On the Road Again Columbus, Georgia

On Sunday morning, join in a rock-solid church service at the Sallie Howard Memorial Chapel, which was carved out of a giant boulder that forms a wall, inside and out. Built by Sally’s grieving husband, the chapel stands as a testimony to everlasting love. Mentone’s delightful downtown area is dotted with craft shops and restaurants. Stroll along Log Cabin Village and pop into craft and vintage shops. Across the street at The Gourdie Shop visitors will find gifts, jewelry, and the proper cape to wear to the midnight gathering of the coven. A Gourdie — whimsical creatures made from gourds — is defined as a “friend to tell a secret to … to share your dreams that can come true, unique and original just like you!” If you have time, head down to Miracle Pottery, where Cherokee and Appalachian folk art meet. The legendary Wildflower Café embraces its hippie atmosphere with vintage cool. A burst of flowers lead you into this log cabin cafe, run by a woman known as “Moon.” Vegan options and live, local folk music round out the 1960s apparition. The loaded tomato pie entrée and old-fashioned chess pie are traditional favorites. In addition, the Hatter Café offers Southern staples for breakfast and lunch with biscuits so light, you feel like anchoring them to the plate. Mentone is also home to the Southern Herbalist, Darryl Patton, who spent years studying with Tommie Bass, a famed traditional herb doctor. Patton continues the tradition in his new Mentone studio by mixing tinctures and teaching herbal medicine classes and foraging. Outdoors Attractions Nearby Desoto State Park offers cabins with views and hikes from the stroll to strenuous. A deep waterfall creases the basin as it comes alive with fall color. The hikes take you through wildflower laden trails and breathtaking vistas. Just down the road, Little River Canyon National Preserve features a competing waterfall with a dramatic drop into the canyon. The Preserve offers 26 miles of hiking trails that range from gentle slopes to difficult canyon climbs. Other activities include kayaking, cycling, horseback riding, bird watching, rock climbing and fishing. For those seeking a leisurely look at fall colors, take the scenic drive.

Fort Payne The City of Fort Payne began as Willstown, a major Cherokee settlement. Sequoyah, who conceived and developed a Cherokee alphabet, settled here. His son, Richard Gist, recorded celebratory events on the walls of Manitou Cave, which can be visited today. European arrivals integrated here with the Native American culture until the United States government declared otherwise. The town is named for Captain Payne, who built the stockade that held Sequoyah and others, a homophone name capturing the tragic experience. The U.S. National Historic Trail of Tears begins here and is commemorated every year on Sept. 13 in Fort Payne. The mix of cultures resulted in unique mountain sounds, one of which was a trio of Fort Payne cousins, who honed their craft in Myrtle Beach bars. Regardless of where they performed, they celebrated their home state with their name:

Alabama, and set a record that may never be matched in any genre: 21 consecutive No. 1 hit singles. The Alabama Fan Club and Museum honors their 50 years of music with a variety of memorabilia and band members are often spied in the museum greeting fans. Lookout Mountain offers multiple vistas to see far down into the forest, where trees blaze with fall colors. The rugged ridges and pounding waterfalls echo of the majesty and power of nature. Underground, the unique cave species of Manitou remind us of nature’s fragility. The pride and sorrow of history, plus the joy of art and music, still capture the human experience.

northalabama.org

Verna Gates is a freelance writer based in Birmingham, Ala. She is the author of 100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die.