June 2 and 3rd called the Lookout Mountain Art Expo. Then near Fourth of July, MAAC will host the July Fest 2012 on July 7th and 8th.

Thank you for all of your work MAAC!

For the Love of Dogs at Mountain Laurel Inn!

Golden Retrievers have been a part of Mountain Laurel Inn B&B in Mentone since it opened back in 1996 with the arrival of Baxter followed by Lickety-Split and now Sammie. Goldens are social, love lots of attention and are easily trained so being a host at a bed and breakfast is a natural calling. What a rewarding career that allows them to utilize their motherly instinct. Read more about these special B&B guest ambassadors at our updated website page Best B&B Greeters in Alabama. Come to Mentone and Mountain Laurel Inn and let Sammie demonstrate her hospitality soon.

Can you name these other famous Golden Retrievers?
1. From Bush’s baked beans TV commercial
2. From the movie Air Bud
3. From the movie Homeward Bound
4. From the TV show Full House
5. The pet of former President Gerald Ford
Answers at end of blog

Fun and interesting facts for dog lovers found on http://www.funfidos.com/

The ones that Sammie gave three barks for are:

• The world’s smartest dogs are thought to be (1) the border collie, (2) the poodle, and (3) the golden retriever.



• The ten most popular dogs (AKC, 2007) are in order:Labrador Retriever, Yorkshire Terrier, German Shepherd,Golden Retriever, Beagle, Boxer, Dachshund, Poodle,Shih Tzu, and Bulldog.



• Most pet owners (94 percent) say their pet makes them smile more than once a day.
  Seventy percent of people sign their pet’s name on greeting cards and 58 percent include their pets in family and holiday portraits, according to a survey done by the American Animal Hospital Association.

Additional facts found on the site:

• Eighty percent of dog owners buy their dog a present for holidays and birthdays. More than half of them sign letters and cards from themselves and their pets.



• A dog’s heart beats between 70 and 120 times a minute, compared with a human heart which beats 70 to 80 times a minute.



• The longest lived dog, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, was an Australian Cattle Dog, named Bluey, who lived to be 29.



• It is a myth that dogs are color blind. They can actually see in color, just not as vividly as humans. It is akin to our vision at dusk.



• If never spayed or neutered, a female dog, her mate, and their puppies could produce over 66,000 dogs in 6 years!



• The only sweat glands a dog has are between the paw pads.



• Chocolate contains a substance known as theobromine (similar to caffeine) which can kill dogs or at the very least make them violently ill.



• More than 1 in 3 American families own a dog.



• Dogs don’t like rain because the sound is amplified and hurts their very sensitive ears.




• A greyhound can run as fast as 45 miles an hour.



• Small dogs live the longest. Toy breeds live up to 16 years or more. Larger dogs average is 7 - 12 years.


• The dog name “Fido” is from Latin and means “fidelity.”



• The U.S. has the highest dog population in the world.



• Dogs are mentioned 14 times in the Bible.



• It has been established that people who own pets live longer, have less stress, and have fewer heart attacks.



• A dog’s whiskers are touch-sensitive hairs called vibrissae. They are found on the muzzle, above the eyes and below the jaws, and can actually sense tiny changes in airflow.



• Dogs can smell about 1,000 times better than humans. While humans have 5 million smell-detecting cells, dogs have more than 220 million. The part of the brain that interprets smell is also four times larger in dogs than in humans.
  
  Answers: 1. Duke 2. Buddy 3. Shadow 4. Comet 5. Liberty

Mountain Laurel Inn is loving February in Mentone

Mentone and Mountain Laurel Inn Bed and Breakfast have been shining this month with romantic moonlit nights, bright yellow daffodils, high flowing waterfalls and several mentions in the news concerning our Valentine’s packages on Lookout Mountain that create a special retreat for sweethearts.


On Sunday, Sarah demonstrated on Birmingham’s Fox 6 WRBC how to cook Mountain Laurel Inn’s Decadent French Toast highlighting the romantic events this February in our area.




Here are some ways to be a romantic this holiday:

For Romance and Relaxation:

Mountain Laurel Inn B&B continues to promote it’s “I Love You” package all year long with roses, flutes and sparkling cider, a personal note card, chocolates and a candle that can be included with any type of stay.

Mentone Inn is offering all month it’s two night package called “Inn Love” which includes the B&B stay, roses and chocolate covered strawberries.

Holiday Inn Express in Fort Payne will treat you with their Canyon Romance Package offering rose petals and sparkling beverages and encouraging you to experience the delights of Little River Canyon and our great outdoors.

For Dining:

The Historic Mentone Springs Hotel will open it’s doors on Saturday, February 11th for a special five course dinner prepared by guest chef, Jason and accompanied by entertainment from Lisa Crow and Jay Chadwick. Enjoy the ambience of one of the oldest hotels in Alabama.

DeSoto State Park’s Mountain Inn Restaurant is offering a “Sweetheart Special” on Friday and Saturday February 10th and 11th from 5 to 8 p.m.

Wildflower Café in Mentone will celebrate Valentine’s with special menus and hours from February 9th until February 14th. Don’t miss the wonderful creations of Chef Ben and the lively atmosphere of the Café with live music.

Moonlight Bistro is also a great choice for a romantic dinner at the crossroads of Mentone on Friday or Saturday evening with the intimate seating in a wonderful log cabin setting.

The Mountain Restaurant and Grille in Rainsville is having a Valentine Special on February 14th featuring your choice of Prime Rib or Broiled Red Snapper with soft music, candle light, and a rose for every lady!

A trip to Lookout Mountain Alabama will give sweethearts lots of opportunities for romantic walks on trails, time alone enjoying the thunder and beauty of waterfalls, relaxation in wonderful accommodations, spectacular dining and unique shopping.
DeKalb County Tourist Association has information on all that is offered in our area including these special Valentine’s package. Anytime of year is a great opportunity to show your love.

Sammie and Sarah hope to see you at Mountain Laurel Inn soon and will help guests with any dinner reservations

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.